The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is backing service personnel who wish to gain nationally-recognised management qualifications in an attempt to equip them with transferable, lifelong career skills.

The launch comes on the back of a successful six-month pilot scheme run in conjunction with the Chartered Management Institute.

According to the research, the majority of individuals and organisations believe qualifications will grow in importance over the next five years. Almost all respondents (95 per cent) said that having a general management qualification would increase their ‘portability’ should they wish to change career path and most said it would increase their chances of employment and promotion.

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute commented: “The message coming from the Institute’s research is clear. Individuals want skills that will benefit them throughout their career, whether they get promoted within the armed services or decide to take on another profession.”

Two diplomas are on offer – the executive diploma in management and the executive diploma in strategic management. Both qualifications meet National Occupational Standards.