Final Year

[Zomerzet]

Hi goaters,

I'm just at the '365 days to go' point of my resettlement. I've been in 11 years and leaving at 12. SAC(T) with good assessments but my number just never came up due to poor management whilst on a Typhoon squadron (But that's another story). I have made preparations for leaving the mob and having already gained a HNC, I'm using a second ELC to get a HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering which should be completed before I leave next year.

I am after a little advice of applying for 'Civilian Work Attachments'. As an engineer with a wide set of transferrable skills, I am struggling to really decide on a sector I want to go into. I have a number of choices I have narrowed down, partly through having a house in the engineering backwater that is Lincolnshire.

Stay in Defence engineering, electronic warfare stuff as I'm trained in Mission Data Analysis?
Energy Sector, be it windfarms, or the oil/gas industry?
Medical Device engineering (Basically very short range radar/imaging)?
Field service engineering in a variety of roles?

Being a year away from employment, I would LOVE to start applying for jobs, but feel I may be striking too early. So in order to help me decide which way to go I'd like to undertake some work experience in the various sectors if possible. Has anyone approached companies to arrange this at all, and if so, how successful have you been?

 

[fletch049]

Hi there is a company who do a wind farm course for your resettlement as the RAF pays for the accommodation they will give you a job after the think you have to do 5 years with them if they pay for your course. They are based in great Yarmouth and want ex-mil people its OK money and pay rises every year. Seems like a place to start if you want a guaranteed job for 5 years

 

[sulky]

i think i was on the same sqn with you, the one with the same 2 numbers per chance, and you like VW's and metros need i say any more? or am i wrong ?

Anyhow if you have a mortgage, maybe look at the bae option for 3 or 4 years in saudi just to get morgage free, a lot of people are doing this. A few years of toil just to get that freedom that you can then choose what you really want to do. but you will need to apply now.

There is an ex same double number sqn member working in the wind farm industry and he seems to be having a great time, always posting pics and loves the job, and its an expanding business. and they advertise in the resettlement brochure as you know, good pay as well. I think a lot of work is going to start in yorkshire soon (seen it in the news i think), not to far to go if you come home at weekends.

also consider the ROV option for off shore, good pay and 6 months off a year, guy in my last place was in the same boat (no pun) as you and just applied and they grabbed him, look in the resettlement mag, they are always holding seminars, and the pay is on par with the saudi option after 2 years, about 35 up to that point, if you have fibre experience (which i suspect you do) even better , as my mate didnt and they still snapped him up, he also had the same sort of education as you.


But as for applying for jobs early i think but am not sure you can leave a couple of months early and still get the payout, dont quote me on that, check with the shinnys in psf and if required get it in writing. Anyhow apply for as much as you can now and get your cv out there, with you expected end ex date. if they want you (after interviews) they will wait a few months.

good luck and pm me if you need any help, i may have 5 years left but i have known a lot of people leave and have followed their exit strategy's with interest, so when my time comes ill be as in a good position.

 

[briggfairy]

i am in a similar boat, i put my pvr in in feb with 12 months notice also as an sac(t) and having my own place in lincolnshire (all be it north lincs) i haven't found it to be an engineering backwater with hull, grimsby, killingholme, immingham, s****horpe on the doorstep there's actually a lot of industry in the area before looking offshore, myself i am tailoring my resettlement towards becoming an instrument / electrical tech more than likely in the oil and gas industry due to the refineries on the doorstep as well as offshore. as i've got 6 months or so left my job application rate has gone through the roof and tailoring the cv to suit the role takes rather a lot of my spare time up however it will be worth it in the long term.

as an aside forget all about the reason's you are leaving, no-one will care why you think you didn't get promoted whether it's your fault or not, your moving on don't take any ill feeling with you

 

[Keyser Söze]

Good luck with the studying, you're obviously preparing yourself well for the transition.,

just wish to make a few observations based upon my own experiences.

