Armed forces work scheme to be extended throughout UK
31 March 2015
The Armed Forces Employability Pathway (AFEP), which helps jobseekers with an interest in the armed forces find work is to be formally rolled out across the UK following a successful pilot scheme.
Tue, 31 Mar 2015The Armed Forces Employability Pathway (AFEP), which helps jobseekers with an interest in the armed forces find work is to be formally rolled out across the UK following a successful pilot scheme.
Delivered through Job Centre Plus and the Work Programme, the scheme allows eligible jobseekers to take part in a one-week introductory course to the armed forces, followed by pre-employment training and work experience with a civilian employer.
During the pilot stage, 220 people received training through nine AFEP trial schemes across the North of England and Scotland.
Some went on to pursue careers in the regular and reserve forces while others used the skills gained to secure civilian jobs.
In announcing the rollout on Friday (27 March), defence secretary Michael Fallon said the scheme was not just a recruiting tool for the armed forces but also a way of improving employability and “arm all those who take part with the confidence, skills and contacts to find work”.
The scheme will be implemented across the UK over the course of this year.
Delivered through Job Centre Plus and the Work Programme, the scheme allows eligible jobseekers to take part in a one-week introductory course to the armed forces, followed by pre-employment training and work experience with a civilian employer.
During the pilot stage, 220 people received training through nine AFEP trial schemes across the North of England and Scotland.
Some went on to pursue careers in the regular and reserve forces while others used the skills gained to secure civilian jobs.
In announcing the rollout on Friday (27 March), defence secretary Michael Fallon said the scheme was not just a recruiting tool for the armed forces but also a way of improving employability and “arm all those who take part with the confidence, skills and contacts to find work”.
The scheme will be implemented across the UK over the course of this year.
