Armed Forces Covenant Signed by Veteran-Led Start-Up

• Pledge supports those who have served to transition into high-demand digital jobs
• WithYouWithMe is also providing free access to £27 million worth of digital skills training places in areas such data analytics, software development and cyber security

WithYouWithMe (WYWM), an Australian tech start-up tackling the global digital skills crisis, has signed the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation that those who serve their country are treated fairly and with respect. As part of their expansion into the UK, WYWM is also providing free access to £27 million worth of digital skills training places in areas such data analytics, software development and cyber security. The investment is part of the company making the UK its Northern Hemisphere headquarters as it grows its impact worldwide.

Founded by former Australian Army Captain Tom Moore, WYWM is a social impact company that lowers the barriers to entry into tech careers for veterans, military families and other underrepresented groups such as the neurodivergent and refugees. The company has created a new model for aptitude and attitude testing that identifies people with the ability to thrive in tech-based roles – such as those leaving the forces – and then provides them with free accredited training to get them rapidly proficient. WYWM has since placed more 20,000 people into work.

WithYouWithMe partners with a broad range of commercial and government organisations to place job seekers into well-paid employment – with particular demand coming from Defence and federal agencies for digitally-proficient veterans.

Tom Moore, CEO of WYWM, said: “Our company was founded on the principle of doing the right thing for those who have served their country. It is only right that we now protect those who protected us as they transition into new careers. We firmly recognise that the skills developed in the military are invaluable for the civilian workforce – from having the aptitude for high-demand roles like data analytics and cyber security, to soft skills like strong collaboration and problem-solving abilities.”

The signing ceremony at the Ministry of Defence Main Building in London was attended by Sir James Everard, former NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe; Major General Rupert Jones; Olly Benzecry, WYWM’s UK Chairman; Tom Moore, CEO of WYWM, and Leo Docherty, Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

Commitments provided by WYWM as part of the Covenant include that the company will employ no less than 70% of veterans in its workforce, campaign to get veteran spouses, partners and dependents trained and into work, have a dedicated team to support veterans and explore their career opportunities, support employees in the military reserves, and offer short notice leave to support spouses or partners of a deploying services person where possible.