Probably the biggest challenge when leaving the Services will be finding a job. This section will never have a totally comprehensive selection of job sites, but we have tried to provide a selection of options as a start point. In addition, the Department of Work and Pensions has nominated a number of Employment Champions who maintain Jobcentre Plus’ commitment to support the Armed Forces, their Families and Veterans, and raise the profile of the support available through Jobcentre Plus. Further information on how to contact Jobcentre Plus can be found on the link below:
https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
There is a multitude of support available across Scotland be it translating your skills, understanding the different sectors, getting your CV right to how to sell yourself in an interview. – Check out the agencies below to assist you.
To help you understand your skills and how they translate into the civilian world check out SCQF - Support for Veterans | Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (scqf.org.uk)
There are also numerous events taking place across the central belt and the north, to help you access this support as well as building your network and introducing you first hand to employers from across Scotland. To find out more please visit here Events - Officers' Association Scotland (oascotland.org.uk)
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s careers service, we offer free all-age careers guidance with to help you make informed decisions for you and your families’ future to give you all the best chance of success in the civilian job market.
Our services include:
Find your nearest SDS centre at myworldofwork.co.uk/centres or call the customer helpline on 0800 917 8000.
There is specific information on the help and support we can offer for Armed Forces leavers and veterans. Scotland’s careers website, My World of Work. Get started at myworldofwork.co.uk/veterans
If you've left the armed forces with 6 years or less service and are aged 16 to 29 you may be eligible for the Community Jobs Scotland (CJS) programme. CJS supports unemployed young people who face barriers to employment, including armed forces early service leavers.
A CJS opportunity will provide:
Tel: 0141 559 5034
https://scvo.org.uk/jobs/community-jobs-scotland
Self Employment Information
For those who are looking to become self employed Business Gateway have a range of information on starting up your business, funding of your business and growth of your business.
This guide offers advice and guidance to employers on how to recruit, retain and support the career development of veterans.
– Human Resources Department
Tel: 01595 743690 Email: shet-hb.hradmin@nhs.net
Brevik House , South Road, Lerwick, Shetland ZE1 0TG
Mary-Clare Macfarlane – Head of Employment Services
Tel: 0131 550 1575 Email: mc.macfarlane@oascotland.org.UK-wide
New Haig House , Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ
We aim to relieve distress among all ex-officers who were commissioned into the Regular, Reserve, Auxiliary, or Territorial Forces. We offer employers the best possible access to officers in the process of leaving the Services, and to ex-officers looking for employment.
Contact: Will Barker – Head of Fundraising/Scotland Office
Tel: 07856002176 Email: will.barker@oncoursefoundation.com
On Course Foundation supports the recovery of wounded, injured and sick Service Personnel and veterans through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry.
Golf offers active, outdoor exercise and is one of a few sports that can be played on a level playing field regardless of injury or illness.
Our confidence building programme offers expert tuition from qualified Professional Golf Association (PGA) Coaches for Service personnel and veterans of all golfing abilities. The events take place in a relaxed, comfortable environment with attendees sharing the experience and receiving peer-to-peer support from like-minded individuals.
Tel: 01383 666002 Email: consultant@optionsrecruitmentscotland.co.uk
14 Viewfield Terrace , Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7HZ
Tel: 01738 459609 Email: thehub@pkc.gov.uk
Gary Gray – Head of Charitable Services
Tel: 0131 550 1593 Email: g.gray@poppyscotland.org.uk
New Haig House , Logie Green Road, Edinburgh City EH7 4HR
Poppyscotland offers a wide range of welfare services including direct financial assistance, respite breaks, mobility support, advice through the Armed Service Advice Project and a wide-range of employability initiatives aimed at getting those most detached from the workplace back into work.
http://www.poppyscotland.org.uk/index.php/homepage/show/home/poppyscotland