International Day of Charity is the perfect opportunity to talk about our work

We know that making the decision to leave the Armed Forces is just the start of your journey, so we provide support each step of the way from employment services to welfare and grants. We understand that making the decision to leave the Armed Forces is just the start of a transition journey but it’s […]

5th September 2018

Want to Work in Finance? Apply for this Opportunity with Citi.

Three Citi employees spoke to us about the Citi Salutes Graduate Programme, and how you can prepare for a successful transition into financial services. Jack Pile, a former Army officer, is currently on the programme, while Lucy Griffiths and Jessica Plant are from Citi’s HR Team, and are responsible for recruiting veterans to the programme. […]

20th August 2018

This Former Royal Navy Officer Became a Published Author in Less Than a Year

Mike Klidjian spoke to the OA about how he became a professional writer and his first novel Bluestreak. Tell us about yourself I joined the Royal Navy in 1999 as a warfare officer. Following basic training I was fast tracked into Fighter Controller training, before eventually becoming Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Boyce. Highlights of my […]

10th August 2018

BT Security is Recruiting Veterans

There are a range of roles available across the cyber security business. Cyber security is increasingly becoming the next career for many Service leavers. The growing industry requires people with a solid understand of security procedures and practice, who can work well under pressure, which are attributes that suit former officers. BT Security is expanding […]

9th August 2018

Half of Military Families Feel ‘Disadvantaged About Family Life’

According to a new Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, which surveyed more than 5,000 spouses and civil partners of regular trained Service Personnel In the UK Tri-Service Families Continuous Attitude Survey 2018, 50% of respondents said their family life was disadvantaged compared to the general public. 57% feel negatively about the amount of separation from […]

31st July 2018

What Can You Learn from the England Team?

Football may not have come home, but everyone was impressed by England’s performance. Gareth Southgate’s team was young, confident, humble and driven, which could even score penalties! Here is why England was successful, and how you can copy some of its tactics. Adopt the right mind-set When Gareth Southgate was appointed manager he focussed on […]

20th July 2018

Amazon Supports Veteran Recruitment at Our York Event

The international brand was one of a diverse range of employers to speak at the OA Employment Symposium. Gillian Russell, Military Program Manager at Amazon EU and a former Royal Navy Logistics Officer, is passionate about recruiting people with a military background. Like the other employers who attended, Gillian discussed the opportunities available to veterans, […]

19th July 2018

Female Veterans Face Extra Barriers to Civilian Employment

Research from the Barclays AFTER (Armed Forces Transition, Employment & Resettlement) Programme shows that Service leavers often face ignorance and prejudice when job hunting, with women experiencing this to an even greater extent. On average, it takes a veteran four months to find a civilian job, rising to five months for female veterans. Upon further […]

18th July 2018

Franchising Offers Good Career Opportunities and Less Risk

Franchising can be an ideal career for veterans wanting to avoid the normal ‘9-5’. Ed Ross, a former Army officer who went into franchising to escape the ‘job hamster wheel’, shared with us his insights on working in this industry. What is franchising? A franchise gives the franchisee (you) to start your business by legally […]

13th July 2018

How the OA Employment Symposium Helped this Former Colonel to Find His Next Career

Nick Channer, a former Colonel in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, networked with confidence after attending an OA career event, leading to his first civilian role. Nick served in the Army for 35 years, leaving in June 2018. He spent the last four years as Chief of Staff for British Forces Germany, responsible for the […]

5th July 2018

LinkedIn has 550 Million Members: How Will You Build a New Career If You’re Not One of Them?

Lincoln Coutts is a Social Media Consultant with 17 years of experience. He shares his top tips on using social media in your professional life. Social media is a great way to research career areas you are unfamiliar with and have no contacts in. Twitter is often dismissed as somewhere people shout nonsense, but there […]

4th July 2018

It’s Armed Forces Day this Saturday, but we’re here for officers all year round…

This weekend celebrates the contributions made by the British military, including officers. The OA continues to support the officer community, whether that is helping them to find new careers after leaving the Armed Forces or access welfare support when needed. Richard Sanders is a former Major in the Royal Logistic Corps the OA Employment Team […]

28th June 2018

This Former Officer is Now a Recruitment Expert, Here’s His Advice on Negotiating Your Salary

Simon Treadgold served in the Army for 20 years and is now Head of Recruiting at Capstar, which provides secure travel and lifestyle management services to corporate and private clients, and is run by former Army officers. When negotiating a salary you must manage your expectations. If you successfully apply for a job with a […]

27th June 2018

How to Job Hunt Effectively

Lisa Jones, an OA Career Consultant and former Army officer, shared her top career searching tips with BFBS Radio. Time Give yourself time, because it can often take six to eight months to find the right job. If you are a Service leaver, allocate time away from your current role. Create a schedule so you […]

21st June 2018

Northern Businesses to Increase Recruitment of Veterans

Businesses across the North of England supported a Veteran Recruitment Roadshow, with over 40 businesses of all sizes from across the region attending to learn more about how they could tap into the veteran talent pool. The event was hosted by Deloitte, The Drive Project and veterans’ charity the Officers’ Association at Virgin Money in […]

18th June 2018

Teaching Under a Hot Tin Roof, by Richard Jones

Richard Jones, a former RAF officer, is travelling around the world with his family. He shares what lessons he has learnt on the way. I scarcely believe it is almost six months since I wrote about leaving my job to travel for a year with my family. I almost feel like a different person now, […]

Five Ways to Kick Start Your Career Transition

Lisa Jones, an OA Career Consultant and former Army officer, shared her top transition tips with BFBS Radio. 1. Timing The time goes faster than you think. One year may sound like a long time but it will fly. Equally if you are in your last two years’ of service, start thinking about the future; […]

5th June 2018

Discover the Right Mind-Set for your Transition Journey at OA Employment Symposium in York

Business Psychologist, Carol Brooks, will share how best to prepare for a successful transition. In her keynote speech at our flagship career event in the North, Carol will discuss the psychological strategies you can adopt for your new career after leaving the Armed Forces. She will focus on the importance of building personal resilience through […]

4th June 2018

Top Ten Tips for Developing an Internal Military Network

An Internal Military Network is a great way to maximise the benefits that veterans can bring to your organisation. If you are thinking about developing your own Internal Military Network, here is what you need to consider. Have a network with clear purpose and vision aligned to your organisation’s brand/vision and ensure activity is linked […]

31st May 2018

From the RAF to the Army and Navy Club

Ashley Stevenson used the OA’s employment services to leave the RAF and pursue a portfolio career. Ashley joined the RAF in 1976, and left in 2013 as an Air Commodore. He had a full active career in the RAF, training to become a Harrier pilot and later becoming a Qualified Weapons Instructor and Harrier display […]

30th May 2018