Forces: Ex-Royal Navy
Graeme O - Regulating Petty Officer
“The jobs are out there; you just have to be focussed and apply the techniques learned with CTP.”
Background
Graeme Joined the Navy at 16, quickly moving into a Service Police Officer role in 1989. Over the years, his responsibilities included planning, maintenance and disciplinary administration, overseas postings, and several leading security roles. His final role before leaving in 2009 was Regulating Petty Officer.
Resettlement
After nearly 30 years within the military, Graeme had gained a vast amount of skills and experience that he could bring to the jobs market and was seeking a challenging opportunity. In 2009, he attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at Uxbridge.
Graeme’s view is that: “The CTW was excellent, very informative. By using the techniques I had learnt on the CTW, I found applying for jobs and attending interviews very easy. I still refer to the CTW handbook today.”
Graeme had initially wanted to drive lorries or buses when he left the Royal Navy, but he was denied the time off for the training, due to operational commitments. This subsequently allowed him time to look at other options that fortunately opened other doors for him.
“Having the Career Consultant to discuss my options was a great help, says Graeme. “He was very supportive during our one to one sessions.”
Outcome
Having received an invitation to attend a Job Fair at Ascot arranged by the CTP, Graeme was amazed: “I couldn’t believe the choice of jobs on offer at the event.” He recognised that if he hadn’t gone along, he would never have met up with Surrey Police, where he has now worked for the last two years.
The last word is Graeme’s: “Plan ahead well in advance, look at the marketplace openly, don’t be afraid to explore new career options. Prepare yourself for disappointments; many employers don’t even respond to your applications. Call them to see why you did not meet their requirements; this will allow you to be better prepared the next time. The jobs are out there; you just have to be focussed and apply the techniques learned with CTP.”
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