Nicky Thomas served in the AGC (SPS) for 34 years, leaving with the rank of Lt Col. Nicky advised “my last role involved dealing with the planning and deployment of the HR function to personnel deployed in support of worldwide operations – this ranged from areas of conflict to humanitarian aid. In previous roles, I have been responsible for delivery of recruit training, Army assurance and Army Career Management. A typical day involved conducting regular meetings with worldwide HR stakeholders to ensure real-life personnel support was provided to those deployed. This real-life support involved personal allowances, welfare facilities – including gym and entertainment – and developing/amending policy to reflect current operational deployments.
I have worked at a strategic and operational level within some of Defence’s most demanding environments. Having to plan and make quick decisions based on information presented, skills attained during my military career enable me to successfully deliver. Underpinning everything I did was leadership and management and powers of communication – you earn respect and cannot command it.
The skills I obtained during my time in the army included decision making and data analysis; stakeholder engagement; programme evaluation and analysis; strategic policy development and writing; leadership and management; strategic planning; career management; auditing; powers of communication.
I now work as the Principal Business Case Assurance Manager, for Defence Procurement. My transition was seamless, probably due to having a blend of military and civilian friends, the latter being employed within industry in senior roles. Also, with BuildForce connecting me to engage with individuals who had transitioned to ‘civvy street’ was really useful. The Head of Talent and Acquisition for Defence Procurement reached out to me via LinkedIn asking if I was interested in a new role – my skill set was what they were looking for.
In my new role I am responsible for developing, implementing and managing end-to-end defence business case assurance, working closely with the business, programme management office and other enabling functions to help ensure clear, concise and robust business cases are produced.
A typical day involves stakeholder engagement, providing business case assurance advice and support to business case stakeholders, development of policy and training packages, and workforce recruitment.
As a Service Leaver do not under-estimate your skills. If you are called for interview, you must sell yourself – being humble will not secure employment. Ensuring your CV is written for the role you are applying for is also vital.
A career in construction is varied, interesting, and different. As ex service personnel we are organised, reliable, and adaptable, all skills which set us apart.