THE JOBOPPO BUGLE IS THE NEW GO TO ONLINE EMPLOYABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE FOR VETERANS, SERVICE LEAVERS AND OTHERS IN THE JOBOPPO COMMUNITY
T H E J O B O P P O B U G L E
Hello and welcome to the second issue of the JobOppO Bugle.
Time has seemingly flown since the inaugural edition, which was launched earlier this year and here we are about to enter a busy summer period for the forces community in terms of events, celebrations and commemorations
Feedback for the first issue was superb and it was fantastic to read an array of positive comments both from the Veteran community and our Employment Partners - every constructive point is always taken on board
As I allude to, the month of June sees a plethora of events taking place for the forces family including the 80th anniversary of D Day, with National commemorations taking place in Portsmouth, while later in the month, our attentions turn to the current crop of serving personnel with Reserves Day taking place on Wednesday June 26 and the annual Armed Forces Day following suit on Saturday June 29, with celebrations across the country in hand
In between D Day 80 and Armed Forces Day we look forward to the second live event from JobOppO - Network not Paperwork - held once again at the Powder Monkey Brewing Company in Gosport
PartnershipManager andEditor
JobOppOBugle mal@joboppocouk
Last year’s initial event was a huge success and 2024’s version looks to build on this, highlighting both how to network and the power of networking all in one go A few tickets remain for the event, so be quick, should you wish to attend.
We are thrilled to include exhibitors for the first time at the event and we focus on two of them further in the publication, alongside further focus on Network not Paperwork
As I write these notes, we are in a state of political flux, as we wait with baited breath for the outcome and fallout of the next General Election, called for Thursday July 4. From a veteran perspective, I am sure we can all agree, despite our personal political allegiances, that our communities are continued to be represented at the very top of the Westminster food chain and that progress and momentum made is not halted
Once more, thank you for taking the time to read this issue of the JobOppO Bugle and I hope to see as many as possible of you at the Network not Paperwork event on June 20th
30 children visited 10 Downing Street and HMS Belfast for the ultimate D-Day history lesson, transported on a Second World War-era red London bus
Schoolchildren were given the ultimate history lesson for the 80th anniversary of DDay, with a behind-the-scenes tour of 10 Downing Street and Second World War Royal Navy ship HMS Belfast
Akshata Murty welcomed 30 schoolchildren to Number 10 as the Ministry of Defence announced a range of initiatives to inspire a new generation with the story and legacy of D-Day
The children from Hayfield Cross School near Kettering met two D-Day veterans –George Chandler and Bernard Morgan –during the visit to 10 Downing Street, where they received a tour and a lesson on the role of Prime Minister Winston Churchill in planning the Normandy Landings
Following the visit, Akshata Murty said:
“It was a privilege to welcome George and Bernard to Downing Street today They along with all our brave veterans are truly inspirational It was wonderful that the pupils from Hayfield Cross Primary School were given the unique opportunity to hear their incredible stories first-hand ”
The team from the Imperial War Museum also provided the kids with a powerful lesson in the Cabinet Room that helped to highlight the unparalleled sacrifice that so many made 80 years ago
They then boarded a Second World Warera red double-decker bus adorned with the D-Day 80 logo and travelled to HMS Belfast – the only British ship remaining from the bombardment fleet of D-Day
Onboard, they met Defence Secretary Grant Shapps and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, learned more about HMS Belfast’s role in D-Day, participated in a hands-on Morse code lesson and had the special privilege of asking the two D-Day veterans questions about their experiences 80 years ago
As part of a range of new education initiatives, the Ministry of Defence and its partners are working to ensure the inspiring message of D-Day is passed down to a new generation
On 3 June, D-Day veterans will gather in Portsmouth to meet local schoolchildren and modern-day Royal Marines personnel to pass on their wisdom to a new generation
At the national commemorative event in Portsmouth on 5 June, a total of 900 schoolchildren and cadets will hear directly from the veterans of D-Day They will hear powerful testimonies from D-Day Veterans
and military personnel, as well as musical performances by a military orchestra
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the importance of the commemorations:
“Remembering D-Day is a crucial step to ensuring we appreciate the hard-earned peace and freedom we enjoy today
It was an honour to speak with George and Bernard, and to meet the inquisitive class from Hayfield Cross School
I hope the ultimate history lesson has worked to highlight the significance of DDay and to help keep the memory of those that fought alive ”
See later in the magazine for the Forces Bigger Picture for more on D-Day 80
Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2024 Rosie Hallam
Children at heart of D-Day 80 with ultimate history lesson
Image of children from Hayfield Cross Primary School, seen here outside No 10 Downing Street with the D-Day 80th bus in London today (21/05/24) The Prime Minister's wife Akshata Murty welcomes D-Day veterans George Chandler and Bernard Morgan to 10 Downing Street where they were joined by children from Hayfield Cross Primary School who were given an 'Ultimate History Lesson' by staff from the Imperial War Museum
Image: UK MOD Crown Copyright 2024 Rosie Hallam
The second Network not Paperwork event from the JobOppO team will take place on Thursday June 20 at the Powder Monkey Brewery, Gosport, kicking off at 14:30
The event is designed to bring together Veterans and Service Leavers and other, select, members of the JobOppO Community, to learn about networks and networking – and put it into practice This is part of our Network Not Paperwork campaign which will espouse the benefits of a strong and supportive network when Veterans and Service Leavers are looking for meaningful employment – and putting it ahead of the need for a polished CV.
