Veterans in Abingdon are being invited to take part in a training programme to support them in furthering their careers.
The Royal British Legion Industries’ free residential Lifeworks employment training programme is set to take place in the town from April 22 to 25.
The Lifeworks course is an employment support programme that arms veterans with tools for acquiring jobs outside the armed forces.
The charity is inviting those who are seeking employment, looking to move from their current job, or searching for volunteering opportunities to join the course.
The programme prides itself on being organised by veterans for fellow veterans, which means those running the course understand the needs of participants.
The course is open to all veterans, regardless of how long they have been out of the service.
Lifeworks grants internationally recognised SQA qualifications to all its attendees.
Around 900 veterans took part in the programme last year, and 83 per cent are now in employment, training or volunteer work across the country.
Tim Brown, a Lifeworks tutor and job coach who served in the Royal Engineers and AGC in the UK and abroad, will run the course.
Mr Brown said: "It can be difficult to transition to the civilian world, and through the course, we give veterans the guidance they need to adapt to and overcome change.
"As the course is delivered by veterans, we understand where participants are in their lives.
"We emphasise just how relevant and transferable the skills they learned in the Armed Forces are to civilian employers.
"Once they realise that, it really helps to raise their confidence and self-belief."
Each individual enrolled for Lifeworks receives a free vocational assessment and courses are tailored as per the participant's requirements.
Assistance is provided in securing appropriate jobs, training or volunteering opportunities.
Mr Brown added: "During the course, skills gaps are identified, and appropriate training courses are recommended.
"As there’s no need to constantly update your CV in the Armed Forces, CV writing is an important focus of the course.
"There are classes to develop interview skills, and participants take part in a series of mock interviews, and everyone says how much they value the peer support.
"Importantly, we help set realistic and attainable goals.
"Delegates aren’t left behind after the course, as they receive one year’s free support when they can contact us if they have questions or need help."
Those interested can register for the free four day course by calling 0800 319 6844 or emailing lifeworks@rbli.co.uk.
To find out more about the course and the team who delivers the training, visit the Royal British Legion Industries' website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here