Resettlement Sucess: From Royal Navy Engineering to Lecturer

Category: Success Stories Publish date: 31/08/2018

Tony Quirk left the Royal Navy in 2011, looking to leave the engineering sector and work in humanitarian aid. His plans changed and lead him to an alternative rewarding career that aligned perfectly with his military background.

"Born on the Isle of Man, a career at sea seemed a natural choice and I followed a family tradition of seeking a life on the water. I joined the Royal Navy in 1979 as a Weapon Engineering Mechanic and progressed through to a Weapon Engineer Officer, eventually retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 2011 after 32 years’ service.

"My decision to consider education as a career path was partly down to my experience with CTP. During my 32 years in the Navy I was very privileged to support a number of aid projects around the world and take part in adventurous training, which led to a Mountain Leader qualification. Both featured in my CTP decision-making process and eventually influenced me when I left the Navy.

"Initially I was looking to move away from engineering and explore new opportunities. CTP identified the humanitarian sector as a path to consider and introduced me to some related courses, one of which was the International Disaster Management Course (IDMC) at Bournemouth University. The course director recommended to me the International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance (IDHA) as an introduction to the sector and a qualification towards a career in that field.

"The course took place over four weeks at Fordham University in New York. During the course, they delivered a series of lectures on ‘education in crisis situations’, which I found inspiring and was a turning point in pursuing a career in education.

"I completed a number of qualifications but still experienced difficulty finding a career in the humanitarian sector. I found breaking into this field, at the age of 50, was very challenging. There were many closed doors, so I decided to take a year out to do outdoor education and support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award on a part-time basis with Hampshire County Council, whilst still trying to find NGO and humanitarian aid type work."

My introduction to Fareham College

"During this time, a former colleague had secured part-time work at Fareham College. He was offered additional work that he could not take on so he gave the college my details. I was appointed, following an interview, and delivered a series of short employability courses at the college.

"I was welcomed so warmly by the team and when I finished delivering the courses, I left them my CV. When a position came up for an Engineer Lecturer, they invited me to interview having noted my background in engineering and previous teaching experiences at HMS Collingwood."

A smooth transition

I found the transition into education from the services to be a relatively straightforward one. There are a number of parallels, in particular the requirement to follow set processes and procedures whilst at the same time having to adapt to changing situations at short notice.


"No two days are the same and this was something I found attractive. The hours can be long, and there are times when you are under pressure, but there’s a strong support network, which again aligns with the military. It also helps that around 50 per cent of the team I work with are ex-military and the comradery and support for each other runs through the whole team, not just the veterans.

"Another thing that attracted me to education was the offer of studying a two-year part-time teacher training course at the college, which they funded. The great thing about going into education after the military is that the engineering and management qualifications already gained during my service career enabled me to enter pay banding at a higher level, not on the first rung of the ladder.

"I was very fortunate and left the Royal Navy with an MSc in an engineering discipline, and as a Chartered Engineer and member of a number of professional institutes. Despite not having any formal teaching qualifications this ensured I came in towards the top of the pay structure at my level. After completing teacher training, I was able to transfer to the higher pay band for qualified lecturers.

"Despite my initial thoughts of moving to the humanitarian sector with potential for overseas work, I realised that 'life to work' balance was incredibly important to me when I left the Royal Navy and this role certainly ticked that box. Working closer to home was a huge appeal, as is the attractive holiday package."

The best things about teaching

"My role as an Engineer Lecturer at CEMAST in Lee on the Solent, sees me currently delivering BTEC Level 3 and HNC courses in Mathematics, Radio and Radar and Project Management. Over the last six years I have also delivered a wide range of engineering based subjects at all levels, including GCSE. You can be called to stand in at short notice for a number of subjects, so having good general engineering qualification and background is beneficial. As an engineer, you have to be adaptive and pragmatic and the same is true for teachers.


The very best thing about my role is having the ability to inspire and guide our future engineers. I have had the privilege to support engineering students through their education from GCSE, BTEC Level 2/3 to HNC and on to University.


"Many are now completing University, some with a Masters, and are finding placements in engineering within the local community. It’s great to see their progression and to know I had a part to play in their career. Every day is different and it can be challenging, but with that comes great rewards.

"From a personal level, I have maintained currency from the outdoor qualifications gained in the Armed Forces and use these to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at an open centre in the local community. The college is very supportive of this role and the generous holiday package gives me the freedom and time to do this.

"I would definitely recommend education to other ex-servicemen and women. For those wanting to progress, move up and take on greater managerial roles, the opportunities are there. Similarly, for those who wish to focus on the delivery of subjects, there is scope to move between engineering disciplines and to take on more challenging subjects I am about to start my seventh academic year and I am still enjoying the experience. "

Apply now to join Fareham College

Fareham College is keen to hear from people leaving the military who are interested in becoming lecturers for construction and engineering. They have a number of teaching opportunities in these areas and can offer you the following benefits:

• Full teaching training paid for and provided by the college
• Generous holiday package
• Competitive salary
• Rewarding and supportive working environment
• Opportunities to progress and develop in your role