What RFEA can do for you
Thousands of Veterans are celebrating securing meaningful employment in civilian roles, thanks to the Ex-Forces Programme, delivered by RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity.
The unique Ex-Forces Programme is available to all Service-leavers, Reservists and Veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of Service or reason for leaving and offers regionally based, comprehensive career advice and job opportunities.
The programme has recently received a significant boost from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, of £267,000, which will enable RFEA to continue its ongoing support to the Veteran community, which last year helped 19,758 ex-Military personnel.
RFEA’s Chief Executive, Alistair Halliday, said: “The Ex-Forces Programme is there for all Veterans and Reservists who need help to find work once they have left the Armed Forces. This means that later in life, if Veterans face redundancy, underemployment, or difficulties fitting into a new work culture, we can help them. Serving in the Armed Forces means shorter relevant industry experience and less understanding and practice at the recruitment process than the civilians Veterans are competing with for jobs. Our programme provides an essential safety net beyond transition from the Armed Forces and we are so grateful to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for the continued support we have received to enable RFEA to carry out this essential work.”
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Chief of Staff, Brigadier (Ret’d) Robin Bacon, added: “Meaningful employment plays a major role in ensuring Veterans and their immediate families can live a life of independence and dignity and we see RFEA’s Ex-Forces Programme as playing a vital part in helping them achieve that. We are delighted to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile initiative that reaches so many.”
How RFEA help…
Former Army Captain, Mark Lightowler, secured a lucrative operations manager role after seeking help from RFEA. He explains: “From the very first call I had from RFEA it was so very refreshing to hear and to speak to someone who spoke ‘the language’ and understood the needs and challenges of Veterans looking for work in a civilian world. My advisor is a very personable individual who offered sound advice, however, by far the most important attribute that RFEA demonstrated was taking the time to care, to really care.
My advisor phoned and emailed regularly with updates, details of employment seminars or with inspiring, uplifting and very welcome words of encouragement. He helped by giving some guidance on my CV construction so that it delivered the desired impact and tone with potential employers, by forwarding me job opportunities that were geared towards my skills and qualifications and by helping me identify employers that had signed the Armed Forces Covenant and were, therefore, more open to receiving applications from ex-Forces personnel.
Prior to starting my new job I had been off work for six months following a serious motorcycling accident. This meant that I was facing some financial difficulties and I don’t mind admitting, my mental health had also taken a knock. When I received my job offer these difficulties melted away in an instant. It was a big relief not only for me but also my wife and family too. Not only had my new job given me the opportunity to feel of worth again, but the social interaction I now have with my peers and subordinates alike means that I look forward to going into work daily. Furthermore, I enjoy the fact that I am making a positive difference both in terms of work and in the lives of those that work for me. It’s a great feeling.
I wholeheartedly and unequivocally recommend the services of RFEA to all Veterans looking for meaningful work and to employers who seek to enhance their workforce by recruiting some of the very best, loyal and trustworthy people our society has to offer – our Veterans.”
About RFEA:
Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity has the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between Military life and civilian employment. They work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like them, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have Served.
About ABF The Soldiers’ Charity:
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity, formed in 1944 to provide a lifetime of support to Soldiers, Veterans and their families when they are in need. In the past year, they have helped 70,000 members of the Army family in 68 countries across the globe and funded 92 other charities and organisations to deliver specialist services.
Visit: www.rfea.org.uk
