Former armed forces personnel are being offered a route into engineering careers through a new 28-day training programme launched by British Engineering Services Group (BES) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB).
The first cohort began the Discovery programme on 9 November at BES Group’s headquarters in Warrington. Every participant who completes the programme is guaranteed a job interview on the final day, with vacancies available in nuclear, asset reliability, engineering surveying, electrical inspection and rail inspection.
The employer-led programme, endorsed by the City & Guilds Foundation, combines practical training, recognised qualifications and transition support to help former service personnel transfer their military experience into civilian employment.
During the first two weeks, participants receive an introduction to the five career pathways and complete industry safety training, including the ECITB-accredited CCNSG Safety Passport and medium-risk Confined Spaces training, alongside IPAF training in the safe operation of mobile elevating work platforms.
Forces Transition Group will also provide practical support throughout the programme.
Specialist pathways
Participants then select a specialist pathway for the final two weeks, during which BES Group and tutors from Assystem deliver more in-depth, sector-specific training.
Each learner is also paired with a coach from BES Group or Assystem. All the coaches are former members of the armed forces and will support participants as they navigate the move into civilian working life, including signposting them to specialist government-backed support where required.
Learning and development specialist Kerry Lockyer is volunteering her time to train the coaches.
On completion, participants will interview for a live vacancy within their chosen career pathway. They will also receive an individual career action plan, with follow-up meetings at three, six and 12 months to monitor their progress and support longer-term employment.
‘Confidence in individuals’
Andrew Hockey, chief executive of the ECITB, said the programme recognised the skills and experience service leavers had developed during their military careers.
“Guaranteeing every learner an interview on the final day shows the strength of our partnership with industry and our confidence in what these individuals can achieve,” he said.
BES Group chief executive Stewart Kay said the company already employed many former armed forces personnel and had benefited from their experience and professionalism.
The programme, he added, was intended to make it easier for service leavers to understand how their existing skills could transfer into engineering and provide a route into a second career.
The first cohort’s final-day interviews are expected to take place in mid-December, with further cohorts planned for 2027.
