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Introduction
The RFS Career Academy Coaching and Mentoring Programme is free to join and provides military spouses and the Armed Forces Community with the confidence, focus, and clarity of direction to achieve personal working goals and create a sustainable future.
The programme recognises that every candidate is at different stages of their journey to finding career satisfaction; by applying a bespoke, person-centred approach, we offer the best possible service to our candidates.
The programme currently has 70 active coaches who generously volunteer their time. Demand for a place on the programme is high— in January 2023, we received over 40 enquiries, with 21 candidates being ‘matched’ with coaches/mentors.
We are now actively recruiting for new coaches/mentors to support the programme and reduce our waiting list times!
Purpose
The Coaching and Mentoring Programme is often utilized by candidates who are unemployed due to the transient nature of their partner's employment status in the Armed Forces. Mobility affects not only their employability but also their confidence and mental wellbeing.
Candidates seek support through the programme to evaluate their situation and regain the inner strength needed to achieve their career ambitions.
Key Issues
Kim has been married for 14 years to a serving member of the RAF. She felt that she had lost her way as a person - her only role in life being that of wife and mum. She previously ran her own business, but due to several contributory factors it wasn't feasible to continue.
Kim contacted RFS following a Facebook campaign highlighting the services of the RFS Career Academy CIC and RFS Limited. She had reached the stage in her life where she had "nothing to lose".
Kim enrolled on the Coaching and Mentoring Programme, where she was 'matched' with an independent coach following a detailed assessment of her needs by the RFS Career Academy Coaching and Mentoring Manager. Kim participated in 6 virtual sessions with her coach, helping to improve her confidence and career focus. Kim states, "I was finding excuses for being me," but the coaching has enabled her to realise that she is "worthy and capable of so many things."
My coach has enabled me to see myself as a person, not just a mum/wife, and I have learnt not to make excuses for my feelings. I'm still a work in progress, but I am no longer feel the need seeking permission to exist.
Kim
Outcome
On completion of the coaching sessions, Kim was anxious to secure employment that would work in conjunction with her transient lifestyle. Through the support provided by RFS Limited, she has now secured employment working 30 hours per week for Virgin Red. Kim states that the coaching programme played a pivotal role in helping her have the confidence to secure employment.
I have loved being a volunteer coach and partnering women - moving from where they are when I first meet them, to where they want to be. There is something really special about being a part of that persons life for a short time and helping them to help themselves and move forwards with their goals at their own pace and in their own way.
Coach
Unlock Your Potential with RFS Career Academy
Join our Coaching and Mentoring Programme designed to empower military spouses and the Armed Forces Community. Gain the confidence and skills needed to achieve your career ambitions and build a sustainable future.