0:00:02 > 0:00:05If you could imagine a place where you know
0:00:05 > 0:00:07people are going to kill you.
0:00:07 > 0:00:09Fire!
0:00:09 > 0:00:12One minute you see a bus full of kids and family
0:00:12 > 0:00:14and that going through and then the next...
0:00:14 > 0:00:17EXPLOSION
0:00:17 > 0:00:20After nearly a decade of intense fighting,
0:00:20 > 0:00:23many of our soldiers are leaving the military.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26But now they've returned,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29thousands are struggling to find work on Civvy Street.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34I fought a battle in the Army and now I'm fighting a battle every day.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39It's demoralising, especially when you've got a skill.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42You can't get a job to apply it, you know.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44He's just not the same person any more.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52I'm Alex Polizzi and I want to find out why this is happening
0:00:52 > 0:00:54and what can be done about it.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57I would like to try and find you careers,
0:00:57 > 0:01:00something that you can grow and develop and enjoy.
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- We just all want a chance. - I understand.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04That's all we do, is just want a chance.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07They're not out of work because they're lazy.
0:01:07 > 0:01:09Need a kick up the arse.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11I'm here to provide it. Don't make any rash decisions
0:01:11 > 0:01:13and don't give up yet.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17I want to do more than stand by the side of the road and wave a flag.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23I just need just that one door to open.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27Hopefully, I can go out and work. Need to support my family.
0:01:27 > 0:01:30I obviously can't guarantee anybody a job at the end of it
0:01:30 > 0:01:33but I am going to give it a bloody good shot.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- I've recruited four unemployed veterans...- Hi, Alex.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47..in the hope I can find them jobs.
0:01:47 > 0:01:50Bit of positivity to push me in the right direction.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52I'm looking forward to just starting a new life
0:01:52 > 0:01:53outside the military, really.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58It's getting me off my backside and doing something about it.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02They have all served their country
0:02:02 > 0:02:06and have skills I think would make them an asset back home.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10I would see you as a mentor, as a role model.
0:02:10 > 0:02:11I wouldn't say I was a role model!
0:02:11 > 0:02:12Why not?
0:02:14 > 0:02:16It's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19I'm trying to find the best thing for each of them.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Phil was a sergeant in the Royal Engineers
0:02:32 > 0:02:36with a distinguished career, including selection to be
0:02:36 > 0:02:39a pallbearer at Princess Diana's funeral.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42It was just such an honour to be chosen.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45One of the days I will never forget and cherish,
0:02:45 > 0:02:47probably for the rest of my life.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52But several tours of Iraq and Afghanistan left him
0:02:52 > 0:02:56with both mental scars and a lower-leg amputation.
0:02:57 > 0:03:03Since I've left the Army, I've been unable to work because of
0:03:03 > 0:03:06the medical conditions and the problems I've had with my stump.
0:03:06 > 0:03:10Since I first met Phil, he's impressed me with his attitude, but
0:03:10 > 0:03:14our work together has been hampered by the ongoing pain in his stump.
0:03:14 > 0:03:20My bone there ends there, and that means I'm walking on bone.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23I've got a neuroma, which is the nerves that
0:03:23 > 0:03:27lead down from the leg. They're cut off there and they grow
0:03:27 > 0:03:31little balls on, and those balls are so sensitive. It really hurts.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Once you put pressure on it, you do feel the pain.
0:03:35 > 0:03:41We had all hoped a final operation would at last have him ready to go.
0:03:41 > 0:03:42I want to be in employment.
0:03:42 > 0:03:48I want to be working and supporting my family in a decent job
0:03:48 > 0:03:51and some job I'll be happy in and good at.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56But there have been complications, leaving Phil housebound.
0:03:56 > 0:03:57PHONE RINGS
0:03:57 > 0:03:59While he's recovering, I'm having to mentor him
0:03:59 > 0:04:02with pep talks over the phone.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- 'Hello?'- Hi, Phil. How are you?
0:04:05 > 0:04:07'I'm good, thank you. How are you?'
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Not bad, darling, not bad, but I've been worrying about you.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12I hear your leg hasn't been great.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16'I took it off one day and then the whole thing exploded.'
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Gosh, darling! That sounds unpleasant.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22'Lost about half a pint of blood.'
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Good lord, darling! You do...
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Honestly, you are up against it, aren't you?
0:04:28 > 0:04:30HE LAUGHS
0:04:30 > 0:04:31'Won't be long.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35'I reckon I'll probably be back in a leg in a week or so.'
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- Do you? Don't rush it, for goodness' sake!- 'No, no, no.'
0:04:38 > 0:04:43Let's make sure it heals properly before we give this another go.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- 'Yeah.'- All right, darling.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- 'All right. Thank you very much, Alex.'- Thanks. Big kiss. Bye.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54This process has been going on and on and on.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57You know, until he's been able to put his amputation...
0:04:57 > 0:05:01get his amputation right, he wasn't fit to go back to work,
0:05:01 > 0:05:08so I've just now... I don't want him to go back too early.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11I don't want him to have another physical set-back, cos I think,
0:05:11 > 0:05:16once he is physically well, he's someone who will just go for it.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Phil and my other three recruits all suffer with post-traumatic
0:05:19 > 0:05:21stress disorder.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24Although most veterans return without injury or illness,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27I think PTSD sufferers face a particularly tough
0:05:27 > 0:05:30challenge in finding jobs when they return.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36Lee followed his boyhood dream
0:05:36 > 0:05:39and joined the Army straight from school.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Anywhere along the River Tamar has, you know, a spot in my heart
0:05:42 > 0:05:45because it's where I learned to fish from my uncle
0:05:45 > 0:05:4720 years...20-odd years ago now.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Since being discharged six years ago,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52he has applied for over 200 jobs.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54I'm happy when I'm down here.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Four weeks ago, I managed to get him a work placement on a road crew
0:05:59 > 0:06:01but it ended abruptly
0:06:01 > 0:06:06when his PTSD flared up and he felt unable to leave his home for a week.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09It is a pain in the arse having it.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11It's an invisible foe, isn't it?
0:06:14 > 0:06:15I am a normal guy.
0:06:15 > 0:06:20I've just got this problem in my brain that it can't process
0:06:20 > 0:06:25the information that I've got correctly yet, which is a nightmare.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- 'Hi.'- Hello, Alex.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35'Um... How are you feeling in yourself?'
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Bit low today, and the past couple of days a bit low, but...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42other than that, I'm feeling all right.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45'Good, darling. I'm glad.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48'I mean, you know, a couple of days of work placement does not a career
0:06:48 > 0:06:50'make, but it's a step on the path.'
0:06:50 > 0:06:52- Exactly, yeah.- 'That's what we've got to...
0:06:52 > 0:06:55'I kind of keep saying that to myself, we've just got to...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58'The important thing is that one just keeps putting one foot
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- 'in front of the other and that we get there in the end.'- Yeah.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04'I can understand...
0:07:04 > 0:07:08'I mean, obviously, I don't suffer the way that you do,
0:07:08 > 0:07:12'so I don't have that understanding, but I can...
0:07:12 > 0:07:16'I kind of feel for you that you had this little setback. Hopefully,
0:07:16 > 0:07:20'it's just something temporary and it's going to be, you know...
0:07:20 > 0:07:23'You'll be OK once it's sorted.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26'So, are you aware of anything that might have set you off?'
0:07:26 > 0:07:31I have no idea. That's why... Doctor's on Monday,
0:07:31 > 0:07:34to nip this little thing in the bud, then it's sorted.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36I mean, 90% of my PTSD's kind of squared away.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40It's just this little bit that just kind of reared its ugly head,
0:07:40 > 0:07:42which I'm getting on top of, and then it'll be fine.
