Distance Learing - Case Studies

Stephen Gardiner -

Medical specialist Petty Officer Stephen Gardiner, 33, spent 10 years in the Royal Navy, leaving in November 2004 to ‘pursue a new career within the medical field and this career was not available in the Services.’ Operations in the Middle East and Sierra Leone, and service throughout the world, developed his medical expertise; while his formal training included first aid and a Diploma in Emergency & Primary Care.

A ‘useful’ Career Transition Workshop led to a ‘well run’ Chiropody Surgical Course run by the Liverpool College of Chiropody which involved civilian attachments. He then worked for Scholl Total Footcare as a podiatrist specialist in biomechanics and sport injuries before becoming managing director of his own company just over a year ago.

This is ‘a podiatric and sports injury clinic in conjunction with a distance learning training school in complementary therapies and sports related courses. I also run a corporate side to the business where we provide first aid, health & safety, stress awareness and therapy sessions for health and wellbeing for medium to large companies.’

Gardiner enjoys working for himself and being his own boss, but dislikes extremely long hours and uncertainty of work and salary. Major differences between the Services and his current job are not being part of a team, having no set structure, policies and procedures, and a totally different client base.

Published April 07