Armed Forces Community in the United Kingdom

Supporting Armed Forces

Transitioning into a civilian career

Our Cadet Strategy 

 Meet our Community
We recognise the unique skills, experiences and challenges that can comes with being in the military, as well as the valuable contributions of all members of the Armed Forces community: veterans, reservists, cadets, volunteers and their families.

At Thales, we support all our Armed Forces Community by providing our UK employees with tools and resources to support not only themselves, but their family members too. The support available is designed to help you feel valued, connected, and empowered to succeed throughout your career with us. Our employees are able to take the time they need to perform their Armed Forces commitments and responsibilities, and we continue to value the service they give as a member of the Armed Forces.
10%
of our UK employees are connected to the Armed Forces
70+
Armed Forces around the world rely on Thales solutions
140
years of supporting the British Armed Forces

How are we supporting our Armed Forces Community?

Supporting Veterans
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Veterans have a wide range of unique skills and experience that bring huge value to Thales, and we offer fulfilling jobs to meet their needs. Our recruitment process takes into consideration the skills and experience of military personnel, and includes recruiters that are trained to support and ensure a seamless transition into civilian roles as well as support, benefits, and workplace adjustments when you join Thales. 

Supporting Reservists
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The training undertaken by reservists is incredibly important. To ensure they can fulfil their commitments, we offer training leave to all our reservists. Up to 3 weeks of leave in any one year can be taken to attend training for their respective Reserve Force.
We also have a robust process put in place if a reservist were to get mobilised, with support from both their line manager and HR.
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Supporting Service Families
We also recognise the unique challenges faced by service families. To support family members, we provide flexibility in cases of family-related emergencies and/or commitments. We may consider flexible working opportunities in certain situations where our employees are needing to relocate or move to accompany their serving partner as well as internal support and further adjustments.
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Supporting Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) may require additional leave to support cadet forces whilst balancing working responsibilities. 
At Thales, we offer all our CFAVs 80 hours a year for volunteering during the week.
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Learn more about our benefits
Thales was among the first companies to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC). This commitment has become stronger over the years, with Thales being recognised as the gold standard in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in 2019, and again in 2024. 
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The Royal British Veterans Enterprise is home to the “Tommy” and provides life-changing support to the UK’s Armed Forces community every day. The annual Great Tommy Sleep Out award-winning challenge raises vital funds and support for veterans experiencing homelessness. In our first year of involvement in March 2025, Thales teams across all four nations raised £17,500 and increased awareness of homelessness, a societal issue disproportionately affecting veterans.
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For the past two decades, Thales in the UK has proudly partnered with Combat Stress, the nation’s leading mental health charity for veterans. Since the partnership began, together with our employees, we have raised over £400,000 to support specialist mental health services for former members of the British Armed Forces. 
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Looking to transition into a civilian career?

At Thales, we recognise the valuable skills, experience and leadership qualities that all Armed Forces personnel bring to the workplace. We are committed to supporting service leavers as you transition into meaningful and rewarding civilian careers, providing opportunities to apply your expertise in a dynamic and inclusive environment. You'll work alongside industry experts to further develop your skills and broaden your experience, supported by a culture that values collaboration, innovation and work-life balance. Click the resources below for helpful guidance ahead of applying for a job with us. 
writingyourcv

Translate your military skills:
Writing CVs and preparing for interviews
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Translate our civilian job roles: Understand the job beyond the title

Our Cadet Strategy: Supporting Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers   
Thales aims to strengthen its commitment to the Armed Forces community by developing a structured and impactful engagement strategy with cadet organisations across the UK.
 
We aim to bridge cadet activities with defence innovation, allowing cadets to explore career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
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Strengthen Thales’ status within the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme 
Goals

Inspire cadets to consider STEM and defence-related careers 
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Foster meaningful relationships with cadet units to deliver high-quality content

Dive into our Armed Forces Community
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Discover our people
SaraCanning
I have instructed at Phase 2, training junior soldiers ready for careers in the Army Air Corps and as I progressed as a senior soldier, I worked as a line manager in the Military Transport department and also as a Welfare Warrant Officer. Overall, my career has been very diverse and one I fulfilled over 22 years.

 
Sara
Product Safety Engineer
Araronphoto
Having completed 29 years in the Army, I transitioned into civilian life with some uncertainty about my next steps. Thales, however, proved an excellent choice. It allowed me to continue working within the defence sector while benefiting from a supportive organisation and a strong ex-forces community.
Aaron
Obsolescence Manager
JohnHart
When I left the forces, it was all unfamiliar to me. Thales supported me by being really open and I was allowed to be the ‘new guy’. They didn’t make feel bad for not knowing, I was able to ask questions, so I learnt even faster. If the support and openness I had from the Thales team wasn’t there, it wouldn’t have made such a smooth transition.
John
Armed Forces Network Co-Chair

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