The Career Transition Partnership: your first step into a civilian career
Leaving the armed forces is a big moment. You’ve got skills, experience and mindset that employers value, but translating this into a civilian career can feel daunting. The Career Transition Partnership is here to make that journey clearer, faster and more successful.
Here’s a simple guide on what you need to know.
Time to read:
What does the Career Transition Partnership do?
The Career Transition Partnership is the MoD’s specialist resettlement programme (delivered with Reed in Partnership) that helps you move confidently into work that fits your skills, knowledge, experience and ambitions.
Whether you’ve served for a few years or decades, the Career Transition Partnership offers workshops, events, training, personal guidance and a jobs portal, with support tailored to your length of service and situation.
What you’ll get:
Practical workshops to kick‑start your transition.
MoD-funded or ELCAS-approved learning towards nationally recognised qualifications.
Free employment fairs and events to help you decide your future.
A searchable online jobs portal with roles sourced for service leavers.
One‑to‑one advice and guidance from transition specialists.
Digital tools and resources to help you plan and apply.
Who can use the Career Transition Partnership?
Anyone in the process of leaving the UK armed forces. In most cases, you can access Career Transition Partnership support from 2 years before discharge until 2 years after.
Career Transition Partnership programmes
Support is tailored to how long you’ve served and your circumstances.
If you’ve served over 6 years or being medically discharged: Core Resettlement Programme (CRP)
Access from 2 years prior to discharge.
Up to 35 days Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) for resettlement activities (exact days depend on your service length).
If you’re over 50 and have over 30 years’ service, you may be able to start earlier.
Ideal if you want structured, comprehensive transition support.
If you’ve served 4 to 6 years: Employment Support Programme (ESP)
Access up to 2 years before to 2 years after discharge.
Targeted employment support and tools to land your next role.
Great if you want focused help with CVs, interviews, and job search.
If you’ve served less than 4 years: CTP Future Horizons
Open to Early Service Leavers across all services.
Support available for 2 years post‑discharge.
Helps you build a strong platform for early career moves, training, apprenticeships or further education.
If you’ve been medically discharged and are facing significant barriers to employment: CTP Assist
Access regardless of time served.
For those facing significant barriers to employment.
Available as a flexible entitlement with a longer access timeline if needed, aligned to your recovery pathway.
Supports personnel on recovery duties (PRD) and others with additional challenges.
Beyond the basics:
extra help you can use
Online and in‑person events: meet employers who actively hire service leavers.
Training courses: earn qualifications recognised by civilian employers.
1:1 coaching: refine your personal pitch, LinkedIn profile and interview skills.
Job‑matching: access vetted roles where your military experience is an asset.
Your transition, your pace
Whether you’re aiming for a new civilian career, self-employment or planning for retirement, the Career Transition Partnership helps you build a route that fits your life, family and goals.
You served with purpose. Now it’s time to land a civilian role where you can thrive.
How to get started
Support is provided through 10 regional Resettlement Centres across the UK and at the flagship training centre in Aldershot, purpose‑built for resettlement training.
Book a CTP workshop – it’s the best way to get started.
Create/refresh your CV with CTP guidance (translate military skills into civilian language).
Browse the jobs portal and short‑list roles that fit your skills and values.
Register for relevant training (project management, cyber, transport and logistics, health and safety).
Line up your resettlement time (GRT) if eligible – use it strategically for training, interviews and work attachments.
Need help right now?
Email ctp.info@reed.com or call 0121 236 0058.