Benefits Bank

Military Skills Translator

Tools or services that help service members translate their military skills into civilian job market terms.

Group discussing available redeployment benefits

Military Skills Translator Explained

The Military Skills Translator is a tool designed to help military leavers and veterans identify how their military experience and skills can be applied to civilian job roles. It translates military jargon and job titles into civilian terms, making it easier for employers to understand the value and expertise that veterans bring to the workforce. By inputting their military occupation codes or job descriptions, users receive a list of potential civilian careers that align with their skills and experience. This tool not only aids in crafting CVs and cover letters but also boosts confidence by highlighting transferable skills that veterans might not have initially recognised. It serves as a bridge between military service and civilian employment, ensuring that veterans can effectively communicate their capabilities to potential employers and find fulfilling career paths post-service.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the Military Skills Translator is primarily extended to military leavers and veterans who are transitioning to civilian life. This includes individuals from all branches of the armed forces who have completed their service and are seeking to enter the civilian job market. The tool is designed to cater to those who may find it challenging to translate their military roles and responsibilities into terms that civilian employers can easily understand. It is particularly beneficial for veterans who wish to identify and leverage their transferable skills in new career paths. Additionally, the tool can be utilised by career advisors and support organisations working with veterans to facilitate their transition into civilian employment. By using the Military Skills Translator, veterans can gain a clearer understanding of how their military experience aligns with civilian job opportunities, enhancing their employability and confidence in pursuing new career ventures.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Skill Identification: Translates military experience into civilian job skills, helping veterans understand their transferable skills.
  • Job Matching: Aligns military skills with civilian job opportunities, increasing the chances of finding suitable employment.
  • Resume Enhancement: Provides language and terminology that can be used to enhance resumes, making them more appealing to civilian employers.
  • Career Guidance: Offers insights into potential career paths based on military experience, aiding in career planning and development.
  • Increased Confidence: Helps veterans articulate their skills and experiences effectively, boosting confidence during job searches and interviews.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connects veterans with potential employers and industry professionals, expanding their professional network.
  • Educational Pathways: Identifies educational programs that align with military skills, facilitating further education and training.
  • Time Efficiency: Streamlines the job search process by quickly identifying relevant job opportunities and career paths.

How do I apply?

  • Research Available Tools: Identify military skills translator tools online, such as O*NET's Military Crosswalk or My Next Move for Veterans.
  • Gather Your Information: Compile your military job titles, duties, and any certifications or training you have received.
  • Access the Translator Tool: Visit the website of your chosen military skills translator tool.
  • Input Your Military Experience: Enter your military occupation code (MOC) or job title into the tool.
  • Review Civilian Job Matches: Analyze the list of civilian job equivalents and skills that match your military experience.
  • Explore Job Descriptions: Click on job titles to read detailed descriptions and required qualifications.
  • Refine Your Resume: Use the translated skills and job matches to update your resume, highlighting relevant experience for civilian roles.
  • Seek Additional Resources: Consider reaching out to veteran employment services for further assistance and guidance.

Summary

The Military Skills Translator is an essential tool for UK military service leavers transitioning to civilian employment. It converts military experience into civilian job market terms, helping veterans identify and articulate their transferable skills. By translating military jargon into civilian language, it bridges the gap between military and civilian employment, enhancing veterans' employability. The tool aids in crafting CVs and cover letters, boosts confidence, and provides career guidance by aligning military skills with civilian job opportunities. It also connects veterans with potential employers and educational pathways, streamlining the job search process. Eligibility extends to all military leavers and veterans, with the tool also serving career advisors and support organisations. To use the tool, veterans should research available options, gather their military information, input their experience, review civilian job matches, and refine their resumes. This process ensures veterans can effectively communicate their capabilities and pursue fulfilling post-service careers.

Useful Links

  • Career Transition Partnership (CTP) Offers a range of support services for military service leavers, including information on translating military skills to civilian roles. Visit CTP
  • Forces Employment Charity Provides guidance and resources for veterans transitioning to civilian employment, including skills translation. Visit Forces Employment Charity
  • Veterans' Gateway Offers a comprehensive resource hub for veterans, including information on career transition and skills translation. Visit Veterans' Gateway
  • British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) Supports service leavers with career transition, including translating military experience to civilian job markets. Visit BFRS
  • Gov.uk Veterans: Employment and Skills - Provides official government resources and guidance on employment and skills for veterans. Visit Gov.uk
  • The Officers' Association Offers career advice and support for officers transitioning to civilian life, including skills translation. Visit The Officers' Association
  • RFEA The Forces Employment Charity - Assists veterans in finding employment by helping translate military skills to civilian roles. Visit RFEA