Forces: Ex-RAF
Alistair D - WO
“Understand what the hidden job market is and its value – use it wherever possible to identify opportunities.”
Background
Alistair D served for 36 years in the RAF before deciding the time was right to leave the forces and continue his career in the civilian job market. Alistair says that he had “a clear vision that I could do well outside the RAF” and cites a growing disillusionment with life in the RAF as a secondary reason for choosing to leave. Alistair had worked as a Mechanical Transport Technician up to the rank of Flight Sergeant, and then as a General Engineering Technician in the rank of Warrant Officer. During his Service career, Alistair gained civilian qualifications including a City & Guilds in Motorcraft Studies and a CPC in National Road Haulage, along with vocational Driving Licences.
Resettlement
Prior to leaving the forces, Alistair attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at RRC Cottesmore, which he found extremely useful. He says, “it helped me focus on my CV and interview technique, and specifically helped me to see the qualities and skills that I had which were transferrable to civilian life”. Alistair strongly encourages other Service leavers to attend the CTW, “and prepare your CV carefully – if possible get civilian employers to look at your CV and identify improvements”.
Outcome
Like many Service leavers, Alistair accredits networking as the main way in which he found his current role. He identified companies that he thought could use his skills and experience and sent out speculative CVs to a number of them. He was subsequently asked to visit the offices of Terberg DTS (UK) Ltd to speak with the Managing Director, and this informal meeting resulted in a job offer being extended to him. Alistair accepted, and is now working as the Business Development and Defence Liaison Manager for the company.
Having secured the role, Alistair used a few days Civilian Work Attachment (CWA) to attend a 3 day course on a new piece of equipment that Terberg DTS have supplied to the RAF; he says “this was a great opportunity for the company to get to know me a little better”. He used some of his remaining resettlement time to complete two further civilian qualifications, which he identified as the most useful in preparing for his new job; these were the Prince 2 Project Management course – Foundation and Practitioner, and also the APMP (Association for Project Management) five day course. These courses were provided by a CTP Preferred Supplier, but are also available through the CTP at various locations around the country. Alistair says that “numerous courses throughout my career have added to my overall experience and are valuable in presenting yourself as an experienced individual”.
With several weeks remaining until his official discharge date, Alistair took the opportunity to attend a further CWA with Terberg DTS, which he says was instrumental in helping him to settle into the new role as quickly as possible. He says “everyone at Terberg was really supportive and I soon felt part of the firm”. Terberg DTS is a supplier of specialist vehicles and equipment and Alistair’s role involves managing comprehensive support contracts with the MoD for in-service vehicles, along with developing business opportunities for the company and managing contracts to supply specialist vehicles. Alistair says that he faced no particular obstacles when settling into the new role, and that “everything I learnt in the RAF is valuable in civilian life, particularly the experience gained working within the RAF’s Command HQ”.
Alistair advises other Service leavers to actively build a network of contacts; he says “understand what the hidden job market is and its value – use it wherever possible to identify opportunities.” He also emphasises the importance of flexibility: “you may need to be willing to relocate; job first, house location second”, and finally says “do not underestimate your skills and qualities; however, these must be transferred into civilian language”.
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