The expanding technology sector and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats are generating significant employment possibilities. Forecasts indicate the worldwide cybersecurity market will achieve a value of £210 billion by 2026. However, within the U.K., a relatively small percentage of military veterans – specifically 4% of the 952,000 working-age (16-64) veterans and the 15,000 who leave service annually – are currently employed in technology or cybersecurity roles. This represents a 20% disparity compared to the non-veteran population. The economic impact of underemployment or unemployment among veterans is estimated at £1.5 billion over a five-year period. Consequently, a valuable pool of talent – individuals specifically trained to adapt to rapidly evolving circumstances, much like those we are currently experiencing – is being underutilized as the digitization of both business and society accelerates.

Therefore, the new collaboration between the U.K.’s RFEA, the Forces Employment charity, and TechVets, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating veterans’ transition into cybersecurity and the broader technology industry, is particularly noteworthy.

Through the support of the RFEA, TechVets will significantly expand its provision of free upskilling and employment opportunities for service leavers and veterans who are interested in pursuing technology careers. This will be achieved through its comprehensive network of networking events, mentorship programs, guidance services, and training courses, all delivered via the new TechVets Academy.

This initiative arrives at a crucial time. It is projected that over 173,000 U.K. military veterans are vulnerable due to the economic consequences of COVID-19 and the conclusion of the government’s furlough scheme in March 2021.

Since its inception in 2018, TechVets has cultivated a community exceeding 6,000 members and established multiple local “chapters” throughout the U.K.

TechVets empowers individuals new to the cyber and technology fields by utilizing a combination of freely available resources, partner-led training programs, and community-based support, enabling them to select the most suitable career path. All of these resources are offered at no cost to veterans and those transitioning out of service.

In a released statement, he commented: “Individuals with a background in the Armed Forces possess a strong understanding of the complexities involved in security-related work. Former service members also demonstrate a natural aptitude for learning new skills and are adept problem-solvers, capable of collaborating effectively within a team. They are accustomed to performing well under pressure and within strict time constraints. These transferable skills are highly valuable assets in the security and technology sectors, and can help address the existing skills gap in these fields.”

Alistair Halliday, RFEA’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “The TechVets Programme is a welcome addition to RFEA’s range of services and will undoubtedly encourage talented veterans to explore technology and security-focused careers that they may not have previously considered. It will also assist veterans in developing their digital skills to broaden their employment opportunities.”

Gareth Paterson, a TechVets member, began his Army career in 1994 as a tank crewman before transitioning to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an instructor in 2001. He concluded his service in 2018 after completing operational deployments to Northern Ireland, the former Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan. He shared that TechVets has profoundly impacted his life: “I left the Army after 24 years of service… I was unsure of my next career move, and then I discovered offensive cybersecurity and penetration testing. Joining TechVets provided my initial exposure to the tools and techniques of penetration testing, and I immediately became enthusiastic! The support from everyone at TechVets and the strength of its community helped me build confidence and persevere. I was able to obtain qualifications in penetration testing, which enhanced my job prospects in the sector. By November 2018, I had secured a position as a cybersecurity consultant.”