Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Case Studies

Scott Raybould

Former Chief Petty Officer Scott Raybould, 28, left the Royal Navy in August 2005 after a relatively short but stimulating nine-year career. During this time, he served in a number of ships and training establishments, before his final post at MoD Abbey Wood in Bristol, where he gained a wealth of experience – and contacts – from regular dealings with contractors and external organisations. He took an Open University degree, Higher National Certificate, and an NVQ Level 4 in Management, as well as the PRINCE2 Practitioner’s course in project management using Enhanced and Standard Learning Credits,

Having decided to look for fresh challenges, he attended a ‘particularly useful and enlightening’ Career Transition Workshop. This led to a number of interviews which all resulted in job offers. Using his Graduated Resettlement Time, Raybould volunteered for work experience, which proved invaluable in selecting the right employer for his skills and talents.

He is now a Project Manager for Atkins, the UK’s largest engineering consultancy and a huge global design firm, working on a number of high profile MoD projects. His colleagues include a number of ex-Service people so he has settled into civilian life with relative ease. The skills and strong work ethos developed in the RN have been invaluable in this new career. Scott would have all the qualities to become a member of the IET. For further information and advice please visit www.theiet.org/afjoin

Published July 07

Paul Baldwin

Squadron Leader Paul Baldwin left the RAF last September after a 26 year career as an engineering officer that included service on stations, with squadrons and on a number of operations in countries that ranged from the UK to Turkey and Albania to Iraq. Aged 45, he had amassed qualifications in aerospace engineering and management as well as becoming a kayak coach.

A Career Transition Workshop confirmed that his ‘CV was in the correct form,’ and he obtained his job, ‘Systems Department Manager for General Electric Aviation, through an interview following an unsuccessful application for another appointment within the company.’ Now 10 months into life post-RAF, Baldwin is: ‘Responsible for the leadership and management of a team of around 30 engineers covering diverse areas from customer support to mechanical design, software application design, advanced vibration diagnostics to advanced technology for the growth and development of new integrated vehicle health management systems. Extra duties include export compliance officer and support to the engineering director.’

Similarities include ‘leadership and management of teams, problem solving, and project management. My Service life was heavily operational focussed involving numerous overseas deployments and operations. My later role within MoD was very much a support function. I am most content with my reward package and do not notice a difference in salary. Moreover industry is superior at ensuring their personnel are not out of pocket through extra tasking or relocations.’

Published July 08