Supporting the Transition from Military to Civilian Careers
Every year, thousands of skilled individuals leave the Armed Forces and begin their journey into civilian employment. These service leavers bring with them a wealth of experience, discipline, and a proven ability to perform under pressure. Yet, many face significant barriers when entering the civilian workforce. At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we believe in unlocking this untapped potential.
As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and recipient of the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), we are committed to helping veterans and service leavers successfully transition into rewarding civilian careers.
Why Hire a Service Leaver?
Service leavers offer a unique skill set that can add significant value to any organisation:
- Leadership and teamwork – Proven ability to lead and operate within high-functioning teams.
- Resilience and adaptability – Trained to perform under pressure and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
- Strong work ethic and reliability – Disciplined, punctual, and mission-focused.
- Technical and specialist skills – Many service leavers have advanced training in engineering, logistics, IT, and project management.
However, these strengths can sometimes be hidden behind military jargon, which is why it’s crucial to support service leavers in translating their experience into civilian terms.
What is the CTP for Military Leavers?
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the Ministry of Defence’s official provider of resettlement support for those leaving the Armed Forces, the CTP offers guidance, training, and job-finding support to service leavers.
Through workshops, career counselling, CV support, and a nationwide job board, the CTP equips military personnel with the tools and confidence they need to enter the civilian workforce. Jonathan Lee Recruitment works closely with the CTP to ensure opportunities are matched with the unique strengths of former service members.
What is the Armed Forces Career Transition?
The Armed Forces career transition is the process of moving from military to civilian employment. This transition can be challenging, especially after years of structured service life. From understanding how to write a CV to preparing for interviews, service leavers often require tailored support.
That’s where organisations like Jonathan Lee Recruitment come in. By recognising the transferable skills of military personnel and offering expert recruitment advice, we help bridge the gap between service and civilian life.
What to Do After Leaving the Army in the UK
Leaving the Army opens the door to a wide range of civilian opportunities. Here’s a suggested roadmap for what to do next:
Leaving the Army opens the door to a wide range of civilian opportunities. Here’s a suggested roadmap for making a successful transition — and how Jonathan Lee Recruitment can help you every step of the way:
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Engage with the CTP early – Start planning your transition 6–12 months before your official exit. Register with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to access support and job-search resources. We work closely with the CTP to identify and share roles suited to military experience.
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Attend workshops and training sessions – Use your time before discharge to upskill and gain civilian-recognised qualifications. We can advise on the types of qualifications that employers in our sectors value most.
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Build your CV – Translate military terminology into civilian-friendly language. Our consultants can help you craft a CV that highlights your transferable skills, achievements, and leadership experience in a way that resonates with hiring managers.
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Connect with recruiters who understand military experience – Our dedicated team includes ex-military professionals and sector specialists who appreciate your background and know how to position it to employers across engineering, technology, logistics, commercial, and professional disciplines.
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Explore industries that value military skills – We recruit across a wide range of sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, energy, automotive, aerospace, logistics, and commercial operations. You can browse our current job opportunities to see where your skills could take you next.
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Consider mentoring and personalised guidance – Transitioning into a new environment can be daunting. Our consultants provide one-to-one support, career coaching, interview prep, and ongoing advice throughout your job search journey.
How Jonathan Lee Recruitment Supports Service Leavers
Our team includes veterans and industry specialists who understand both military life and the needs of the commercial world. We work across a broad range of sectors, including:
- Engineering & manufacturing
- Commercial & professional services
- Project & programme management
- Aerospace, automotive, and technical fields
We also provide:
- Personalised job-matching support
- CV writing guides and interview advice
- Access to a wide range of exclusive roles
- Ongoing career advice
Final Thoughts
Service leavers have already proven their dedication, adaptability, and skills. With the right support, they can thrive in civilian roles and become invaluable assets to employers. As we mark Armed Forces Week, we invite employers to consider the benefits of hiring ex-military talent and encourage service leavers to reach out for guidance.
Ready to take the next step?
🔗 Contact Us
📞 Or call us on 01384 397555
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