What is your name and your role and how long have you been working at Expleo?
This year I’m celebrating my 12th year at Expleo. I started my career at Expleo as a Quality Auditor contractor, and then was offered a Staff position in the Life Cycle Management team, where I became a Deputy Team Lead, after which there was another promotion opportunity to an Engineering Manager, and later I was able to join our Marine division where I currently work.
Where and how long did you serve in the armed forces?
I served in the Air Force just shy of 25 years. I started my career as an Aero Engines Mechanic. My first posting was at Brize Norton working on VC 10s, Tri Stars & Hercules Aircraft. Then I went on to a technician’s course and became a Junior Technician, and then progressed into a leadership position as a Sergeant. I left the Air Force as a Senior Non-commissioned Officer.
What challenges did you have after leaving the Armed Forces?
My main challenge was worrying about Job Security. My manager was very supportive when I was still a contractor at Expleo and he transferred me over from contractor to permanent staff. I remember the conversation I had with him about the opportunities for secure job security and promotion.
And he said: “At Expleo, opportunities are out there for you, so go and get them”. And he was right, there are plenty of opportunities at Expleo. You just have to seize them. And every time I saw an opportunity at Expleo, I just went for it.
I transferred a lot of my skills over to Expleo. For instance, the aircraft and engine experience, experience in fault diagnosis, and more in-depth engineering project management and of course my leadership & Management Skills
How did Expleo help you to transition into your civilian job?
I found it quite an easy transition, as there were a lot of ex-forces colleagues within Expleo when I joined, some of which I knew already. For those that didn’t have a military background they were equally as welcoming.
How do you feel Expleo allows you to use your expertise you gained during your service?
How do you connect with other members of the Armed Forces Community at Expleo?
I participate in careers transition workshops supporting recruiters. When Ex-Forces are looking for a new career, I attend the workshops chatting to the Armed Forces community sharing my experience and what I have learned.
What advice would you give to other members of the Armed Forces Community who are planning to join Expleo?
Expleo has many different opportunities, whether it be leadership management, various jobs in engineering, project management etc. Don’t think that you don’t have the skill set to join Expleo. It is within you; you do have those skills and Expleo can bring out these skills in people.