0:07:44 > 0:07:49While Lee receives therapy, he isn't able to job-hunt.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53That's both him and Phil out of the market for now.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55I'm feeling quite frustrated at this stage
0:07:55 > 0:08:01because there hasn't been enough movement, enough development.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06I feel like the guys are advancing one step
0:08:06 > 0:08:09and then taking two sideways paces and one step back, and we're
0:08:09 > 0:08:13kind of almost where we were at the beginning of this process.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16I've been very focused on the employment side,
0:08:16 > 0:08:19on making these guys understand where their skills are
0:08:19 > 0:08:22to try and help them understand what they might want to do,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25how they might get, one step after another, to where
0:08:25 > 0:08:30they want to arrive, and it's clearly not going to be that simple.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36But there is some hope.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Two of my men are about to take their first steps into getting
0:08:39 > 0:08:41jobs, which is great news.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46They both live in a supported housing unit for veterans.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49Leaving it is a really big step for them.
0:08:49 > 0:08:50"A very hard-working,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53"confident and dependable person who enjoys a challenge.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55"I can put my mind to any task.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56"I work well as part of a team
0:08:56 > 0:08:59"but I'm equally able to work without direct supervision."
0:08:59 > 0:09:02I'm getting nearer to finding Shaun, a former
0:09:02 > 0:09:06private in the Royal Signals, an opportunity in construction.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10He, like all of my veterans, has been struggling with his self-esteem.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11Think the CV's going to help us,
0:09:11 > 0:09:15because it's actually highlighted a lot of strengths and weaknesses.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Yeah, I would definitely employ this person. Phenomenal!
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Shaun was medically discharged from the Army 15 years ago
0:09:24 > 0:09:26after a training accident.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30When I left the Army and that, I suffered a lot from, like,
0:09:30 > 0:09:35mental illness - PTSD and anxiety and depression.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38The last 12 months, it's like all my problems came round
0:09:38 > 0:09:40and kicked us back in the teeth, you know.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44It's like you lock them all away, you know, and...
0:09:44 > 0:09:47They gradually come back and rise to the surface again.
0:09:50 > 0:09:51Nothing down.
0:09:51 > 0:09:53He started a painting and decorating business
0:09:53 > 0:09:57but the stress of running it triggered a return of his PTSD.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00For Shaun, that meant nightmares and panic attacks that affected
0:10:00 > 0:10:06his ability to work and ultimately lost him his home and his business.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Going back into work will be like... Yeah, it would
0:10:08 > 0:10:10make life a hell of a lot easier.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13It gives you structure and routine, you know,
0:10:13 > 0:10:18which I think, partly with being in the Army, it's what I thrive on.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Makes you feel a lot more settled and a lot happier.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29I normally make me and the dog the same tea.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32He's having mashed tatties tonight, the same as me, like.
0:10:32 > 0:10:34Sit. Paw.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37Give us a paw. There you go, son.
0:10:39 > 0:10:44Stuart was medically discharged with PTSD 19 months ago.
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Until then, for 13 years, he'd had a promising Army career.
0:10:48 > 0:10:54Yeah, this has been real good for us to sort us out and help us.
0:10:56 > 0:11:00Get back on my own two feet and start again.
0:11:02 > 0:11:05He's also leaving the support of the sheltered housing to begin
0:11:05 > 0:11:08a brick-laying apprenticeship.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Just a new chapter in my life, still a young man,
0:11:11 > 0:11:16got plenty years ahead, hopefully, so it is a new chapter.
0:11:19 > 0:11:23- Can I have bacon and tomato?- Yeah. - Well-done bacon and sausage.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26- What do you want, Stu? - Bacon and sausage, please.
0:11:26 > 0:11:27Another bacon and sausage.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30Stuart has managed to get a place on one of the few apprenticeship
0:11:30 > 0:11:33schemes designed to attract veterans.
0:11:33 > 0:11:35Do you miss being in the Army?
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I still feel like I'm on leave, I do.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39How long have you been out, like?
0:11:39 > 0:11:40Six, seven months.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43Did you adapt all right, cos it must be a massive difference?
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- Any of you have any problems adapting?- Aye, I did.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50You did? What, just couldn't get used to the different environment?
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- I still don't like it, no.- Oh, yeah? - No.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54Wish you were back in the Army?
0:11:54 > 0:11:56Well, we've got you laying bricks on the side. You'll love it.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Oh, no. I like this but still miss the Army.
0:12:03 > 0:12:08Go through once, flatten it, back through, nice and even.
0:12:08 > 0:12:13Yeah? That's a nice even bed. See the difference in the thickness?
0:12:13 > 0:12:16That's why you're struggling to get it down.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19The apprenticeship starts with a week of assessment, which he
0:12:19 > 0:12:22has to complete in order to progress.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23Better.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26It's hardly Hadrian's Wall, though, is it?
0:12:26 > 0:12:27HE LAUGHS
0:12:29 > 0:12:31You're not going to pick it up overnight, mate,
0:12:31 > 0:12:36and for what you've done and produced in a couple of short days,
0:12:36 > 0:12:37it's absolutely fantastic.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42So don't be downhearted by it.
0:12:42 > 0:12:45You've done well. You should be proud of yourself.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50It could turn into 18 months of employment
0:12:50 > 0:12:54but only if Stuart can hack working on Civvy Street.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58I don't know what I feel at the minute, actually.
0:13:00 > 0:13:01I feel a bit weird.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11I always knew the civilian workplace would be challenging for Stuart.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17I think I'll be all right working, I think,
0:13:17 > 0:13:20but I wasn't the last time I did it.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21I wasn't ready for it.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24I ended up very ill.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29When he first left the Army, he worked on the roads
0:13:29 > 0:13:32but his PTSD resurfaced.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36I was heavily, heavily drinking at the time
0:13:36 > 0:13:41and I made myself really, really ill and ended up in hospital.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47I put my life on hold for that long, with hospital treatment
0:13:47 > 0:13:49and stuff like that.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Just can't keep doing it. I need to move on.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Now, just two days into his assessment, he is struggling again.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Doing the brick-laying this week has been good
0:14:03 > 0:14:05and I've enjoyed learning and moving forward
0:14:05 > 0:14:08but I'm still looking backward.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12I'm not really looking forward and I think that's been my problem.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18I'm still thinking about the Army. Ideally, I'd still be there.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22If it wasn't for my illness, I'd be in the Army.
0:14:22 > 0:14:28I'm still gutted it's been cut short but I can't seem to
0:14:28 > 0:14:32move on from that, look forward or get excited by anything.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39Doctors keep saying, "You've made massive progress and massive steps,"
0:14:39 > 0:14:43and I'm going really quick but is it too quick?
0:14:45 > 0:14:49This apprenticeship is a chance for Stuart to start over.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53I'm really keen he shouldn't give up too soon.
0:14:53 > 0:14:58PHONE RINGS
0:14:58 > 0:15:00'This is the Vodafone Voicemail Service.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03'When you've finished recording, please hang up.'
0:15:03 > 0:15:04BEEP
0:15:04 > 0:15:06Hi, Stuart, it's Alex Polizzi.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10Um... I'm really excited that you've
0:15:10 > 0:15:15got your chance here and I really want you to feel positive about it.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17I'm going to try you again. Bye.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Although my four unemployed ex-soldiers all
0:15:23 > 0:15:27suffer from PTSD, it's not just those with an illness or
0:15:27 > 0:15:31an injury that can struggle for work.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35Thousands of veterans are finding it tough to get Civvy Street jobs.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37As well as helping my four, I want to see
0:15:37 > 0:15:41if there's anything I can do to try and crack the wider issue.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44What you can guarantee is that people will always criticise us
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- for not doing enough.- Yeah. - So in that respect...
0:15:49 > 0:15:52I think it's better to do less and to do it well.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54I mean, that's my attitude about everything in life, really.
0:15:54 > 0:15:58I completely agree, completely agree. And I, you know...