Work attachments can be rather difficult to organise due to many company's perception that they're gaining nothing out of the short term attachment, they may also incur costs for insurance, security clearance etc, but good luck if a company does offer one.

12 months is a long time for civvy industries to keep you in mind for vacancies, in my experience many companies typically run 'light' on their manning levels for quite some time, then recruit, then want you to start quickly,, basically they appear to leave it to the last minute and then 'panic buy' in the job market.... So don't be too disheartened if you don't get replies early on,,,,you'll probably get a lot of offers within your last 3-4 months, if your exit date is fixed for whatever reason.

Lincolnshire can be difficult for some jobs but as has been mentioned off-shore will be a big recruiter now and will increase within the next year or so. As you are aware there will be Europe's largest wind farm off the coast very soon and I would expect a lot of jobs in that sector and historically they do like ex-service personnel, "little Sandy" (if you know him) plus many others works out there and is enjoying the life.

lastly sh1t management exist out here also, I would even say that they can be every bit as bad if not worse than the eeeejits in the mob,,,so don't go thinking that the RAF have cornered the market on power crazed ego-maniac bosses who have no respect for the workforce,,,, trust me when I say they're everywhere.

which brings me to the Defence Sector, many of the sh1t managers you refer to ,,, will have jumped over to work for BAES et al, they pay the rock bottom minimum in my experience, so if you need a change of scenery then leave them till last.

Keep your eyes on your goals, get all the quals possible, there's very good money to be made,,, good luck!

 

[I Look Like Kevin Costner]

Agree totally with Keyser, especially with some of the management styles of some outside the mob, worse in some cases as they have no man management skills at all and no training either. The RAF was a lot of regards a better run organisation than some I have seen outside. Your horizions do open up if you are flexible (its amazing the numbers of people outside that are not) and there are some bloody well paid jobs outside that I know some ex mob guys have got into especially in Oil and Gas and it hasn't taken them long.

 

[Zomerzet]

Fletch49:

Sounds a pretty good option with a structrured path of development. Could you tell me what company/website it is at all (PM me if you don't want it going 'public')?

Sulky:

I think you've got me there. I still drive the 'Retro Metro'! Yeah, working for BAE doesn't really appeal to me as coming out at 12 means their poor pay rates aren't enough on their own to meet my salary expectations (27k for a supervisor in TMF!). In theory the Saudi option does appeal finacially, but once your mortgage is paid off, you still only have 5 more years of Typhoon experience. I'm looking to diversify slightly more than go to the RAF 'dinosaur graveyard' that is TMF!

I quite like the idea of ROVs as I'd become an SME and possibly a pilot, and as a bonus I'd not need to relocate. I'm just a bit of a 'rabbit in the headlights' right now with my options!

I've done a rough calculation on exit date and it looks like I'm pretty much able to get out by the start of April '14. I will make sure I carry over the maximum 15 days leave too!

briggfairy:

Yeah, it's not all that bad. I have seen a few jobs Grimsby way and TBH it's about the same commute as to Lincoln-Coningsby. In fact I have seen and amazing job I am really excited about in Grimsby, but am not in a position to take it right now. I WILL be making contact with the company's HR directly though, as with a little detective work I figured out who they were, as they were advertising through an agency!

I'm certainly not focussing on the reasons why I'm leaving. I have been held back for so long that I am absolutely gagging to get out there and do well. I know I am worth more than this.

Keyser Söze:

Thanks for the input regarding work attachments. This is my concern. The input about civillian companies having a short memory is also understood. I am chomping at the bit to start applying for opportunities, but then if I get an interview with the inevitable question 'When can you start?'. Not until next year... I've then wasted their time. There IS a chance I may get remembered, but it's still very early days. I just feel in complete flux at the moment and want to simply get reassurance that I can get the job I think I'll enjoy LONG TERM. It may not happen on the first role I get, but I'm sure I'll be snapped up by someone.

Sandy's done very well for himself and I'm still in touch with him. Definately a good POC to speak about the wind turbine industry and need to ensure I follow that lead up (Already been in touch).

Regarding Lincolnshire engineering; It does seem to be developing itself well and there is certainly plenty of growth to fuel opportunities. I am well prepared to be flexible in my approach, but I just need to focus my direction.

I Look Like Kevin Costner:

I certainly agree it's not all roses out there when it comes to good management, but I feel that if I am in the private sector I can at least control my own career, instead of it being decided by a catering officer on a board. If I don't like my role/pay/working environment, I move to another job I like to correct the situation. I certainly agree with your opinion on BAE (See 'Dinosaur Graveyard comment above). It's easy (Some would say lazy) to go for that option and they can simply cruise on doing the same job they bitched about for years, just as a civvy!

There's always this if all else fails!!!! http://www.indeed.co.uk/rc/clk?jk=8c2c5297c0d99ca8



I'm putting the final touches to my 'Engineering CV' and will also have an 'Electronic Warfare/Radar Specialist CV' to advertise my wares soon. I remember that shortly after entering my resettlement period and after attending the CTP workshop, I popped my CV on a few big job websites and got a phone call 40 minutes later asking if I was interested in 'such and such' role! After a week, I got so many calls that I had to deactivate my CV from the sites! I'm thinking of maybe popping my head 'above the parapet' again soon, to test the water and also make myself feel better!

 

[Zomerzet]

BAE Systems as an employer?

BAE Systems as an employer?

The prosecution rests...

http://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Employer=BAE_Systems_Inc./Salary

 

[Tin basher]

Hi there is a company who do a wind farm course for your resettlement as the RAF pays for the accommodation they will give you a job after the think you have to do 5 years with them if they pay for your course. They are based in great Yarmouth and want ex-mil people its OK money and pay rises every year. Seems like a place to start if you want a guaranteed job for 5 years

Long time goater Harry B'Stard did something very similar and now enjoys bobbing round the oggin transitting from wind turbine to wind turbine whilst on shift, he seems to spend more time being paid for travelling and waiting than for actual graft plus he has stupid grin on his face most of the time. Perhaps Greggs have opened a Yarmouth franchise.

 

[Harry B'Stard]

Long time goater Harry B'Stard did something very similar and now enjoys bobbing round the oggin transitting from wind turbine to wind turbine whilst on shift, he seems to spend more time being paid for travelling and waiting than for actual graft plus he has stupid grin on his face most of the time. Perhaps Greggs have opened a Yarmouth franchise.

The wind industry has been in a little bit of turmoil recently. it all rested on the Government not announcing how much they'd pay for the electricity generated.

This changed last month and the Government have decided to invest more in offshore wind onshore.

The two big players are Siemens and Vestas, have a look at their websites for careers (both may be recruiting soon for differing reasons).

However, don't forget the generating companies... although I work for one of the major manufacturers, the turbines are owned by different companies. They have their own techies working alongside us so look at SSE, Centrica, Vattenfall, Powergen and Dong Energy etc..

There are also contracting companies. I work with a few of them on my current project, one of which was an army vehicle mech with no extra training. Look for companies like 3sun, Boston Energy and Dawson Energy.

Finally, you can look at doing some of the courses yourself. They can be expensive (especially when some employers will send you on the courses anyway!). Look for completing the Siemens level 2, 3 or 4 course at Maersk training in Newcastle. The same goes for offshore courses, again they can be expensive and sometimes it'll be upsetting if you find an employer that would have sent you on the courses anyway!

As regards the future, it is very bright! The round 3 announcements will start towards the middle of next year. This is where the companies who've bought chunks of sea bed will start to announce who's turbines they're buying and then companies will start to recruit accordingly. My site is one of the largest 140ish turbines and is due to be doubled... the smallest of the new sites will have a minimum of 300 turbines each!

The two main centres on the East coast are likely to be Hull and Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft. However, there are plenty of 'travelling' jobs around... and most companies will pay you a travelling rate!

Best of luck in the future... I might see you around!

HTB

PS, Watch it Tin Basher... DT_Xtremez_32:... although I can't confirm or deny rumours that Greggs East Anglia is planning an expansion program!

 

[Keyser Söze]

holy thread resurrection

holy thread resurrection

#Zomerzet,

So how are things going for you? I got the impression that you'd got your head screwed on well, and were taking control of your own destiny,,,,

Related topic on the Edumacation/Training etc,, Use all your ELC's wisely,, then afterwards apply for that free degree thingy ((being careful to mention that you do NOT have any level 4 quals (e.g. HNC or equivalent and above) otherwise you will probably not qualify for funding)). Some uni's require a HNC as entry onto these degree courses so it can become an impossibility,, unless you think outside the box ( hint LCGI ).

Good luck to all thinking of getting out, I don't know of anyone who is worse off than they were when they were 'in'..

 

[Zomerzet]

Resttlement update (7 months to go)

Resttlement update (7 months to go)

Hey Keyser,

Things are going pretty well and I'm currently working on my HND as planned. Still got my last ELC in the bank which I'll keep for specialist ROV training. Thought an update on my progress might be good. Got an interesting story..

In November I went along to a 'Military Awareness' Event organised by the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) in Colchester to find out more about getting into the energy industry. Whilst there, a guy who ran Forces4Energy gave a few words. I had only been on his website the previous week where I'd spotted a role working as an ROV Pilot/Tech for a small company in Surrey, so when I had chance I spoke to him and he had a read through my CV and seemed pretty keen for me to keep in touch. He gave me a few suggested tweaks to improve my CV for the ROV role and I got him a copy later that week. A few e-mails went back and forth and an interview was arranged for the last Friday of November.

I was pretty excited about the ROV work and managed to work out what company was advertising as it was through an agency. I did plenty of reading up on their pretty good website on what kit they used and what their business provided. Kip from F4E gave me a good heads up that the MD was pretty old school (He fired people for being on Facebook at work for example!) but he was also ex-RAF and worked as a simulator technician. After that he'd been in the ROV industry since the 70's. I headed down to interview with my latest assessment, my wedge of certificates and suited and booted. Sat down at interview with just the MD and no other candidates. Got talking about my experience level and RAF training and was then presented with a number of circuit schematics, which I was asked to identify components and describe signal paths. After this the interview seemed to flow much better and was even invited to have a look around the workshops which was great. We got back up stairs and I was offered a role on the day. Yes please! 1.5 hour of interview including nose around the premises. Happy days.

Job secured and they are even willing to wait for my earliest point of employment in April, along with being able to come to an 'arrangement' to ensure I don't undertake paid work during my GRT. Happy days, two-wage-tastic for a few month still! The only downside to this role is that it will mean a relocation 2 hours south but I'll work away during the week for a few months until I decide what I'm doing longer term house/family wise. WIN. Foot in the door satis.

Oh, and BTW the RAF board have selected me for promotion to Cpl on the Tuesday before my interview. Was an interesting week...

 

[Stevienics]

Now that is a Christmas tale worth hearing.

Nice one, and a testament to PPPPP.

 

[Keyser Söze]

Well Done mate!

Don't worry too much about getting paid during your GRT, I certainly did nt,,, the only people who are bothered about it are HMRC. I know the resettlement wombles tell all sorts of stories, but I guess its up to you whether you choose to ignore them, which of course I did!! But I've got the hint on what you're planning on doing, so you've got it all under control .

Take it easy and enjoy chrimbo, a few of my mates are in the ROV world and by the look of their cars and houses they don't seem too bothered about life outside of the RAF.

 

[Harry B'Stard]

Congrats Zomerzet,

Glad it's working out fine for yet another service leaver!

