Victoria left the Army after serving for more than 23 years. Unfortunately, a medical discharge meant it was time for Victoria to look for a second career outside of the military, which is where the CTP stepped in with resettlement support.
Resettlement
Once registered for her support, Victoria attended a 3-day Career Transition Workshop (CTW) and spoke with her CTP Specialist Employment Consultant Nicole, who she built a very good relationship with, to try and identify where she could take her career outside of the Armed Forces:
“I attended the transition workshop but still didn’t know what I was going to do after the Forces due to my limited movement and functionality. At the end of the day I sat down with my consultant, Nicole, on a one to one basis and she suggsted I look into becoming a Swimming Teacher.
"Nicole was amazing. She listened to my concerns and answered any questions I had throughout the process. She is very approachable and will go out of her way to ensure you’re doing well.”
Victoria then looked into potential training courses and work experience opportunities that would help her not only feel confident in pursuing a new career, but to also understand what the day-to-day responsibilities of a Swimming Teacher were:
“I did some research and booked myself in for both the Level 1 and Level 2 Theory and Practical Training courses at a nearby leisure centre.
"I then attended a work placement where I could observe for the day and see first-hand what the job would entail. Once I saw that the role was right for me, I used my remaining resettlement funds to become a fully qualified Swimming Teacher.”
Successful Outcome
Victoria is now a Level 2 Swimming Teacher with Volair Leisure Centre, a role she found by taking the initiative and reaching out to them directly:
“I emailed the leisure centre and explained my situation and that I’d love to attend an observation day – to which they were very accommodating. Shortly after completing all my training and qualifications, they offered me a job! And I now deliver swimming lessons to all abilities and ages, including school group sessions.
"I even have a mentor at work who I can speak with if I ever need any guidance, which has been a huge help in settling into my new role.”
Advice
As a final piece of advice to fellow Service leavers, Victoria says:
“Look at all your options, utilise the CTP’s training courses and guidance, and stay positive and focused throughout your resettlement journey.”
If you’d like to find out more about the wealth of training courses available through the CTP, please click here.