Armed Forces
We are proud to be an Armed Forces friendly employer and look to proactively work with clients to advertise their job vacancies to departing and veteran military personnel and their families, as well as continually looking at how we can further our support.
Some images on this page have been sourced from the Open Government Licence Page.
An Armed Forces Covenant signatory
By signing the Armed Forces Covenant we’re making a promise to the nation, that we’ll support our Armed Service personnel and their families. They have dedicated their time and efforts to protecting us, and in turn we’re committed to working with them to ensure they receive a fair and transparent experience when looking for work. We respect their dedication, and want to help them to secure future work opportunities that not only supports their transferrable skills, but gives them a future career trajectory that’s as rewarding as their time spent serving and protecting our nation.
The Armed Forces Covenant is our voluntary pledge that all active and retired service personnel will not face any disadvantage, and special consideration will be given where required to facilitate employment after injury or bereavement.
Working with service leavers
We regularly promote job opportunities through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the provider of the Ministry of Defence' resettlement programme. NRL recruiters regularly attend the CTP’s regional employment fairs, to provide career and job seeking advice to service leavers and help with practical support such as setting up LinkedIn profiles to find work.
Over 14,000 highly skilled and experienced people leave the Armed Forces each year, and with a career in the Armed Forces unrivalled by any other when it comes to gaining valuable transferable skills their ability to follow instructions with precision, the teamwork mentality and specialist training are just a few key skills that are strong advantages when recruiting for technical and engineering roles.
Supporting the Armed Forces together
Each year colleagues in our Wigan Recruitment branch, Group support office and Linx business spend the Poppy Appeal fortnight selling poppies and merchandise at the local supermarket.
It's a time of the year that's important to us at NRL, as colleagues are able to use their paid charity leave to spend time in the community helping to raise money to support the fantastic work the Poppy Appeal delivers to the Armed Forces community.
Finding rewarding work after leaving the Armed Forces
After 22 years service in the RAF, I didn’t realise was that my skill sets developed were transferable and greatly valued. After originally going down the recruitment route, I was directly employed with NRL for 11 years as the Group HSE&Q Manager, before moving into my current position. NRL’s values lend themselves, to the core, of those embedded by the forces. The professionalism of all the staff is second to none as they ensure the values set are continually applied in promoting individual aspirations, they work as team with drive and vigor making individuals valued and invested in.
Pat McCarthy, NRL Rail Compliance Manager
Advertising career opportunities with NRL through Forces Families Jobs
We're just as keen to welcome the Armed Forces community to work with the NRL Group, so have committed to advertise all internal vacancies through the Forces Families Jobs website.
We understand the challenges that come with supporting family members so they can service in the military, so are happy to consider accommodations that will allow them to build their own rewarding careers.
Armed Forces support
If you're looking for support to secure a rewarding career as you depart the military, them we'd love to hear from you.
Submit your CV, or if you want to contact your local NRL branch you'll find their details here.
We're always keen to chat with local cadets and youth programmes where we may be able to help and support them.
Whether you're preparing to leave the military or have been a veteran for some time, help is always available whenever you need it.
The Armed Forces Covenant – support and advice
Career Transition Partnership – resettlement support
Forces Families Jobs – job support
Royal British Legion - veteran support
Veterans UK – dedicated support
Veteran’s Gateway – signposting the help available to you
Walking With The Wounded - mental health and wellbeing support
Forces in Mind Trust – supporting the transition to civilian life
Togetherall – a safe online community to improve health and wellbeing
Career advice
We have a range of articles on our blog from creating a CV to preparing for a job interview.
Career advice
Engineering your next move: A complete guide to job searching, sector switching, and career growth
Nov 18, 2025
Career advice
Working in recruitment: A comprehensive guide to the career, the skills and the reality
Nov 11, 2025
Career advice
Working with NRL through an Umbrella company
Sep 19, 2024
Career advice
Why contracting can provide flexibility in your work
Sep 16, 2024
Career advice
Setting up an Armed Forces LinkedIn profile
Mar 6, 2024
Career advice
Writing a CV as you prepare to leave the Armed Forces
Mar 6, 2024
Career advice
Is a Plumber a good job in the UK?
Feb 14, 2024