Op ASCEND (Operation ASCEND)
Op Ascend is NOT a combat or training operation. It is a government‑backed employment and career‑transition programme for veterans and their families.
What Op ASCEND is
Op ASCEND is a careers support service run by the Forces Employment Charity, funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.
It is designed to help UK Armed Forces veterans, service leavers, and their families build careers after service or progress further once they’ve transitioned to civilian life. [forcesempl...ent.org.uk], [gov.uk]
What it helps with
Op ASCEND provides:
- One‑to‑one career advice from specialist advisors
- CV writing and interview preparation
- Guidance on moving into new sectors (such as energy, data/digital, construction, telecoms)
- Connections to veteran‑friendly employers
- Employment fairs and sector‑focused career events
- Advice on retraining or starting a business
All support is free for veterans and eligible family members.
How it fits with military resettlement
Op ASCEND is intended as a continuation and expansion of existing resettlement support:
- It complements the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) rather than replacing it
- It supports veterans regardless of when they left service, not just recent leavers
- It builds on the earlier Op PROSPER employment initiative
Who it’s for
- UK Armed Forces veterans
- Service leavers
- Spouses, partners, and family members
- Employers looking to recruit and retain military talent