Following the end of your time in the service, you’ll naturally be looking to explore new career options. This list of jobs for ex-military members will provide you with some insight on what roles you could pursue.
We’ve ensured to provide a wide variety of civilian careers in different sectors, to appeal to readers with different passions and interests:
Contents:
- What Skills Are Transferrable From The Army to Civilian Jobs?
- What Are Some Challenges Facing Ex-Military Personnel Looking For New Employment?
- What Employment Resources Are Available To Help Secure Jobs for Ex-Military?
- What If I Need Help Becoming Self-Employed?
- Before You Go!
You can turn your leadership and motivation skills into a rewarding PT career with OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma!
Download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about this qualification and others!
What Skills Are Transferrable From The Army to Civilian Jobs?
Your time in the service has equipped you with valuable skills that can help you secure some of the best jobs for ex-military in the UK.
A study by Forces in Mind Trust found that on average, ex-military personnel possess six skills that employers seek. These are:
- Active listening– Fully understanding and responding to others
- Time management– Structuring time to complete tasks and meet deadlines
- Critical thinking– Analysing and evaluating issues to make rational decisions
- Speaking– Verbally communicating information in a way that’s easy to understand
- Judgement & decision making– Choosing the best course of action from the available facts
- Complex problem solving– Resolving issues through critical thinking and creativity, to come up with an effective solution.
Along with these core skills, your military experience may have given you specialist expertise from the branch you served in. For example, those of you who have a background in engineering will make for strong candidates in similar roles.
The 11 Best Jobs For Ex-Military
#1-Private Security
Salary: £19-000-£30,000
Working in private security is a natural career step for many former military personnel.
Not only does it align with your military skills in discipline, leadership, problem-solving, and communication, but it’s also considered one of the best-paying jobs for ex-military.
Private security jobs for ex-military in the UK require professionals who can:
- Remain calm under pressure
- Assess risks
- Take decisive action
- Take charge in a leadership position
The private security industry crosses different sectors, allowing you to pursue a career that aligns with your interests, such as:
- Security firms– Working as a security officer for venues, private buildings etc.
- Businesses and Institutions– Protecting employees, assets and private information
- Close protection– Security for high-profile individuals
To work as a licensed security officer, you’ll need to complete a training course that has been regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This will appear in the title of the course, which can be seen in the example below from Get Licensed:
These providers will offer a variety of different courses in various areas of security. This allows you to specialise in the area of security you want to work in such as Door Supervision and CCTV monitoring:
As a licensed security officer, you can then apply for positions that utilise the training you’ve undergone. This RST/Security position in Sevenoaks-Kent on Ex-Mil Recruitment is a great position to apply for if you have experience working with CCTV and alarm systems:
Your military experience combined with the SIA training will give you a competitive edge to apply for positions like this.
You’ll also be experienced in making high-pressure decisions and working as part of a team, ensuring the safety and security of the premises and people you work for.
#2-Personal Trainer
Salary: £20,000 – £38,000
Becoming a personal trainer after leaving the military is an excellent way to turn your passion for fitness into a career.
Military personnel are physically fit, disciplined and experienced in leadership, qualities that can help you find success in the fitness industry. These skills can help you:
- Motivate and guide clients
- Create well-structured bespoke training plans
- Adapt workouts based on clients’ goals and needs
To work as a PT, you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma. This qualification combines the Level 2 Gym Instructor & Level 3 PT Courses respectively. Once completed, you’ll develop the essential skills required to train clients 1-to-1.
When you’re qualified, you could apply for positions at gyms and fitness centres, like this one at The Gym Group in Milton Keynes:
Alternatively, you can enjoy the flexibility of deciding when you want to work and the services you want to offer as a self-employed personal trainer.
Wirral-based PT Anthony Dalzell offers a range of PT trainer services that focus on body transformation including building muscle mass and increasing strength:
To work as a personal trainer, you’ll also need to make sure you have PT insurance. This will cover your legal and financial costs should a client get injured and claim you.
With the demand for personal trainers expected to grow by 2030, there has never been a better time to become a personal trainer. It’s a great opportunity to use your military skills and desire to help others and enjoy a rewarding career.
#3-Government Jobs in Civil Service
Salary: £26-000-£42,000
Transitioning into a civil service job may seem like a big change, but with the right support, it can be a great opportunity to secure one of the best jobs for ex-military officers.
The Civil Service offers a broad range of career options that can align with both your personal interests and skill set.
For example, if you have a strong analytical background, you may enjoy working in roles in HR or Finance where you can assess employee performance or manage budgets.
The Civil Service has outlined how they plan to support military personnel to find employment with them and what job opportunities are currently available through their ‘Search Jobs’ tab:
If you’re interested in working in the Civil Service, you’ll be glad to know they run the Great Place to Work for Veterans Scheme:
This process can help improve your employment prospects in the civil service, by allowing you to immediately move on to the next stage of the application process if you meet the minimum criteria.
This scheme is part of the Civil Service’s commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into civilian employment.
Working in the Civil Service is not only a chance to earn a competitive salary but also provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of public policy and the delivery of important community services.
#4-Group Fitness Instructor
Salary: £22,000-£34,000
Similar to a personal trainer, becoming a group fitness instructor is a natural transition from your time in the military.
This role can utilise many of your pre-existing skills such as:
- Leadership skills– These can be used to guide and motivate groups of fitness enthusiasts through their workout classes
- Communication skills– To instruct and encourage members
- Physical Fitness – To perform tasks such as planning and demonstrating fitness classes, as well as offering corrections and amendments for the safety of class attendees
To work as a Group Fitness Instructor, you’ll need to hold a Level 2 Qualification in Fitness Instructing which will teach you how to plan and deliver group sessions such as HIIT, Indoor Cycling and Aerobics.
Once qualified, you can apply for Gym Instructor positions in gyms and fitness centres, such as this example below:
Alternatively, you could become self-employed and set up your own fitness class business. In this position, you will have direct control over:
- Your working hours
- What classes you can teach
- How much you charge
- Brand & marketing elements – e.g. logo, venue etc.
For example, take a look at UK Attitude Fitness who specialise in Circuit Classes:
Like Personal Trainers, you would need to make sure you have Fitness Instructor insurance, such as the one offered by Insure4sport.
This would make sure you have the correct legal and financial coverage should one of your clients attending the group classes get injured.
With your military background and the right qualifications, becoming a Group Fitness Instructor can be a rewarding career where you inspire others to improve their fitness.
#5-Aviation Technician
Salary: £28-000-£38,000
If you served as an aviation technician in the military, you are already equipped with the skills needed to work in the civilian aviation sector. Your experience in maintaining and repairing aircraft is invaluable and in demand from employers in this field.
For example, Muirhead Avionics recently went on a recruitment drive to fill positions they had with ex-military aviation technicians.
When applying for aviation technician roles, employers will be more inclined to consider you for roles thanks to your experience carrying out maintenance work on aircraft.
To make this transition, sites like Demo Jobs highlight the skills and qualifications that will be sought for aviation roles:
With your military experience, you’ll find it relatively seamless to enter the civilian aviation workforce, where your specialised skills will be in high demand.
——–
If you’re enjoying this article discussing your employment opportunities, why don’t you read these?
- Cost of a Personal Trainer Course
- Government-Funded Personal Training Courses
- How to Get into The Fitness Industry
#6-Yoga Teacher
Salary: £21,000- £36,000
Working in the yoga industry is a great opportunity to use your discipline and communication skills. It’s one of the feel-good jobs for ex-military personnel to pursue, as you can help yogis improve their physical and mental wellness.
These transferable skills help you create engaging, well-structured classes, where you’ll communicate clear instructions for asanas and other transitions.
There are many locations where you can work as a yoga instructor, including:
- Yoga studios
- Gyms or wellness centres
- Corporate environments
- Private classes
To become a certified yoga instructor, you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Yoga. This will equip you with key knowledge on:
- How to plan and deliver yoga sessions
- Muscles engaged during asana classes
- How to adapt asanas and poses for certain members
- How to keep people safe during your classes
Once you’re qualified, you could apply for positions at established studios or fitness centres such as this one at Anytime Fitness in London:
Alternatively, you could decide to go self-employed and start your own yoga business.
This will give you the freedom to decide when and where you want to work, along with the style of yoga classes you want to deliver. Your earnings will also be uncapped, as you will have direct over how much you charge per session.
A great example of someone who went the self-employed route is Suzie Jennings, who after leaving the military, started teaching adaptive yoga:
The demand for yoga instructors is steadily increasing as more people turn to yoga for physical and mental well-being.
Whether you’re working with individuals or leading group classes, teaching yoga can be a fulfilling way to inspire and support others on their wellness journey.
#7-Nurse
Salary: £29,000-£40,000
If you’re looking for government jobs for ex-military personnel, nursing in the NHS could be a great fit.
The ability to remain calm under pressure, provide critical care, and adapt to evolving situations are some of the strengths you can bring to this role.
If you’ve served as a military nurse, your credentials and experience align with those of NHS nurses. This will make it easier for you to transition into this role.
However, if you’re new to nursing, you’ll need to undergo university training to gain the qualifications you need. The MOD offers support through schemes like ELCAS to help veterans get into further education to help them work towards a new career.
You can see what nursing courses are available on the UCAS website to help you find a course that suits your career aspirations.
#8-Fitness Bootcamp Instructor
Salary: £21,000-£36,000
If you’re interested in helping groups of people build mental and physical resilience through high-energy workouts, then you might want to become a boot camp instructor. This is one of the best-paid jobs for ex-military personnel who enjoy fitness and leadership.
As a Fitness Bootcamp Instructor, you’ll be responsible for:
- Preparing workouts for class sessions
- Tracking client processes
- Motivating and supporting classes during sessions
You’ll need to hold at least a Level 2 Fitness Instructing Qualification to start running your own boot camp business.
It will also be important for you to have your own business plan so you know the demographics of the people you’ll end up instructing in these sessions and how much you’ll charge.
You’ll also need to make sure you have Bootcamp Insurance from providers like Insure4Sport. This will make sure you’re covered legally and financially in events such as a client gets injured, your equipment is damaged, or you are unable to work for extended periods.
Many ex-military personnel have gone on to start their own fitness boot camp, such as Dan Harrison, a former Royal Marine who set up CXF Wellbeing:
Thanks to the growing demand for group training, Becoming a Bootcamp Fitness Instructor is a high-energy career with strong earning potential. The best part? Your earning is unlimited with your own business as you have direct control over pricing.
#9-Education
Salary: £24,000-£41,000
If you want a structured and rewarding career after completing your military service, teaching could be for you!
The leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills you will have developed can help you transition into your role as a teacher.
These skills will help you:
- Write structured lesson plans to teach students knowledge
- Help students grasp learning concepts with simple and manageable instructions
- Deliver class objectives during lessons and complete marking on time
- Cover classes for absent teachers
Through the Get Into Teaching scheme, you can receive a large bursary to support your teacher training. This will help cover the cost of the teacher training you need to help you have a career in education:
If you’re wondering what are the best jobs for ex-military, teaching is a career path that offers long-term growth opportunities.
#10-Automotive Industry
Salary: £42,000-£60,000
As ex-military personnel, you’ll probably have experience working with large and heavy machinery. This will make you an ideal candidate to work in the automotive industry.
You’re technical expertise professional knowledge and skills to:
- Diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues
- Installing and maintaining components for safety and performance
- Offering clear feedback and instructions to others
Employers will also value your ability to work independently or as part of a team so you can carry out repairs alone and collaborate on complex tasks that require completion.
