Dan Starsmore served in the Royal Engineers for 21 years, leaving with the rank of Sergeant in 2024.
“In the military I was as a reconnaissance Sergeant. This involved several roles. Specifically; Bridge Construction Supervisor, Demolitions Safety Officer, Watermanship Safety Officer, Range Controlling Officer, Occupational Diving Supervisor, Parachutist. In my early career my trade was a Welder.
My most recent role was as a Regimental Army Diving Supervisor (RADS). I was the lead Supervisor of an Occupational Dive Team of 30 trained divers. I would plan and execute diving operations all over the UK and abroad. We had capabilities such as underwater demolitions, search techniques, underwater hydraulic tooling and thermic cutting. This was a high-risk role with safety to life being paramount.
Alongside the whole host of soft-skills I gained while serving, I also trained to NVQ level 3 as a fabricator/welder, HSE Surface supplied diver/Supervisor. Unfortunately, I have been unable to utilise these skills due to the injury which led to my medical discharge.
As is the case with medical discharge, my transition was sudden and I had to adapt quickly. The panic of losing my home (SFA), job and income was a challenge.
As part of my resettlement, I retrained in Health and Safety management in construction. I am now working for Morgan Sindall Construction within the North-East and Cumbria region. My role is a regional Health and Safety Advisor.
I reached out to BuildForce early in my discharge process. They helped me tailor my CV, prepared me for upcoming interviews with techniques and explained ‘industry speak’, they secured a work placement for me with Morgan Sindall which led to an interview and contract offer.
My first year in my current role has been challenging, exciting and very rewarding. I advise project teams of all things Health and Safety on site, ensuring the team remain compliant with industry legislation and company policies.
I have spent most of my time travelling the region visiting different projects. This is where I have learned the role, drawing from the knowledge and experience of the project teams. I feel privileged to be working with very experienced professionals who have helped me grow into the role. I am now site based on a major project, advising the project teams on all things Health and Safety, ensuring compliance with legislation and company standards and policies. Every day is a school day, and I continue to learn from those around me whilst enhancing my own understanding. The determination to succeed and grow that the Armed Forces instilled in me from a young age is now paying dividends in my new career. The ability to build relationships quickly, and to influence behaviours and drive perfection are all skills I learnt while I was in the military.
My main piece of advice is: don’t be afraid to ask questions—there’s a lot to learn.”