Forces: Ex-Navy
David W - Commander
“Plan early and take advantage of the excellent support provided by both the CTP and RFEA staff. Also make best use of your ELC/SLCs to gain civilian qualifications to assist securing future employment.”
Background
Ex FTC SD (X) Officer David Steven Ward left the Royal Navy in October 2010, having served for 35 years in the fields of Physical Training, Executive and Operations. During his time in the military, David gained skills in general management, along with physical training experience and qualifications. He also achieved a variety of civilian qualifications whilst serving; these included 5 O levels and a BA (Hons) in Sports Recreation Studies with Leisure and Tourism.
Resettlement
Prior to leaving the forces, David attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at RRC Plymouth, which he found of great benefit. He says, “the workshop provided a sound basis to plan my future career and target relevant courses. It also assisted the transition phase through interaction with group members who were going through the same process. In my case, the latter was most important as, at times, you can feel isolated and that it is only you experiencing apprehension during the transition phase. It is an extremely tight and competitive job market at present and therefore, all support afforded has been appreciated.”
David completed a number of courses as part of his resettlement training, with the aim of enhancing his CV further and securing a managerial position; these courses included Financial Management & Accounting, Potential School Business Manager and Security Supervisor, all at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot, plus Commercial Employment Legislation & Diversity at RRC Tidworth.
David also completed the Combined NEBOSH H&S Suite course, and attended a Financial Aspects of Resettlement (FAR) briefing and an Employment Fair at RRC Plymouth. Further to this, David completed external courses in Microsoft Project, Change Management and Prince 2. This wide range of courses enabled David to gain a wealth of knowledge, and he found them “extremely informative and most enjoyable.”
Having completed his service in the physical training field, David went on to arrange Civilian Work Attachments (CWA) with two local schools and University College Plymouth (UCP) Marjon. David says, “I believe the latter placement, and the fact that I undertook my degree at UCP Marjon, helped me secure my current position within the College.”
Outcome
David currently works as Manager of the Centre for Sports Development and Performance, University College St Mark’s and St John’s (UCP Marjon), and secured the role thanks to his RFEA Employment Consultant, who notified him about the vacancy and encouraged him to apply. David says “I would like it noted that my RFEA consultant provided an excellent service, often going above and beyond to assist.”
The role involves general management of the centre and budget, along with facilitating and supporting student learning placements within the local community and working in partnership with the National Skills Academy and YMCA for the delivery of short leisure courses and apprenticeships. David also works on Government Sports initiatives such as the Olympic RELAYS and ‘Give to Sport’ schemes.
David did not face any obstacles when settling into the role, although says that “it does take time to adapt to the different management styles and, in some cases, lack of organisation!” He also says that he is so far finding the Higher Education working environment very pleasant and much less stressful than that of his military role. When asked what advice he would pass on to other Service leavers, David says, “Plan early and take advantage of the excellent support provided by both the CTP and RFEA staff. Also make best use of your ELC/SLCs to gain civilian qualifications to assist securing future employment.”
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