The Forces Employment Charity exists to help Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families achieve their full potential in employment. We do this by offering life-long support, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving. Our team consists of a mixture of staff with civilian and military backgrounds – we’re here to listen.
Join us as we continue our monthly interviews across our departments. This month, we meet Sandra, Veteran Employment Consultant. Read on to learn more about her role and what drives her in supporting the Armed Forces community.
Tell us about your role at the Forces Employment Charity.
As a Veteran Support Employment Consultant for the West Midlands, I help veterans find meaningful civilian careers. I work closely with individuals to understand their skills, experiences, and aspirations, helping them translate these into opportunities in their local job market. This involves providing tailored career guidance, CV development, and interview preparation.
What motivated you to join the Forces Employment Charity?
I was motivated to join the Forces Employment Charity by a strong desire to support those who have served. Veterans bring a wealth of skills, experience, and resilience, but often face challenges translating them into civilian roles. I wanted to be part of an organisation that recognises this potential and actively works to bridge that gap. The opportunity to make a tangible difference, helping individuals build confidence, secure meaningful employment, and establish long-term careers, was a key driver for me, alongside a genuine respect for the Armed Forces community.
What is your favourite part of your role?
My favourite part of the role is seeing the tangible impact of the support I provide, especially when a veteran secures a job that genuinely fits their skills and ambitions. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone grow in confidence throughout the process, from initial uncertainty to successfully navigating interviews and starting a new career. I also really value building relationships, both with the individuals I support and with employers across the West Midlands, knowing that those connections create lasting opportunities for the Armed Forces community.
Do you have a connection to the Armed Forces community?
While I don’t have a direct personal connection to the Armed Forces, I’ve been influenced by my family’s background in running a locksmithing business, where they always recognised the value of hiring veterans. I grew up seeing firsthand the strong work ethic, reliability, and transferrable skills that veterans bring to a role, and how positively they contributed to the business. That early exposure gave me a real appreciation for the Armed Forces community and has shaped my passion for supporting veterans into meaningful employment today.
What is your most memorable experience whilst working for the Charity?
One of my most memorable experiences during my time at the Charity was supporting Armed Forces Day at the National Memorial Arboretum. It was a powerful and inspiring day, bringing together veterans, families, and organisations in a setting that truly honours service and sacrifice. Being able to engage with so many members of the Armed Forces community face-to-face, hear their stories, and offer support in such a meaningful environment really stood out to me. It reinforced why the work we do is so important and left a lasting impression on me both professionally and personally.
What hobbies or activities help you unwind?
Outside of work, I like to stay active and keep things varied. You’ll often find me at the gym or at a dance class, usually convincing myself I could be the newest member of Diversity! I also enjoy getting out for walks to clear my head and unwind, as well as spending time in the kitchen cooking, which I find a great way to relax and switch off.
What is your message to veterans unsure about reaching out?
If you’re unsure about reaching out, I’d say just take that first step – you don’t have to have everything figured out. Asking for support doesn’t mean you’re behind; it means you’re taking control of what comes next. There’s a lot of help available, and people who genuinely understand what you’re going through.
Even a simple conversation can open up options and give you a clearer sense of direction. You’ve already developed valuable skills and experience; sometimes, it just takes the right support to help you apply them in a new way.
