Life after the Armed Forces: Plymouth veterans recommend Jobs Fair

Veterans who have successfully transitioned to new careers after leaving the armed forces are recommending a jobs fair in Plymouth next month.

The event, which is the second annual jobs fair organised by Plymouth Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, coordinated by Plymouth City Council, takes place at Plymouth Guildhall on Tuesday 19 September 2017 from 12pm to 6pm.

David Haynes, a Royal Navy veteran who came to last year’s jobs fair, said: “I served in the Royal Navy for 20 years, primarily on submarines including both the Trafalgar Class and  Vanguard Class, before leaving in the rank of Petty Officer Engineering Technician (Marine Engineering SM)(L) Electrical Specialist.

“I attended the Plymouth Armed Forces Covenant Job Fair in June 2016 at the Guildhall - this was an extremely useful event and, as a result of the networking opportunities available, I found a job with BMT Asset Performance Ltd in Plymouth.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying my current role with BMT; they offer a flexible working environment with many benefits. Plus I get to work with fellow ex-servicemen, some of whom I went to sea with! I share common interests with my colleagues and they are always willing to offer support.”

David is just one of a number of veterans who now work with BMT Asset Performance. BMT’s Technical Resources Manager, Kevin Hurst, said: “BMT has been able to take advantage of the highly skilled personnel that live in Plymouth and the surrounding areas and, as such, our Plymouth-based staff numbers doubled within a year of the office opening in 2014.  We successfully recruited David Haynes into our team as a result of attending the Jobs Fair - he approached the BMT stand, spoke to our team and the rest is history! The event is a lot more personal than a ‘cold’ advert on a website - you can immediately find out more about each other and potentially save a lot of time! We’re really looking forward to this year’s event and, hopefully, finding some new recruits!”

Paul Haycock, who served in the Royal Navy for 35 years, and works for BMT Asset Performance, said: “I knew I needed a second career and that I wanted to remain in the West Country, preferably Plymouth, which has been my family home for over 17 years.

“I contacted several ex Service people who I knew had already made a successful transition and unashamedly asked for their help, guidance and time – which they freely gave.

“I am writing this during my fifth week with BMT Asset Performance and I already feel at home. The atmosphere and professional approach is wholly positive and the ‘can-do’ attitude that the military are justifiably proud of is also very much in evidence.”

Last year’s jobs fair was a great success, with more than 230 people attending and 50 stands from employers across the city. Veterans and their families will get to visit company stands, talk about their own skills and experience to local employers, plus there will be workshops linked to self-employment; mock interviews and CV writing throughout the day.

Councillor Glenn Jordan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Armed Forces Champion for Plymouth City Council, said: “As a Veteran myself I know how hard it can be to adapt to civilian life and starting a new career, so it’s really important that we continue to do all we can to support local Veterans back into work when they leave the Forces.”

For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/veteransjobsfair