Armed forces and emergency services sector
When you think of the armed forces or the emergency services, certain jobs will spring to mind. But there is a lot more to this sector than meets the eye…
Opportunities for work in the armed forces and emergency services filter down into three key spheres:
Public bodies include:
Private sector organisations include:
Graduates entering the armed forces or emergency services should prepare for:
Although recruitment to the armed forces increased between 2007 and 2010, it is likely that this trend will be reversed between now and 2020.
By 2015, the army is expected to cut personnel levels by around 7,000 to a total of 95,000, and amongst civilian roles, it is anticipated that the Ministry of Defence will make 25,000 cuts to leave around 60,000 staff.
The cutbacks come after a government review of its strategic defence and security priorities, conducted in 2010, which stated that services must reduce in size and work more efficiently.
The government review coincides with its 'Future Force 2020' plans, comprising of three main elements:
It is also worth noting that in this sector there are strict entry regulations regarding UK residency. Entrance to the army typically requires UK residency of a minimum of five years, the police force requires around three years and applicants to the Civil Service Fast Stream must usually be UK citizens.
The armed forces and emergency services are made up of people in a vast array of roles, in both the public and private sectors. Explore a selection of jobs and discover what role suits you…
These job profiles are examples of graduate careers in the armed forces and emergency services sector:
To find the graduate job roles that best match your skills and interests, log in to what jobs would suit me?
For job vacancies in this sector, search graduate jobs in law enforcement and protection.
With a variety of career paths available, discover how to improve your chances of securing a graduate job in the forces or emergency services…
There are opportunities in the armed forces and emergency services sector for graduates of any discipline. However, there are also job roles that require specific skills and degrees. For example, a physical trainer in the army will need training or a degree in physical education, a government statistician will require mathematical expertise, and a paramedic will need medical schooling.
Graduate employers in the armed forces and emergency services sector require candidates with:
Many companies in the private sector, as well as government departments, provide opportunities for students and graduates to gain work experience. For example, British multinational consultancy, engineering and project management company AMEC annually recruits around 50 - 100 graduates on its development programmes.
Participating in cadet forces such as the University Officers Training Corps, University Royal Navy Units, University Air Squadrons and the Territorial Army can also provide valuable experience and demonstrate commitment in job applications.
In the emergency services, the focus is to assist in a crisis, alongside participating in educational activities to prevent emergencies. Gaining work experience in voluntary organisations such as St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) can give a valuable insight into what working life is like in the sector and will help nurture key skills.
To find work placements and internships in the armed forces and emergency services sector, search for work experience.
The majority of graduate roles will be found in the large, private sector organisations. The Civil Service is a major recruiter of graduates, providing graduate development schemes and fast-stream programmes in all its major departments and agencies.
Recruitment to the armed forces and emergency services is direct, with routes into public bodies differing depending on the area of employment. For example, recruitment to coastguard work is via the Maritime and Coastguard Agency of the Department of Transport, recruitment to the police force is through the Home Office website and entry to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is via the Civil Service recruitment process.
Overseas work is common in the armed forces and those with diplomatic roles in the Civil Service. An opportunity for travelling also exists with large companies working for the various armed and emergency services.
To find graduate jobs in the armed forces or emergency services, search graduates jobs in law enforcement and protection.
Joining a professional body can give you the training and inside information you need to get ahead in your chosen field. Find out which bodies are relevant to you…
Postgraduate qualifications are not necessary to find work in the armed forces or emergency services sector, but they can be advantageous and demonstrate high levels of commitment and knowledge to possible employers.
Opportunities for training and development are widespread in both public and private sector job roles and are sometimes necessary to advance in a specific career. For example, progression in the police force is dependent upon achievement in examinations and assessments, and in governmental department roles it may depend on obtaining the correct degree or professional qualification.
For more information on entry requirements and career development in the armed forces and emergency services sector, see types of jobs.
To find a postgraduate course in the UK, search courses and research.
Membership of a professional body will help increase your standing within your chosen field. Many private sector roles will require a professional qualification.
Joining a professional body can also help you:
A wide range of professional bodies are recognised, including: