Road Transport Qualifications and Training - Case Studies

Alastair King

In 2007 after 22 years’ service, Sergeant Alastair King left the RAF on a medical discharge. The 41-year-old catering accountant held Commendations from the Chief of Air Staff and the General Officer Commanding (Northern Ireland), having served on stations throughout the UK and on detachments abroad. He gained qualifications in IT, NVQ assessment, NEBS management, first aid at work, leadership and management; and values skills that he developed in the RAF including effective listening, analysis, customer care, conflict resolution, personnel management, stock control, risk assessment and accounting.

‘A Career Transition Workshop helped my see what skills I had acquired and how they could help in employment in civilian life, and I had one month’s residential training in Birmingham with the Highways Agency after registering on their website.’ He now works as a regional control centre traffic officer, answering SOS calls; liaising with breakdown companies and stranded motorists; setting signs and signals for incidents and roadworks; co-operating with emergency services, contractors and the media; and managing road patrols.

King enjoys a ‘constant challenging changing environment.’ Similarities with the RAF include: ‘Undertaking a worthwhile service, staying alert, thinking on my feet and working under pressure, whilst managing resources and delivering results.’

However, he also has: ‘More interaction with members of public; 24/7 shift work; seven computer screens on my desk; and all the family being able to put down roots.’ His salary has reduced by around £10,000 a year.

Published March 08