Officers' Association Scotland

01/10/2026

In this short interview, we speak with Paula Ashe from WithYouWithMe, an organisation helping veterans, service leavers and military families build meaningful civilian careers through skills-based hiring.

We discuss how WithYouWithMe identifies potential, provides training for in-demand roles, and connects candidates with employers who value skills and aptitude over traditional experience. If you're considering your next career move after military service, this episode offers valuable insight into another pathway into employment.

Watch the full episode on your favourite platform:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/IHTdvnRWnMk
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-withyouwithme-is-helping-veterans-build-new-careers/id1800790321?i=1000792556000
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/22MMBMdsN1ZscIQLNRjVQo?si=ropoIqciT-Wkjzr3A_BVjw
Podbean: https://jburnsi.podbean.com/e/how-withyouwithme-is-helping-veterans-build-new-careers/

Learn more about WithYouWithMe: https://withyouwithme.com/

30/09/2026

You're probably networking wrong.

One of the biggest mistakes service leavers make is thinking networking means asking people for a job. In reality, effective networking is about building genuine relationships, asking questions, gathering information and learning from people who are already working in the industries and roles that interest you.

In this short, Jane Burns explains why the best networkers focus on curiosity, conversations and advice rather than job opportunities.

🎙️ From Combat Boots to Business Suits

Practical career advice, military transition guidance and job search tips for service leavers and veterans building successful civilian careers after the Armed Forces.

28/09/2026

🍻 Join Alex Cross for a pint this Thursday at Waxy O’Connors in Glasgow 🍻

The Network Glasgow is a casual social event for any veterans and service leavers who want to talk all things resettlement in a relaxed environment, or who just want a bit of banter with like-minded people. Booking details in comments 👇

25/09/2026

As we head towards the weekend, why not take a moment to pop some Q4 events in your diary 🙌

October and November are all about networking! Make new connections over a pint at one of our casual meet-ups, then get ready to work the room at our Q4 Employers Event in the incredible Aberdeen offices in Edinburgh.

Head over to our events page for more information:
https://www.oascotland.org.uk/events/

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22/09/2026

Last call to join the wonderful Joanna Maynard MBE and Michelle K. for an afternoon of CV and Interview workshops this Thursday 24th September in New Haig House.

You'll learn how to write a top-tier CV, and how to translate your military experience for civilian hiring managers. Then you will work through tried and tested interview techniques; including the STAR method, elevator pitches, and preparation best practices.

Want to nail your next application? This is a session not to be missed!
💥 Book CV Workshop: https://portal.oascotland.org.uk/events/event/cv-workshop-2/
💥 Book Interview Workshop: https://portal.oascotland.org.uk/events/event/interview-workshop-edinburgh/

17/09/2026

🎙️ NEW PODCAST - WHY SCOTTISH POWER HIRES VETERANS S2 EP6

Why does ScottishPower actively recruit veterans and service leavers?

In our latest episode, Jane Burns sits down with Steven McFaulds, Senior Recruitment Consultant at ScottishPower, to explore why military talent is such a valuable asset in today's workforce.
Although Stevie isn't a veteran himself, he has become one of the UK's strongest advocates for veteran employment after seeing first-hand the skills, leadership, resilience and adaptability ex-military personnel bring to civilian organisations.

We discuss:
✅ Why Scottish Power invests in the Armed Forces community
✅ The transferable skills veterans bring to civilian careers
✅ Opportunities across the energy sector
✅ The success of Scottish Power's Empower Programme
✅ Becoming an employer of choice for service leavers and veterans

Whether you're preparing to leave the military, already transitioning into civilian life, or an employer looking to access exceptional talent, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world advice.

📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/dcnmD0vekQc
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4H2UgDPJKyP7ZBRt9Nmeqh?si=XCWq9omDSnKkbheA-4eDyg
🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-scottish-power-hires-veterans/id1800790321?i=1000790358886
🎧 Podbean: https://jburnsi.podbean.com/e/why-scottish-power-hires-veterans/

Why Scottish Power Hires Veterans | A Conversation with Stevie McFa...

03/09/2026

In our latest episode of 'From Combat Boots To Business Suits' with Jane Burns, Jon Boucher shares an incredibly honest account of his journey from serving in the Royal Marines to building a successful civilian career with Balfour Beatty plc.

We talk about the realities of burnout, the impact it had on his mental health and family life, and the difficult decision to leave the military. Jon also speaks openly about seeking help, his experience of therapy, and the road to recovery.

It's a powerful conversation about resilience, recovery and finding a healthier balance after service.

Please note: This episode contains discussions around depression, su***de and mental health challenges.

📺 Youtube: https://youtu.be/Yb5CXVYVuqo?si=gDPFAdF7iwH-Ezpq
🎧 Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/jane-burns2/episodes/From-Burnout-To-Balance-e3o9gkn
🎧 Podbean: https://jburnsi.podbean.com/e/from-burnout-to-balance/

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3qd33-1b4ef81
Whether you're a veteran, service leaver, employer, or supporting someone through transition, this is a conversation worth listening to.

27/08/2026

THE NETWORK GLASGOW 🍻

Join Alex Cross next week in Waxy O'Connors for a few drinks and networking. The TNG/TNE networking events are our most relaxed offering; just like-minded service leavers and veterans swapping similar stories and great banter. Alex is a fantastic host with a breadth of knowledge about all things civvy street - don't miss a chance to pick his brains over a pint!

Book now: https://portal.oascotland.org.uk/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=14

26/08/2026

Your military experience is not your CV.

One of the biggest mistakes I see service leavers make is trying to cram an entire military career onto two pages.

Employers don't need to know everything you've ever done. They need to understand why you're the right person for this job.

Your CV isn't a military service record.

It's a marketing document.

🎙️ From Combat Boots to Business Suits

23/08/2026

💡 Your experience speaks volumes. Make sure your delivery does too.

For many service leavers, the biggest challenge isn't what they've achieved, it's communicating those achievements effectively to employers.
Our upcoming workshop with Speech Hub will help you develop the skills to present yourself with confidence in interviews, meetings and professional settings.

You'll learn how to:
🎯 Deliver messages with greater clarity and impact
🎯 Use body language to build credibility and presence
🎯 Structure presentations and briefings effectively
🎯 Manage nerves and perform under pressure

📅 Thursday 17 September 2026
⏰ 12:30 - 16:30
📍 New Haig House

Book now: https://portal.oascotland.org.uk/civicrm/event/register/?reset=1&id=18

A valuable opportunity for anyone looking to strengthen their professional communication and stand out in today's job market.