The event will take place at the Powder Monkey Brewery in Gosport, a Veteran owned award-winning microbrewery located in Priddy's Hard, Heritage Way, the former home of the Royal Navy’s armament depot Attendees will not only learn about networks and networking and the benefits it offers, but will also be treated to the history of the repurposed Naval Gunpowder Store.
JobOppO is committed to supporting Veterans 'Change Gear' from a military to Veteran life, and this event is just one way in which we are working to provide Veterans with the insight, introductions and opportunities needed to succeed
This year’s event also features exhibitors
Exhibitor spotlight: NMcK & Co
NMcK & Co, are dedicated specialists in providing and installing top-quality gym flooring for the UK health and fitnessmarket.
With over 35 years of expertise, they offer comprehensive consultancy, design, and delivery services for various gym flooring needs, including free weight flooring, dance and yogastudios,andfunctional/H.I.I.Tspaces.
Their proven high-quality, durable, and visually appealing productsensurethebestresultsforyourfacility
Additionally, they invite individuals interested in joining their team to meet them in person and explore opportunities for training and involvement in their installations
“Joining Arcus FM would be a great step in your engineering or technician career. At Arcus, you’ll work with complex equipment, stay ahead of technology, and be part of a close-knit team. Our training at the National Training Centre is second to none and tailored to what we do These programs ensure that you lead the way and excel in your career. Many of our team members have quickly advanced to Senior Engineers, Technical Support, and Management roles You’ll work on various equipment across several retailers and earn a great wage with overtime and other benefits.”
–RickyStevens,HeadofOperations.
Investing in our people has been a key part of our business since we started in 2009. Our employees enjoy long-term careers, personal development and continuous learning opportunities. Benefits include generous annual leave, pension scheme, company van (with option for personal use) and performance bonus (T&C applies). In 2023, we opened our industry-leading National Training Centre. This 17,000 square foot facility offers both theoretical and practical training, enabling our colleagues to cross-skill, upskill, and stay current with emerging technologies.
As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Arcus is committed to supporting employment of Service leavers. We recognise the valuable skills that service members have gained during their time in the Armed Forces and actively encourage work experience applications from Veterans. You truly deserve every chance for a successful second career after giving so much for your country
Use your technical and engineering meaningful civilian career in Facilities Management (FM) at OCS. Our Technic y pp y y pertise to a role that values your military background.
WhyFacilitiesManagementatOCS?
CompetitiveSalary:
Recognisingyourtechnicalandengineeringskillsfromthe military,weofferacompetitivesalary
FullyFundedQualifications:
Accesstraininganddevelopmentthroughthe ApprenticeshipLevytoexpandyourskillset.
CorporateandRetailPerks:
Exclusivebenefitstoeaseyourtransitionintocivilianlife
EmployeeAssistancePrograms:
Comprehensivesupportforyourwell-beingandpersonal
UnlockNewOpportunities:
Explorearangeofroles,fromhands-onpositionsinmechanical,electrical,gas,orplumbingengineeringtoleadershipand managerialroles Yourskillsarethekeytounlockingdiverseopportunitiesandmakingameaningfulimpact
NationwideOpportunitiesAwait:
Discover Facilities Management roles across the UK, with vacancies in key locations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Scotland, and the South West. We also offer mobile and regional positions, providing flexibility to suit your preferences
YourTransferableSkills:
Bring your technical expertise to real-world challenges, apply your engineering know-how to contribute to the success of diverseprojects,andutiliseyourteamleadershipskillstoguideandmentorteamsinasupportiveenvironment.