0:15:58 > 0:16:01We want to make our people independent rather than dependent.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05'For years, the MoD have run what they call
0:16:05 > 0:16:08'the Career Transition Partnership,
0:16:08 > 0:16:10'which offers those leaving the military a chance to
0:16:10 > 0:16:12'retrain for Civvy Street.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16'I want to know what the man at the top, Major General Nugee,
0:16:16 > 0:16:18'thinks is driving the fact that
0:16:18 > 0:16:21'so many veterans still struggle to reintegrate.'
0:16:22 > 0:16:27When you leave the military, that support network goes,
0:16:27 > 0:16:30the comradeship, the teamwork and all of that disappears.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Some people find that overwhelming.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35We all go through it. I'm frankly terrified what I'm going to do next,
0:16:35 > 0:16:39cos I don't know, but I'm conscious that, for some people,
0:16:39 > 0:16:43that becomes an overwhelming shock and they don't know where to turn.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Do you think employers should be doing more to understand
0:16:46 > 0:16:50what it is that a veteran could be bringing to their endeavour?
0:16:50 > 0:16:52So, I think this is a question of momentum -
0:16:52 > 0:16:55the more companies that are prepared to accept ex-service
0:16:55 > 0:16:59people on the grounds that they are well-skilled,
0:16:59 > 0:17:00the more companies that are prepared to say,
0:17:00 > 0:17:03"Actually, I want an ex-service person,"
0:17:03 > 0:17:07then actually this will grow in momentum and we'll find that the
0:17:07 > 0:17:11issue goes away and that employers will find that they want more of us.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I think the CTP was set up with the best of intentions.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19However, they kind of depend on business coming to them. They're
0:17:19 > 0:17:24not an outreach service and so I'm sure there's more work to be done.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29I think getting businesses to recognise the value of veterans
0:17:29 > 0:17:32could break down the barrier so many face with employment.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41To try and broaden my impact on this issue, I've been working with
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Plymouth Council, who have brought together
0:17:44 > 0:17:46a group of businesses in support of veterans.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Plymouth have set up a Corporate Covenant group.
0:17:51 > 0:17:55It's made up of businesses who are very keen to encourage veterans back
0:17:55 > 0:18:00into paid work, and obviously that's something I'm trying to achieve, too.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Council officer Heather Ogburn, who set up the group, has been
0:18:04 > 0:18:07helping me try and find a way to turn their good will
0:18:07 > 0:18:10into practical help for veterans looking for work.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I'm hoping, together, we can create a blueprint
0:18:13 > 0:18:17for getting local veterans into local jobs.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Businesses who are in the Corporate Covenant group
0:18:19 > 0:18:22here in Plymouth have proved to be fairly committed.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25First of all, they keep on turning up.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27We all know it's not really working properly,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30the "system", in inverted commas, as it is at the moment,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32but no-one's quite sure about what to do
0:18:32 > 0:18:35and it does run the risk of just being
0:18:35 > 0:18:39a kind of lament, a bit like the decline of the high street. People
0:18:39 > 0:18:42say a lot about it and no-one's worked out how to stop the rot.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Well, I think that there are some obvious things
0:18:44 > 0:18:47that we could do to improve the situation here
0:18:47 > 0:18:48and it would be nice to feel as if
0:18:48 > 0:18:50I've found some partners in doing that.
0:18:58 > 0:19:04Plymouth is home to nearly 19,000 veterans and some major employers.
0:19:05 > 0:19:07I have an idea how to join them up.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11I just need to get this lot engaged with my plan.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14OK, good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17I'd like to welcome Alex Polizzi, who's joining us,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21as she's working with some of our veterans.
0:19:21 > 0:19:22What has become clear to me
0:19:22 > 0:19:26over these months of research is that some businesses,
0:19:26 > 0:19:30particularly the larger businesses, are doing some sterling work.
0:19:30 > 0:19:33It's a shame to me that there's not the Federation of Small Businesses
0:19:33 > 0:19:38involved here, that employ 48% of the privately
0:19:38 > 0:19:42employed workforce, so we need to get them onside.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46The other thing is, as a small business owner and a veteran,
0:19:46 > 0:19:50there's no specific wider Forces networking group.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Well, actually, that's one of the things that I've got written down -
0:19:53 > 0:19:56networking. I think more like freshers' fairs than jobs fairs.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00You know, I went to university and, in that first week, everyone
0:20:00 > 0:20:02put out their stall and all they did was tell you what
0:20:02 > 0:20:06they did as an organisation and you saw whether you were interested
0:20:06 > 0:20:09in finding out more or whether they weren't going to suit you at all.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12And that's, again, something that would be very valuable, cos it's
0:20:12 > 0:20:15a kind of pressure-free environment. You're not actually asking
0:20:15 > 0:20:19for a job, you're just finding out about what kind of jobs there are.
0:20:19 > 0:20:24There's a sort of wealth of experience in the room
0:20:24 > 0:20:29and whole different kinds of expertise that I really hope we can
0:20:29 > 0:20:31sort of latch on to here in Plymouth.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I'm obviously very pleased that I got some support for the ideas
0:20:36 > 0:20:37I put forward.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41I think, given a bit more time, I might even come up with a few more.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Although I'm widening my ambitions to help
0:20:49 > 0:20:54veterans in Plymouth, I also need to focus on my recruits.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57I've not yet caught up with Stuart, who's nearing
0:20:57 > 0:21:00the end of his assessment week for his brick-laying course.
0:21:00 > 0:21:01PHONE RINGS
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- 'Hello?'- Hi, is that Stuart?
0:21:05 > 0:21:07- 'Yeah, it is, yeah.'- It's Alex.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- 'Hello.'- Hi, how are you?
0:21:10 > 0:21:11'I'm just laying bricks, as a matter of fact.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13'I'm sitting here, laying bricks.'
0:21:13 > 0:21:16You don't seem particularly cheerful.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19'No, not really. Still a bit nervous about it, like.'
0:21:19 > 0:21:21What's making you nervous?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24Is it the bit about fitting in with people or is it the job itself?
0:21:26 > 0:21:28'Bit of both, really.'
0:21:28 > 0:21:30Don't give up yet.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34It's just a hiccup, it's a bump in the road.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37Don't make any rash decisions and just keep plugging away.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- 'I definitely won't do that.' - All right, my darling.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43- 'All right, then.' - All right. Nice to talk to you.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45- 'See you later.'- Bye, darling. Bye. - 'Bye.'
0:21:48 > 0:21:49SHE SIGHS
0:21:50 > 0:21:53OK, well, that doesn't sound great,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57but, you know, he has done that first kind of really critical step
0:21:57 > 0:22:01into employment, and it's very important now that
0:22:01 > 0:22:05I kind of bolster him as much as possible, because I don't
0:22:05 > 0:22:09want to happen to him what happened to Lee, which is then to fall back.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14In Saltburn-by-the-Sea,
0:22:14 > 0:22:17three weeks after being sidelined,
0:22:17 > 0:22:19Phil is, at last, back on his feet.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22He's battled through six operations and countless setbacks,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26but, finally, has some news not even the weather can spoil.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Well, like they always said in the Army, "skin's waterproof",
0:22:30 > 0:22:33so it doesn't really matter if it's raining or sun.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38It's going to be a good day, no matter what.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40This stretch of the A1 in North Yorkshire
0:22:40 > 0:22:45is undergoing a £380 million upgrade.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47A major construction company is recruiting
0:22:47 > 0:22:49and, after receiving Phil's CV,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53they've asked to meet him to discuss a possible management position.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58This has been a really long process for Phil,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01and I'm amazed he's got through it as well as he has.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05You know, he's had PTSD and physical injury to deal with,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08and, my goodness,
0:23:08 > 0:23:12the fact that he's as strong-willed as he is
0:23:12 > 0:23:14is a testament to what he could achieve, actually.