On Demo Jobs, there is a list of automotive vacancies for ex-military that you can consider:
A career in the automotive industry will allow you to apply your technical skills in a hands-on role where precision and problem-solving are highly valued.
#11-Sports Massage Therapy
Salary: £26,000-£54,000
The skills you’ve developed in the military – such as treating injuries and providing rehabilitation – can translate well into becoming a Sports Massage Therapist.
As a veteran, you’ll bring valuable skills like:
- Communication– To understand clients’ needs and offer correct treatment
- Working under pressure– Handling injury/recovery cases and treating athletes
- Staying disciplined-Developing structure treatment plans and operating a professional practice
To be eligible for these positions you’ll need to complete a Level 3 Sports Massage Therapy Qualification. This will teach you the foundational skills needed to help clients with their:
- Muscle recovery
- Injury prevention
- Performance enhancement
As a qualified sports massage therapist, you’ll also have the opportunity to work with a variety of clients, including general fitness enthusiasts, sports teams or clinical patients. An example of what these positions look like can be found below:
Alternatively, if you wanted the freedom to choose your working hours and the types of services you offered, you could work as a self-employed sports massage therapist.
You could take inspiration from Medic Massage who is a veteran herself, delivering sports massage therapy services through social media:
By combining your passion for health and fitness with your military experience, you can create a rewarding career path in sports rehabilitation. It’s a great chance to help clients recover from injuries and help those who want to optimise their performance.
What Are Some Challenges Facing Ex-Military Personnel Looking For New Employment?
Ex-military personnel can face different challenges when trying to find employment in the civilian job market.
According to a 2021 study by SSAFA, 46% of recruiters hesitate to hire ex-service members.
This is a result of the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. This stereotype around veterans can be damaging, creating barriers for those who are ready to transition into civilian life.
Thankfully, many valuable resources is combating this negative stigma to improve employment prospects.
What Employment Resources Are Available To Help Secure Jobs for Ex-Military?
We’ve already mentioned The Great Place to Work Scheme and Get into Teaching funding available to veterans interested in careers in the Civil Service and teaching.
Fortunately, other resources can support ex-military personnel as they transition into civilian careers.
#1 Employment for Veterans Scheme
This is a government-run initiative that simplifies the recruitment process for veterans looking for a career after completing their service.
Through the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme the application criteria are relaxed for veterans so they meet the minimum criteria.
And The Office for Veteran Affairs, helps ex-military personnel find employment anywhere in the world.
#2 Royal British Legion (RBL)
The RBL supports veterans by offering CV workshops and interview preparation. This charity helps ex-military personnel refine their job applications, boost their confidence, and ultimately land civilian roles.
#3 CTP Partnership
The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) collaborates with The Forces Employment Charity. They help veterans use their military experience to apply for civilian jobs with matching skills.
They focus on helping ex-military find employment in industries like engineering, transport, and energy, the CTP offers programs that connect veterans with potential employers, helping them secure long-term careers.
#4 Job Fairs
Job fairs are a great way for veterans to talk directly with employers who value people with military experience.
These events can also feature specialised recruiters and training providers who are there to help veterans network and gain qualifications to improve their employment chances.
What If I Need Help Becoming Self-Employed?
If you’re feeling ambitious and want to start your own business there are resources to help you on your journey on gov.uk.
This includes the The Forces Employment Charity which offers advice on setting up your own business.
The X-Forces Enterprise also offers support, dedicating itself to supporting veterans and their families who want to start a business.
Before You Go!
Now that you know about the different careers waiting for you after you complete your service, you can go out and find a role that fulfils your passions.
If you’re interested in fitness and want to help others change their lives for the better, enrol on OriGym’s Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma. Here you can learn how to create bespoke fitness programmes to suit various goals.
Download our FREE course prospectus to learn more about all our course opportunities.