Are you recruiting for someone “very keen, operationally agile, motivated and either already qualified or easily trained”?

Despite general support for Britain’s’ armed forces, perceptions among employers of what soldiers actually can do are a significant barrier to service leavers being hired, according to the founder of Soldier On!, a charity that helps injured ex-service personnel find worthwhile careers.

Nicholas Harrison, who set up Soldier On! three years ago after working for niche defence sector headhunter Benchmark Search, told Recruiter: “The military is a microcosm of society. I want to steer people away from, ’oh you have been in the army, you jump out of planes and kill people’.”

The key was to get injured service leavers in front of employers. Harrison said the training and skills developed in the military produced motivated and enthusiastic employees. He said he was seeking interviews for ex-service personnel, including:

Scott: ex-infantry soldier, wounded in Afghanistan, and about to be medically discharged. Looking to find a role within youth sport/adventure/outdoor pursuits/leisure. Based in Warwickshire and happy to work as a volunteer to gain civilian experience.

Stuart: ex-infantry soldier, now recovered fully from being very seriously wounded in Afghanistan. Well qualified in building and leadership, management and training, stores accounting and logistics. Recent experience of major construction project. Wants Health & Safety role in Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire.

In-house or agency recruiters interested in finding out more about these and other candidates should contact Nicholas Harrison

• [email protected] or 07884365054