Former servicemen and women attended a Forth Valley College resettlement event this week which helped them access funding for further education courses and put them on a new career path.
The second Resettlement and Recruitment (R&R) event took place at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus on Tuesday 28 June.
The showcase offered those who are just about to leave or have recently left the forces or reserve forces, as well as their spouses and dependents – and anyone who had completed any military service whatsoever - the chance to take a new career path through funding they are entitled to, but might not have made use of.
As well as the wide range of courses on offer at the college and FVC staff advising those attending on funding available, the event also highlighted help and support available to former forces personnel from various agencies and charities - such as Armed Services Advice Project (ASAP), Combat Stress, Helping Heroes and the armed forces charity SSAFA – and provided them with valuable networking possibilities from potential employers including: Police Scotland, IDS Engineering, BAE Systems, CERCO and various recruitment specialists
Richy Todd, who is FVC’s Senior First Aid Trainer and the College’s Veterans’ Champion, said: “I know from experience that when you leave the forces it can be difficult and there will be many ups and downs and hurdles to overcome. But it can be done and my aim is to use my experiences to help make it easier for everyone else.
“Military funding can be claimed by former servicemen and women up to ten years after they leave the forces and I want to hear from anyone who feels they could make use of this funding to change career and improve their skills. We are also able to advise on funding that may be available to former servicemen and women outside the Forces’ funding systems.
“Service personnel have many, many fantastic qualities and skills that employers would love their staff to possess. My colleagues and I will be able to help applicants to focus on other areas that they will have experience in from their time in the forces, such as teaching for example.”
Further information can be obtained by contacting Chantelle Apperley on 01324 403173 or by e-mail on Chantelle.apperley@forthvalley.ac.uk.