HTB

 

[Zomerzet]

Well everyone likes a happy storyDT_Xtremez_14:

Does not mean I will stop looking for jobs by any means, as ideally I would like to find a job where relocation is not required. New year will mean my job hunting will really begin in earnest for the kind of engaging engineering role I am after. I need something within a specialist engineering sector where I can really find a niche, but also a long term career. I have a solid option now, but it never hurts to look. I'm unsure if they want me to complete the BOSIET/MIST/Medical before I commence employment, but I will chase that up in January.

Just before Christmas I did discover that a very interesting engineering company operates within commuting distance so I am planning on getting in touch with them and finding out more about what they may have to offer. It's amazing what you find if you dig around. Half the battle with finding a good job is discovering these little engineering companies with obscure names that operate hidden away in the corner of an industrial estate somewhere! Just changing your job search terms a little can reveal a real gem so try searching for stuff like qualifications instead of equipments for example.

Have a happy new year guys and roll on 2014!

 

[Treehugger]

Nice work fella! Sounds like you got all your sh*t in a sock and were proactive in your approach. Going back to what you (and Brigg Fairy) were saying about the offshore oil and gas side of things, it may be worth your while to make some enquiries with ConocoPhillips, as they are the current operators of the Southern North Sea gas fields. They also oversee operations at the Theddlethorpe Gas Terminal where said gas comes ashore. I have had a few jobs on Conoco platforms for my current employer (a service company), and really enjoyed the working atmosphere within that operator's installations. Furthermore, you would also be flying from the heliport at Norwich, meaning your travelling time from Lincs would not be too bad at all. You sound like a pretty switched on cat, so I am sure you will make the most of the opportunities now open to you. I have never looked back, and only wish I had ET'd earlier. (Shame it went the way it did, I was all set to serve as long as I could when I joined up, but hey ho...)

 

[briggfairy]

Just to update on how my resettlement went for anyone who may or may not be interested, I completed the distance learning course in oil and gas electrical engineering systems through OPITO a lot quicker than I had expected, mainly by doing little else than studying at work for 4 months.

This led onto me attending an electrical installation course down at Aldershot (mainly to gain 17th edition but the extra qualifications that came with it may come in useful at some point), whilst I was down at Aldershot I made good use of the free WIFI and updated my CV to reflect my newly gained or soon to be gained qualifications and began applying for jobs in earnest.

One my last week of the course at Aldershot I had a phone interview with a multi-national engineering company regarding an electrical inspecting and testing position which led to a formal offer.

This led to me returning to work to have a chat with a newly posted in OC about bringing my exit date forward by roughly 4 months, whilst I was awaiting confirmation as to whether or not I would be allowed to leave early I was invited to interview for an E&I technician position at a COMAH top tier site for BOC special gases

Needless to say it was one of the more relaxed job interviews in history having one offer of employment already on the table and I nailed the interview.

Back to work I went to be told I was allowed to leave at the end of Oct and began clearing, that afternoon BOC made me a formal offer of employment which left me in the enviable position of two job offers and a firm exit date.

I wheighed up both offers and went with BOC as it seemed like the better option long term with its plans to expand in the local area as well as their plans to invest in me as an employee in terms of training.

so as I type this now I am working in the industry I wanted to work in, in the position i wanted, in an area which after recent announcements regarding the siting of the renewables hub on the humber south bank should see my prospects only looking up.

so all in all by taking a plunge into the unknown when I ET'd my story has turned out better than I thought possible, in a way like treehugger it was sad for me to leave after having dedicated so much time and effort into what I thought was going to be a long career however after being zero scored on a promotion board coupled with the incompetence of some of the perople in positions of authority left me feeling so frustated and angry that I felt the only way for me to maintain any self respect was to take my engineering skills and work ethic somewhere that it would be appreciated.

oh and sorry for lenght of this post!