Forces: Royal Navy
Gillian D - Leading Hand
"Make the most of the resettlement package; there’s so much available to Service leavers, whether it’s the CTW, CTP website with videos, tips and advice, events, company presentations, employment fairs or workshops like the Focus @ 4. Take full advantage of everything that’s available to you and get involved."
LH Gillian Dowds has served for almost 10 years in the Royal Navy, and is due to discharge in September 2015. Gillian is planning to utilise her military experience in a project or change management role.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m an Aircraft Controller currently based at RNAS Yeovilton. I joined the Royal Navy straight out of school at age 17, and having now served for 10 years, I feel ready to explore civilian life and to utilise my skills in the civilian job market. The timing is perfect for me, as I have no children and no mortgage, and I’d also like to travel.
Without a doubt the best thing about Service life has to be the people – so many people from so many different backgrounds with so many different experiences all thrown together. Some have done some amazing things and the people you serve with will genuinely be lifelong friends.
What military skills do you think you will bring to the civilian job market?
The military provided me with some fantastic training that will be recognised in the civilian job market; I gained a Level 3 qualification in Management and Leadership and then used my Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) to convert that to a BTEC Level 5. I also used my SLCs to complete a European Computer Driving License (ECDL) qualification, which is great for IT skills. Additionally, I was lucky enough to complete the Train the Trainer course, which I have now converted to a civilian-recognised qualification, giving me a BTEC Level 3 in Education and Training.
In terms of the soft skills gained during my military service, I think they will all be useful in civilian life! Every job advert I look at requires candidates with the ability to lead a team, and communication also seems to be a key attribute, which I think people in the military do really well – we are taught to be good communicators from day one. Time management also comes as a given with the Service personnel, along with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships. Additionally, most Service leavers have experience working in the most highly demanding environments in the world – whether it’s in the ice or the deserts in Afghanistan.
How have you found the resettlement process so far?
I think the level of support provided to Service leavers is second to none. I attended a Career Transition Workshop at RRC Portsmouth in November 2014 – the facilitators gave me so much useful information, including a run-through of the CTP website, interview techniques, CVs and application forms, along with helping me identify my transferrable skills. That information is priceless.
I also met with my Career Consultant during the workshop - she advised me on routes into employment that I may not have thought about, and on different courses that she thought would be applicable to the route I wanted to take. She has also looked over my CV on a number of occasions to help with targeting it to specific job adverts.
Have you attended any other CTP workshops?
I found the Focus at 4 workshop in Portsmouth invaluable; at 4 months pre-discharge, you’re at the point where it’s time to start putting the wheels in motion. The workshop takes you back through all that you did in the CTW, which may have been 1 or 2 years ago; there’s a lot to take in during that three days, and the Focus @ 4 completely refreshes everything in your mind.
Have you attended any CTP events?
I attended a recent CTP employment fair in Bristol which was very good – I spoke to about 26 different companies. Even though not all of them are looking for people with your skills, they give you some great advice and point you in the right direction. I have already received positive feedback from a number of organisations, and have connected with several via LinkedIn.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m planning to go into project management or change management and have used my Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to complete PRINCE 2 and Lean Six Sigma courses. I’m hoping to enter into the business sector, and maybe do some night school or distance learning with my remaining ELCs to study for a degree in business.
What advice would you give to other Service leavers beginning the resettlement process?
Attend the CTW as soon as possible to give you time to start researching your future career; there’s so much open to you and although you may feel like 12 months is a long time, it flies by. And then make the most of the resettlement package; there’s so much available to Service leavers, whether it’s the CTW, CTP website with videos, tips and advice, events, company presentations, employment fairs or workshops like the Focus @ 4. Take full advantage of everything that’s available to you and get involved.
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