Guidance

Seminar 1 notes: recruiting service leavers and translating military skills

Updated 22 April 2016

Facilitator: Air Cdre Warren James, Head of Training, Education, Skills, Recruiting and Resettlement (TESRR)

Speakers: David Duffy, Director, the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Mark Arscott, Head of Military Engagement, BT

Seminar outline

The conference heard from the head of TESRR, who gave an update on CTP’s newly renewed contract with the Ministry of Defence to deliver transition of personnel from the armed forces to a civilian career. He highlighted the way in which defence now helps translate skills gained in the armed forces by accrediting skills gained in a more formalised way.

BT’s Mark Arscott outlined BT’s recruitment of service leavers, particularly their support to the armed forces and the benefits this brings to BT.

CTP’s David Duffy described how they have access to a highly skilled pool of talent for those looking to recruit. He emphasised the support they offer to employers with regards to recruitment and skills shortage.

Following presentations by all 3 speakers, the following questions were asked:

Question 1

An attendee shared an observation that service leavers often go on many training courses before thinking about the nature of work they want to do. Service leavers need to think about where they want to go or what they want to do before attending courses.

CTP’s David Duffy noted that often military personnel leaving the forces will leave it too late to embark on courses, and it’s more beneficial for leavers to attend courses at the beginning of their 2 year transition programme, so they can use the skills gained before having interviews for civilian jobs.

TESSR’s Warren James noted that the Ministry of Defence also offer military spouses the chance to access and attend all briefings on civilian housing, resettlement, health and benefits.

In future, access to resettlement and career advice will be available to service leavers much earlier. David Duffy stated that some service leavers book courses before they make contact with CTP, which can be detrimental to transition. Often resettlement comes too late in the pathway, with only the last 6 months being concentrated on the resettlement into civilian life.

BT’s Mark Arscott emphasised that industry also has part to play in successful resettlement and transition by mentoring and allowing access to military networks. BT currently offer bespoke one to one meetings and offer military networking to service leavers and wounded, injured and sick veterans.

Question 2

What plans or support does the Ministry of Defence offer for military personnel who end up in the justice system, and then go on to be tried in a civilian court?

CTP reported that they work closely with the RFEA, the Forces Employability Charity. Through this work with veterans, they can offer outreach programmes to offenders. The RFEA provide projects to help those in justice system, if a veteran is taken into custody, RFEA can step in to encourage the individual down a different path.

TESSR’s Warren James also stated that military personnel who commit an offence whilst in the armed forces are now also eligible for the same transition programme as an early service leaver.

Question 3

How can we focus on early service leavers and those who don’t make it through basic training? There are skills shortages in some areas; is there a specific way to focus on early service leavers?

David Duffy advised that employers should partner directly with CTP to access any service leavers of any relevant skills.

Question 4

Does the Ministry of Defence offers assistance to companies to support service leavers or someone who may be wounded, injured or sick?

David Duffy advised partnering with CTP to discuss how a bespoke transition pathway can benefit the recruitment and transition of service leavers. Those who are wounded, injured or sick will be transitioned through CTP Assist, and will be provided with a bespoke programme over a longer period of time, as many will have to re-think all elements of their career choice.

It was suggested that we need to break down myths presented in the media that can be very unfair on service leavers, including the wounded, injured and sick. CTP work closely with charities to ensure that post-transition is covered also.

An employer stated that in his experience, service leavers have a better reputation and are well respected and trusted.

BT’s Mark Arscott emphasised that with regards to sick and absentee statistics within BT, service leavers take approx. 40 percent less time off than those who have never served in the military.

Observations

An employer in attendance highlighted the work that CTP do, recommending them highly. He went on to mention that companies don’t always need to create a military cohort as he emphasised that their internal military networks work very well in mentoring and helping to translate military skills.