0:23:16 > 0:23:19This is my future now,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23not just for me, for my family, as well, and for my kids,
0:23:23 > 0:23:26for my partner and for the rest of my life.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30If I set up a good, stable platform for us as a family,
0:23:30 > 0:23:33with a decent job, then it's the way forward.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38If Phil was working, he'd be so much happier.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41He'd love to earn his own wage, he really would,
0:23:41 > 0:23:43and not depend on anybody.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46He just needs a chance.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51I know Phil is desperate for it, absolutely desperate,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and I think he'll give his all.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56I think he will give his all.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00Phil has been out of the employment loop for a long time
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and I want to make sure he has the best possible chance
0:24:03 > 0:24:05of landing this job.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08So ahead of his interview I've arranged for him to see
0:24:08 > 0:24:11a Royal Marine who has faced his own battle on Civvy Street
0:24:11 > 0:24:14and fought his way into the construction business.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17I'm hoping Phil will benefit from his experience.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20So, how have you found it since you've been out?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23You don't necessarily bring all the technical skills,
0:24:23 > 0:24:26all the experience in a certain discipline,
0:24:26 > 0:24:30what you bring is your interpersonal skills,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32your leadership, your management.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37You've set up forward operating bases, under pressure, under fire.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Transpose that to civilian life.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43There'll be pressures, but... this isn't pressure, is it?
0:24:43 > 0:24:45This is me sitting in a nice office,
0:24:45 > 0:24:47in an ill-fitting jacket, drinking tea,
0:24:47 > 0:24:49it's not the high-tempo,
0:24:49 > 0:24:52"This has to get done or people are going to die" any more.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55That experience that you had, you should never let go of it,
0:24:55 > 0:24:58but just mould it and temper it to whatever role you go into.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01You know, and management is somewhere where
0:25:01 > 0:25:05I think you should be looking.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10Phil has been waiting for his chance to prove himself again.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14To do so, he must show how his front-line experience in Afghanistan
0:25:14 > 0:25:18translates into skills his interviewers
0:25:18 > 0:25:20will feel compelled to employ.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23It's probably worth really just having a look at your role
0:25:23 > 0:25:24as engineering manager.
0:25:24 > 0:25:28It would be good to just understand a little bit more about that.
0:25:28 > 0:25:35Yeah, basically, I was in charge of between eight and 21 people.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39I was tasked over in Afghanistan to build three major control bases.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42During the builds, you'd get attacked constantly,
0:25:42 > 0:25:45so you're working under so much pressure,
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and also, you're looking at risk assessments.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51You had to make a risk assessment at every situation,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53because you've got snipers.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56The OC said, he said, he didn't think it could be done,
0:25:56 > 0:25:57and we did it, so...
0:26:02 > 0:26:04What would you like to get out of the experience,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06and what can you bring to our business
0:26:06 > 0:26:08that would help us move forward?
0:26:08 > 0:26:13I'm so hungry for work at the moment, and I want a challenge.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16I want to be able to make a difference
0:26:16 > 0:26:18and I've done my Army chapter now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19And this is a new chapter
0:26:19 > 0:26:22where this is what I want to do with my life now.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31- Hi.- Hi, Mum.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35- 'How did you get on?'- Brilliant! Yeah, really, really good.
0:26:35 > 0:26:39They're looking at bringing me in to head the training.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42'Oh, my gosh! Oh, well done. Well done!'
0:26:42 > 0:26:46The amount of feedback I got just... has blown me away, it has.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48Brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51I said to him, I said, "I'll come and work for you,
0:26:51 > 0:26:53"only if I get a Mercedes 4x4."
0:26:53 > 0:26:58He said, "That's no problem." He said, "That's a company car."
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- So, I'm happy with that. - 'Well done!'- Love you, bye.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05I feel so pleased Phil's got the job.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09This opportunity has been a long time coming.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15I've had concerns all along about putting my veterans,
0:27:15 > 0:27:18men with PTSD, back to work too quickly.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22I've been reassured that work can be the best therapy
0:27:22 > 0:27:25and I'm hoping that will be the case for Shaun.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31I have secured him a week's try-out
0:27:31 > 0:27:34at one of the largest construction companies in London.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37It's a huge step up.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It's like setting out on a new adventure.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41Especially if I get a job out of it,
0:27:41 > 0:27:44then I'll have to think about relocating.
0:27:44 > 0:27:47So, I've got a lot going round in my head at the minute.
0:27:47 > 0:27:52On Civvy Street, Shaun has mostly only worked for himself -
0:27:52 > 0:27:54this will be on much bigger scale
0:27:54 > 0:27:58than the hands-on decorating jobs he's used to.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02I've worked on the labour side now for most of my life now,
0:28:02 > 0:28:05but the skills I've actually gathered from that,
0:28:05 > 0:28:07and obviously from the Army,
0:28:07 > 0:28:10I'm looking on to getting a little bit further up the career ladder,
0:28:10 > 0:28:13and go in for site supervisor, site management.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18The company has offered veterans on work placements
0:28:18 > 0:28:22full-time jobs in the past, so there is everything to play for.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28I think what's really interesting about Shaun
0:28:28 > 0:28:31is that, quite quickly, over the course of this process,
0:28:31 > 0:28:34he's realised that he doesn't want to work on his own,
0:28:34 > 0:28:36he wants to work for a company,
0:28:36 > 0:28:38and I think that's a really good decision for him.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41I also think it will reinforce,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44it will bolster his confidence in himself.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47You know, he's a leader and he needs to take a role.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52But I'm worried that it's a very big leap.
0:28:52 > 0:28:55This development project in Elephant and Castle
0:28:55 > 0:28:57is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00It will mean relocating from Newcastle,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03as well as working in a role he's never been in before.
0:29:04 > 0:29:0630, please, mate.
0:29:08 > 0:29:12It's amazing that he is having this work placement
0:29:12 > 0:29:15somewhere where, if he does well here,
0:29:15 > 0:29:18there are enormous opportunities for him.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21And, gosh, I have all fingers and toes crossed.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28I take it this is obviously one of the penthouses, then?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30There's two here. On this floor there's two,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32and then, 36, you've got one.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36This area here would be one of the terrace areas for the penthouse.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Aye, I was going to say, yeah, yeah.
0:29:40 > 0:29:43When Sean's PTSD resurfaced last year,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46he lost everything - his home, his job
0:29:46 > 0:29:48and, crucially, his self-esteem.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52He'll need to muster every ounce of confidence to pull this off.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54How much would one of these cost us?
0:29:54 > 0:29:57- Ah... Too much. Too much, yeah. - Silly money.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01I could only afford one, so that says something!
0:30:03 > 0:30:04As part of his week's trial,
0:30:04 > 0:30:08Shaun will be assessed to see whether he's management material.
0:30:10 > 0:30:15His first task is to check the newly built apartments for any defects.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19Switch needs filling, just on the edge there.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22It's something he would be expected to do as a site manager,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25responsible for other people's work, not just his own.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28Turning away from painting and decorating is a big step
0:30:28 > 0:30:30when it's always been something you've done,
0:30:30 > 0:30:32you know, I've relied on it.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35I don't want to be painting and decorating up till I'm 65.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38In fact, I would probably die holding a brush in my hands,
0:30:38 > 0:30:40and, you know, I don't want that.
0:30:40 > 0:30:42So I really want to use this as an opportunity
0:30:42 > 0:30:44to go forward and do something different.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47It's great to see Shaun in a working environment,
0:30:47 > 0:30:51but it's a trial, not a job, so I can't count my chickens yet.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59In Plymouth, Heather and her group have shown lots of goodwill
0:30:59 > 0:31:01but I am a little concerned.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05So far, there's been lots of talk and not much action.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I've been searching for a way to connect businesses and veterans,
0:31:09 > 0:31:12and the idea of a networking event
0:31:12 > 0:31:16that came out of the meeting is what I'm focusing on.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Somewhere local employers can offer local jobs
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and opportunities to local veterans.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24It sounds simple, but to succeed,
0:31:24 > 0:31:26we're going to need much more support
0:31:26 > 0:31:29from businesses across the city.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33Not enough companies are signed up to the Corporate Covenant Group.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36You know, we don't have transport, retail, hospitality,
0:31:36 > 0:31:40I mean, there's lots of sectors that are not really represented at all.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Obviously, the more people who are joined up to the group,
0:31:42 > 0:31:46the more possibilities we have for employing veterans.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50I've been looking at Stagecoach this morning.
