More than 2,200 members of the Armed Forces community gathered at Silverstone last week for Mission Motorsport’s annual National Transition Event (NTE), one of the UK’s largest career and networking events supporting the move from military to civilian life.
Held at the Silverstone Circuit and Conference Centre in Northamptonshire, the event brought together veterans, service leavers, reservists, cadets, charities, employers and government bodies to provide guidance, support and employment opportunities in the automotive industry for those transitioning out of the Armed Forces.
Organisers said a total of 2,284 attendees took part in this year’s event, including more than 800 new service leavers seeking advice, connections and career pathways as they prepare to enter civilian life.
The NTE featured 209 exhibitors representing employers, industry organisations, government departments and charities. Participants included nine government agencies, ranging from the Department for Energy Security to the Ministry of Justice, alongside nine Armed Forces Regular and Reserve units, eight national industry bodies and 15 community interest companies.
Mission Motorsport also used the event to launch a Manufacturing Sector Guide aimed at helping veterans understand career opportunities within the UK manufacturing industry.
In addition, 206 members of the Gold Award Association attended the event, while 55 charities were able to participate without paying exhibition fees – a record for the event.
Four companies also signed the Armed Forces Covenant during the day, committing to ensure that members of the Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged by their service.
Outside the conference venue, attendees were also able to take part in high-speed passenger laps around Silverstone’s Grand Prix circuit as part of a linked Troops’ Track Day, run in collaboration with Gold Track.
The event was organised by Mission Motorsport with the support of 15 staff members and more than 70 volunteers, and was backed by both the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
Alex Taylor, head of strategic talent acquisition at Amentum, which served as headline sponsor, said the event provided an important opportunity for employers to connect with highly skilled military personnel entering the civilian workforce.
“Amentum was delighted to once again be the headline sponsor of the National Transition Event hosted by Mission Motorsport at Silverstone,” Taylor said.
“It brings together so many like-minded individuals who truly understand the value of our veterans and service leavers.”
He added that military personnel bring a wide range of transferable skills to industries such as nuclear, clean energy, cyber and defence, as well as key behaviours including teamwork, innovation and a strong focus on delivery and safety.
“The National Transition Event gives us the chance to interact with all this talent in the amazing environment of Silverstone, where innovation, cutting-edge technology and a will to succeed are all part of the tapestry,” he said.
Mission Motorsport confirmed that the National Transition Event will return to Silverstone next year, with the next event scheduled for Monday 1 March 2027.
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