Ministers from the Office for Veteran’s Affairs met with ex-armed forces personnel embarking in software careers at Salesforce.
Defence Minister Johnny Mercer and Cabinet Minister Oliver Dowden visited veterans taking on software careers as part of a first engagement speaking to former service personnel transitioning to private-sector jobs. Salesforce is a cloud-based software company that signed up to the armed forces covenant, agreeing to support the employment of veterans and their families and provide work for army reservists.
The business has a veteran’s programme, VetsForce, which provides online training and mentoring to those leaving the armed forces as well as their partners. The ministers were briefed on this initiative as well as speaking to veterans working for the company.
Oliver Dowden, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “It was wonderful to meet the former service personnel at Salesforce and to see how they are now applying their skills in the private sector. Through the new Office for Veterans’ Affairs, the Government is committed to ensuring that veterans have all the support they need, so that they know just how much the country values them.”
Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, said: “The skills and values developed throughout military service set you up for success in the civilian world, but society has a long way to go to change the perception of veterans in this country. Companies like Salesforce are leading the way in recognising the unique contribution our service leavers can bring to a business, and I urge all employers to follow suit.”
The government launched the ‘Strategy for our Veterans’ last year, aiming to improve the support available to former servicemen and women. The programme featured a consultation with ex-service personnel, as well as employers, to find their views and the findings are expected to be released soon.
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