Forces: Ex-Army
Paul D - WO2 Infantry
"Be proactive and positive, just as you would within your military role”.
Background
Paul D served for 22 years in the Army, as a Mortar Platoon Commander within the 3 Mercian infantry regiment, where he was responsible for a platoon of 65 personnel. He completed his Service assigned to the newly formed Counter IED Training Team, in the role of Training Team Manager.
Resettlement
Paul left the Forces in June 2011, and admits that before attending the Career Transition Workshop (CTW), which he found “excellent”, he was unsure of how to create a CV, look for a job or even apply for one. He says that “my CTW was a great opportunity to meet and speak to other people in the same position as I was”. Taking with him skills learnt during the CTW, he advises others that “you must be comfortable with the concept of selling yourself. Your covering letter must leave the reader wanting to read your CV; your CV must leave no doubt that the employer should really meet you. You must stand ahead of your competitors.”
Paul took advantage of the courses on offer as part of his resettlement and also attended the Interview Techniques workshop, along with the Commercial Financial Awareness course, which he says “empowered me to hold discussions at a reasonable level during interviews”. Paul stresses the importance of taking this type of course, saying that “most of us serving soldiers do not have any financial experience, and this course did allow me to fill a gap”. He also completed the APMP Project Management course, which was “exceptional in providing managerial knowledge and skills”.
Having been involved in training during his military career, and enjoyed being in a position of leadership, Paul decided to consolidate this experience and seek a similar role in the civilian world. Whilst serving in the Army, Paul had gained a City & Guilds Graduationship Award in Leadership and Management, which he says is of “great importance” in civilian life; he advises other Service leavers, “make certain you can explain the difference between leadership and management; companies are looking for leadership qualities, and you have an enormous amount of experience in this area.” Paul also found the Level 5 qualification in Business Studies, gained from his Infantry Warrant Officer’s Course, “very helpful in demonstrating business acumen”.
Outcome
Having decided upon the area in which he wished to seek employment, Paul researched training companies, saying that “a Service leaver really has to become an expert in the entire job search cycle”. He found RightJob to be a useful resource, as the employers advertising these positions are particularly interested in what ex-Service personnel can offer.
Through the sending out of speculative emails, Paul was able to secure his current role as Training Centre Co-ordinator. The role involves the management of an adult training centre which delivers government sponsored training, and Paul’s responsibilities include managing a team of four tutors, establishing referral partners and inducting potential learners. He also continues to build upon his skills, and is currently studying for a CIPD Level 4 qualification in Learning and Development.
Now fully settled into the role, Paul found that the civilian workplace is very much different to the military environment he had been used to, and says that “it is much more professional in a sense that you must conduct yourself accordingly at all times”.
When asked what advice he would give to other Service leavers going through the resettlement process, Paul says, “Don’t panic. Choose your resettlement training wisely; at the same time do not leave everything until the last minute as this ignorance will cost you dearly. Be proactive and positive, just as you would within your military role”.
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