Service leaverS
& Veterans

Life After Service: Navigating Your New Journey as a Veteran

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a pivotal moment in your life—one that brings new opportunities, challenges, and choices. After years of dedicated service, you may find yourself wondering what the next steps are as you enter the civilian world as a veteran. Thankfully, a range of support systems, tailored advice, and resources remain available to ensure that your post-service journey is as successful and fulfilling as possible.

Even beyond your formal resettlement period, there are resources and communities dedicated to supporting your continued success, helping you to translate your military skills into a thriving civilian career.

Ongoing Support: Up to Two Years of Guidance

Upon leaving the Armed Forces, veterans continue to receive support for up to two years through REED In Partnership, the provider of the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). The CTP offers an extensive range of services that help you find and secure civilian employment, from career coaching and job matching to CV preparation and interview workshops. These services are designed to help you build a strong foundation during your transition.

You should:
Maximise this two-year window. Whether you’re searching for full-time employment or looking to upskill, CTP’s resources can help you achieve your career ambitions. The transition process is unique to each individual, and CTP tailors its approach to ensure that every veteran is equipped for their next chapter.

You must:
Ensure that you tap into other veteran-focused organisations during this time. Services like JobOppo and BFRS (British Forces Resettlement Services) also provide employment and networking opportunities specifically for veterans. They host job fairs, workshops, and online resources, making it easier to connect with employers actively seeking to hire veterans.

Haven’t Used Your ELCAS Funding Yet? It’s Not Too Late

One of the best-kept secrets for veterans is the extended access to Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC). The ELC scheme, designed to help fund your professional development, remains available for up to 10 years post-discharge. Many veterans don’t fully utilise this resource during their service, but it can be a game changer when you transition to civilian life.

You can:
Use ELCAS funding to gain new qualifications and training in areas like business management, teaching, or specialist technical skills that are highly sought after in the civilian workforce. Now might be the perfect time to invest in your personal and professional development.

To help veterans make the most of their ELCAS entitlements, RESHAPE Resettlement Magazine provides insightful articles on accredited courses and training providers, many of which are specifically designed for veterans.

RESHAPE Resettlement Magazine: Your Ongoing Guide

One of the most valuable resources available to veterans both during and after the resettlement process is RESHAPE Resettlement Magazine. Every issue of the magazine is packed with essential information to help veterans succeed in their civilian lives. It features regular contributions from respected organisations such as the Forces Pension Society, which provides vital advice on pensions and financial planning for veterans.

Additionally, Forces CV Services offers exclusive articles and guidance on crafting Interview-Winning CVs and provides Career Coaching Services for those who have served in the Armed Forces, police, and emergency services. These services are designed to help veterans position their military experience in a way that resonates with civilian employers, increasing the chances of securing meaningful and rewarding roles.

The magazine also highlights supportive employers, including members of the Gold Award Association, as well as businesses that are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). These organisations have a proven track record of supporting veterans, not only in recruitment but in providing career growth opportunities. Veterans can also find features on companies that actively promote veteran-friendly policies, making them ideal employers for those with military backgrounds.

Broader Veteran Support Beyond Two Years

Even if your two years of formal support through CTP have ended, there are numerous avenues for ongoing assistance. Organisations like SSAFA and The Royal British Legion continue to offer a wide range of services for veterans at all stages of life. Whether you need help with housing, mental health support, or employment advice, these organisations are there to assist you.

Local veteran communities and breakfast clubs are also fantastic ways to stay connected with fellow veterans and find support in your local area. Whether it’s for camaraderie, job hunting, or networking, these clubs provide invaluable opportunities to remain engaged with the veteran community.

You should:
Stay connected with resources like RESHAPE Resettlement Magazine long after your transition. The magazine remains a vital tool for keeping veterans informed of the latest job openings, training opportunities, and support systems. The sense of community fostered by the magazine can help you stay motivated and engaged, long after you’ve hung up your uniform.

Veterans Have an Ongoing Role to Play

As a veteran, your skills, discipline, and leadership are highly valued by civilian employers. With the right support, you can find new ways to thrive in your post-service life. The key is to stay proactive—take advantage of the resources available to you, whether through CTP, JobOppo, BFRS, or the myriad organisations highlighted in RESHAPE Resettlement Magazine.

Your service doesn’t end when you leave the Armed Forces, it simply evolves. The opportunities for veterans today are greater than ever before, and by making full use of the resources at your disposal, you can achieve success and fulfilment in your next chapter.