Lifeworks, the award-winning employability programme delivered by RBLI, is set for further success following the Government’s decision to expand UK-wide career assistance for the Armed Forces community.
Veterans Minister Alistair Carns MP made the announcement at an audience of industry leaders and veterans during Mission Motorsport’s annual ‘National Transition’ careers event, which took place at Silverstone on Monday 24 February.
He outlined plans to expand the support available under Op ASCEND, a career-focused programme which is supported by Third Sector services, saying: “This Government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.
“Op ASCEND is a natural extension to the Government’s resettlement scheme, enabling veterans and their families to further maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level. This is about delivering a clear, easily accessible offering for veterans.
“From the time they join, to the time they leave service and beyond, veterans will be empowered to succeed, whether that be in protection of our nation, or through meaningful careers which maintain and develop their skills.”
Members of the Lifeworks team were among key stakeholders personally invited to hear the Minister’s address, while Mr Carns also visited their exhibition stand during the event.
Lifeworks is a unique, nationwide coaching and skills training programme. It excels in helping those veterans who face especially difficult journeys back into the labour market, including those who are long-term unemployed or are managing severe health and mental health conditions, all of which can jeopardise a return to work.
The programme, which includes four-day, in-person courses, has helped more than 6,000 veterans and their families since its launch in 2011.
Steve Parrott, Head of Lifeworks, said he was delighted to see a spotlight placed on vital topics of employability and equality of access to jobs. “We welcome the news that, thanks to plans to expand Op ASCEND, thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have extensive access to the type of enhanced career support we provide at Lifeworks,” he said.
“We have an outstanding track record of providing life-changing courses and opportunities for veterans. But our next priority is to ensure even greater engagement among key stakeholders and grass roots organisations, and to increase awareness of the life-changing support we can offer.
“It is pleasing that our mission of helping veterans back to employment and volunteering, and of being there for them at their time of greatest need, is being recognised at the highest level.”
Mr Carns MP praised the ambition and scale of RBLI’s services and reach when he visited the charity in October 2024.
The national impact of Lifeworks is huge: 80 per cent of veterans who have been on one of its courses gain employment, or otherwise training or volunteering opportunities, within 12 months. By equipping veterans with the skills for entering the workforce, it is estimated that the programme saves the UK economy £5.65 million each year
Now in its sixth year, and set against the backdrop of the iconic Silverstone racetrack, the National Transition Event sees a coming together of service leavers, veterans and family members and is the UK’s largest annual gathering of its kind.
As well as offering a range of career advice to the Armed Forces community, Op ASCEND has worked with hundreds of businesses to date, helping them understand the commercial and practical benefits of hiring veterans.