0:31:50 > 0:31:54They signed the covenant to support the UK armed forces community,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57and they have a very strong presence in the South-West.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59It seems obvious to me that, having signed nationally,
0:31:59 > 0:32:01they should now take part
0:32:01 > 0:32:03in the Corporate Covenant Group here in Plymouth.
0:32:12 > 0:32:16- Bob, Keith. Hi, I'm Alex. - Nice to meet you.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- Nice to meet you.- Hi, Alex, Keith.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Hi, lovely to meet you. Thank you for seeing me today.
0:32:21 > 0:32:22No problem at all.
0:32:22 > 0:32:26So, first of all, I've been working a lot with Plymouth City Council,
0:32:26 > 0:32:29who is heading up the Corporate Covenant Group,
0:32:29 > 0:32:31which is bringing together employers
0:32:31 > 0:32:34to try and improve veterans' employment opportunities
0:32:34 > 0:32:37in Plymouth and the surrounding area.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40And we're really keen to sign up more businesses.
0:32:40 > 0:32:42Certainly, we want to build relationships
0:32:42 > 0:32:46with other organisations and stakeholders in the Plymouth area.
0:32:46 > 0:32:47But also, we need drivers.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51We need skilled engineers, we need people to actually fix the buses,
0:32:51 > 0:32:53drive the buses, we need people to do administration work,
0:32:53 > 0:32:55and those people are hard to come by.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59We need to drum up more concrete support.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02So, Heather's hitting up the local hotels.
0:33:02 > 0:33:07What we haven't got at the moment is a hotel business of any kind,
0:33:07 > 0:33:11and we would really like to broaden the base of our businesses.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15We do need people who have got life skills,
0:33:15 > 0:33:19we need people who have got management skills,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23and they can all be transferred into our business.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28As well as getting some of the bigger organisations on board,
0:33:28 > 0:33:30we're going to need to reach out
0:33:30 > 0:33:33to the many smaller businesses across the city
0:33:33 > 0:33:35if we're to stand any chance
0:33:35 > 0:33:38of making a difference on a local level.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40'I've arranged a meeting with Debbie Southwould,
0:33:40 > 0:33:43'Vice Chair of the Federation Of Small Businesses.
0:33:43 > 0:33:45'They represent hundreds of employers
0:33:45 > 0:33:48'and could have access to jobs across the city.'
0:33:48 > 0:33:50There's so much focus on big business
0:33:50 > 0:33:54and how important it is to bring along that people often forget
0:33:54 > 0:33:56just how many small businesses there are.
0:33:56 > 0:34:00When you consider that 99.5% of businesses
0:34:00 > 0:34:04within Devon and Cornwall are small businesses, you can tell that,
0:34:04 > 0:34:06though you haven't got the same amount of employees,
0:34:06 > 0:34:09it's just as important, it's equally important
0:34:09 > 0:34:11for small businesses and large businesses
0:34:11 > 0:34:13to have a joined-up solution to this.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17Do you think that the small businesses that the FSB represent,
0:34:17 > 0:34:20or that are part of the FSB, would be interested?
0:34:20 > 0:34:24Oh, yes, definitely. Plymouth could be an exemplar council for this,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- and I think that would be great. - Yeah, I agree.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29And there's a huge pool of employers out there,
0:34:29 > 0:34:33and we need to open it up so that we've got the best opportunities
0:34:33 > 0:34:34available for everybody.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40I'm keen to crack on with my plan for a networking event in Plymouth.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43But I've also got some of my veterans
0:34:43 > 0:34:46out there in the workplace to keep an eye on.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48Shaun has completed his week-long trial
0:34:48 > 0:34:50at a construction company in London
0:34:50 > 0:34:53and has been called in to the company's headquarters.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Yes, I've been really trying to impress this week.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00I've been jumping through hoops,
0:35:00 > 0:35:02I've been putting myself out there,
0:35:02 > 0:35:05applying myself as much as I possibly can.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08I'm really hoping they have actually recognised my hard work.
0:35:08 > 0:35:10But, you know, we'll see, we'll see.
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- Hi there.- How are you? - I'm good, how are you?
0:35:23 > 0:35:26- Are you good?- I'm good, yeah. - Shall we head into the meeting room?
0:36:05 > 0:36:09Hi, Dad, yeah, just thought I'd let you know that I got the job.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11Yeah, brilliant news, I know, I know.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13The contract comes through next week.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16I feel like celebrating by buying you a big, expensive present.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20'I am over the moon.'
0:36:21 > 0:36:24Good results, job offer,
0:36:24 > 0:36:27get my proposition and my contract next week.
0:36:27 > 0:36:29Next move, London.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33So, yeah, I couldn't be happier! Couldn't be happier!
0:36:33 > 0:36:38I'm thrilled for Shaun - 15 years after leaving the Army,
0:36:38 > 0:36:41and after losing his business and his home,
0:36:41 > 0:36:44he's finally realising his potential.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49Although it means leaving the shelter
0:36:49 > 0:36:52of his supported housing to do it.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02You'd think I was going to Majorca, the way I'm packing this case!
0:37:05 > 0:37:06It's, um...
0:37:06 > 0:37:11It's actually settling down into regular work,
0:37:11 > 0:37:15getting a regular pattern going, good routine.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Yeah, it's going to be great, actually.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19It's going to be a massive difference.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I'm really, really looking forward to it.
0:37:25 > 0:37:30I've made a lot of good friends here. You know, it's not goodbye.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32I'm moving on. I won't forget them.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36I want veterans all over the country
0:37:36 > 0:37:39to have the same opportunities as Shaun
0:37:39 > 0:37:43and Plymouth Council have agreed to let me pilot an event in the city.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- So, we've got our first networking event.- Yes, we have.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Are you slightly anxious like me? - Just a little bit, yes.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56We've got, I think, between 25 and 30 businesses coming,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59and then, also, we've got businesses who are offering
0:37:59 > 0:38:01very practical solutions into the workplace.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04I'm hoping that they're coming with those kinds of expectations,
0:38:04 > 0:38:07because we know we've got companies today
0:38:07 > 0:38:09who've actually got something tangible to offer them.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14I'm hoping the work that Heather and I have been doing
0:38:14 > 0:38:17can be copied by other councils up and down the country
0:38:17 > 0:38:20to create a support network for veterans nationwide.
0:38:22 > 0:38:26But we have to prove this event can work.
0:38:26 > 0:38:27How are you?
0:38:27 > 0:38:30'I asked all the businesses attending today
0:38:30 > 0:38:32'to bring real opportunities for veterans,
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'from work placements and training to jobs.'
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- How are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40Sorry, I was entranced by this straightaway.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41OK.
0:38:41 > 0:38:43Our latest job vacancies sheet.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49- That's real vacancies that we've got at the moment.- I LOVE that.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52'It's good to see the smaller companies getting so involved,
0:38:52 > 0:38:55'and even the Federation of Small Businesses
0:38:55 > 0:38:57'has joined Heather's group.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00'So, we should have plenty of local support.'
0:39:00 > 0:39:03I'm anxious, I want this party to get started,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06I want to see some veterans in.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10Plymouth's first veteran and business networking event
0:39:10 > 0:39:14is officially open to all ex-servicemen and women in the city.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19I'm at another crossroads, about the fifth crossroads in my life,
0:39:19 > 0:39:23and it's like, I don't know what to do, I don't know how to go about it.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26If you've got an idea or something you want to do in business yourself
0:39:26 > 0:39:29and you just want to talk about all the things you need
0:39:29 > 0:39:33to start becoming a mini expert in to do with law and accounting
0:39:33 > 0:39:35and social media marketing...
