Zarah ChoudharyThousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support because of the Government’s plans to expand Op ASCEND.
The free service has so far equipped 3,000 veterans and family members with the tools to make their next career move.
When jobseekers sign up to Op ASCEND for employment advice, they can access support from specialist-trained advisors across various areas.
This includes assistance with CV writing and interview preparation, as well as guidance on entering new sectors such as energy, data and digital, telecommunications, and construction.
Advisors also offer tips on navigating recruitment schemes run by veteran-friendly employers and provide access to employment fairs.
Additionally, jobseekers can receive advice on retraining or setting up a business, helping them explore new career opportunities.
The changes will help boost economic growth by helping more veterans into employment.
Speaking today at an audience of industry leaders and veterans at Mission Community’s annual National Transition Event in Silverstone, Veterans Minister Alistair Carns announced plans to expand the support available under Op ASCEND, which is run by the Forces Employment Charity (FEC).
The service will align more closely with the MOD’s official resettlement programme – the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said: “This Government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
“Op ASCEND is a natural extension to the Government’s resettlement scheme, enabling veterans and their families to further maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level.
“This is about delivering a clear, easily accessible offering for veterans.
“From the time they join, to the time they leave service and beyond, veterans will be empowered to succeed, whether that be in protection of our nation, or through meaningful careers which maintain and develop their skills.”
For those just leaving the forces, there is a range of transition and resettlement support available through the CTP.
For those who left service more than two years ago and are looking for a new job or to progress within their career, Op ASCEND is available to them.
This could include provision for those veterans looking to set up their own business or hone their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills.
Sam, a British Army veteran who recently secured a role as a physical oil trading contracts analyst in the energy industry thanks to Op ASCEND, said: “I found Op ASCEND online, and was assigned a mentor to help me navigate the process.
“There’s the intangible side of the service – knowing there’s people around that care, are interested and want to see you succeed.
“Knowing you can connect with an advisor, write to them or call them up if you’re having problems and get some advice.
“Then there’s the tangible impact of the employment events – they’re actionable, you can go ahead and do something with it.”
In addition to providing career advice to the armed forces community, Op ASCEND has collaborated with more than 300 businesses to date, helping them recognise the commercial benefits of hiring veterans.
The service encourages employers to review their recruitment, progression, and retention practices to better support talent from the armed forces and their families.
It also promotes the organisation of employment events that connect job-seeking members of the military community with potential job opportunities.
Furthermore, Op ASCEND supports the expansion or creation of new military pathways to assist veterans in their transition and help them stay connected with others who share similar backgrounds.
Ian Fortune, head of Pathways, Centrica, said: “Working with the Forces Employment Charity through the delivery of Op ASCEND has enabled high-calibre service leavers and the wider military family to bring their significant talent and skillsets into our organisation with confidence.
“With fantastic Pathways events such as Women Into Employment, we have been bringing diversity of thought, background and experience into our company and with it, fresh perspectives and thinking that is helping to energise a greener, fairer, future.”
Op ASCEND is being run alongside a veteran industry engagement programme, both backed by £2.1m of government funding.
Run by service charity Mission Community, the programme works with industry bodies – such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders – to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within their sectors.
Through this partnership with business, the government will help ensure that the value veterans bring to UK businesses is fully recognised, and that industries make the most of the talents they have to offer.
