Forces: Ex-RAF
Ross J - Senior Aircraftsman
“It is a big step to leave the military and take on a new role in civilian life. The transition can be smooth or rocky but remember employers want you to work for them. They understand that they will gain individuals who are disciplined, have a good work ethic, pay attention to detail and most of all are reliable.”
Ross J served in the RAF as a Senior Aircraftsman,
specialising in Survival Equipment. Ross now works as Export Control
& Compliance Officer for MacTaggart Scott, an engineering company
providing solutions to the Naval Defence and Marine industries.
He
says, “The life experiences you gain within the military are always
going to develop any individual. You gain experience in organisational
skills, communication skills and develop the team player role you gain
in basic training to a new level. These skills become second nature
within the military and are extremely transferable to civilian life.”
As
part of his resettlement with the CTP, Ross completed the 3 day Career
Transition Workshop at RRC Rosyth, of which he says, “CV construction
and interview preparation were key factors that I benefited from.” He
also used RightJob to search and apply for jobs, and although his
current employer, MacTaggart Scott, didn’t use the site at the time, the
company is now looking to recruit more Service leavers via RightJob.
Ross
had extensive experience in supply chain along with a variety of SVQs
(Scottish Vocational Qualifications) gained during his time in the
military, and adds, “Prior to leaving the forces I was also a qualified
first aider and I have continued this role in my civilian job, currently
listed as duty first aider for the Commercial Department.”
Ross’s
current role is as Export Control & Compliance Officer, although he
was initially employed by MacTaggart Scott as a Despatch Packer &
Labourer. He says, “Within 6 months of starting the role, the position
of Despatch Team Leader was advertised. I used the internal application
system and was offered the Team Leaders role on a 6 month training
programme, working alongside the Despatch Manager. After my initial 6
months’ training I was then appointed the Team Leader role on a
permanent basis, working with a new manager and in charge of 5
personnel.
“During this time, as Team leader and with
responsibility for Imports and Exports of goods around the world, I took
an interest in the workings behind the Imports and Exports division and
what other systems and procedures should be implemented. Over the next 4
years MacTaggart Scott also saw the need for other systems to be
implemented and in August 2013 I was appointed the role of Export
Control & Compliance Officer, the first within MacTaggart Scott to
hold this role and one that has been a natural progression from Despatch
Team Leader.
“I use the organisational, communication and
leadership skills I gained in the military on a daily basis in my
civilian role. Plus, always being sure the job is complete correctly,
making sure all the details are recorded and the correct processes have
been followed; these are the basic skills I used every day when working
as a Survival Equipment Fitter in the RAF, and have been carried over to
civilian life.
Ross says that the transition from the military
to the civilian workplace doesn’t come without obstacles, and says that
he had to get used to a different way of working, but adds, “you learn
to be flexible just like any Military Service Personnel can do.”
His
final advice for other Service leavers is, “It is a big step to leave
the military and take on a new role in civilian life. The transition can
be smooth or rocky but remember employers want you to work for them.
They understand that they will gain individuals who are disciplined,
have a good work ethic, pay attention to detail and most of all are
reliable.”
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