unlocking new potential: the benefits of a civilian career for service leavers.

Moving into a civilian job after leaving the armed forces can be a positive and rewarding transition, offering numerous benefits. Click the dropdowns below to learn more. 

  • personal growth and development.

    • New challenges and opportunities: Civilian jobs present new challenges and opportunities for growth, allowing you to explore different fields and develop new skills.
    • Enhanced skillset: The transferable skills you've gained in the military, such as leadership, teamwork, discipline, resilience, and problem-solving, are highly valuable in civilian workplaces.
    • Building new networks: Entering a civilian career allows you to build new professional networks, expanding your connections and career options.

  • career advancement and financial stability.

    • Diverse career paths: Civilian jobs offer a wide range of career paths, allowing you to pursue your passions and interests. For example, a career in education is a natural fit for many veterans, allowing them to use their existing skills in leadership, discipline, and mentorship to make a real difference in the lives of young people. It offers diverse career options, from teaching to administration, and provides a supportive community that values the unique skills service leavers bring
    • Potential for higher earnings: Many civilian jobs offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, providing financial stability and opportunities for advancement
    • Work-life balance: Civilian jobs often provide more flexibility and work-life balance compared to military service, allowing you to pursue personal interests and hobbies.

  • community and social connections.

    • New social circles: Transitioning to a civilian job opens the door to new social connections and friendships, providing a sense of community and belonging
    • Contributing to society: Civilian careers offer opportunities to make a positive impact in different areas, aligning with your desire to serve.

    While transitioning to a career following service can be challenging, the benefits are numerous and can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life. It's an opportunity to leverage your unique skills and experiences to make a difference in a new environment. 

a promise fulfilled: how the armed forces covenant supports service leavers in the workplace.

Finding a job with Randstad offers several distinct advantages for service leavers, putting you on a path towards a fulfilling civilian career:

  • Dedicated expertise: We are experts in connecting talented individuals with fulfilling careers. As a supporting partner of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are dedicated to helping veterans translate their valuable skills and experience into meaningful roles, with employers that match their aspirations
  • Extensive network: We connect veterans with leading employers across a wide range of sectors, opening doors to a broader range of career opportunities.
  • Tailored support: Assistance with personalised support services like career counseling, resume writing, and interview preparation, ensuring you have the tools to succeed in your job search
  • Fulfilling careers within Randstad: Beyond connecting you with external employers, Randstad also offers fulfilling career opportunities within their own organisation. This gives you the chance to contribute to a company that values your service and offers growth opportunities.
  • Commitment to inclusion: Our signature on the Armed Forces Covenant demonstrates our commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for veterans, ensuring you feel valued and supported
  • Strong employer relationships: As a major recruitment agency, we  have strong relationships with employers, enabling us to advocate for veterans and present them as strong candidates
  • Access to resources: We connect veterans with resources and training programmes that help them acquire new skills and prepare for civilian careers
  • Veterans Job Board UK partner: We are proud to be working with the Veterans Job Board to connect directly with veterans actively seeking new opportunities.

Working with Randstad and the Armed Forces Covenant provides a comprehensive approach to finding a fulfilling civilian career as a service leaver. You can benefit from our expertise, network, and dedicated support, while also gaining access to opportunities within Randstad.

explore career opportunities for service leavers.

Leaving the forces doesn’t mean leaving behind the skills, discipline, and experience you’ve built over the years. In fact, these qualities are highly sought after across various industries. Whether you’re drawn to engineering, manufacturing, or education, your problem-solving abilities, leadership, and technical expertise make you a strong candidate for a rewarding new career. From designing infrastructure and managing production lines to shaping the next generation in the classroom, there are numerous opportunities where your military background will give you a competitive edge. 

Explore the paths ahead via the dropdowns below and discover how your skills can transition seamlessly into a fulfilling civilian career:

  • careers in engineering.

    Here's why engineering is a great career path for ex-military personnel:

    • Problem-solving: You're no doubt wired to analyse situations, identify challenges, and devise effective solutions – these skills are at the heart of engineering
    • Precision and detail orientation: Your military training instilled a respect for accuracy and meticulous attention to detail, crucial in engineering disciplines
    • Technical aptitude comes naturally: Whether it was machinery, electronics, or complex systems, you've likely gained hands-on technical experience that translates well
    • Leadership and teamwork: Engineering projects thrive on collaboration, and your ability to lead, delegate, and achieve goals as a team is invaluable.

    Engineering offers diverse specialisations that align with various military experiences:

    The problem-solving mindset, technical aptitude, and leadership qualities you honed in the military make you a natural fit for the rewarding and challenging world of engineering.  

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  • careers in manufacturing.

    The manufacturing industry is full of opportunities where those skills are highly sought after, here's why:

    • Your discipline is an asset: Manufacturers thrive on efficiency and precision, qualities instilled during your military service. Your strong work ethic and commitment to getting the job done right are highly valued
    • Technical skills in high demand: Whether you worked with machinery, electronics, or logistics, you've likely gained practical technical skills that translate directly to manufacturing roles
    • Leadership and teamwork are crucial: Manufacturing often involves collaborative teams working towards shared objectives. Your ability to lead, communicate effectively, and work within a team structure will make you a valuable asset.

    Manufacturing offers diverse career paths that align with a range of military experience:

    • Production: If you enjoy hands-on work and ensuring quality, roles on the production floor could be a good fit.
    • Quality control: Your attention to detail and commitment to excellence are perfect for ensuring product quality and compliance.
    • Logistics and Supply Chain: Your organisational and logistical experience from the military translates well to managing the flow of materials and products.
    • Management: Your leadership skills and experience in demanding environments can pave the way for supervisory and management roles.

    The manufacturing industry offers veterans a chance to leverage their skills in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement.

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  • careers in education.

    Service leavers should consider a career in education for several reasons:

    Transferable skills: Military personnel develop a strong set of skills that are highly valuable in education, including:

    • Leadership and discipline: Essential for managing classrooms and inspiring students
    • Resilience and adaptability: Helps in handling challenges, unexpected situations, and diverse student needs
    • Communication and teamwork: Crucial for working with students, parents, and staff effectively
    • Problem-solving & decision-making: Useful for lesson planning, conflict resolution, and student development.

    Making a positive impact:

    • Teaching allows ex-service members to continue serving by shaping young minds and guiding future generations
    • They can act as role models, especially for students who need structure, motivation, or a strong mentor figure.

    Stability and career progression:

    • The education sector offers job security, structured career paths, and opportunities for professional growth.
    • Roles in teaching, pastoral care, or training (such as PE teacher, instructor, or leadership mentor) can provide long-term career satisfaction.

    Variety of roles: Not all ex-military personnel have to become classroom teachers. Other options include:

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