Rob Hale served in the RAF for 34 years leaving with the rank of Squadron Leader in 2021. “My most recent role was as a Logistic Officer managing the support and movement of military personnel around the world. This involved planning and executing logistic operations in support of UK Specialist Units.
My time in the RAF taught me many skills, such as managing complex, rapidly changing operations. Leading and building teams. personnel management and strategic planning.
My most recent job in the RAF stood me in good stead to move to my new role working as a Senior Project Manager at MACE. I secured the position through networking and the support of BuildForce. My current post involves providing the logistic strategy on a major civil engineering programme. Looking at all aspects of construction logistics and the best way to deliver those requirements to the programme. Most of my time is spent working from home, this involves numerous Teams calls with my internal team and then speaking to and liaising with external colleagues. I am on site fortnightly for broader sessions to look at issues in multi-discipline groups.
I found the networking process invaluable during my transition, particularly the connections made through BuildForce and also speaking to ex-military personnel who had already made the transition.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was converting military experience into skills that are recognisable by civilian industry. I found the BuildForce virtual career chats helpful, with the BuildForce Employment events, such as their Insight Day are another useful resource, speaking face to face is with people is always better.
I would recommend speaking to as many ex-military staff as you can in the industry you are looking to find employment, and this will help you find where you are likely to be the best fit.”