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I was hoping to see if there was any driving opportunities here,
0:39:38 > 0:39:41- but, obviously, the nearest to that is Kier...- And Amey.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45Oh, Amey are over there, are they? Outstanding, excellent!
0:39:45 > 0:39:47- Let me introduce you to Paul. - Please, if you would.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49Lovely, thank you.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Paul, one for you.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53- Brilliant. - I'm going to hand you over.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Good afternoon. Nice to meet you, Paul.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58Every council in England has signed up
0:39:58 > 0:40:01to the Government Armed Forces Covenant.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03But as far as I know, this is the first time
0:40:03 > 0:40:05a council and local businesses
0:40:05 > 0:40:10have found a way to turn goodwill and support into a pilot scheme
0:40:10 > 0:40:12offering veterans a way into work.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14This is the first time we've been able to come together
0:40:14 > 0:40:16and do an event of this kind.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19What we're doing here today, I hope will be something
0:40:19 > 0:40:22that we'll be able to continue to do over time,
0:40:22 > 0:40:26and to grow, so that we make sure that all our veterans
0:40:26 > 0:40:29in the city of Plymouth are not only well cared for,
0:40:29 > 0:40:32but have access to employment and support into employment.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35I hope you have a successful afternoon, thank you.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38APPLAUSE
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- So, has today been useful? - It's been an eye-opener,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47especially speaking to the gentleman over there.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49Tomorrow, he shall be receiving my CV,
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- and, hopefully, something comes of it.- Oh, good!
0:40:52 > 0:40:55What have you found useful here today?
0:40:55 > 0:40:59Just networking and talking to people, and ideas, actually.
0:40:59 > 0:41:04Um, I've just become unemployed for the first time since I was 16,
0:41:04 > 0:41:07and I've no idea what I want to do,
0:41:07 > 0:41:09so it's getting ideas from people,
0:41:09 > 0:41:12"Well, we've got this, we've got that available."
0:41:12 > 0:41:16And they're things that I've never thought of.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- Thanks very much.- Nice to meet you. - Nice to talk to you.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24'Before today, I was apprehensive of whether such a simple idea
0:41:24 > 0:41:27'connecting veterans and businesses would work.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31'But the feedback has been universally positive.'
0:41:31 > 0:41:34I've actually met somebody today who I think
0:41:34 > 0:41:37I could really develop a good, long working relationship with,
0:41:37 > 0:41:41and, possibly, a whole new career, so I'm over the moon.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43I'm really pleased with today.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47I didn't honestly know that there was this much support out there.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50It's very encouraging and reassuring
0:41:50 > 0:41:54to see these businesses wanting to come out
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and engage with these guys that are leaving the military,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59and offering them opportunities.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04If every council could run something like this just once a year,
0:42:04 > 0:42:09then some of the 120,000 unemployed veterans across Britain
0:42:09 > 0:42:13may no longer need to fight a battle to find work.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- What do we think? - Well, I'm really delighted
0:42:15 > 0:42:18that it's been so successful this afternoon.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19I don't know how you feel about it,
0:42:19 > 0:42:22but I'm really quite pleased about the whole thing.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25I am relieved that it went as well as it did,
0:42:25 > 0:42:29and I think the ones who came found it really useful.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30I think they were encouraged
0:42:30 > 0:42:33by the number of potential careers there were out there.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35What I'm hopeful about, too,
0:42:35 > 0:42:38is because we've made so many more connections today
0:42:38 > 0:42:40that our networking and communications
0:42:40 > 0:42:42will get further afield,
0:42:42 > 0:42:45so that we can attract in more veterans to come and be supported.
0:42:47 > 0:42:50I'm judging the success of this not in sheer numbers,
0:42:50 > 0:42:52it's whether the guys who have come
0:42:52 > 0:42:55actually think it was worthwhile attending,
0:42:55 > 0:43:00because I think that will encourage Plymouth Council to do this again
0:43:00 > 0:43:04and it also encourages other businesses to take part,
0:43:04 > 0:43:08have a presence, initiate a dialogue with veterans.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11I think all those things are what we were hoping would happen.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15Heather's group now has plans to run the event twice a year,
0:43:15 > 0:43:20but I'm really keen to make sure the fight doesn't end in Plymouth.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24There are thousands of veterans across the country who need help.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28And I want to strike while the iron is hot.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31One of Plymouth's MPs is a former Royal Marine.
0:43:31 > 0:43:35He's committed to helping fellow veterans.
0:43:35 > 0:43:36- ON VIDEO:- So, Mr Deputy Speaker,
0:43:36 > 0:43:40I come here, unapologetically, to improve the plight of veterans.
0:43:40 > 0:43:41There are some extremely dogged
0:43:41 > 0:43:44and determined characters who fight night and day to improve
0:43:44 > 0:43:46the services offered to those who struggle
0:43:46 > 0:43:47with mental health problems,
0:43:47 > 0:43:50often those who cannot shout for themselves or who suffer in silence
0:43:50 > 0:43:53because of the ridiculous stigma placed upon mental health.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58I'm going to meet Johnny Mercer MP in Parliament.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01Johnny did three tours of Afghanistan,
0:44:01 > 0:44:03he knows what he's talking about.
0:44:03 > 0:44:05And it's pure serendipity
0:44:05 > 0:44:08that he's the MP for Plymouth Moor View.
0:44:08 > 0:44:11It means that Plymouth and veterans
0:44:11 > 0:44:14have a very strong voice now in Parliament,
0:44:14 > 0:44:15fighting their corner.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20After all the work I've done with the city council,
0:44:20 > 0:44:23I'm hoping he will take on my project and run with it nationwide.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- Hi, Johnny, how are you?- Hi, Alex, how are you? Lovely to see you.
0:44:30 > 0:44:33- Thank you very much. Come and have a seat, please.- Thank you.
0:44:33 > 0:44:35- There we go.- So...- Yes.
0:44:37 > 0:44:39I've been working with these four guys,
0:44:39 > 0:44:41trying to get them back into employment,
0:44:41 > 0:44:45and I've had kind of qualified successes, but it has been...
0:44:45 > 0:44:49I mean, it certainly has not been linear progression.
0:44:49 > 0:44:52Each time I think we've succeeded somewhere,
0:44:52 > 0:44:54there's been a step backwards somewhere else.
0:44:54 > 0:44:58And so, it's been a bruising process.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01It's a very difficult transition, I've just done it.
0:45:01 > 0:45:04You know, if I had a problem, I wouldn't know where to go.
0:45:04 > 0:45:06If I was struggling to find employment,
0:45:06 > 0:45:09I wouldn't know specifically who to talk to,
0:45:09 > 0:45:13and if I can't do that, the chances of our guys and girls
0:45:13 > 0:45:15being able to do it, I think, are reduced.
0:45:15 > 0:45:17It's a massive challenge,
0:45:17 > 0:45:20but not trying to sort that out isn't really good enough,
0:45:20 > 0:45:24because, ultimately, we still have people who are finding life
0:45:24 > 0:45:28a desperate struggle after serving in our armed forces.
0:45:28 > 0:45:32We need to come up with a sustainable model of how it works.
0:45:32 > 0:45:37Yes, Plymouth is, frankly, streets ahead of any other council
0:45:37 > 0:45:40that we've researched in veteran care,
0:45:40 > 0:45:43and I have been encouraged over the course of this process,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46because having seen the beginnings of the Corporate Covenant Group,
0:45:46 > 0:45:50and seeing, first of all, the businesses that have joined,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52also their...their desire to engage
0:45:52 > 0:45:55and to really make a difference,
0:45:55 > 0:46:00and, actually, to show best practice in their dealings with veterans.
0:46:00 > 0:46:02I mean, somehow, there is a fire that's been lit
0:46:02 > 0:46:05in the bellies of these companies in Plymouth.
