Forces: Ex-Army
John G - Major Royal Engineers
“It was a gamble taking a lower wage than I had in the Armed Forces, but this appears to have paid off now. Once you are in, talent will be spotted (as long as you can do what it says on the tin)!”
Background
John Edward G left the Army in August 2011, having served for 33 years in the Royal Engineers, working through commission and up to the rank of Major, completing his service as the Regimental Quartermaster. During his military career, John gained extensive experience in estate, facilities and logistical management, along with health & safety and site safety management.
Backing up this experience, John was also awarded a number of civilian qualifications, to include a Masters Degree in Construction, Engineering Technician, an Advanced Diploma in Administration and Management, NEBOSH, BIFM, Environmental Management, Civil Police Contingency and Disaster Planning qualifications and Plumbing and Heating Engineer (MIPHE) qualifications.
Resettlement
As part of his resettlement, John attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at RRC Northolt, which he found extremely beneficial and further enhanced by attending the Interview Techniques workshop, which provided an understanding of the interview structure and a range of information on how to succeed. John also attended an Employment Fair, which allowed the perfect opportunity to meet potential employers and research various career options.
John used his Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) to undertake two further courses: Success in Project Management (Prince 2) and Financial Accounting for Non Accountants, both provided by a CTP Preferred Supplier. John identified the aspect of Service life he enjoyed most as being part of a team, and therefore sought a civilian role which would also provide this, commensurate with the opportunity to utilise all his existing experience and skills.
Outcome
John used a variety of methods in his job search, uploading his CV to recruitment websites and networking with others, and ultimately found his current role through a combination of contacts and the internet. He does, however, warn other Service leavers to be careful when using recruitment agencies, as staff may be unfamiliar with the extensive and wide ranging skills forces personnel have to offer, and may sift CVs without civilian experience, even though the candidate could be exactly what the employer is looking for. This highly emphasises the importance of transferring your military skills into civilian speak – a valuable part of the Career Transition Workshop.
John’s role now sees him back in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he undertook his last operational tour with the Army, as the British Forces Quartermaster. His new role is as Site Manager for an international company, which develops and operates a customised supply chain and associated construction and maintenance solutions in demanding environments.
John fully utilises all his military experience in the job, which involves the management and maintenance of a construction team of up to 100 personnel, and he has found many similarities between this and his previous military roles. He is also very pleased to add many new skills and the all important civilian experience to his CV. He does however add that “at first it was a very difficult challenge leaving HM Forces and facing the complete change in attitudes and work ethos that is evident between the military and civilian workplaces, but you can quickly adapt and fall into a different routine, and you should always retain your military values.”
Just a few months into the role, John received a promotion along with a substantial pay rise, and has another pending for the very near future. He says, “It was a gamble taking a lower wage than I had in the Armed Forces (after tax) but this appears to have paid off now. Once you are in, talent will be spotted (as long as you can do what it says on the tin)!”
His final advice for Service leavers is, “do not slouch - your full time job must now become trying to find a job - effort will produce reward, it’s your choice! Good Luck.”
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