Deciding to leave the military can be a daunting task; making a successful transition into civilian life requires planning, preparation, and support. Speaking to other Veterans is a vital part in making the process as seamless as possible.
Figures from the Ministry of Defence suggested that approximately 15,000 people leave the UK Armed Forces every year*. This figure includes individuals who complete their service or choose to transition to civilian life.
Deciding to leave the military can be a daunting task and will be influenced by various factors, such as personal circumstances, career opportunities, and individual goals. Making a successful transition into civilian life requires planning, preparation, and support. There will be a bewildering range of opportunities available across a breath of industries which can be difficult to navigate. So, when choosing a new career path, it is important to find not only a role which matches the previous experience and transferable skills gained during years of service but also to identify an employer who recognises the value veterans brings to the organisation and are committed to supporting their transition into a new career.
Osprey CSL is one of the strongest aviation consultancies in the UK, and is part of Science Group Plc, where nearly half of the Osprey team are ex-RAF. The British Armed Forces have a reputation for the quality of their people; their outstanding operational, technical, and engineering skills and a proven ability to perform well in the most challenging environments are qualities which closely align with the Group’s needs and values, helping to drive the business and the aviation sector forward.
Someone who has made a very successful transition is Joe McKenna, Osprey’s Team Leader of the Platforms and Air Systems Practice. Joe made the decision to the leave the RAF in 2016 at his 16-year point, having taken three years to carefully consider his options for the next stage of his career.
“As an AeroSystems Engineer, there was a well-worn path to work for the civil service or one of the larger Defence prime contractors.” Joe recalls “However, a chat with a former RAF colleague planted the seed of engineering consultancy and I’ve never regretted following that advice.”
The experience and skills acquired during military service are ideally suited to consultancy Joe explains;
“The role requires integrity, professionalism, the ability to add value for every client, time management and project planning. The military taught me these skills and principles, and consultancy enables me to apply them to a variety of projects. Osprey and Science Group recognise that ex-military personnel are an extremely valuable asset and have fully supported my development and progression as a consultant.
Within the Group we have a Veterans’ Community of Interest Group which is run by, and for the benefit of, our colleagues from the armed forces. This Group provides a point of contact for new joiners and an on-going source of support and advice; it is a vital part of making the transition into civilian life as seamless as possible.”
Find our more about career opportunities with Osprey or visit the team at the Security Cleared Expo, 25th April, S59 Aerospace Bristol.
*Source Veterans Factsheet 2020 – GOV-UK Veterans Factsheet 2020 (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Crown Copyright – Image courtesy of the Ministry of Defence
