Breakdown Services - Case Studies

Graeme Bean

At the end of last year, aircraft electrical engineer Petty Officer Graeme Bean left the Fleet Air Arm after completing his engagement. He had served at sea and ashore, and finds that ‘almost all of the training gained during my Naval career can be used to some degree in the civilian market place.’

He improved his English and maths GCSEs in the Service, and also acquired vocational qualifications in aircraft engineering, fibre optics and wiring regulations. A Career Transition Workshop showed that ‘Service employees are highly sought after and have a vast amount to offer to civilian companies. I initially trained as a domestic electrician intending to work in the housing industry.

‘I attended a presentation by the RAC, followed by an open day and three tests and interviews which resulted in my employment. Being an electrical engineer lends itself to working as an RAC patrol, therefore the minimum amount of training was necessary to bring me up to the required level of expertise needed.’

Now six months into the job, Bean works on a roster, travelling to motorists in distress and called to anything from simple wheel changes to in-depth fault diagnosis in all weather conditions. He thoroughly enjoys learning something new every day but finds working alone ‘a double edged sword. Some days I am glad of the solitude and only having myself to depend upon, other days you miss the company.’

An initial drop in basic salary can be reduced or eliminated by overtime. He needs to work more hours than previously to receive the same salary ‘but there has to be some sacrifice to get family stability.’

Published in July 08

Damian (Geoff) Hurst

Ex-Royal Navy Leading Hand Geoff Hurst, 34, left the service three months ago after nine years specialising as a weapons engineer. As well as formal engineering qualifications and experience, he held a Level 2 Certificate in Leadership and Management and was used to problem solving and diagnostics techniques, self discipline and self-motivation.

‘I gained experience with dealing with civilian contractors and external organisations during maintenance periods. I have always been a keen mechanic with my own vehicles and the train of thought when diagnosing a defect (on a submarine) is the same. You just need a keen understanding of mechanics and engineering.’

A Career Transition Workshop provided confidence that his Service experience could be useful, and he also values the preparation of CVs and practice interviews. A Motor Mechanics Roadside Patrol Technician course at the Resettlement Training Centre followed which was: ‘Very useful as the instructor was an ex-AA Patrol, the content was well prepared and I obtained IMI Awards.’

An application to the AA and interview followed, and Hurst now gets ‘to meet different people every day. Customer care is a big part of the job as some people are distressed that they have broken down and sometimes need reassuring. I enjoy the variety in that every job is different; there is a lot of satisfaction seeing the customer’s face when you repair their vehicle.

‘I start work as soon as I walk out of my front door and start the van. The best bit is when I finish I go home to my family. The salary is slightly less although there is plenty of overtime available which could boost my salary.’

Published in July 08