20 Years Of Supporting Veterans Into New Careers

2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), a partnership between the Ministry of Defence and ManpowerGroup’s global career experts, Right Management. In the two decades since its launch, the CTP has supported over a quarter of a million Service Leavers in the next stage of their careers.

The CTP offers one-to-one career guidance, vocational training, events, networking and employment opportunities to serving personnel for up to two years before they leave the Armed Forces, supporting them as they prepare to enter the civilian workplace, further education or retirement.

It delivers training in interview techniques and CV development, as well as targeted workshops designed to identify and harness an individual’s strengths. 93% of Service Leavers transitioning through the CTP who are seeking employment are in new roles within six months.

Ex-serving personnel can also access CTP support for two years after they have transitioned back into civilian life, ensuring the adjustment process is as smooth as possible.

Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “Our Armed Forces develop invaluable, lasting and transferrable skills during their service, and it is right that we support them to reach their potential when they leave. With admirable qualities such as leadership, dedication and team work, those who have served are an asset to any organisation. The Career Transition Partnership team plays an ever more vital role in helping our people navigate the many opportunities open to them.”

The CTP also provides specialist training to those who leave the service early through the Future Horizon programme, which has supported 11,500 personnel since its introduction in 2008. A further specialised career programme, CTP Assist, supports Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Leavers to achieve a sustainable and fulfilling career, regardless of time served.

A wide range of vocational training courses are offered by the CTP, to enhance qualifications gained in the military or to retrain for a new career. Courses in fields such as finance, project management, IT and health and safety are designed around the needs of Service Leavers and to connect with routes to employment.

In addition, the CTP Employment Team is focused on engaging with local businesses and national employers to create unique pathways into employment and ensure organisations take a strategic approach to integrating military talent into their workforce planning. The CTP is currently working closely with a broad range of employers, such as Amazon, Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover, BAE Systems and Openreach, to align the wealth of transferrable skills and experiences Service Leavers have.

Along with a wealth of information and a personalised online area full of assessment tools and functionality to keep on track, personnel can access advice on wider aspects of the transition process, including online career resettlement guides on topics such as housing, pensions, managing finances and moving abroad. This guidance is part of the broader support on offer to personnel to bridge the gap between military and civilian life.

The CTP is the first example of a military resettlement service provided by a partnership of private, public and charitable organisations, anywhere in the world. The model, established by the partnership between the Ministry of Defence and Right Management, is at the forefront of best international practice and is supported by RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, who delivers CTP’s employment support.

David Duffy, Right Management’s General Manager UK and Managing Director for the Career Transition Partnership, said: “I am proud that Right Management has delivered a world-class resettlement provision on behalf of the Ministry of Defence for two decades. Our work helps to bridge the gap between military and civilian careers, and connects Armed Forces personnel to jobs. Our teams are extremely committed and passionate about the part they play in supporting Service Leavers, and this is evident in the remarkable achievements we have made.

“The working landscape has changed beyond all recognition since we started, with an ever more transient marketplace and technology driving change at pace. Despite this, the CTP has stayed at the forefront of delivery; keeping pace with change and continually adapting to meet the needs of our Service Leavers.”

For more information on the Career Transition Partnership, please visit: ctp.org.uk

This article first appeared in the tenth edition of The Human Age Newspaper.