Yahoo Finance Facebook to train 300 UK armed forces veterans in digital skills
Facebook (FB) will provide 300 British armed service veterans with the digital skills needed to start a business at an event on Wednesday organised in partnership with the defence ministry.
The initiative is part of Facebook’s commitment to ensuring former military personnel are afforded equal opportunities, the company said on Wednesday.
But it also comes amid heavy criticism of how the internet giant handles consumer data, misinformation, and harmful content — and after Facebook on Monday called for governments to more closely regulate social media platforms.
Noting that just 2% of British veterans start their own businesses, Facebook said it would work with armed forces charities Heropreneurs and X-Forces to encourage and support veterans who may be considering setting up their own company.
In addition to its Wednesday event, veterans will also be given support via the company’s Boost training platform, which Facebook describes as its “one-stop-shop for small businesses, job-seekers, and other community leaders” looking to expand their digital skillset.
Worldwide, the company has committed to training one million people with digital skills by 2020, and says it has invested more than $1bn (£789bn) to help people find jobs and grow businesses.
“That's because when small businesses grow and hire, our communities benefit too, which is what Boost with Facebook is all about,” Facebook said in a statement.
Facebook also announced on Wednesday that it has recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which focuses on helping veterans get access to government and commercial services.
Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, a deputy chief of staff of the British Armed Forces, said that Facebook was “taking great steps” to ensure veterans are supported in the workplace.
“It is an honour to be signing the Armed Forces Covenant with Facebook,” Nugee said.
Wednesday’s event comprises a half day of panel discussions and training sessions.
On Monday, former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg — who took over as Facebook’s head of global affairs last year — said the company wanted to work with governments on regulation “that fosters competition, encourages innovation, and protects consumers.”
He rejected calls for the tech giant, which also owns WhatsApp and Instagram, to be broken up, saying such a move would not solve issues of privacy.