HowtoApply:
SendyourCVtoMartin.Frost@ocs.comorviewourcareerspage
We are convinced the time is right to bring together the global Veteran network, counter the negative noise, instil pride and focus on the positives of life after (and because of) military service, and in January Veterans Can was incorporated as a CIC with a mission to “connect the global Veteran community in order to bring balance, pride and positivity ” People have told us we’re on to something, including UK Veteran Jim who said;
"Why are we always portrayed as losers I dont want any favours, just a fair crack of the whip I'm 36 have done some tough things in some tough situations - but that makes me better, so why do people think I'll struggle? Veterans Can is exactlywhat’sneeded Thanks "
Here Co-Founder and Director Garrath Williams explains more about the inspiration behind and plans for Veterans Can
When military personnel are rinsed and returned, it's up to fellow Veterans to look after their own, regardless of where we are in the world, what uniform we wore, when, or for how long We have a mutual mindset, shared experiences, a common language and have all worked towards a unifying purpose Veterans Can will bring those Veterans together, wherever they are Because we can
As well as connecting our community, Veterans Can will reset the balance Almost 2 5 million Veterans live in the UK, with many more millions worldwide, and while a majority of us go on to forge successful post military lives, societal bias, stigma, and negative perceptions can affect our move into the real world - impacting the silent majority
For far too long, organisations who purport to represent the Veteran community, to have our backs and to support us, have benefited from peddling disproportionate negativity that is at best counterintuitive and at worst, harmful
With balance will come pride in being a Veteran, pride in what we did, pride in what we do now, how well we do it - and why This pride will inspire those beside and behind us to think and talk more positively – all while celebrating Veteranism
What is Veterans Can ?
It is an independent, collective and representative body convened to bring together the global Veteran network, to balance the negative noise, instil pride and focus on the positives of life after (and because of) military service Veterans Can is a community driven social enterprise, guided by its members to amplify the Veteran spirit and effect positive change, offering a viable and innovative alternative to represent the Veteran community and acknowledge the service it provides.
Why is Veterans Can... needed?
We worked together in uniform and should stay together
The silent majority must have each other’s backs, celebrate success, showcase what we can do, offer balance to change the pervading negative narrative - and change perceptions.
When will Veterans Can... do it?
2024/25 will see Veterans Can develop a UK centric mission while advancing global interest and influence via a number of activities, with the initial phase culminating in a huge 5000+ strong Veterans Can Summit in the UK in June 2025 From there concurrently to domestic growth, the campaign will expand globally establishing a unique, collaborative and powerful body for positivity.
How will Veterans Can... do it?
As a social-enterprise revenue will be recycled back into the CIC to increase engagement and enhance growth Through a number of means Veterans Can will raise the funds necessary to carry the mission forward from rewards based crowd-funding, sponsorship, donations, investment opportunities, fundraising activities and membership options
We're here through thick and thin – ensuring your unique contribution is never forgotten We've been here since 1921 and we'll be here as long as you need us
We are the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping us give support wherever and whenever it’s needed.
Volunteering is an effective way to build your resume while you transition from service. You can make contacts, explore different areas of interest, and demonstrate your transferable skills in a civilian environment
At RBL, our volunteers support the vital work we do with the Armed Forces community
Poppy Appeal Organisers build partnerships in their communities to ensure the success of fundraising efforts during Remembrance You’ll be excited about this role if you:
Want to develop skills and experience in leading a team
Are interested in developing your knowledge of, and contacts in, your local community
Are comfortable handling money and looking after detailed information
Are excited to be involved with high-profile community fundraising
Have an hour or two a week during the year, with a more intense time commitment between September and November
We will provide lots of support to ensure you will be successful inyourrole You’llhaveadedicatedcontactpersonwhowillget toyouknowyouwellandtohelpalongtheway
Volunteering with us opens a world of opportunities to use and build a wide variety of skills, meet new people, and make new friends And with the Royal British Legion, you can be certain that the volunteer work you do will make an important and positiveimpactonthebrilliantpeoplewe’reheretosupport
To apply in your local area or get more information, please visit www.rbl.org.uk/volunteer
And if you are looking for support, please remember that we are always here for you To find out about services and support available for you and your family, please contact 0808 802 8080 (8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week
With the second Network not Paperwork event from JobOppO on the horizon, we thought we would highlight 8 top tips on how to get the most from networking
1 Start now. It is never too early to begin building your network Build it before you need it Plus, growing your network might even help you decide when to leave military life if you are considering resettlement, or as a Veteran, you just never know when a list of contacts will become handy
2 Ask friends and family for help. From bouncing ideas to introducing useful contacts, they can be more helpful than you might realise
3 Join LinkedIn Almost everyone in a civilian profession is on LinkedIn Take the time to build a good profile, find useful contacts and build your network
4 Contact veteran organisations. There are several key charities, veteran organisations and military employment groups able to offer employment support including JobOppO of course!
