Veterans are being offered a chance to up their skills and boost their chances of employment thanks to a new online education initiative.
It comes after 2020 saw record numbers of people in the UK being made redundant thanks to the global pandemic, with thousands left unable to fend for their families amid an increasingly competitive job market.
Now, the partnership between online skills hub Study Academy and RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, which supports ex-Military personnel into employment, will see 1,500 free courses given to those who need them most.
Already, Study Academy has given thousands of sponsored courses away to help people who have lost their jobs or have found themselves unemployable during the Covid pandemic – but founder John Loveday says this project hits particularly close to home.
“As a veteran myself, I fully understand that it can be difficult to find your feet when leaving the military. At times, I found it extremely difficult to adapt and find employment,” he said.
RFEA has already worked with thousands of people through the Covid pandemic, with a 35% jump in the number of veterans reaching out for support in 2020 alone. With this latest partnership, it’s hoped that many will be able to jump back onto the job ladder sooner than they think.
But the main focus will be on the charity’s Project Nova initiative, a programme run in partnership with RFEA and Walking With The Wounded, supports veterans who have been arrested or are at risk of arrest.
Operating across South Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East, North West, Midlands, South West and East of England, it aims to provide specialist support to those who are vulnerable, in the hopes of helping them learn the skills they need to return to civilian life after the forces.
Colin Back, Project Nova’s National Manager, said, “The new partnership with Study Academy offers a great opportunity for Project Nova beneficiaries. The global covid-19 pandemic and resulting national lockdowns means that access to quality online learning has become even more important. Study Academy has generously given those who we support free access to their platform, enabling them to develop and learn new skills through a digital platform.”
Those who take up the initiative will have the chance to study numerous subjects with courses worth up to £2,000. So, whether they are looking to simply boost their CV with a little help, or learn a new trade altogether, there is an online course for everyone.
John added, “The work that the team are doing at Project Nova is amazing. Such a support network is vital for veterans, and Study Academy is proud to be supporting it. I am sure the relationship will grow, enabling us to impact as many veterans as possible.”
How to get involved
Many of the courses being offered within this partnership have been funded by our generous corporate sponsors. Sponsorship is still open, and you can get involved from as little as £50 for 50 courses. For every pound, someone is given the opportunity to start a new career path or build the skills they desperately need to find a job.
To get involved, all you need to do is sign up to one of our sponsorship packages right here.
For more information about the free online course offer at Study Academy, click here.
About Project Nova
Project Nova, delivered in partnership between RFEA and Walking With The Wounded, is there to offer help to those who have been arrested and enter Police Custody. It also supports Veterans who are referred by specialist Police teams, or other statutory organisations, because they are at risk of arrest. The scheme was launched in 2014 and currently operates across South Yorkshire and Humberside, the North East, North West, Midlands, South West and East of England.
Upon receiving a referral, Project Nova co-ordinators undertake a needs assessment to establish what support is required by the individual, followed by practical support offered through a network of local charities. Project Nova co-ordinators understand the experiences of ex-servicemen and women both during and after their military careers – empathy which gives veterans the strength they need to make changes to their lives and access support through health and specialist services.
