HELPING SERVICE PERSONNEL CHANGE GEAR

SkillsActive, the sector skills council for active learning and leisure, is organising a special employment and training fair for veterans those looking to leave the Armed Services. The event offers much needed support to the Armed Forces as the Ministry of Defence has this week announced 4,200 job cuts in a second round of Armed Forces redundancies.

The Fair, to be held at Surrey Sports Park, in Guildford, Surrey, will be held on Thursday 8 March 2012, marking the start of SkillsActive’s Change Gear programme.

The Change Gear Programme is designed to offer specific career change support to ensure those leaving the Services are empowered to make informed decisions about the opportunities available to them in the sport, health and fitness, outdoors, play work, health and beauty, and caravans industries.

Head of Programmes, Julie Evans explains: “What we are hoping to achieve with Change Gear Employment and Training Fair is to look past the uniform to the person within, recognising not only the skills of trained Service men and women, but also the personal qualities that will help each individual succeed. Our sector has massive potential for growth and career development and therefore offers a wealth of opportunity for those entering it”.

The event provides a unique opportunity for companies to come along and meet potential employees, and raise their profile as a respected employer to the industry. SkillsActive is urging companies to sign up, thereby helping former Armed Forces Personnel to carve a new, rewarding and successful career.

Service Personnel will have access to specific career change advice as well as the chance to meet with training providers, employers and Veterans who have made the transition from Forces-life into the sector. This will enable them to make informed decisions about their future.

As well as the Employment and Training Fair the Change Gear programme includes:
Explore Sport: Specialised workshop designed to help those new to the sector to understand themselves, their skills and the options available so they can make the right career choice. Continued support will be given after the workshop via email and online networks etc.

SkillsActive will also be holding events where people at all stages of their transition can meet sector experts, employers and training providers to understand more about their choices, skills requirements and how they can maximise the opportunities in Sport & Active leisure.

Train to Change: Technical training to deliver the right qualifications and skills support that career changers need to get the best jobs. SkillsActive has a national network of over 80 quality assured training providers to make sure they get the best training and the best value for money, to succeed.

Meet the Employer: Direct access to quality employers and business opportunities through sector-specific events and our online job matching service means job searching is supported rather than stressful.

If you would like to know more about Change Gear or sign-up for the Employment and Training Fair please go to www.skillsactive.com/changegear