5 Treat every conversation like a job interview. Who knows where a conversation might lead? Always present yourself as hardworking, curious and eager to learn
6 Feeling nervous is okay This is a big step so doubts and nerves are to be expected Try to focus on the opportunities instead. Remember, its not easy breaking the ice with people outside of your circle, but you are contacting people with a clear purpose and that is to progress in one form or another
7 Never stop networking You really are as strong as your network, so don’t stop building yours The more useful contacts you have, the more opportunities you can create
8 Pay it back. It goes without saying, if people contributed to your success, you should do the same for others.
Camaraderie is one of the military community’s greatest strengths and everyone benefits if you apply that mentality to your civilian outlook
Happy Networking!
DominicO’Sullivan
A proud RAF Veteran, Dom heads our community team andprovidesthelinkbetween the two halves of our community
Through programmes like our 12-week Job Search Support and the Mentor Programme, Dom ensures we connect OppOs tothesupporttheyneedatthetimetheyneeditmost Domsays,"It'slikebakingacake,managingamixofthosewho need help, with those who want to help and can provide employment for those looking for their next role It's hugely rewarding, not without its challenges but ultimately 'Giving Back'it'swhatweareabout!"
Dom also hosts our podcast series and manages all JobOppO House community engagement A Trustee for Scotty's Little Soldiers, he has undertaken several Ultra challenges to fundraisewiththefullsupportofJobOppO
"Having the full backing of your colleagues to undertake major commitmentsfortheCharityisreassuring,becauseIdon'thave toexplainwhyitmatters,theyjust'getit'"
WillHairsine RoyalNavy&Royal Marine Veteran,
Will Hairsine joined the Royal Marines as a Young Officer in September 2000 and through a mixture of broken backs, the Royal Band and many hoofing gigs he joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare Officer in2003
Over the next 17 years he deployed 16 times in accordance with a Warfare Officer’s battle rhythm in 10 different War Canoestoavarietyofplacesmostofwhich managedtobesandyevenwhenatsea
After specialising in mine warfare Will qualified as a Principal Warfare Officer and served as the Ops Officer in HMS DIAMOND before taking up staff roles in the Falklands and the Gulf, latterly as Chief of Staff to the Mine Warfare Component Commander
Following a period of mental ill health Will was discharged from the Royal Navy in 2020 just in time for the pandemic which heenjoyedfromhisratherbusypositionas an Operations Manager for Amazon After two interesting years there he moved to KPMG as a Senior Manager in Consulting before taking up his role as a Senior Consultant in the more Human Centric consultancyPace
Will is passionate about the power of networking and how it can help all Service leavers thrive in civvie street He’s a mental health advocate and remains in touch with the Senior Service as a Trustee of the AssociationofRoyalNavalOfficers Obviously, his most prized position is Ambassador to JobOppo as they were the onlyorganisationtofurnishhimwithagilet Will is always open for a chat, mainly through LinkedIn where he has gained notorietyasaNetworkingBadgerwhouses selfiesrathertoomuch!
We continue the main theme of this issue ofTheJobOppOBugleonnetworkingand Partnership Manager, Mal Robinson highlights the fact, you are always networking
I was once told at a business seminar, that when you introduce yourself to someone, you are introducing yourself to that person’s array of network contacts I was toldattheseminaritcouldbesomethingas simpleasthatpersonplayinggolforfive-aside football with someone that could be crucial to your progression as a timely contact
That analogy came true a few years later, whenIfoundmyselftobethatsomeoneat my son’s football team chatting to a fellow parent who just happened to be in the Army and looking to leave in the next two to three years He was undecided and unclearastowhattodonext,eithergetout orstayin
Little did he know, he was chatting to the then editor of Pathfinder International (of which he knew about thankfully, but had not taken upon himself to read or research asyet)andofferedhimalittlehandfulofthe best tips that sprung to mind in the little time we had watching the match I even broughtafewcopiestothenextgame
One of the main themes of our initial chat was the power of networking and branching out, reaching out and talking to various people I told him our current conversation was the clearest example of this
Of course, networking is vital in your resettlement from the military, but it never endsandyoushouldn’twantitto
Iamforevernetworkingstillformyrolewith JobOppO (as a Partnership Manager you wouldofcourseexpectthat),
always keen to meet new people and see what is next out there for the brand and pinpoint new trends moving forwards You simply can not have enough contacts, as you never know what life has in store and what people you may need to call upon, goodorbad
Networking of course can be difficult at first, but once you have initiated that first conversation be it via email, phone or in person, you are off the mark The more networking, the more chats you conduct, the more natural it becomes starting with oureventatGosport
And of course, if you can not make that, thenthere’stheJobOppOHouseApp!
Sign u to the JobOppO House app
