Forces: Ex-Army
Martin F - Major
“Be patient. Understand what you actually want to do an don’t just chase the £s. Money is only one aspect and will not necessarily lead to a happy and successful future employment. Make sure you want to work at a company as much as they want you to work for them.”
Ex-Major Martin Flather served for 31 years in the Royal Signals before leaving in early 2015. To begin his resettlement Martin attended a three-day Career Transition Workshop, of which he cites the most useful aspects as: “CV writing, in particular the CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) model to effectively translate military achievements; job advert analysis and interview techniques.”
Martin also attended the one-day Financial Aspects of Resettlement briefing, and says “the sections on understanding pensions and financial investment options were excellent”.
With plans to pursue a management role, Martin used his resettlement training grant to complete the AMAC (Advanced Management Achievement Course) via a CTP Preferred Supplier of training. He says “the course was excellent and good value for money. It built my network with senior managers from across the Commands and is proving invaluable in my new role.” Martin had also gained a number of civilian qualifications during his Service career, including a BSc in Telecommunications Systems Engineering, PRINCE 2 Project Management, and MSP (Managing Successful Programmes).
Martin used his remaining Graduated Resettlement Time to complete a Civilian Work Attachment (CWA) with Horsebridge Network Systems Ltd in Cheltenham, which provides communication networks and security infrastructure solutions. Martin says, “the CWA provided me with the opportunity to understand the role of a senior manager in a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME). It also allowed the company to have a look at what I could offer them from my 31 years military experience. It obviously worked as they subsequently employed me on an excellent employment package.”
Martin is now employed as Director, Defence & Security Division for the Horsebridge, where his role involves “Business growth and development.”
When asked about any challenges he faced in his new role, Martin highlights the difference in military and commercial language, along with “different mind sets – it is after all a job not a career!”
Martin’s advice to other Service leavers is: “Be patient. Understand what you actually want to do an don’t just chase the £s. Money is only one aspect and will not necessarily lead to a happy and successful future employment. Make sure you want to work at a company as much as they want you to work for them.”
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