New Year… New Career?
Already left Military service or looking for a career change? We took the opportunity to talk with one of NHS Lothian’s Veterans in order to share his story with you…
Alistair joined the Royal Air Force in 1977 in the trade group of administration and after 18 years’ Service left, though not before attaining the rank of Corporal. During his career he Served in various UK locations as well as two tours in Germany and a tour in Cyprus, and was deployed to the Falklands, post conflict. His roles included working in a post room, signal distribution, pay and documentation, bookkeeping, unit clerk, assisting in the paperwork for disciplinary issues, cashiering and supervising a pay and documentation section.
After leaving the RAF, Alistair spent some time with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at Leuchars and at Turnhouse, in Edinburgh, where he added to his skills by completing courses in drill instruction, basic instructional techniques, and a CBRN cell controller course. During his time in the RAuxAF he went on exercise to Sweden, was mobilised twice, once in support of the Iraq war and the second time, deployed to Cyprus to backfill for personnel who were deployed in Afghanistan.
Developing skills
As new technology became widely available and implemented in the RAF, Alistair developed his skills and that of the teams he led and readily adopted IT to improve processes and ensure effective support services were in place. This would serve him well as he looked to life and work on civvy street…
Alistair told us: “The training and opportunities offered by the British Military during my career with the RAF and RAuxAF gave me the confidence and transferable skills required to take on the roles of IT trainer, training facilitator as well as the role of shop steward. Since then, the diverse and flexible approach to career progression in NHS Lothian has seen me take the corporate services partnership lead role.”
Director of HR & OD, Janis Butler, said: “Veterans are a highly valued resource across our health and care systems and bring a wealth of transferable skills that can be applied to over 100 potential career pathways in NHS Lothian. Alistair’s current role as our corporate services partnership lead sees him working jointly with senior leaders in our corporate functions on behalf of trade union colleagues to improve staff experience and to ensure the staff voice is represented.”
Are you inspired by Alistair’s story? Then why not check out the array of career opportunities available across our health and social care services and apply using the details or QR codes provided on our advertisement.
Visit: www.nhslothian.scot
