· News

See the best: job fair and networking event for ex-Forces personnel

A company specialising in helping ex-Forces personnel return to work has staged a major event to highlight some of the issues facing service leavers.

Gemini Forces held a job fair and networking event, working with Runcorn-based Drivers Direct as the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS).

It was the second time the company has run such an event, attracting 40 exhibitors and 360 delegates and was also attended by the mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council, Brian Parker.

The event aimed to help past, present and future service leavers and their family members access a range of support organisations and find meaningful employment. It also included practical help in areas such as CV writing.

Neil Dean, business development manager at Gemini Forces, said: "Our first event earlier this year broke new ground in providing a forum for employers to meet potential employees who have either left or are thinking of leaving the Services.

"Our latest event has built on that success with a larger number of exhibitors and delegates attending. It was the ideal environment for Services leavers and their families to meet employers and make them aware of their skillsets and experiences gained in military life which could make them attractive as employees in civilian life.

"The event also offered an educational element whereby it introduced delegates to training packages they are entitled to when leaving the Services, as well as coaching them in practical areas such as CV writing."