Stonehenge
Wiltshire companies are being invited to showcase their businesses at a unique event designed to show military personnel what work is available in Wiltshire once they have left the army.
The Living and Working in Wiltshire and Swindon show will for the first time bring business and military together so those poised to leave the army can see what economic opportunities there are in the county.
It will be at Tidworth Leisure Centre between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday, June 26.
Wiltshire Council with Swindon Borough Council and the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have been quick to realise the potential of attracting fresh talent to the area and to make the business community aware of this opportunity on its doorstep.
More than 5,000 trained Army leavers come on to the civilian job market through the Careers Transition Partnership (CTP) each year. They include highly skilled engineers, technicians, trainers, administrators, IT managers, drivers, chefs, nurses, experienced managers and communications experts. With restructuring under Army 2020, a number of military people will be looking for new careers in civilian life and Wiltshire is historically one of their most favoured destinations.
Paul Johnson chair of the LEP said: ““Harnessing the skills and employability of military personnel leaving the Army in Wiltshire is a key priority for the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership. It makes absolute economic sense to create local opportunities to use the skills of those who want to live and work here. Our City Deal proposal to Government is unique in that we are focusing on creating smarter transition pathways for forces personnel to either find work or start up their own business locally. These people and their families are a valuable asset for Swindon and Wiltshire and we want to encourage them to stay within the area”.
Companies including Aspire Defence, Aster Group, Babcock, First Great Western, Nationwide and many others will be attending to represent employment options across a wide range of sectors.
Brigadier Piers Hankinson, Commander 43 (Wessex) Brigade, said: “This event will enable employers to meet army leavers and find out about the skills and experience they possess. Some will be looking for jobs now and others in the next 12 to 24 months. Many people leaving the Army already enjoy living in Wiltshire and the show is a great opportunity for them to find work and make a permanent home here. The ‘Living and Working in Wiltshire and Swindon’ event is a superb demonstration of working together and it is very apt that the show falls in the same week as Armed Forces Day when communities show their appreciation of the Armed Forces.”
In addition to local employers Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council and NHS staff will be at the event to offer army leavers and their families information and advice on such matters as housing, education, leisure, and health services in the area.
