Female RAF engineer in uniform working on the undercarriage of a jet plane

Benefits of employing veterans

 

Military service fosters leadership, organisational skills, resilience, and many other unique qualities. Approximately 1,800 veterans leave the forces each year and either return to Scotland or decide to settle there. Many of them are looking for a new civilian career. These highly trained candidates have the skills that employers are looking for, and a positive attitude which helps create positive change and drive businesses forward.

 

Strong technical skills and soft skills

Organisations that employ veterans also report that they exhibit much-needed transferable skills, notably team-working, motivating others, powers of communication, problem-solving, organisational skills, and strategic thinking. Veterans also have excellent leadership skills, with increasing responsibilities placed on them as they progress through the ranks.

And with over 200 trades in the Army alone, many veterans are trained and experienced in a range of technical roles, including engineering, project management, HR, transport, logistics, IT, and communications, many skills which can be transferred over to suit civilian positions.

Valuable attitudes

Veterans bring valuable attitudes and behaviours to the commercial workforce, such as loyalty, focus, willingness to accept responsibility, strong work ethic, resilience, and a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. They are also known for their adaptability, a skill gained from experience of working across geographies and diverse environments.

Highly effective employees

Many employers report increased loyalty and engagement amongst their ex-military employees. In a survey of 50 employers carried out by Deloitte, 91% of employers who are actively recruiting veterans would ‘definitely recommend’ it to other organisations.

Publicly supporting the Armed Forces

A survey of 100 employers carried out by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) showed that 74% of employers wish to publicly support the Armed Forces. Many described their pledges as ‘the right thing to do’ that reflect favourably on public perceptions of their company.

Recruiting veterans also reflects the social responsibility of an employer and builds goodwill with the military community, customers, and employees.

Adaptable skills

The skills which many veterans possess are a close match for skill shortages that employers face today.

Data from The Royal British Legion showed evidence of an overlap between the areas of highest skill shortages and roles within the Armed Forces, including chefs (16% of all Skilled Trades skill-shortage vacancies) Metal Working, Production and Electricians (13%).

Survey data from Deloitte also highlights that veterans are well-placed to meet critical gaps as their skills, which include strategic management, managing and motivating staff, team-working, leadership, and positive attitude, can be transferred to suit many different roles.

Don’t miss out on the best candidates

Attracting the best candidates is a key part to any business’s success. That’s why many employers are now targeting talented, positive thinking veterans to help fill their skills gaps.

The drive, determination and general attitude and array of soft skills they can bring to a team can benefit not just their teams but whole apartments. Ex-military are incredibly versatile, and have the ability to pick things up at short notice and cope with the pressure of delivering outcomes always at a high standard.
Jim Lintoff - EDF

Veterans are ready to get to work

Highly trained veterans with a wide range of skills and can-do attitudes are available to employ now. Discover how you can access their skills and recruit them into your business today.

Employ veterans now