News story

Careers service launched for injured heroes

Injured and wounded Service personnel are being given access to new career opportunities with the launch of the Recovery Career Services.

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Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover is among over 200 commercial providers who have signed up to the Recovery Career Services (stock image) [Picture: Copyright Jaguar Land Rover Limited]

Car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has signed up to the Recovery Career Services

The new services, now available via a brand new web portal, will ensure injured troops have access to the most comprehensive range of vocational training, education and work placements to give them the best opportunity to compete in the civilian employment market.

Iconic car manufacturers including Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover, along with businesses such as Barclays, have got behind the new scheme to offer competitive work placements for injured troops. They join over 200 commercial providers who have signed up to provide sick, injured and wounded Service personnel with exciting opportunities, including working as pit crew at the World Endurance Championship in Le Mans.

Pit crew at the World Endurance Championship (stock image)

Opportunities available under the scheme include working as pit crew at the World Endurance Championship in Le Mans (stock image) [Picture: JonasPhoto, Creative Commons]

The roll-out of the new careers service coincides with today’s announcement that the Defence Recovery Capability is now fully operational. The MOD-led initiative, delivered in partnership with Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, will ensure that all wounded, injured and sick personnel have access to the full range of key services and resources, including personalised recovery plans, to help them at every stage of their recovery.

Mark Francois, Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, said:

Our injured heroes give everything in service of their country and it is only right that we do all we can to help them in their recovery. I am therefore delighted that the Defence Recovery Capability, supported by charities such as Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion, has now achieved full operating capability.

This will ensure all our wounded, injured and sick serving personnel can access tailor-made support and bespoke career assistance to help them return to duty or make an effective transition to civilian life.

Mark Francois

Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Mark Francois (library image) [Picture: Harland Quarrington, Crown copyright]

Chris Simpkins, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said:

The Royal British Legion is proud to be part of the unique partnership delivering the Defence Recovery Capability alongside MOD and Help for Heroes. With our charity partners, we are making the biggest charitable financial commitment in history to the British Armed Forces, and I can think of no better reason than supporting our brave Service personnel who are wounded, injured or sick return to an active and fulfilling Service or civilian life.

Bryn and Emma Parry, co-founders of Help for Heroes, said:

We have worked together to establish the Defence Recovery Capability and now we must continue to work together to ensure that it delivers the very best support for the wounded, injured and sick and their families through the long years of peace when they will still be battling.

Bryn Parry chats with soldiers

Help for Heroes co-founder Bryn Parry (left) chats with soldiers at Catterick Garrison (library image) [Picture: Mark Owens, Crown copyright]

All injured and wounded personnel who come under the Defence Recovery Capability will receive a personalised recovery plan covering all aspects of their recovery including medical care, welfare, housing, reskilling, education, work placements, and employment issues and opportunities.

Complex or lengthy cases are transferred to personnel recovery units across the UK which deliver consistent and high-quality command and care in order to gain the right outcome for the individual and the Ministry of Defence.

For further information visit www.gov.uk/defence-recovery-and-personnel-recovery-centres

For injured and wounded personnel wishing to access comprehensive career advice and the full range of partners supporting the scheme, visit www.recoverycareerservices.org.uk

Published 11 June 2013