St Helens Chamber is supporting local Veterans across St Helens to get into work with the Veterans Employment Academy and the help of local partners.

Using funding from The Veterans Foundation, St Helens Chamber are now able to support local Veterans to gain employment in roles across the region. With the guidance of Career Coaches, the Veterans Employment Academy aims to give Veterans and their dependants the confidence and skills to re-enter the workplace.

Mike Unsworth, Guidance Services Manager at St Helens Chamber, explained: “We recognise the valuable skills and experience service personnel have to offer, and understand it can be difficult for them to adapt from the armed forces into civilian roles.

“That’s where the Veterans Employment Academy comes in. The programme means we can support Veterans and their dependants into local roles, and ensure that they can access all the support they need in the crucial time when they are readjusting to civilian life.”

Delivered by qualified Career Coaches, the Veterans Employment Academy aims to help Veterans recognise their unique skill sets, and give them the ability to demonstrate these skills to employers.

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Veterans will also be given the chance to add new skills to their CV through access to short training courses.

The Veterans Employment Academy covers:

  • Team Building
  • Mind-set and Change Management
  • Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Social Media Essentials
  • CV Writing
  • Health and Safety (Level 2)
  • Customer Service and Communication Skills
  • Internet Safety
  • Interview Skills

St Helens Chamber is working closely with partner companies to ensure the support reaches those who need it. One such partner is No Duff, a Community Interest Company based in St Helens with contacts and members throughout the UK and even further afield. They provide help and Mental Health and other support to serving and former members of HM Forces, Police, Emergency Services. NHS, HMPPS and Animal Rescue Services.

Dean Owen, CEO and Founder of No Duff commented: “No Duff UK have recently teamed up with the Veterans Employment Academy at the St Helens Chamber where former members of HM Forces and their dependents can have access to a large variety of courses and assistance to enable them to have a better chance of gaining employment in the civilian world.

“No Duff UK are there in a support role to provide any Emotional, Wellbeing and Mental Health assistance were needed. This is an exciting opportunity for both organisations but more importantly getting veterans and their dependants the right help at the right time enabling them to adjust easier into their civilian vocations.”

St Helens Chamber are keen to hear from any Veterans or dependants of Veterans who are looking to get into work. The first step to signing up is a free appointment with a Career Coach who can discuss all the training and support on offer.

Mike added: “We would encourage any Veteran who’s thinking about going back into work to get in touch. Local employers need people with the impressive skills and experience Veterans hold, so there are plenty of opportunities available to you.

“We are here to help you access these opportunities and help bridge that gap between leaving the service and entering the workplace as a civilian.”

To find out more about the Veterans Employment Academy and how you can get involved, call on 01744 698800 or email info@thestartingpoint.org