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Employment, training and life skills

Employment and training

Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, looking for a new role or considering further education, there are a range of services available to help you succeed.

Free webinars for those hoping for a career in healthcare, social care or pharmaceutical

The Forces Employment Charity and Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) are delivering free webinars for those from the armed forces community wishing to begin a career in either healthcare, social care, pharmaceutical or healthcare support. See session information below and sign up to attend by using this link.

Event schedule 

This session introduces the breadth of NHS career opportunities, with a focus on accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

This session highlights career opportunities in social care, including accessible entry routes and roles beyond clinical pathways.

Leaving the Armed Forces and finding work

The Service Leavers Adjustments Passport helps identify workplace adjustments and support that may be useful when moving into civilian emplloyment. 

Career Transition Partnership - the Ministry of Defence's official resettlement programme, helping service leavers: -

  • explore career options
  • access training
  • connect with employers
  • build CVs and interview skills.

Join Mission Motorsport at Silverstone for their annual National Transition Event - the UK’s biggest Armed Forces community careers event. Meet employers, government departments - including the Ministry of Defence, support organisations and training providers.

Forces Families Jobs - a dedicated jobs platform connecting military spouses, partners, veterans and family members with employers.

DWP JobCentrePlus Armed Forces Champions - speacialist advisors offering support with:

Employment Advice (Gov.UK) - Practical guidance on:

  • writing a CV
  • job searching
  • staring a new role
  • understanding employment rights

Additional opportunities:

Employment support

Citizen Advice Bureau - independent advice on employment, benefits and financial matters.

Neighbourhood Employment Programme - partnership between Milton Keynes City Council, Milton Keynes College and Jobcentre Plus proving local job clubs and employment support.

Works for Us is a charity dedicated to helping achieve economic independence through personalised employment and skills support.  - their skills and abilities, their interests and achievements, and their work histories whether paid or unpaid. View courses and contact form.

Learning and skills development

Community Learning MK - adult education and learning opportunities designed to help people develop skills, gain qualifications and achieve their goals. 

Open University - flexible learning with a range of qualifications, part-time study options and financial support.

Armed Forces Covenant Support and Advice for Veterans - information and guidance on employment, education and wider support available to veterans.

CIVVYSTREET  - The Royal British Legion’s employability programme helping the Armed Forces community build successful civilian careers.

Support for employers

Why recruit veterans?

Veterans bring valuable skills developed through their service, including:

  • leadership and teamwork
  • problem-solving and adaptability
  • reliability and professionalism
  • experience working under pressure
  • strong communication skills.

These transferrable skills can help organisations build resilient, high-performing teams from day one.

National insurance relief

Employers recruiting veterans into their first civilian job may be eligible for a 0% employer National Insurance contribution rate on qualifying earnings for up  to 12 months.

Business support

Invest Milton Keynes - the first stop for businesses when looking for support or information on start up, expansion or relocation within the vibrant, dynamic city of Milton Keynes. 

Armed Forces Covenant - show your support for the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. 

Email armedforcescovenant@milton-keynes.gov.uk to find out about local events for veterans and network with other local forces-friendly employers.

Disability Confident - learn how your organisation can become a Disability Confident employer. 

MKCC business support - advice, guidance, network opportunities and support for local businesses.

Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - a Ministry of Defence scheme recognising organisations that actively support the Armed Forces community.

Achieve a Pride in Veterans award delivered by Fighting with Pride. This award recognises organisations that support LGBT+ veterans.

Resources include:

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back, develop new skills and connect with your community.

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) - support local cadets while developing your own leadership and coaching skills. 

RAF Air Cadets Volunteers - if you are aged 20 or over, you can help inspire young people as:

Local volunteering opportunities

MK Community Foundation - find volunteering opportunities across Milton Keynes. 

Community Action:MK - supporting local charities, community groups and residents who want to make a difference in their community.

Money and housing

Financial support

Debt advice

If you are struggling with finances, free support is available from:

Benefits support

Benefits Milton Keynes - find information and advice on cost of living support including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax. 

Pensions

Pensions Gov.UK - Advice on the range of options for pensions and how it is calculated as well as financial support and concessions.

Housing support

Housing Assistance, Milton Keynes City Council - advice on housing options, homelessness prevention and support available for Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

Joint Services Housing Advice Office

Civilian Housing - guidance on moving from service accommodation into civilian housing.

Forces Help to Buy Scheme -support for eligible personnel looking to purchase a home.

Shelter - expert advice on rehousing, where to live and homelessness.

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