Help for military spouses to start a dream career
Help is being offered this week to the partners of Devon's military personnel - including those who are divorced or widowed.
There's a help back-to-work event, or even to pursue a dream career, this week aimed at the partners of Devon's military personnel.
It's because often, due to moving around, some partners can struggle to start or return to a career.
The Families programme celebrates its three-year anniversary and will be marked with a one-off Families special of its regular Careers Sit Rep event.
The free event will be live streamed on LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook on 4th Feb 2022 (which also coincides with RFEA’s 137th birthday) from 1430-1530.
A spokesperson said: "It will focus on the unique challenges that Military spouses and partners face, as well as include a discussion around where those looking for employment can go for tailored support.
"RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity will now be able to offer even more employment support to Military spouses and partners (including separated, divorced, widowed and overseas) looking to take the next step in their career, thanks to a new expansion of its services.
"The programme has already enrolled almost 700 partners and spouses through its existing careers support provision. Delivered by a team of specialist Families Employment Advisors, the service currently offers career diagnostics, help with job searches, CV reviews, interview preparation and technique, mentoring, confidence and self-esteem building opportunities, and wider needs advice including signposting to welfare and wellbeing support.
"From March 2022 the programme will be extending its services to provide help to those interested in pursuing careers in tech and cyber through RFEA’s TechVets programme, as well as offering new coaching sessions that will be available to book for free.
The announcement comes as the charity’s unique research has shown that Military spouses say ‘the effect on their career’ is the aspect of Service life that they feel most negatively about.
Lee Johnston, RFEA Families Employment Advisor and Military spouse added: “The Families Programme Advisors are all partners of Serving personnel, so we each have a first-hand understanding of the issues our clients face. For instance, frequent moves to often isolated locations, as well as a lack of social support and existing employments networks available to tap into, can all be challenges that hit Military spouses and partners particularly hard.
"The pandemic has also added an additional level of complexity, as many of the roles that offered the flexibility that is so important to our clients, such as those in hospitality or retail, have all been hugely disrupted. The good news is that there is help and other options available, and RFEA is there to support people with finding an opportunity that is right for them. Everyone has skills and the key is recognising what they are and how they can be transferred to a role.
“I am so proud of every spouse and partner that has signed up for the Families Programme to achieve their goals, whether they be big or small, short term or long term, to do with finding that big job or helping improve their confidence and getting the guidance they need to make a change. This doesn’t feel like a job for me because I am so passionate about providing the guidance and support that our clients deserve. We will continue to offer our support but also increase our reach, so we can access every spouse and partner that needs our help.”