Richy Davies served in the Royal Marines for 26 years from 1998 to 2024, leaving with the rank of WO1. “My most recent role was predominantly in logistics. Leading up to WO1 Specialist Advisor. I then spent two years in a HR role as Unit Assistant Adjutant.
Before leaving I was in branch structure, this involved allocating personnel to the correct roles. Advising on promotion boards. Moving personnel around to help with structures and assigning personnel to courses. As well as the obvious leadership and management skills I also gained an excellent grounding in Logistics and Project Management.
I now work as a Project Manager for Mott MacDonald. During my resettlement I had made a few of my own connections with employers, but once I signed up with BuildForce I had my career chat, and they formally connected me with their employers and could track how I was progressing. They revised my CV which helped, and prepped me for my interview with Mott MacDonald.
Having an understanding around four years prior to leaving that I was only a number, and at some point, I would have to leave and start a new career really helped me during my transition. This kept me on a level footing and helped me to realise quickly that I would have to forge a new path on leaving the military. The skills I achieved during my military career have helped me transition, and using my network, through speaking to ex work colleagues was invaluable, not to mention BuildForce.
I think the realisation that civilian work life is a different pace to military and having to adjust to this was one of the toughest things during the transition process. I think there is not much help that comes from the Armed Forces once you have left. I think a team needs to be set up that keeps in touch to ensure you have what you need. I personally have been fine, but I think if my previous Unit had a Careers Advisor/Liaison Officer who could call just to check in, this would keep that contact and ensure those who are leaving are in a good place.
My new role as a Project Manager, has now quickly started progressing into a Programme Delivery Manager. I am working on minor capex projects with a spend of up to £500k. Although I have been recognised as proactive and now take a more senior role within the company and work with steering groups prioritising projects for the business. Currently in the nuclear, clean energy sector.
A typical day involves managing a multitude of minor projects, and a team of Project Engineers and Construction Coordinators. All projects are at a varying stage, and multiple disciplines need to be kept engaged to progress the projects and keep them moving forward.
The leadership and management skills I learned whilst in the military mean I am good at working and driving individuals to deliver results. As veterans we are excellent at working together to drive the team forward. Another strength is having good stakeholder engagement and the trust from the business senior SQEP, that they can trust me to deliver results.
I would advise anyone starting the process to allow at least two years to look at what your skillset is. Look at the industry and see where the future of the industry is going. For example, net zero carbon nuclear energy is only going to grow, so there is a lot of work over the next thirty years, with companies within that sector growing, and needing a bigger workforce. Also look for something that you enjoy, and not just for the money. If you are good at what you do and you enjoy it, the money will follow, and you will be compensated for your skillset, and if you are enjoying your work, you will show that you are good at what you do, naturally.”