HUNDREDS of service personnel planning their next steps found a range of information and help at the Army Life Skills and Job Fair.

The free event organised by HQ South West and supported by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council was held at the Tidworth Garrison Theatre.

More than 60 organisations attended to offer advice and guidance for the whole service family including soldiers, spouses, families and veterans. Information was available on a number of options including health and care, manufacturing, transport, building, finance and communications and IT.

Experts were also on hand to offer advice in a range of areas including education and training, housing, money, welfare and health.

Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development said: “This was a great event which was very well attended. Our military offer a range of unique skills and experience that really contribute to our economy. I’m so pleased we had a good range of dynamic businesses and exciting education and training opportunities available for those planning their next steps or thinking of a new career.”

Lt Col Peter Bates said: “I was delighted that the combined Jobs and Skills fair was considerably well supported by a variety of employers and providers. This gave the opportunity for hundreds of service men, women and dependants to benefit from what was being offered. It seemed to be a real success and there are requests coming in for another to be held within six months.”