Mission Motorsport National Transition Event connects veterans to Forces-friendly employers

February 18, 2020

Service leavers can face challenges translating their military skills into civilian contexts, leading to difficult transitions.

What was the situation?

When a serving person leaves the Armed Forces, they can face challenges transitioning to civilian employment. Many Service leavers hold a range of valuable skills, but it can be difficult to translate those skills to apply to civilian careers. At the same time, some employers may be unaware of the benefits that veterans can bring to their organisation. Service leavers are sometimes left feeling unable to connect with the appropriate employment opportunities.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the unique nature of Service, those leaving may find it challenging to transition to the civilian working environment. Those who have just left the Armed Forces may have little experience of the civilian recruitment process, or translating their military skills into a civilian context. This is unlike civilian jobseekers, who are more likely to understand the civilian job market.

What was done to help?

Mission Motorsport organised the first National Transition Event at Silverstone on 11 February 2020, bringing together veterans and Forces-friendly employers. As well as providing the backdrop for the event, Silverstone also signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Mission Automotive, the Armed Forces engagement initiative for the UK automotive industry, is delivered by Mission Motorsport, in partnership with the Royal Foundation and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The event connected 400 Service leavers and veterans with over 70 Armed Forces-friendly employers – such as veteran-owned career management app imployable – and top UK brands who already recognise the skills that come from Service; with support from charity ambassadors including Sir Chris Hoy and Ben Saunders.

Companies such as Network Rail, who are amongst the top employers to recruit people with an Armed Forces background, were in attendance. Jill Evans, a Network Rail Military Champion, sums up why events like these are important to the Armed Forces community.

“Transitioning from the military can be a steep learning curve but finding the right company for the person is important. The Armed Forces Covenant has made a huge difference and the opportunities for veterans has greatly improved over the past 11 years [since Jill left the RAF] but there is still bias out there.” – Jill Evans, Network Rail

Organisations from the Service charity sector, such as Royal British Veterans Enterprise, also attended the event to offer support, recognising that some veterans need extra help when transitioning from the military to boost their employment opportunities. Laura Lewin, Engagement Manager said,

“It’s a really good opportunity for us to interact with beneficiaries. Some people that have been through the course, we’ve met here today, and it’s really nice to catch up with those people and see how they’re doing now. But also to promote the LifeWorks course to the Armed Forces community.” – Laura Lewin, Engagement Manager, RBVE

James Cameron, the Mission Motorsport CEO said,

“It can be difficult for Service Leavers to translate how their military experience allows them to fit into a civilian career. Mission Automotive helps organisations to recognise, foster and retain that talent.” – James Cameron, Mission Motorsport CEO

What was the outcome?

Due to the success of the first event, the Mission Motorsport National Transition Event is now held annually, bringing together Service leavers, veterans, employers, and support organisations to a single location.

The event helps to ensure that veterans can explore civilian career opportunities, develop their networks, and understand how their skills can be applied to civilian organisations. It also helps employers to engage with veterans learning about their talents, and further supporting the Armed Forces community.

You can read more about the annual event here: National Transition Event.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Civilian employment
• How businesses can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.