Join Forces into Health for an evening of networking. The group was formed in response to a growing number of Service Leavers who have either transitioned, or are thinking of transitioning, into the Health Sector. The Forces into Health network will aim to support individuals with contacts, advice and information, wherever possible. In particular, it signposts opportunities and recommends ‘points of entry’.
Read moreWe are proud of how we help serving and former officers develop new careers after leaving the Armed Forces, as highlighted in our latest Impact Report.
In 2016-17, the OA Employment Team helped 4,782 officers – a 7% increase from the previous year. In addition, 1,757 new job seekers registered with the OA, an increase of 10% from the year before. The support included 780 career consultations, providing impartial and practical advice, and 1,532 people attended OA networking events.
Read moreFormer officers make ideal NHS Non-Executive Directors, because both require excellent operational skills and a strong sense of social responsibility.
In an OA webinar, Pete Liddle, OA Business Development Manager, discussed the role of an NHS Non-Executive Director, with Janice Scanlan, Head of Non-executive Development at NHS Improvement, and Dusty Amroliwala, a retired Air Commodore and now Chair of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust.
Read moreFiona Jackson, OA Career Consultant, shares her insights into working in HR
There are many misunderstandings about the purpose of HR. Many Service leavers may have worked in different aspects of HR but probably not the whole range.
HR is a varied and diverse industry, which is part of the corporate strategy of an organisation. Its functions include employment law, organisation design, discipline and grievance procedures, equality and diversity, learning and development, managing union agreements, recruitment, pay and benefits and talent management and succession planning.
Read moreNick Hartley was a senior officer in the RAF and now works in cyber security for BT.
Tell me about your military career
I joined the RAF as an engineer straight after graduating from Manchester University, having been in the University Air Squadron. I served for 29 years and left in January 2018. I completed three tours as a Group Captain in Joint Forces Command, I was previously appointed Deputy Director of the Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy and then became Head of Capability Development for Cyber, Cryptography and Influence operations in Joint Forces Command at Northwood.
Lisa Jones, OA Career Consultant, explains why work placements are good for veterans and employers.
Work placements will develop your skills and give you vital experience, improving your employability. They also increase your knowledge of different industries, helping you to make better informed decisions about your career. You can be exposed to new areas where veterans often struggle, such as customer service and gain commercial experience.
In this webinar, Old Mutual Wealth will give us an introduction to the Wealth Management sector and the opportunities available for those considering a career in this area.
The webinar will also include insights from a Service leaver going through the Financial School.
Read moreJoin us for what promises to be a fascinating and entertaining insight into the perils of establishing and running your own business.
We are delighted to welcome Simon Watson, ex-RAF Wing Commander, as he discusses establishing your own business and the best ways of going about it. Simon will share some words of wisdom as someone who recently established two of his own cleaning businesses.
Read moreThe skills and experience required to manage a project are common within the Forces and many individuals look to transition into a new career within Project Management when they leave, but what does this look like in a civilian context?
What are businesses looking for in their Project Managers?
What qualifications do you need to be recognised as a Project Manager?
How can you optimise your applications for these roles?
Read moreForces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded £115K to the OA, to identify the transition challenges and barriers that all ranks of Service leavers aged 50 plus face when entering civilian employment.
This is the first time the specific challenges that older Service leavers encounter on the transition pathway will be examined.
Spanning a year, the project will take a tri-Service approach and cover all ranks. The research will be carried out with the Centre for Research into the Older Workforce (CROW) who specialise in research into employability of the older population.
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Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
