Transition in the middle of a pandemic
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 02/08/2021
What could be more uncertain than transitioning from military to civilian life? Transitioning in the middle of a pandemic. This was the reality facing Colin Peace, Allan Webb's Project Management Office Manager, who shares some of his experiences and how Allan Webb's dedication to supporting the Armed Forces has helped ease his transition.
Resettlement is a challenge regardless of which Service you’re leaving and how much thought, planning and preparation you have put in - so the outbreak of COVID-19 has been a real sideswipe, tearing up the old handbook and the well laid plans with it. In this respect, Allan Webb Ltd, and its avid participation in the Armed Forces Covenant, has risen to the challenge like no other. The company's agility and family-based values have provided a firm platform to embrace the 'new norm', supporting its veterans and those in the midst of their transition through these uncertain times.
My journey in the Forces started way before I joined the Army, with Scouting and the Army Cadets preceding it. So it was no surprise that once I joined the Royal Logistic Corps in 1996, it became all-consuming and culminated in NHS Nightingale and the move to Allan Webb.
Twenty-four years later, after completing the All Arms Commando course, deploying on countless Operational Tours, providing logistical support to some of the most dynamic and professional units I’ve had the privilege to work with, I found myself resettling in the middle of the pandemic. Working with the NHS, the construction industry and other partners at London’s ExCel to create the NHS Nightingale London, I provided strategic planning advice and assistance with the management and control of medical material flooding into the facility, in my role as the Technical Warrant Officer.
Having been so mission focused I returned to my transition with a bump and the impending ground rush. It's one thing talking about transition, but it's a completely different kettle of fish actually doing it. And the rollercoaster of emotions it brings is just as challenging as those I faced on Tour or in supporting NHS Nightingale. It's akin to the grieving process - loss of the known, that community and support that Service life brings, and entering the unknown for the first time in 24 years. What would that mean, not just for me but also for my family?
Tentatively putting my CV out for all to see, I was fortunate to secure an interview with Allan Webb - COVID-19 again changing the way even this process was conducted. Therefore, after several telephone conversations I found myself on an interview via video call. It was clear even at this early stage that Allan Webb’s culture was aligned to supporting Service leavers with an established community perspective not too dissimilar to the forces. I was pleasantly surprised to find them drawing on their own experiences even in the interview; of their own transitions to provide advice and guidance to me on my own journey.
It’s easy to get ahead of yourself when focusing on securing that next chapter. And so, taking that condor moment with the Allan Webb team was of such great benefit and value - helping to shape those next steps and settling my family into what I can only describe as a ‘seamless transition’.
The flexibility, foresight and ability to understand a Service leavers’ needs, along with their people focus sets Allan Webb Ltd apart from the horror stories that you sometimes hear from other colleagues who have embarked on the same process. I’ve often had to pinch myself in recent days just to make sure it is real!
The Allan Webb community is one that integrates veterans, Service leavers, civil services and industry colleagues into a well-knitted network; collaboratively working to support and enhance, not just the company, but each other as well.
Allen Webb is now working with CTP in Recruiting and offering advice to Service leavers. We’ve recently attended Virtual Employment Events which has resulted in a number of Service leavers finding employment with Allen Webb.
If you think you’d be the right fit for Allen Webb, and all the above excites you, please head over to the CTP’s online job portal, RightJob, to find our latest vacancies.