Andrew Moffatt served in the Royal Engineers for 22 years, leaving with the rank of WO2 in January 2023. “My most recent role in the Royal Engineers was Clerk of Works (Mechanical). Team Warrant Officer, support to Specialist Team Royal Engineers globally in aspects of Military Design Consultancy, Infrastructure Consultancy, Facilities Management and Project & Programme Management
This involved managing a small to medium size team of Senior Non-Commissioned officers overseeing and guiding the delivery of multiple projects, both overseas and on UK soil. Design reviews, design assurance and planning both the procurement and delivery strategies for each of these projects.
As a career soldier the army taught me many skills, the main ones that spring to mind are resilience, the ability to learn fast and in high pressure environments. Also adaptability, excellent communication and relationship building skills.
Since leaving the Royal Engineers, I have been working for Mace as a Senior Project Manager (Consultancy) on the MAN-TP, Manchester Airport Transformation Programme – Pier 2 Project specifically. An ex-colleague who’d recently made the transition from the Royal Engineers to Mace as a PM, made me aware of some opportunities. During the same period, I had also contacted BuildForce who also recommended some other Mace opportunities. I used both my ex-colleague and BuildForce as a sounding board for advice as well as tailoring CV’s to suit roles. BuildForce was also really useful for multiple webinar events.
Being prepared mentally to leave the service helped me massively. I knew my time was coming to an end and I fully accepted it so prepared accordingly, using both my GRT and ELC’s to tailor qualifications in the direction of my new career in construction.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was imposter syndrome, fear of failure and wanting to prove my worth in what initially felt like an alien environment. I used two weeks of my GRT for a two-week secondment with Mace at MAN-TP. I’d have liked this to be a longer duration to allow for a greater understanding of the Programme as a whole.
My current role involves project and package management of various contractor packages, from piling to temporary site services to logistics and airfield civil works.
My day starts with daily activity briefs with relevant contractors and stakeholders to align activities with programmed works. This helps to keep programme on schedule. This is followed by multiple site visits throughout the day from an assurance and quality perspective. Then report production to support senior programme management and client requirements – in reality, no two days are the same, this is one of the aspects I enjoy. Building and maintaining current relationships with client, contractors, subcontractors, designers and stakeholders is something I was always comfortable with whilst serving and one skill I have transitioned over to my current role. Communication and planning are also extremely valuable tools and skills I honed during service that I have relied heavily on.
While transitioning you don’t know what you don’t know, so don’t be scared to ask – I was initially, and when I overcame this (which had to be quickly) I found that my horizons broadened, my mindset changed, and I learnt so much more.
I would highly recommend a career in construction if you are looking for something fast paced and immensely rewarding.