The aerospace and defence (A&D) industry offers a natural transition for veterans looking to leverage their military experience in the civilian workforce. With their unique background, discipline, and understanding of defence systems, ex-military personnel is well-positioned in terms of cultural fit and experience to excel in this sector, leveraging the following skill sets:
- Technical expertise: Many former military personnel have hands-on experience with advanced military technologies, which translates well to civilian defence systems.
- Leadership and teamwork: Military service instills strong leadership qualities and the ability to work effectively in teams.
- Problem-solving: Veterans are trained to think critically and solve complex problems under pressure.
- Security clearance: Many already hold security clearances, which is a significant advantage in the defence sector.
- Adaptability: Military personnel are accustomed to adapting to new environments and technologies quickly.
Top Companies for Ex-Military Personnel and Veterans in the UK
Unsurprisingly when looking at the top 10 UK employers of veterans, four of the ten are in the aerospace or defence sector.
- Amazon
- BAE Systems (Aerospace)
- Babcock International (Aerospace)
- Centrica
- Balfour Beatty
- Inzpire (Defence)
- Mitie
- Mott MacDonald
- Pertemps
- Leidos UK (Defence)
Click here to view the UK’s Top 50 Employers of Veterans. There are also numerous organsations and schemes available in the UK to help connect ex-military personnel with employers:
- Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA)
- British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS)
- Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
- Officers' Association
- X-Forces Enterprise
In contrast, in the US the top 10 employers of veterans cover a more diverse range of sectors, with Aerospace & Defence still making an appearance in the form of Lockheed Martin.
- United States Department of Energy
- Ricoh USA
- Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
- Southwest Airlines
- Christiana Care Health System
- Duke Energy
- Steel Dynamics
- H-E-B
- Lockheed Martin (Aerospace & Defence)
While military experience is valuable, additional education or certifications can enhance a veteran's competitiveness in the job market:
- Degree programmes: Many universities offer degree programs tailored to veterans in fields like aerospace engineering or defence management.
- Certifications: Industry-specific certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can also be beneficial.
- Transition programs: Organisations like Hiring Our Heroes offer programs specifically designed to help veterans transition into civilian careers.
Networking can also play a key role for veterans seeking opportunities in the aerospace and defence industry. Attending ex-military-specific job fairs, joining professional associations, and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with fellow veterans and join industry groups are essential.
Additionally, many A&D companies have dedicated schemes to hire and support veterans, further facilitating their integration into the industry.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the transition can be challenging, the A&D industry always seeks to actively hire veterans.
Some 164,000 jobs in the UK have been generated by the industry over the last decade at a growth rate of 16% with an average salary of £40k, according to the latest defence outlook from industry body ADS Group.
In comparison, the US A&D industry offers competitive salaries, with an annual average of $108,900, which is approximately 55% above the national average. This makes it an attractive option for veterans looking for a rewarding career.
The transition from military service to a civilian career in aerospace and defense can be a natural and rewarding path for veterans. By leveraging their skills, pursuing relevant education and certifications, and taking advantage of networking opportunities, veterans can find success in this innovative industry.
As the A&D sector continues to grow and evolve, the expertise and experience of veterans will remain in high demand, offering exciting career prospects for those who’ve served their country.
