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.
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Teri Butcher, Training and Community Administrator for TechVets. Our TechVets events, training, and online members group support the Armed Forces community to transition and progress in cyber and technology careers. Read on to hear about Teri’s journey, and why she’s so passionate about helping others succeed.
Tell us about your role at the Forces Employment Charity?
I’m the Training and Community Administrator for TechVets, which means I look after all our training pathways and the 6,000 members in our online community. A huge part of my role is running onboarding sessions, supporting clients through the training we offer, and helping them work out what tech career might suit them best.
I’m active every day in our online community and on email, guiding people toward the right resources and helping them choose the pathway that aligns with their goals – whether that’s cyber, UX design, project management, digital marketing, or something completely new. We have loads of ways clients can showcase their current skills and interests, and from there, I help them figure out what training could get them where they want to be.
What motivated you to join the Forces Employment Charity?
I originally came to the charity as a client. Tanya, from the Families team, supported me and introduced me to TechVets, where I completed digital marketing training. Seeing the impact the team had, not just on me but on so many within the community, made me want to be part of it.
I’ve grown up surrounded by military life. My dad served, and my partner is currently serving, so supporting the Armed Forces community feels completely natural. Knowing how transformative TechVets can be for families like mine is exactly why I applied.
What is your favourite part of your role?
The community. Without a doubt.
Our community is incredible. The tech industry moves so fast that even in my role, I regularly lean on the community’s expertise. They bring real, up-to-date industry insight – whether that’s which qualifications employers are asking for, what’s changing in cyber, or niche areas I’m not familiar with.
We have members at every level, from those just starting out to hiring managers and experts at the very top of the industry. That mix of experience is invaluable, and the support they give each other (and me!) is what makes TechVets so special.
Can you tell us more about the training and community TechVets has to offer?
We offer a wide range of free training that support the Armed Forces community even if they are just looking to upskill. We offer Skillsoft training, which spans an enormous range of tech subjects and pathways. As well as Google certificates covering UX design, IT support, digital marketing, project management and AI essentials. The list is truly extensive. But I would say our biggest asset is the community itself. Members can connect with others, including industry professionals, hiring managers and fellow learners, to get insider knowledge, mentorship, industry updates, and advice you just won’t find on Google.
How has being a military partner shaped your career?
It has certainly influenced my journey, but I have never let it stop me. With my partner often deployed and juggling everything with the kids, I’ve had to take sideways steps at times. But I’ve always kept my career moving, even if it meant upskilling in the evenings or training around family life.
I try to use the situation as a strength. When I’ve had time to myself, I’ve used it to study and push myself towards the career I want. I want other military partners to know they can do the same.
What advice would you give to military spouses or partners trying to re-enter the workforce?
Stop listening to the people who say you can’t have a career because your partner is in the military. You absolutely can.
Whether you want to work towards a high–level role or start small while you rebuild confidence, your partner’s job shouldn’t dictate your potential. Yes, childcare and deployments can make things challenging, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing the career you deserve.
What has been your most memorable experience with TechVets?
It has to be TechVets winning a Soldiering On Award last year. Just being nominated was huge for us. We don’t always realise the scale of the impact TechVets has on the community because it’s our day-to-day work. Finding out we were finalists was incredible, and then winning was surreal. I remember looking at the team across the table, all of us were completely stunned.
We were sitting with some Chelsea Pensioners who’d been cheering us on all night, saying, “We told you you were going to win!” It was a moment I’ll never forget.
What hobbies or activities help you unwind?
Now that we’ve moved and finally have a proper garden, I’ve taken up gardening this year. I’m still learning, so if anyone has any gardening tips, I’ll happily take them!
Any final message for anyone in the military community who is unsure about joining TechVets?
Join. You’ve got absolutely nothing to lose.
Even if you’re starting with the basics like learning Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or how to use a Mac – we can help. And if you already know what you want to do and just need a network to support you, the community is there for that too.
Whatever stage you’re at, we’ll support you.
Ready to get started?
Register with the Forces Employment Charity today to access TechVets, explore free training, and join our tech community.
