Businesswoman holding coffee cup and working on laptop in office (itchaznong (123RF))
There is plenty to do during your tour in the U.K! From on-installation employment or education to volunteer work and travel, your time in England has a lot to offer.
Visit your local base M&FRC for one-on-one support, and to update your resume or research job and volunteer opportunities.
On-Base Jobs Options
• NAF Positions: Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) and General Schedule (GS) positions are offered with MWR, FSS and command agencies. Hours range from full-time to flexible part-time with varying employment benefits. Search and apply at: usajobs.gov.
• DoDEA-Europe: On-installation schools offer full and part-time employment as support staff, substitute teachers and administrative employees Find certified teaching positions at: dodea.edu/offices/HR. Find local support positions at usajobs.gov.
• Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES): For positions at AAFES facilities like the Exchange and food courts, visit aafes.com/Applymyexchange.
• Defense Commissary Agency (DECA): Jobs at usajobs.gov.
• Defense Contractors: Job opportunities with contractors are typically advertised via the company’s human resources department. Your installation’s contracting office and A&FRC or ACS office may have information about companies with contracts near you.
• Family Childcare: Child and Youth Services is always looking for qualified individuals to run family childcare businesses inside their on-base home.
Local British Jobs
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) allows command-sponsored dependents of military or civilian government employees to obtain jobs on the local British economy without needing a work permit. You will need to have the following.
• A U.K. visa / vignette in your passport.
• You must apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN). Visit gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number for detailed instructions.
• Proof of your current U.K. address like a utility statement.
• A pounds sterling bank account for payment.
Search for local positions at findajob.dwp.gov.uk. When working on the local British economy you will be subject to U.K. income tax by the Inland Revenue Office, and you will still need to file for U.S. income tax. Visit your installation’s Legal Office for more details.
You can further your college education while stationed in England. Visit the M&FRC to find out about programs and assistance.
University of Maryland Global Campus: europe.umgc.edu
Undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Offers face-to-face and online courses.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: worldwide.erau.edu/locations
Certifications, undergraduate and graduate degrees. Online, in-person and blended learning.
Other schools with online coursework: military.com/education or militaryonesource.mil
Many U.S.-based colleges and universities offer online courses and discounts for military-affiliated students.
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in your community. Start by making connections.
Visit your installation’s M&FRC, Post Office, the American Red Cross and the USO.
Reach out to organizations across your installation that align with a career field you are interested in.
Find local spouses clubs, interest groups or sports organizations to join.
Do you enjoy writing or photography? Go to https://europe.stripes.com/lifestyle/submissions/ to learn how to submit aritcles and photographs for publication.
A Key Support Liaison (KSL) is a volunteer within a squadron selected by the Commander to be a link between spouses and the unit. KSLs help newcomers by reaching out before they arrive to help answer questions they may have before moving, and they provide newcomers with the resources available for adjusting to a new base. KSLs are there to support and help newcomers in their transition and throughout their tour in the U.K.
