CTP Employment Fairs a “win, win” for Service leavers and Mears Group.
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 30/06/2022
Michael’s Story
When leaving the Armed Forces I had to start planning for my future outside of Service life; and a really important part of this was to consider what I would like to do as a civilian career.
Over my years of Service, I had seen first-hand how the Ministry of Defence’s approach and commitment to the health and safety of their personnel had developed. As a result, the field of health and safety really interested me.
After some thought, I decided this was what I would like to do, and as I was finally getting my feet on dry land, chose construction as the sector I would like to work in. Although my military service had provided me with a wealth of transferable management skills, the next stage was to ensure I gained appropriate industry recognised qualifications that would interest a prospective civilian employer.
I therefore invested a sizeable chunk of my learning credits into gaining my NEBOSH General, Construction and Fire Certificates, and am also working towards an ISO 45001 auditor qualification.
During my resettlement, I booked myself on to a Career Transition Partnership (CTP) Employment Fair in Edinburgh, and found it to be a great opportunity to meet with a wide range of supportive employers.
It was extremely busy with around 60 employers taking part, but the first stand that I came across was MEARS GROUP. After being greeted by one of the staff who also turned out to be Ex-Navy, I explained I was interested in construction health and safety and was introduced to Ian Mavin, Head of Health and Safety for the North and Scotland.
During our conversation, I spoke about how I was currently supporting a local Service Careers Office and would be settling back in Teeside when I left. Ian explained that in the past, Mears had provided work placement opportunities for Service leavers which could help enhance my CV, and I immediately expressed my interest.
A couple of emails later and a two-week placement programme was arranged, during which I visited different branches and sites and spent time with a number of SHE Managers. I shadowed the new-build SHE manager during inspections at sites in Durham, and even spent a full day with the site manager to see how he managed the day to day health and safety on-site. I also visited branches in Spennymoor and Leeds, shadowing the SHE Managers who looked after refurbishment projects that included asbestos removal and managing large scaffolds. Finally, I sat in a Mears 1 Day SHE Awareness Course which was being delivered to operatives in Newcastle.
This work placement provided me with a great experience and an understanding of some of the different aspects of work in which Mears Group are involved. It also gave me the opportunity to meet a team of professional SHE Managers, who helped convince me that I was making the right choice in perusing a career in construction health and safety.
I would certainly recommend a work placement with Mears to any Service leavers who are interested in the industry or profession.
What happened next!
8 weeks after my placement finished I was contacted by Ian who explained that a position had opened up in his team and asked if I would like to apply. Obviously I jumped at the chance, and following a successful interview process, started work as a Regional SHE Manager, looking after branches and sites across the North East, Cumbria and Scotland. Since joining the company I have completed a range of training and development courses and am now a fully integrated member of the team, which feels surprisingly like what I had while in Service!
My experience really does show the value of attending CTP events, especially when you encounter employers as professional and supportive as Mears.
Ian Mavin Head of SHEQ North said:
“Mike really impressed during his placement. Hence, when a post became available, I had no hesitation in getting back in touch and inviting him to interview. Mike has settled in straight away and is already proving to be a great addition to the team. There is no doubt that attending the CTP event was a win - win for both of us.”
For more information on CTP Employment Fairs and to book your place, please visit the
CTP Events Calendar.