0:46:05 > 0:46:08And that's where this Corporate Covenant is so important,
0:46:08 > 0:46:11because that...having a job
0:46:11 > 0:46:15is a huge part of a holistic approach to veterans' care,
0:46:15 > 0:46:19because that is often what is going to keep someone going.
0:46:19 > 0:46:20So, it's vital, it's great.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22The work you guys have done is brilliant,
0:46:22 > 0:46:23but we now need to jump on that,
0:46:23 > 0:46:26that's what I want to see expanding in Plymouth,
0:46:26 > 0:46:29so I can then go to the Secretary of State for Defence, and say,
0:46:29 > 0:46:31"These are the problems I encountered
0:46:31 > 0:46:34"when I came into Parliament. All these people, it's not about me,
0:46:34 > 0:46:36"it's all these other people who are contributing to these schemes.
0:46:36 > 0:46:39"We think this is the best way
0:46:39 > 0:46:42"of delivering a better standard of care for our veterans.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44"This is what you should be doing nationwide."
0:46:44 > 0:46:47Plymouth does have the opportunity of providing a blueprint,
0:46:47 > 0:46:51you know, of best practice, of how to behave with veterans.
0:46:51 > 0:46:56And if we can put a sort of jetpack under that covenant,
0:46:56 > 0:46:58we can now seize that opportunity and go for it.
0:47:00 > 0:47:02It was wonderful to meet Johnny
0:47:02 > 0:47:05and I can't think of a better person
0:47:05 > 0:47:07to take on this whole issue
0:47:07 > 0:47:09and he's so determined
0:47:09 > 0:47:12and he has first-hand knowledge of all the issues.
0:47:12 > 0:47:14I look forward to seeing what he's going to achieve.
0:47:17 > 0:47:21In the meantime, there is surprising news from one of my veterans.
0:47:23 > 0:47:25For some time, I'd not heard from Lee.
0:47:25 > 0:47:28He's been having a fresh round of therapy
0:47:28 > 0:47:32to help better manage the nightmares and flashbacks caused by his PTSD.
0:47:32 > 0:47:35And, that's not all he's been doing.
0:47:35 > 0:47:37So, last time I saw Alex...um...
0:47:40 > 0:47:42I've...got a job!
0:47:43 > 0:47:45And it's working in Germany.
0:47:46 > 0:47:48Yeah, big decision.
0:47:49 > 0:47:53Since I've found out about the job, I have had no nightmares,
0:47:53 > 0:47:55no flashbacks,
0:47:55 > 0:47:57no...nothing...
0:47:59 > 0:48:02..which is weird because I've never not had it.
0:48:03 > 0:48:05Something's clicked.
0:48:05 > 0:48:08The job's made me, almost, I guess, complete.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13The job I'm doing is actually repairing
0:48:13 > 0:48:16and fixing American armoured vehicles.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19It'll be like being back in the Army again.
0:48:20 > 0:48:24I just missed that, and now I'm going back to it.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26I can't be happier.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29'This is good news, but if there's one thing I've learned,
0:48:29 > 0:48:33'it's that PTSD can be triggered in a myriad of different ways.
0:48:33 > 0:48:36'I just hope Lee isn't trying to run before he can walk.'
0:48:36 > 0:48:38Do you think you're going to be all right in Germany?
0:48:38 > 0:48:40Mental-health-wise, I mean.
0:48:40 > 0:48:42Yeah, it will be...
0:48:43 > 0:48:45It's what I need.
0:48:45 > 0:48:48Yeah, I just think it would be remiss of me not to point out
0:48:48 > 0:48:51that a few weeks ago you were feeling really miserable,
0:48:51 > 0:48:54and I was incredibly worried about you. I don't want you to think
0:48:54 > 0:48:57you're going to escape yourself when you go to Germany,
0:48:57 > 0:48:59because you're going to take yourself with you,
0:48:59 > 0:49:01and everything with it.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04Since I knew I had the job, I've cut down my medication,
0:49:04 > 0:49:08I don't take it any more, and I've had nothing.
0:49:08 > 0:49:10And it's weird how it's just this one thing
0:49:10 > 0:49:12that's just kind of made everything gel together
0:49:12 > 0:49:15and I've had no nightmares, no flashbacks,
0:49:15 > 0:49:17I don't see images every day. And it's...
0:49:17 > 0:49:20A big weight's been lifted off my shoulders, it's fantastic.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23So, yeah, fresh start. It's going to be brilliant.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26Have you told your new employer about your PTSD?
0:49:28 > 0:49:30- It's not a problem now, though. - At the moment!
0:49:30 > 0:49:32It's not going to be a problem!
0:49:32 > 0:49:35- I promise, it's not going to be a problem.- OK, well, I... OK.
0:49:35 > 0:49:36I feel so nervous for you,
0:49:36 > 0:49:39you keep having these massive highs and these massive lows.
0:49:39 > 0:49:42No, I can't have any more lows, because that would bloody kill me.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44I know, but you get so enthusiastic and so excited,
0:49:44 > 0:49:47and then you get this... kind of hit a brick wall.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50Yeah, I'm not letting anything stop me this time.
0:49:50 > 0:49:54I really hope that this all works out for you, darling.
0:49:54 > 0:49:56My only word of warning is just keep an eye out for your...
0:49:56 > 0:49:59Oh, yeah, I'll always... Yeah.
0:49:59 > 0:50:02- It'll be... I'll be all right. - You'll be all right?- Yeah.
0:50:02 > 0:50:05'Lee is the one I'm most worried about, currently.'
0:50:05 > 0:50:10I'm all for him going back into the safety of an environment
0:50:10 > 0:50:14that he knows so well and doing a job that he loves so much,
0:50:14 > 0:50:18but I think saying that he's no longer suffering from PTSD
0:50:18 > 0:50:21is just plain unrealistic.
0:50:21 > 0:50:25I mean, it just isn't something that's fixed like that
0:50:25 > 0:50:27from one day to the next.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31So, I don't know, I'm worried about him.
0:50:32 > 0:50:37'Only time will tell if Lee will be able to control his PTSD
0:50:37 > 0:50:39'and make a go of it in Germany.
0:50:39 > 0:50:42'If he can, it will be an amazing new start for him.'
0:50:46 > 0:50:50There's no doubt that work - and the self-esteem it brings -
0:50:50 > 0:50:53has been helpful for most of my veterans' ongoing recovery.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Sadly, for Stuart, the timing wasn't right
0:50:58 > 0:51:02and he was forced to pull out of his bricklaying apprenticeship.
0:51:04 > 0:51:07You know, you seemed to be doing quite well,
0:51:07 > 0:51:09as well as anyone might have hoped,
0:51:09 > 0:51:12and then you started the bricklaying.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15- I think it was just too quick. - Yeah.- I just dived in.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17What could I have done differently?
0:51:17 > 0:51:19What could I do differently to help you?
0:51:19 > 0:51:22- Is there anything I could...? - Nothing, I need to help myself.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26It's not other people, I need to help myself.
0:51:28 > 0:51:29I need to...
0:51:31 > 0:51:33..get more help, cos...
0:51:34 > 0:51:37..I still haven't come to terms that I've actually got an illness, me.
0:51:37 > 0:51:39- Yeah.- I still don't believe it.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42I'm really sorry that I couldn't be more helpful,
0:51:42 > 0:51:45that somehow this hasn't been as useful for you as I was hoping.
0:51:45 > 0:51:47No, it has been useful,
0:51:47 > 0:51:50- cos I've found out I wasn't ready to start work,- Yeah.
0:51:50 > 0:51:54I'm...slowly getting used to living on me own in the flat...
0:51:56 > 0:51:59- ..and getting me shopping in like an old woman.- Ha-ha!
0:51:59 > 0:52:03I even take me own bags now, you know, them bags that you buy?
0:52:03 > 0:52:06- Yeah.- I take them...- Good for you. - ..instead of carrier bags.
0:52:06 > 0:52:08But I'm getting used to it.
