Bridging the Gap: Support for Service Families to Re-enter the UK Workforce

In June 2024, RAF Akrotiri Families Centre was awarded £30,000 under the MODs Families Fund: Supporting Partners Programme to support military families returning to the UK from Cyprus to securing new employment.

Led by RAF veteran coaches, the project provided both in-person and online training sessions as part of a return-to-work programme. This included CV writing, interview techniques and emotional adjustment support, helping participants become as employable as possible while transitioning back to life in UK.

Beyond making participants more competitive in the job market, the programme also strengthens their skills and confidence both professionally and socially while easing the challenges of an overseas posting for service families.

Positive feedback from participants in the first course highlights the programme’s success. Several individuals who had previously been unsuccessful in job interviews have since secured employment, gaining confidence in their job search.

Participants also expressed that the programme was one of the most positive experiences that they had in Cyprus, making them feel valued and supported.

The programme successfully shifted participants mindsets from feelings of dread and uncertainty about returning to the UK and re-entering an unfamiliar job market to a sense of confidence and optimism about their transition.

When asked about their experience, the service users shared the following feedback on the training programme –

 “Really enjoying the course, nice to be with a group of likeminded people as part of a forum in which we can share our ambitions, worries, frustrations and hopes. To have the opportunity to access such experienced trainers who clearly have a broad professional knowledge but also an understanding of military life is very welcome. I think this kind of investment in the spousal community so far away from home with such limited opportunities for employment is very much needed and I am grateful that this has been recognised by Akrotiri.” 

“Claire & Ralph are invaluable as the trainers as they have lived it, had children through it and know from the other side of the fence just what challenges we face and what we must overcome and deal with. Having that knowledge and understanding is so beneficial for them to be able to help us as spouses gain confidence, make us feel that we’re important, worthy, capable, and are assets to whoever employs us because of our trials and tribulations as military spouses.  

I feel so lucky and valued as a spouse here at Akrotiri to have this opportunity to be part of this fantastic group of amazing people and feel privileged to hear about each one of our stories. I love the openness, frankness and humour that everyone brings. It’s fun and thought provoking.” 

Chief Clerk, Rebecca Trevail-Yates from RAF Akrotiri concluded by saying:  

“Overall, the course was extremely well received I can’t praise the trainers enough, they are both ex-RAF themselves and having that background knowledge of military life was paramount to the course’s success; however, their expertise in the current field of leadership and coaching brought a dimension that was unique and was received positively.  

 I saw attendees’ confidence grow throughout the course and it was a pleasure to see some jobs being applied for and obtained off the back of this course”.