Could a career in the Armed Forces be the right move for you?
Each year the Army hires around 11,000 new recruits and the Navy up to 5,000, while 2,500 enter service with the RAF
ATTEN-SHUN! You could be about to march into a new job.
Tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, when the country pays tribute to our hardworking military.
Each year the Army hires around 11,000 new recruits and the Navy up to 5,000, while 2,500 enter service with the RAF.
The demand for new talent is so high that the Army has become the nation’s biggest employer of apprentices, with 20,000 learning and earning at any one time.
Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “It is more than just a job.
“Apprentices may find themselves helping to deliver our new aircraft carriers, or develop cutting-edge technology.”
‘Unique and exciting’
Among the dozens of courses on offer are engineering, construction, hospitality, animal care and digital information.
Studies last between one and five years and, as in civilian life, every Forces apprentice gains a nationally recognised qualification.
These range from a level 2 (equivalent to five GCSEs), level 3 (equivalent to two A levels) through to a level 7, which is equivalent to a Masters degree.
Mr Ellwood added the apprenticeships are a “fantastic way for young people to develop skills for life in unique and exciting areas”.
Fancy signing up and doing your bit? .
- JOBSPOT: Essential Water Services is looking for dig teams. Call 01462 675 769 to apply
[boxout featured-image="6651634" intro="MORE than 20,000 Brits leave the Armed Forces each year and some struggle to get work."]Former RAF medic, Kayam Iqbal, founder of specialist ex-military recruiters OppORecruitment.co.uk explains how to boost your chances of getting hired on Civvy Street.
Kayam said: “Moving from the military into civilian life can be a big culture change, but treat your job search like a military operation and plan for the best results.”
- Take time to set your objectives – Consider what type of work you’re interested in.
This may be completely different from your role in the military as your skills and expertise will apply to a number of civilian fields.
Think about whether you want a job that deals predominantly with people or one that is more technical or mechanical.
Do you prefer to be indoors, travelling or desk-bound? - Forget about the weaponry – No one on Civvy Street cares about what weapons you may have used or what military tanks you may have driven, so do not add it. Give it a generic mention, such as: qualified military weapons operator or qualified military vehicle specialist. Show your versatility.
- Tailor your CV – Ensure your CV matches the job skills the employer is looking for and that you include relevant information and key words. For example, for a project manager role, show you have managed personnel, budgets and major issues and operated remotely, as well as your civilian qualifications.
- Make the most of social media – Ensure you have a LinkedIn profile set up and your CV reflects your social media profile, as many employers now recruit via that channel. You can also use an ex-Forces recruiter.
- Believe in yourself – It’s unusual to be employed after your first job interview, so prepare yourself for a few knockbacks. Having served in the British Military for almost 12 years, I was rejected seven times before landing work. Stay confident and determined – each interview is a step to the right job.
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- JOBSPOT: Utility contractor Instalcom is hiring grab drivers nationwide. For more details call 0208 731 4600.
'I want to be a hero'
Jean Sseninde is an apprentice driver in the Royal Logistics Corps.
Originally from Uganda, where she played volleyball for the national team, Jean now lives in Aldershot, Hants.
The 26-year-old, below, says: “I chose to join the Army as an apprentice because I want to be a hero.
"I want to be of purpose to the world and fully focused on my dreams, so an apprenticeship has been a great path for me.
“Joining the Forces gives you so many opportunities you can’t get anywhere else.
"The support you get for the cost of living, for playing sport and the funding you get for courses to learn helps develop you into a responsible and disciplined member of society.
“The Forces are a family. The travelling and teamwork bond us like sisters and brothers.
2If it wasn’t for my Army apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have the qualifications I have gained or be where I am now.”
Partner problems
ONE In five military spouses and partners want to work but can’t get a job, according to a new report by the University of Warwick and Army Families Federation.
Barriers to work include difficulties arranging childcare due to moving frequently, negative attitudes from some employers who perceive military spouses as less reliable than non-military applicants, and CVs showing a large number of short-term roles because of frequent moves.
Worryingly, 45 per cent of military wives said they experienced discrimination when applying for jobs because their partner was in the military.
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Call up for new recruits
THE 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment has put the call out and wants to sign up to 120 new recruits.
The family-orientated unit is based near Market Drayton in Shropshire.
Benefits include monthly salary, heavily subsidised accommodation, free dental and medical care, plus a pension and international travel on exercises and operations.
Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Lewis, Commanding Officer, said: “For those seeking fulfilling and rewarding employment, we offer dynamic and rewarding opportunities.
“Even if you have not considered service life before, I actively encourage everyone to go speak with Army recruiters.”