A new report, "Skills in Transition", reveals that UK Service leavers bring a unique combination of technical expertise and lived experience that aligns perfectly with the needs of modern schools. While the challenges of ageing school buildings are well-documented, veteran recruitment for schools offers an operational backbone that helps trusts move from reactive maintenance to proactive estate strategy.
The report identifies several key areas where military backgrounds provide a direct advantage for school estate management:
For school leaders, the greatest challenge is often finding staff who are not only skilled but consistently reliable. The report highlights that leadership, problem solving, and resilience are the top in-demand transferable skills requested by employers, all of which are vital components of effective school site management.
Beyond technical ability, veterans bring a set of core values and professional attributes that strengthen the operational integrity of a school:
Schools must look toward alternative pipelines of skilled workers. Recruiting veterans over 50 or those looking for a purposeful role after retirement is not just a hiring choice; it is a strategic investment.
By integrating these professionals into their teams, schools and trusts can secure long-term benefits for their infrastructure and local communities:
Watch the video below to hear from some of our military veterans about why they enjoy working in school environments.
A school site is only as strong as the team managing it. By embracing veteran recruitment for schools, trusts can welcome professionals who bring technical expertise and valuable skills built from a lifetime of service.