Plymouth has a lot to be proud of. We have the largest naval base in western Europe, the UK's first National Marine Park, the largest manufacturing sector in southern England, a growing health sector, an internationally significant expertise in marine autonomy and immersive digital, and an economy moving towards net zero and capitalising on the green industrial revolution.

With approximately 3,000 live job vacancies at any one time, Plymouth is a city of opportunity, and we are eager to support military families to stay in the city and utilise their vital skills in contributing to our economy.

To support service leavers and veterans to explore the careers available locally, we are working closely with Plymouth-based employers and partners to improve awareness of the opportunities available. Keep an eye on our News and Events page for bespoke opportunities for the Armed Forces community, including workshops, careers fairs and behind-the-scenes opportunities.

The Forces Employment Charity provide life-long support, jobs and training opportunities to service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families.

Irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving, their specialist team can offer a range of practical tools and advice for gaining employment. They are on hand to support with the challenges that occur when transitioning into civilian life.

They provide a wide range of practical tools and advice, including:

• advice on career choices

• researching the job market

• job matching

• training

• recommendations for courses and education opportunities

• support with CV writing

• advice on interview techniques

• expert industry knowledge and updates

• events and employment fairs.

As a charity, they work in close partnership with other organisations and employers who like themselves, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

The Forces Employment Charity has been supporting veterans and their families for over 137 years. For further information on how they could help you or your family, click here or to find out more about current programmes, click here

As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is improving the way current and former members of the armed forces and their families access Jobcentre Plus services. This includes having an armed forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus district, who ensures that support is provided to where it is needed most.

The role of the Armed Forces Champion is to:

• support members of the armed forces community. They personally handle some claims, supporting you into work, and can help resolve complex cases

• develop and maintain joint working arrangements between Jobcentre Plus and the armed forces community in their Jobcentre Plus district.

• provide an understanding of the issues the forces community face that can be a barrier to employment

• focus specifically on the Jobcentre Plus support available to veterans, service leavers, those within a resettlement period and spouses and civil partners of serving and ex-service personnel – where necessary and appropriate, the champions will work to put support in place

• support Jobcentre Plus district staff to identify and work with local employers and partners, maximising opportunities for the armed forces community.

To find out more about DWP Armed Forces Champions, click here.

As a long-established organisation, working within Plymouth and the surrounding area, the Improving Lives team have an excellent track record of delivering services and developing new ones to meet the needs of individuals, community and voluntary organisations.

They run information, advice and support services for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, as well as a support hub for Plymouth veterans and their families. The hub is run by veterans and their families and works with a range of organisations in the city to shape better pathways. The hub works, with local health service partners, to help veterans get the support that they are entitled to, under the Military Covenant.

As an organisation, they can help offer advice and guidance around:

• social activity

• peer support and mentoring

• employment

• housing

• mental wellbeing

• unpaid carers support

• welfare benefits.

They host regular drop-in sessions and social support groups.

To find out more about how Improving Lives could help you, click here.

The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Reed in Partnership, together with the Forces Employment Charity. Alongside a history of over 130 years, this combination of experts offers long-standing expertise with a modern approach to those seeking employment.

The skills and qualifications veterans acquire during service are in demand. CTP can help service leavers to transfer these skills into new careers and demonstrate to employers how their skills and values can fit within their workforce.

All service leavers can benefit from the free support provided by the Forces Employment Charity and CTP. The organisations understand the challenges being faced and are here to empower service leavers to meet those challenges and take their next steps.

If you would like to know how the Career Transition Partnership could support you and your family, click here.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity is the principal charity of the royal navy.

Their aim is to raise funds, working with others, to provide the support needed to both serving, and former members of the Naval Service and their families. They see a world in which our sailors, marines and their families are valued and supported for life.

Since 2007, the charity has funded projects and facilities that boost morale for those who serve today. It also distributes millions of pounds annually to military charities which care for the children, families and veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

Through grants, the charity is able to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Their funding means that they can support elderly veterans, making sure that they can enjoy life after serving in the Armed Forces.

As life can be tough sometimes, The RNRMC also work with partners that offer programmes to serving members and their families. These programmes offer help and support around relationships, communication and resolving conflict. They offer a free counselling service where you can arrange to speak to someone face to face, online, or on the telephone.

They also work with partners around children, supporting them through challenging times, with the practical help of sports and activity camps, keeping them fit and healthy!

This amazing charity provides pastoral support to serving members, their families and veterans. To find out how the RNRMC could help you, click here

Active Plus is a community interest company that uses the skills, experience and expertise of injured and retired military veterans, to deliver unique programmes that build confidence, improve motivation, generate a sense of belonging and self-worth; helping people to unlock and fulfil their potential.

They concentrate on five areas, futures, work, well-being, aging and business. As an organisation, they support people who are unemployed, people with health conditions, elderly people that are lonely and young people at risk of leaving school without qualifications.

Through group work and 1:1 sessions, they help people to look at things differently and embrace change. The run a number of programmes, including Supporting injured military veterans, active plus health and wellbeing and active aging.

To find out more about Active Plus and how they could help you, click here

Argyle Community Trust are proud to be the official charity for Plymouth Argyle Football Club. The Trust uses the prestige of football and the reach of the club to inspire, engage and help people of all ages, achieve their full potential.

Argyle Community Trust has a clear vision, along with their national partners, to be an active, inspirational and inclusive community hub for the south west region. They aim to have a positive impact on a range of groups within society, and to provide the local community with the opportunity to explore their full potential, improve their life chances and aspirations through the power of football and Plymouth Argyle FC.

As a non-profit organisation, they have changed lives and inspired people over the past 20 years and envisage this to continue for many years to come! They offer a range of courses and support for all ages, including, football, training and education.

They are currently offering “Fit fans Veterans”, as well as their practical courses around Employability. With a number of locations to choose from, the Employability courses are designed to increase motivation and help with wellbeing and self-esteem.

To find out more about opportunities with Argyle Community Trust, click here

Vistry are one of the top five house builders in the UK. They develop sustainable new homes and communities across all sectors of the UK housing market.

Vistry Group are a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant and committed to ensuring that forces personnel, both past and present, and their families are treated with respect and fairness.

Serving personnel and active reservists can also benefit from a generous discount scheme on homes.

Along with other partners, they offer the Armed Forces Construction Site Ready Plus programme. This programme aims to prepare you for work within the construction industry, when you leave the armed forces. The programme offers a real working environment, with onsite advice and guidance. The course will prepare you for construction health and safety questions that are required as part of the essential CSCS site passport.

There is also the opportunity to further training in property maintenance and electrical green skills.

For further information on Vistry Group, click here

MPCT is a military academy that helps 16 to 19-year-olds to develop their fitness, vocational qualifications, and employability skills to help prepare for employment, including rewarding careers in the British Armed Forces.

The whole programme has a military context. This means that students will learn about career goals, the world of work, and how they can make a positive contribution to their communities.

The courses cover the following:

• Physical fitness for the military

• Understanding the military

• Teamwork for military service

• Fieldcraft for military service

• Health and safety in the military

• Navigation skills in the military

• Leadership skills in the military

• Communication skills in the military

Whether you have family looking to start their careers, or you are interested in training future generations, to find out more about the MPCT, click here