Career Transition Partnership (CTP): Supporting Service Leavers and Reservists Beyond Military Service

Leaving the Armed Forces is one of the most significant transitions many Service personnel will face. Whether you are preparing to leave the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF, or transitioning from full-time Reserve service, the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) provides specialist support designed to help you move successfully into civilian employment, education, training, or retirement.

The Career Transition Partnership is the Ministry of Defence’s official resettlement provider and has supported hundreds of thousands of Service leavers throughout their transition to civilian life.

What Is the Career Transition Partnership?

The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the official Armed Forces resettlement service, delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. It provides practical support, career guidance, training opportunities, employment resources and access to civilian employers looking to recruit former military personnel.

The purpose of the CTP is straightforward: to help Service leavers make informed decisions about their future and secure meaningful opportunities after military service. Support may include:

• One-to-one career advice
• CV and interview preparation
• Employment workshops
• Vocational training courses
• Career development resources
• Employment fairs and networking events
• Access to military-friendly employers
• Support for self-employment and business start-ups

The service is designed to recognise the valuable leadership, organisational, technical and problem-solving skills developed during military service and help translate those skills into civilian careers.

Who Can Access CTP Support?

Support is available to most members of the Armed Forces who are preparing to leave service.

Eligibility and available support depend upon factors including:

• Length of service
• Type of discharge
• Personal circumstances
• Medical status
• Recovery requirements

In many cases, Service personnel can begin accessing support up to two years before discharge and continue receiving assistance for up to two years after leaving the Armed Forces.

Reservists who have served on qualifying full-time commitments may also have access to resettlement support depending upon their service circumstances and should seek guidance from the CTP directly.

Core Resettlement Support Available

Career Guidance

One of the most valuable aspects of the CTP is personalised career guidance.

Many Service leavers possess extensive experience but are uncertain how their military background translates into civilian employment. Career consultants can help identify transferable skills and develop realistic career plans aligned with individual ambitions and experience.

CV Writing and Interview Preparation

Military achievements often need reframing for civilian recruiters.

CTP advisers assist Service leavers in preparing professional CVs, tailoring applications and developing interview techniques that highlight military experience in a way civilian employers understand and value.

Skills Development and Training

Training opportunities are available across a wide variety of industries and sectors.

Courses may help Service leavers:

• Gain recognised qualifications
• Refresh existing skills
• Develop industry-specific knowledge
• Improve employability
• Pursue entirely new career paths

Training support forms an important part of many resettlement plans, particularly for those transitioning into specialist or regulated professions.

Employment Events and Employer Access

The CTP regularly hosts employment fairs, webinars and recruitment events.

These events allow Service leavers to engage directly with employers actively seeking individuals with military experience. Many organisations value the discipline, leadership and resilience developed through military service and actively recruit from the Armed Forces community.

Support for Early Service Leavers

Not everyone leaves the military after a long career.

Those who leave before completing four years of service may still receive specialist support through CTP Future Horizons, which is specifically designed to assist Early Service Leavers as they develop their next steps in civilian life. Support continues for up to two years after discharge.

Support for Personnel Facing Additional Challenges

Transitioning from military service can be particularly difficult for individuals dealing with illness, injury or other significant barriers to employment.

The CTP Assist Programme provides enhanced support for personnel on recovery duties and others who require additional assistance during their transition. Access may be available regardless of length of service.

What If You Are Leaving Service Due to Injury?

For some Service personnel, discharge follows an injury, illness or medical condition developed during military service.

While the CTP can assist with career planning, training and employment support, some individuals may also wish to explore whether they have grounds for a military compensation claim or a civil claim relating to their injury.

Examples may include:

• Serious training accidents
• Equipment failures
• Road traffic collisions
• Hearing damage
• Non-freezing cold injuries
• Heat injuries
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Failures in health and safety procedures
• Negligent medical treatment

Career transition support and compensation claims are entirely separate matters. Accessing assistance through the CTP does not prevent an individual from seeking independent legal advice regarding a potential claim arising from their service. Many injured Service personnel successfully pursue a civilian career while also addressing the financial consequences of their injuries.

Why Military Personnel Should Engage With Resettlement Early

One of the most common mistakes Service personnel make is delaying their resettlement planning.

Engaging with the CTP at the earliest opportunity can provide:

• Greater career clarity
• More training opportunities
• Increased confidence
• Better employment prospects
• Improved long-term financial security

Whether your goal is employment, higher education, self-employment or retirement, early preparation can make the transition significantly smoother.

How to Contact the Career Transition Partnership

The most up-to-date information about eligibility, programmes and support can be obtained directly from the Career Transition Partnership.

Website: Career Transition Partnership

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0121 236 0058 [

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Career Transition Partnership free?

Yes. Resettlement support is funded by the Ministry of Defence and forms part of the support available to eligible Service leavers.

When can I start using the CTP?

Many Service personnel can access support up to two years before discharge and continue receiving support after leaving service. Specific eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.

Can Reservists access support?

Eligibility depends upon the nature of service and individual circumstances. Reservists should contact the CTP directly to discuss available support.

Can I make a military injury claim while using CTP services?

Yes. Career transition support and legal claims are separate matters. Receiving support from the CTP does not prevent you from obtaining independent legal advice regarding a potential compensation claim.

What support is available if I am medically discharged?

Additional support may be available through programmes such as CTP Assist, which is designed for personnel facing significant challenges during their transition to civilian employment.

Thinking About Life After the Forces?

The Career Transition Partnership offers valuable support for Service leavers planning their next chapter. If you are also dealing with the consequences of an injury sustained during military service, obtaining independent legal advice can help you understand your options while you focus on building your civilian future.