Register for the OA Employment Symposium in York

We return to the historic city to deliver our flagship career event for officers in the North. The OA Employment Symposium brings together transitioning and former officers with employers and industry experts, so they can take their next step towards a new career after the Armed Forces. Employers from a range of industries will discuss […]

25th April 2018

Why is Cyber Security a Good Career Option for Veterans?

Nick Hartley, a former RAF Group Captain now working in business development for BT Security, explains why cyber security is a good industry for veterans. Cyber security is a broad and diverse industry, with different opportunities. Many of the skills and experiences veterans have are highly sought after in the industry. Working in cyber security […]

18th April 2018

Get Career Advice at CTP Employment Fair

The OA employment team will be helping Service leavers learn about their career options. Esme Dickson, OA Employment Services and Events Coordinator, will be there to show how the OA can support your transition journey. Esme delivers OA events in the region and is responsible for the OA network contact list. Clive Lowe, OA Career […]

16th April 2018

What Does a Good Employer Look Like?

You spend much of your time at work, so it is important you have a supportive and engaging employer.  In a recent webinar, Pete Liddle, OA Business Development Manager, spoke to Michelle Mook, Owner and Director of Pro-Development (UK) Limited, which helps organisations to improve employee, retention, morale, performance and productivity. Michelle discussed how good employers effectively […]

12th April 2018

What Recruiters Want from a CV

HR managers and recruiters are the gatekeepers in the job application process. Your CV will determine if they shortlist you. Clive Lowe, OA Career Consultant, regularly attends career events for veterans, where HR managers and recruiters discuss what they look for in a CV. He shared these insights in a recent webinar with Ashka Raval, […]

9th April 2018

OA Provides Employment Support to More Than 4,700 Officers

We are proud of how we help serving and former officers develop new careers after leaving the Armed Forces, as highlighted in our latest Impact Report. In 2016-17, the OA Employment Team helped 4,782 officers – a 7% increase from the previous year. In addition, 1,757 new job seekers registered with the OA, an increase […]

4th April 2018

What Does Being an NHS Non-Executive Director Involve?

Former officers make ideal NHS Non-Executive Directors, because both require excellent operational skills and a strong sense of social responsibility. In an OA webinar, Pete Liddle, OA Business Development Manager, discussed the role of an NHS Non-Executive Director, with Janice Scanlan, Head of Non-executive Development at NHS Improvement, and Dusty Amroliwala, a retired Air Commodore […]

What does a career in HR involve?

Fiona Jackson, OA Career Consultant, shares her insights into working in HR There are many misunderstandings about the purpose of HR. Many Service leavers may have worked in different aspects of HR but probably not the whole range. HR is a varied and diverse industry, which is part of the corporate strategy of an organisation. […]

28th March 2018

How to Become an Independent School Bursar

Danny Boswell served in the Royal Navy and is now the bursar of Farleigh School. He shares his insights into this career. Being a school bursar is a demanding but rewarding role. You will work long hours, particularly in the first year or two, but you will have the privilege of being involved in providing […]

What is the Value of a Work Placement?

Lisa Jones, OA Career Consultant, explains why work placements are good for veterans and employers. Benefits to veterans Work placements will develop your skills and give you vital experience, improving your employability. They also increase your knowledge of different industries, helping you to make better informed decisions about your career. You can be exposed to […]

22nd March 2018

‘My work now is more independent,’ by Nick Hartley

Nick Hartley was a senior officer in the RAF and now works in cyber security for BT. Ahead of the BT Cyber Security Careers Insight, we asked Nick to share his transition story. About the BT Cyber Security Careers Insight Event The BT Cyber Security Careers Insight Event will help Service leavers and veterans start […]

21st March 2018

“It’s exciting to start a new business,” Neil Williams’s Story

The former Royal Marines officer shares his transition journey. Neil Williams joined the Royal Marines in 2009, serving for eight years. In that time he completed a tour of Afghanistan, was part of the Lead Commando Group and became head of Tactical Development at 3 Commando Brigade HQ. He enjoyed being in the Armed Forces, […]

16th March 2018

Veterans Work Film to Showcase at National Employer Conference

The series of Veterans Work films highlight the benefits of recruiting veterans, and aims to challenge misconceptions surrounding the recruitment of Service leavers. ‘What does an idea sound like?’ is one of the three films created, featuring Matt Barber, Clare Balding OBE, ‘Judge’ Robert Rinder, Richard Wilson, Nick Knowles, Larry Lamb and Joanna Lumley OBE. […]

15th March 2018

OA Receives Grant to Research the Transition Challenges of Service Leavers Aged 50 Plus

Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT) has awarded £115K to the OA, to identify the transition challenges and barriers that all ranks of Service leavers aged 50 plus face when entering civilian employment. This is the first time the specific challenges that older Service leavers encounter on the transition pathway will be examined. Spanning a year, […]

13th March 2018

OA Supports BT’s Search for Cyber Security Talent

The BT Cyber Security Careers Insight Event will  help Service leavers and veterans start a career in cyber security. Cyber security is an exciting and growing field. Serving and former officers have many skills and experiences the industry needs, including adaptability, leadership, resilience and teamwork. The OA has been helping organisations to promote their cyber security events, including […]

7th March 2018

How Jaguar Land Rover Supports Veterans

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has a long history of supporting the British Military, and is committed to helping ex-Service personnel transition into successful civilian careers. The car manufacturer signed the British Armed Forces Military Covenant in 2014, and was official partner of the first Invictus Games in London and subsequent events in Orlando (2016) and […]

22nd February 2018

“It’s been a real adventure,” by Vix Anderton

Vix Anderton, a former RAF Intelligence Officer, shares her transition story. Vix joined the RAF in 2005, having been in the Officer Training Corps at Manchester University, where she studied Economics and Politics. She graduated as an Intelligence Officer in 2007, and fulfilled a variety of roles during her 10 year career. Vix started to […]

14th February 2018

How to research for a successful transition, by Lisa Jones

Lisa Jones is a Career Consultant at the OA. She shares her top tips on researching to find the right career after leaving the Armed Forces. Start Early The earlier you start the more time you will give yourself, and be able to do justice to your ‘reconnaissance’. There are so many opportunities out there, […]

8th February 2018

What You Need to Know About Starting Salaries

Getting the right salary for your next civilian job  role can be difficult, but there are practical steps you can take. Nick Everard, a former Army officer and Managing Director of J1 Consulting, and Fiona Jackson, an OA Career Consultant, share their advice. More than salary Before negotiating the salary for your new job, understand […]

7th February 2018

From Soldier to Risk Manager, by Beth Spencer, European Reputational Risk Manager at HSBC

Beth Spencer served for nine years as an Army Intelligence Officer, before leaving to work in Risk Management. Why did you decide to leave the Army? I had done everything I wanted in the Army, and needed fresh challenges. I was interested in working in Risk Management and Communications. Plus I had recently married another […]

23rd January 2018