Leveraging Military Experience As a Veteran.

As I reflect on my journey from serving in the British Army to becoming the Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager at Castings Technology , I acknowledge the pivotal role my military experience (both good and bad) have played in shaping my career transition. I hope my story serves as an inspiring testament to how veterans can leverage their unique skill sets and experiences to excel in civilian industries, even in the face of personal challenges such as physical, and mental injuries as a result of service in The British Army .

My military career spanned just under 15 years, during which I honed essential skills such as courage, discipline, integrity, teamwork, commitment, selflessness, and leadership. From serving as an Explosives Safety Representative to deploying on demanding missions across continents, I consistently demonstrated my capability to thrive in diverse and challenging environments.The transition from military to civilian life can be daunting for many veterans, but I hope my journey will exemplify how military experience can be a valuable asset in the corporate world (Manufacturing, in my case). My expertise in risk management, logistics, health and safety, and leadership seamlessly translated into my role at Castings Technology , where I now lead initiatives to ensure the safety and well-being of employees in an advanced manufacturing setting.

One of the key lessons I have learned from my military service is the importance of adaptability. In civilian industry, veterans can apply their problem-solving skills and resilience to navigate unfamiliar territory and excel in new roles. My? ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, coupled with my attention to detail and commitment to excellence, has made me a valuable asset to Castings Technology International (or at least Ryan Longden tells me). My journey also highlights the importance of support and belief from employers like Castings Technology International's Executive Chairman, Kevin Parkin & Managing Director Richard Cook . By recognising and harnessing the potential of veterans, companies can benefit from their unique perspectives, dedication, and leadership qualities. I expresses my gratitude to Ryan Longden & Noor Chowdhury for believing in me and providing me with the opportunity to demonstrate my competence in a new domain, and more importantly for their continued guidance and mentorship. To fellow veterans and serving military personnel contemplating a transition to civilian industry, I can only hope that my story offers reassurance and encouragement. Despite facing personal challenges along the way, my determination, coupled with my experience, propelled me towards success in my civilian career.

My journey serves as a testament to the untapped potential within the veteran community and the opportunities that await those willing to embrace their skills and experiences in new endeavors. My journey from the battlefield to the boardroom exemplifies the transformative power of military experience in civilian industry. As veterans embark on their own career transitions, I hope that they can draw inspiration from my story and leverage their unique skill sets to maximise their potential in new roles.

My parting thoughts are that… there are varying risks, but the concept of risk management is the same across industries - this makes the concept of transferable skills from the military to civilian industry a viable one.