Veteran Ian appointed to help other veterans into employment

Ian joins from his previous role as National Recruitment Co-ordinator for the Royal Navy, a position he held for almost 15 years, and hopes to help fellow veterans living at Launchpad’s Avondale House and Hollyacre House in the North East of England.

The new role has been created and funded as part of the government’s Op FORTITUDE programme – a pathway to reduce veterans’ homelessness.

In July this year, veterans’ charity Launchpad was selected as one of nine organisations by the government to deliver the programme. Launchpad will support 230 homeless veterans over the next two years.

The charity provides accommodation and targeted support, with the help of specialist partners, to UK Armed Forces veterans experiencing homelessness and unemployment and those who have struggled with the transition from the military into civilian life.

Ian will support up to 50 residents living in both houses who are seeking employment by engaging with training specialists, colleges, and organisations to match their skills and support them into employment.

His role will vary, depending on the requirements of each resident, but his responsibilities include helping them to create CVs, preparing them for interviews, delivering health and safety courses at the houses, and attending job fairs with candidates.

Ian, who served in the Royal Navy since 1986, said: “I’m really excited by this role and using my knowledge and experience to give something back to the veterans living at Launchpad who have not had the best experience of transitioning from the military to civilian life.

“Every resident is at a different stage of their journey – some are ready for employment while others need a little more time to understand where they are and what they want to achieve. My role is to engage with them and provide as much encouragement and support.

“A lot of the veterans have the transferrable skills most employers are looking for, it’s about making them realise their potential and communicate how the skills they learned whilst serving can be applied within civilian roles. Once I understand their career aspirations, I can work with them to fill their skills gap which in turn will stand them in good stead for securing employment.”

Visit the Launchpad website.