Major Event helps ex-Forces into civilian jobs
Tuesday 5 October 2010 9:10 AM
A COMPANY which specialises in helping ex-Forces personnel return to life in ‘civvy street’ has staged a major event to highlight some of the issues facing Service leavers.
The job fair and networking event was held in Aldershot by Leicester-based Gemini Forces, working with Runcorn-based Drivers Direct as the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS), and it proved to be hugely successful.
It was the second time the company has run such an event, attracting 40 exhibitors and around 360 delegates and was also attended by Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council, cllr Brian Parker.
The event aimed to help past, present and future Service leavers and their family members access a range of support organisations and find meaningful employment. It also included practical help in areas such as CV writing.
Neil Dean, business development manager at Gemini Forces, said: “Our first event earlier this year broke new ground in providing a forum for employers to meet potential employees who have either left or are thinking of leaving the Services.
“Our latest event has built on that success with a larger number of exhibitors and delegates attending. It was the ideal environment for Service leavers and their families to meet employers and make them aware of their skill sets and experiences gained in military life which could make them attractive as employees in civilian life.
“The event also offered an educational element whereby it introduced delegates to training packages they are entitled to when leaving the Services, as well as coaching them in practical areas such as CV writing.”
Exhibitor Jeff Williams, of the Building Trades Services Centre (BTSC), said: “The quality of the attendees was phenomenal. We met lots of interesting people and would thoroughly recommend these events to any employer or Service leaver.”
Danny Greeno, chief executive of PROJECT 65 - The Veterans Charity, added: “It was a terrific event. We met some brilliant people and raised over £250 on the day too. We will always point ex-military personnel in the direction of BFRS.”
Gemini Forces specialises in helping ex-Service personnel find employment when they return to civilian life. It has helped countless ex-Service personnel make the seamless transition to civilian life, finding employment in an array of industry sectors including Health & Safety, environmental, aviation, facilities management, project management and defence consultancy sectors.
Mr Dean added: “Leaving the Services is a huge step to take for many people who have spent most or all of their adult life in the Forces. Our aim at Gemini Forces/BFRS is to help them make that transition back into civilian life as seamless as possible. Events like the one in Aldershot help them recognise the range of skills they have to offer potential employers when they do decide to take their first steps back into civilian life.”
Also See