Transferable skills from a career in the military

​Leaving the armed forces and transitioning to civilian life can be a daunting prospect for many ex-military personnel. However, the skills and capabilities you've gained during your service are highly valuable and transferable to various industries, particularly the engineering sector.

We look at some of the key skills and abilities that can help you excel in a career in engineering.

Leadership and Teamwork

Military service instils a strong sense of leadership and teamwork, both of which are essential in the engineering sector. Engineers often work in teams to design, develop, and maintain complex systems and structures. Your ability to lead, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others will make you an asset to any engineering team.

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

The armed forces demand quick thinking and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. People working in the engineering sector face similar challenges, albeit in a different context. Your ability to analyse complex problems, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions is invaluable where innovative thinking is crucial.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

Many ex-armed forces personnel have gained hands-on experience with advanced technologies and equipment during their service. This technical expertise can be directly applied to engineering roles, particularly in areas such as mechanical or electrical engineering. Additionally, your experience in maintaining and repairing equipment will be highly valued in roles that require troubleshooting and maintenance.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Military personnel are often required to adapt to new environments, situations, and technologies rapidly. This adaptability is crucial in the engineering sector, where projects can change quickly, and new technologies are continually emerging. Your ability to learn and adapt will help you stay ahead in a fast-paced and evolving industry.

Discipline and Time Management

The armed forces instil a strong sense of discipline and time management, which is essential in the engineering sector. Engineers often work on multiple projects with tight deadlines, requiring excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively. Your experience in managing your time and workload will help you succeed in the engineering sector.

Health and Safety Awareness

Safety is a top priority in both the military and engineering sectors. Your experience in adhering to strict safety protocols and conducting risk assessments will be highly valued in an engineering role, where ensuring the safety of workers and the public is paramount.

Project Management

Many armed forces personnel have experience in managing large-scale projects, from planning and logistics to execution and evaluation. These project management skills are directly transferable to the engineering sector, where workers are often responsible for overseeing projects from start to finish.

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Starting your career transition

By adding these skills to your resume to demonstrate your work experience, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the engineering sector, making a valuable contribution to the industry and continuing your journey of personal and professional growth.

A great place to start is to make sure you’re registered with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the resettlement scheme from the Ministry of Defence that can help ex-military personnel find work. As well as range of other support and information.

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Supporting the Armed Forces Covenant

Here at NRL we’re proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome job applications from serving and departing armed forces personnel. Keen to support people to find a rewarding career that ensures their skills and knowledge are part to good use.

If you’d like to discuss the current roles we have available that could be suitable for you, then give our team a call. You can find your nearest recruitment branch here.