Citation creates career pathways with longevity for ex-military

Stepping away from military service marks the beginning of a profound career change. It’s more than a change of uniform and scenery; it’s a completely different way of living.  

For many ex‑veterans, moving into civilian work can feel isolating, especially when full‑time roles are hard to find. It shouldn’t feel like starting again, but like stepping into roles that value the experience, leadership and problem‑solving skills built in high-pressure environments. 

Because the military woks very differently to civilian organisations, job searching and recruitment processes aren’t always familiar to service leavers. 

At Citation, we understand how important the right support is. Our pathways have already helped many veterans move into roles that suit their skills. Our partnership with the Forces Transition Group (FTG), formed five years ago, reflects our long-term commitment to supporting service leavers. And this has now been formally recognised with the FTG Gold Award.  

Through the experiences of veterans like Wayne Thompson, we see how these pathways also show other businesses the value ex-military professionals can bring. 

From combat zones to civilian boardrooms   

Wayne, like many other force leavers, had closed the chapter on a career that took him across continents. Together, these veterans gave decades of service, showing leadership and calm decision-making in some of the most challenging situations imaginable.  

Wayne was awarded the Accumulated Service Medal, which reflects the depth of his contribution. Moving from a structured military life into civilian workplaces be difficult, and over a third of veterans feeling unprepared. Wayne’s experience highlights a how military skills are often not fully understood or recognised by employers.   

How Citation supports veteran challenges   

Wayne, like many other service leavers worked with the FTG, attending job fairs and accessing training support to prepare for new opportunities. It was at one of those in-person jobs fair he was introduced to Citation. Follow up conversations and ongoing support led to the opportunity for Wayne to join the team.   

Methods that made the difference  

Military professionals bring strong values and attitudes that closely align with Citation’s culture. The transferable skills they bring add significant value – they just need translating into civilian terms.  

We use our understanding of veterans’ military backgrounds to fill any skill gaps not covered by their training:  

• Shadowing: Veterans are invited to shadow another ex-military colleague for a clearer picture of the role. A shared background means advice is practical, honest, and reassuring.  

• Tailored onboarding: Veterans take part in a weeklong induction at our head office, where they meet key people and learn the systems, processes, and client work. 

• Structured training and qualifications: We empower our people with the training they need to do the job well. They can add the qualifications they gain to their CV.   

• Gradual responsibility building: Veterans take on the next responsibility when they’re ready, allowing them to progress with confidence.   

Where is Wayne now?   

Seven months into his Citation career at Citation, Wayne’s already making a significant impact. His ability to take ownership, combined with the fresh perspective he brings, has added real value to the business in a short space of time.  

Wayne enrolled onto the Tech to Grad (now CertIOSH) programme and achieved a Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety. To support this, we arranged shadow visits with consultants across sectors, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, care, and retail, giving first-hand exposure to the varied risks and practices. It showed Wayne how his transferable skills can be applied to these new settings.  

He’s now been signed off as a consultant and is fully integrated in the field team.  

John Stephenson, Managing Director of FTG shared: 

“As firm and loved partners by the Armed Forces Community, Citation has shown how to create an environment to allow Service Leavers and Veterans to prosper. 

“Citation has earned Gold Status within the FTG Partnership and stands proudly amongst the top 10% of businesses we work with, creating amazing futures for those that have served their country.” 

Michelle Taylor, Health, Safety & Fire Director at Citation adds:  

“Having personally transitioned from the forces and faced the challenge of identifying where my transferable skills could be valuable in a civilian workplace, I understand the difficulties. I am incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts in supporting the FTG and their service leaver community. 

I have gained excellent team members with a remarkable work ethic and thirst for knowledge. This partnership has not only strengthened our talent pipeline, but it has also enabled service leavers to confidently step into meaningful civilian careers.”  

Citation’s awarded work with the FTG offers inspiration to other businesses. With the right support and structured career pathways, more veterans can find their feet faster in the civilian world, while businesses benefit from a new recruitment stream of resilient, skilled team players.