Forces: Army
Grant M
Grant MacKenzie served in the Army for seven years before being medically discharged. After spending two years in different jobs, it was a chance conversation that lead him to a career he loves.
Grant MacKenzie served in the Army for seven years before being
medically discharged. After spending two years in different jobs, it was
a chance conversation that lead him to a career he loves.“I
was a Gunner for the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, and I loved working
in a close-knit team and having structure to my day. I worked in a crew
of six guys and we knew what we had to do every day. I also enjoyed
doing exercises out in the elements rather than stuck in an office doing
my job – I couldn’t handle being in an office all day!
"I left
the Army at the end of 1997 after seven years’ service, following a
medical discharge because of my knees. I had a few different jobs once I
left, but felt like they weren’t right for me. I loved being in the
Forces, and to have to leave made me feel devastated. My first civilian
job was as a bus driver but I found it to be a bit monotonous - everyday
was the same and I wanted some variety. I then worked in manufacturing
inside a warehouse but I had no stability with my contract, so I decided
to leave that role.
“It was when I was in a job for Alpha
Catering at Edinburgh Airport, transporting goods onto the aircrafts,
that I started chatting to a guy who worked in a different part of the
airport. He said that there were vacancies as Airside Support Unit (ASU)
Operatives for Edinburgh Airport and asked if I would be interested in
applying. After speaking with the recruitment representative, she
offered me the job. That was in June 1999, nearly two years after I had
left the Army, and for the first time since transitioning out of the
Services, I finally found a job I loved.
“Since then, I’ve been
working for Edinburgh Airport Limited as an ASU Operative which involves
a variety of duties, including driving all coaches airside for
passengers to and from the plane, sweeping the runways of any oil spills
or debris, ensuring all trolleys are re-circulated from departure areas
to arrival areas and all de-icing/snow clearing duties in the winter
months. I am also responsible for the mail, litter picking, removal
duties and set-up of emergency vehicles if required.
“In many
ways, this job is just like the Army; I work in a small team on a daily
basis, there is structure to my days and it is good to know that we are
an essential part of the airport team, and without us, the airport
wouldn’t be able to operate. We have the opportunities to work with the
other departments of the airport, so there is a real community spirit
feel here, where we can all support each other.
“I’d recommend
working in an airport to anyone. As an employer, Edinburgh Airport has
really looked after me especially with support for my son who has got
epilepsy, and also during my recent absences due to issues with my
knees. Edinburgh Airport has reassured me that I wouldn’t lose my job as
a result of being off work long-term and that it wouldn’t affect my pay
either.
“I couldn’t thank them enough for the support they’ve
given me during my time here. It’s a great place to work and somewhere
that will look after you if you are ex-military."
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