The right tools to secure the right job

March 12, 2025

Lifeworks Families is a free employment support programme for family members of serving personnel, reservists and veterans. Every aspect of the job application process is covered to help you to get back to work or enhance your career.

Launched in 2011, the Lifeworks course from Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) has helped almost 6,000 veterans to transition to the civilian job market.

Jill Misson spoke to RBLI’s Head of Lifeworks, Steve Parrott, to find out how family members can benefit from the training which is tailored to the armed forces community.

“We recognise there’s great strength in service families,” says Steve. “They often face challenges such as frequent relocations and the demands of operational deployment, which can derail careers and limit job prospects. It’s essential we acknowledge the impact and arm them with the tools to secure the right job, ideally one that moves with them.”

SUPPORT FOR ALL

The Lifeworks Families programme is designed to support people of all levels of experience. Delegates who are entering the job market learn how to create a professional CV while others who have been in work receive guidance on updating CVs.

The four-day residential course takes place in garrison locations and is free to families, thanks to funding from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Steve says the in-person format works well: “The magic of the peer group setting is that it helps people to align their values and goals and then go on to find the job that’s right for them.

“The most satisfying part is to see the transformation in people as you see the change in the way they conduct themselves when they realise what they can achieve.

“Some have limiting beliefs about themselves as they might feel they’ve spent too many years away from the workforce as they raised their family, and no-one will employ them. We work with the person to erase those beliefs.

“During the coaching for change sessions, we look at people’s strengths and work to develop areas that need attention. It’s done in such a subtle way that people really embrace the changes they need to make.”

JOB ADVICE

Army spouse Vaseva Nakia, who joined the programme at Catterick Garrison, says: “It meant a lot to gain more knowledge about how to go about getting a good job.”

The team has a good understanding of army family life – most come from a service background. This means they can relate to family members who take the course.

Army veteran Steve says: “There’s no need for anyone to feel apprehensive. The tutors are there to guide and support everyone through the course and people say how understood they feel and how they benefit from the peer support.”

LEARNING KEY SKILLS

After completing the course, participants have seven months to work through Lifeworks’ essential digital skills package, which focuses on three key sectors: hospitality, teaching and social care.

Each delegate also receives 12 months of ongoing support, including regular checkins with the Lifeworks team. They gain access to a free vocational assessment conducted by the team, which includes an occupational psychologist and a career guidance coach.