0:52:08 > 0:52:13I know it must be incredibly hard to open up as much as you have.
0:52:13 > 0:52:16I never thought I would. Honestly, coming into this, I said,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19"I'm not talking about my illness."
0:52:19 > 0:52:23But then, it's a big part of my life at the minute, so how can I not...
0:52:23 > 0:52:26- talk about it?- Right, well, we won't do any of that kissy-kissy stuff.
0:52:26 > 0:52:28I'm not into foreign kissing, me.
0:52:28 > 0:52:30- Let's go and get ourselves a steak and a pint.- Yeah.
0:52:34 > 0:52:36'He was very open with me,
0:52:36 > 0:52:38'he was very brave.
0:52:39 > 0:52:42'And I feel like finally we had a really honest conversation,'
0:52:42 > 0:52:44which I think will help him in the future.
0:52:44 > 0:52:48He's been out the least amount of time. He hasn't been out two years,
0:52:48 > 0:52:51and I think, if, already, he can accept where he is at this point,
0:52:51 > 0:52:54then I have high hopes for the future.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00It's been an emotional rollercoaster
0:53:00 > 0:53:04working with my group of veterans over the past six months.
0:53:06 > 0:53:10They've helped me understand some of the issues facing veterans,
0:53:10 > 0:53:13particularly those with mental injuries.
0:53:13 > 0:53:16This is only the start of their journeys,
0:53:16 > 0:53:18and before I discharge them onto Civvy Street
0:53:18 > 0:53:20to start their new lives,
0:53:20 > 0:53:23I'm bringing them all back together one last time.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26- Hi, darling, how are you? - Very good, thank you.
0:53:26 > 0:53:30- Lovely to see you on your two legs again.- Yes.
0:53:30 > 0:53:34Look at you, sir, you're looking very dapper.
0:53:34 > 0:53:35Thank you.
0:53:35 > 0:53:36Kisses! Sorry.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40- Hiya, how are you, darling? - Good, good.
0:53:41 > 0:53:42Come and sit down.
0:53:43 > 0:53:45Right, so, first of all,
0:53:45 > 0:53:49over the course of this process, do you think
0:53:49 > 0:53:52you've got to understand Civvy Street a bit better?
0:53:52 > 0:53:54I hate Civvy Street, me.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56I hate it even more now.
0:53:56 > 0:53:58- You can't say you hate Civvy Street! - I do.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01Well, I know, darling, but you've got to find a way to like it,
0:54:01 > 0:54:03because that's where you are.
0:54:03 > 0:54:05There's no point hating your life, you know,
0:54:05 > 0:54:07there's a long life ahead of you.
0:54:08 > 0:54:12I think this PTSD problematic side of things
0:54:12 > 0:54:14is just something that's kind of simmering away, isn't it?
0:54:14 > 0:54:18- It's always got to be kept on top of.- Yeah.
0:54:18 > 0:54:21You'll never get rid of PTSD.
0:54:21 > 0:54:24PTSD will always be in your life, and the thing is,
0:54:24 > 0:54:27it's how you deal with this PTSD is how you live your life.
0:54:27 > 0:54:29I think lots of people are still very nervous
0:54:29 > 0:54:31about talking about it as an issue,
0:54:31 > 0:54:34and I think the more that one can be open about it,
0:54:34 > 0:54:38and discuss...the fact that it is possible to live with it.
0:54:40 > 0:54:42What about you? First of all, pain?
0:54:42 > 0:54:44Pain management getting better,
0:54:44 > 0:54:47coming off my meds because I've started work now.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Woohoo! Well done, you, too.
0:54:50 > 0:54:51How's that going?
0:54:51 > 0:54:55I can see a future, and I can see the future will be bright,
0:54:55 > 0:54:58and I can do something about it. I can change it now.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01Look at you, suited, booted!
0:55:01 > 0:55:03I saw you across the road, and I was thinking,
0:55:03 > 0:55:05"Who is that very dapper-looking gentlemen?"
0:55:05 > 0:55:07And I was like, "Oh, my gosh!"
0:55:07 > 0:55:10Everything, you look great. You seem quite relaxed.
0:55:10 > 0:55:12I am. I've seen massive changes in myself, so...
0:55:14 > 0:55:16- I think I've come a long way. - You were ready for it.
0:55:16 > 0:55:18Yeah, I was ready for it.
0:55:18 > 0:55:20- I was biting at the bit, to be honest.- Yes.
0:55:21 > 0:55:25When you consider where you were before you started this process,
0:55:25 > 0:55:28and what you were doing and how you were looking...
0:55:28 > 0:55:32I mean, you're a really good example because you'd applied
0:55:32 > 0:55:34for so many jobs and you hadn't got any interviews.
0:55:34 > 0:55:37Going from then to now is totally different.
0:55:37 > 0:55:39I didn't want to say boo to a goose,
0:55:39 > 0:55:42but now, I'm not the same guy I was five months ago.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46It's thinking outside the box about yourself,
0:55:46 > 0:55:50thinking about, actually, companies do want you,
0:55:50 > 0:55:51and what companies want you.
0:55:51 > 0:55:54- And realising how much you've got to offer.- That's really important.
0:55:54 > 0:55:56Confidence is key.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59My confidence was rock bottom when I started this.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01And determination, as well,
0:56:01 > 0:56:05and the willingness to do something about changing your life
0:56:05 > 0:56:08and getting out there and working, I think that's important, as well.
0:56:10 > 0:56:13Right, I'm going to send you on your way.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16'I've got really mixed feelings about saying goodbye to the group.
0:56:16 > 0:56:20'I'm really impressed by how open they are,
0:56:20 > 0:56:22'and how far most of them have come.
0:56:22 > 0:56:25'I don't really want to say goodbye to them.
0:56:25 > 0:56:28'I'd like to think I'm going to be able to find out
0:56:28 > 0:56:32'how they're doing and keep in contact with them.'
0:56:32 > 0:56:35I won't really know how effective this process has been,
0:56:35 > 0:56:37how useful to them, ultimately,
0:56:37 > 0:56:39until quite a bit of time has passed.
0:56:39 > 0:56:41Three of them have just started or just starting jobs,
0:56:41 > 0:56:45and I need to give them time to get used to life on Civvy Street,
0:56:45 > 0:56:47before I really find out if they can handle it.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53Realistically, this is such a small sample
0:56:53 > 0:56:55of the thousands of veterans
0:56:55 > 0:56:59that are out there who are facing similar problems.
0:56:59 > 0:57:03I think there needs to be a better understanding of the skill sets
0:57:03 > 0:57:07that could inform a veteran's usefulness in a company.
0:57:07 > 0:57:10I think HR departments should be much more au fait
0:57:10 > 0:57:13with how to read a military CV.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17I think businesses need to make a lot more effort
0:57:17 > 0:57:20to employ veterans, but, you know, we all have to start somewhere.
0:57:20 > 0:57:24Hopefully, something that I've done through this process
0:57:24 > 0:57:27will prove, ultimately, to be useful on a grander scale.
0:57:30 > 0:57:32Three months on...
0:57:33 > 0:57:36..Shaun is nearing the end of his probationary period
0:57:36 > 0:57:39as a construction manager for Lendlease.
0:57:39 > 0:57:43If he continues to hit his targets, he'll be kept on in the role.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46Stuart recently completed a tarmacking course.
0:57:46 > 0:57:49He does now feel ready for full-time employment
0:57:49 > 0:57:52and is looking for work on the roads.
0:57:52 > 0:57:55Lee had to return from his job in Germany to resolve a family issue.
0:57:55 > 0:57:58He's now applying for work closer to home in Plymouth,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01and has had no recurrence of his PTSD.
0:58:02 > 0:58:04And Phil has been given a permanent contract
0:58:04 > 0:58:07with construction giant Carillion.
0:58:07 > 0:58:10When his role as a training manager on the A1 project comes to an end,
0:58:10 > 0:58:14he has set his sights on promotion to project management.