Ex-military personnel are in high demand due to the high calibre of their training and their commitment to time-keeping and discipline. Many people trained by the armed forces find employment in the engineering, security and loss prevention sectors.
The armed forces in the UK provide some of the best vocational training in the world, and many leave service with nationally recognised qualifications in engineering, vehicle maintenance and construction. There are some recruitment agencies and employers who are specifically looking for ex-military personnel to fill their staff vacancies. Candidates for these roles usually need to have left active service, and they will also need to have excellent references from a commanding officer.
Key industries and entry requirements
The range of companies offering employment to ex-forces personnel is extremely wide and varied. From national security specialists to specialised engineering firms, these organisations recognise that the standard of applicants from this section of society is very high. In some cases, however, candidates will be asked to complete aptitude tests and competency-based interviews - particularly for engineering roles.
The recent cuts by the Ministry of Defence have led to a sudden increase in the number of ex-military personnel looking for employment, so the competition for the best jobs is fierce. However, those with specialist skills acquired during service will stand an excellent chance of finding permanent employment.
Salaries
Engineers can expect a salary of between £20,000 and £40,000, and security workers should expect to receive between £14,000 and £18,000 per year.