A Cardiff based networking group for serving and ex-Navy, Army and Air Force Service men and women (including any international colleagues) who live locally. The aim is to facilitate opportunities for individuals to meet up with old friends and / or expand local contacts via regular events.
Read moreJoin Forces into Health for their first networking evening of 2018. The group was formed in response to a growing number of Service Leavers who have either transitioned, or are thinking of transitioning, into the Health Sector. The Forces into Health network will aim to support individuals with contacts, advice and information, wherever possible. In particular, it signposts opportunities and recommends ‘points of entry’.
Read moreBeth 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 officer, and it is difficult to find suitable postings together in the same location every two years.
Retired Colonel Audrey Smith, now approaching 80, has always been a trailblazer, especially for women in the military. Here is her story.
Audrey always actively pursued the life she wanted, which often meant rejecting the social norms at the time. She went to Nottingham University in the 1950s, when few women went onto higher education, studying economics, a subject considered more typical for men. While at University, she joined the Officer Training Corps (OTC), which led to her joining the Regular Army in 1962.
Read moreNick Everard, Managing Director of J1 Consulting, will seek to debunk the tricky issue of pay during this session.
Nick will help you to identify what your starting point could be by looking at what you are being paid now and what you are worth in the civilian market, given your skills and experience.
Read moreIn 2016/17 the OA helped 28 people with Care Home top-up fees, totalling £66,987.
With an ageing population, more people will spend their latter years in a Care Home. For many the costs can be unaffordable, including for those in the officer community. Depending on the circumstances, the OA may be able to provide funding towards paying Care Home top-up fees or for care at home.
Read moreWhat can you do if your civilian career is unfulfilling? Richard Jones, a former RAF officer, shares his story on how he dealt with being in this situation.
There is a lot of advice and support when you’re leaving the military. It often focuses on finding that important first civilian role, but for me my transition didn’t end there.
Read moreAngus Hutchinson, Global Training Manager, Commercial Banking at HSBC, shares his transition journey experiences and insights.
Tell me about your military career
I spent 18 years in the Royal Horse Artillery as a field gunner, leaving as a Major in 2002. While serving I was seconded to various training roles, including as a platoon commander at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and senior officer for artillery at the Combined Armed Tactics Course for majors.
In this webinar we will be joined by Lesley Gold, senior recruiter in HR, and Sid Welham, COO Financial Services, a former officer in the Royal Welsh.
They will be discussing transitioning into the corporate world and myth busting the areas of consultancy ex-military can move into. They will also be exploring opportunities within KPMG and what skills are required to get your foot in the door.
Read moreOfficers’ Association (OA) Career Consultants will give employment and transition advice to Service Personnel on Armed Forces radio.
Every week, Chris Kaye, a presenter on the radio station for Catterick Garrison, will discuss with an OA Career Consultant a different aspect of starting a new career after leaving the Armed Forces. Upcoming topics include coping with the challenge of transition; preparing for interviews and networking. The interview will then be shared across the whole British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) network.
Read more
Afghanistan support
In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here
