Recruitment Engagement Programme
Improving Retention and Readiness Across the Military Recruitment Pipeline
A structured engagement programme designed to reduce dropout, improve preparedness, and keep applicants on track from first interest to day one.
The Squaddies Recruitment Engagement Programme is a for-profit delivery initiative focused on improving recruitment continuity through structured guidance, digital tools, and readiness support.
Overview
The Recruitment Engagement Programme addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing the UK Armed Forces: early-stage applicant dropout and prolonged disengagement during the recruitment process.
Squaddies operates this programme as a delivery and engagement layer, complementing official recruitment systems by providing structured guidance, preparation resources, and continuity throughout the applicant journey.
This is not a recruitment replacement — it is a retention and readiness intervention.
The Challenge
Choosing to serve is a significant commitment, yet many applicants disengage long before reaching training due to:
- Complex application processes
- Long waiting periods
- Unclear guidance for families
- Physical and psychological readiness gaps
These issues create inefficiency, lost potential, and unnecessary strain on recruitment systems.
Our Delivery Model
The programme supports applicants through four structured engagement stages, combining digital delivery, readiness support, and accountability.
Awareness & Early Guidance
Applicants and families receive clear, structured information early in the journey, helping them understand expectations, timelines, and next steps.
Delivery includes:
- Early-stage guidance resources
- Family-facing briefing materials
- Myth-busting and expectation setting
Application Preparation
Applicants are supported through the administrative and documentation phase, reducing friction and delay.
Delivery includes:
- Step-by-step application guidance
- Document readiness checklists
- Timeline planning and reminders
Assessment Readiness
Applicants build confidence and preparedness for fitness and aptitude assessments.
Delivery includes:
- Structured fitness and readiness plans
- Integration with the Get Fit to Fight programme
- Guidance on assessment standards and preparation
Onboarding & Continuity
Momentum is maintained between offer and first day of training — a critical dropout window.
Delivery includes:
- Scheduled check-ins
- Practical onboarding guidance
- Preparation resources for kit, travel, and expectations
Digital Enablement
The Recruitment Engagement Programme is digitally enabled, with delivery supported through the Squaddies Smart Support Hub.
This allows:
- Consistent access to guidance
- Scalable cohort delivery
- Engagement tracking and reporting
- Modular expansion over time
Why This Programme Matters
Recruitment shortfalls and early disengagement remain structural challenges across all UK Armed Forces branches.
Without structured engagement:
- Applicants lose confidence
- Readiness declines
- Conversion rates remain low
- Recruitment pipelines underperform
This programme exists to close that gap.
Evidence of Need
- 20–40% recruitment shortfalls in recent years
- Thousands of roles unfilled annually
- 300+ days average applicant wait times
- ~10% conversion from application to training
- Persistent reserve force shortfalls
- Ongoing diversity gaps in recruitment outcomes
These figures reflect process challenges, not lack of interest.
Project Status
Status
Pilot-ready
Delivery Model
Digital-first, cohort-based
Integration
Smart Support Hub + Get Fit to Fight
Scalability
Regional and national deployment
Funding Enables
Funding and sponsorship directly enable:
- Digital engagement tooling
- Readiness and preparation resources
- Pilot cohort delivery
- Engagement analytics and reporting
- Programme expansion
Funding supports delivery and scale, not dependency.
Who This Is For
The Recruitment Engagement Programme is designed for collaboration with:
- Defence-adjacent organisations
- Workforce and skills development funders
- Public sector partners
- Corporate and ESG sponsors
- Education and readiness stakeholders
Partnership Opportunities
Pilot Funding
Back a defined recruitment engagement pilot with measurable outcomes.
Programme Partnerships
Support delivery, content development, or cohort expansion.
Insight & Outreach Collaboration
Contribute expertise, insight, or regional access to strengthen programme reach.
Ready to Partner?
Join us in building a structured, supportive recruitment pipeline that keeps applicants engaged from first interest to day one.