Transitioning into facilities management: David Akhurst’s story

CASE STUDY

Final Rank: Lance Corporal
Years Served: 8

After working in the military, the transition into a civilian life isn’t always easy. Many veterans report difficulty in adapting to changing routines, while also looking for a purposeful structure to commit themselves to.

Ex-military personnel are well-suited for the facilities management industry because both involve operations, engineering, and communications. Employers in facilities management can also benefit from transferable skills like people management and adaptability.

Churchill Group is a facilities management provider that offers a range of soft services to clients across several sectors. Churchill Group became a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme gold award winner in 2022.

David Akhurst is one of the veterans currently employed at Amulet, the group’s specialist security business. David was a lance corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, before leaving the army due to the post-cold-war UK military reduction programme. He had expected to transition into the motor industry, where his mechanical skills would be relevant, but that proved to be more problematical than anticipated.

David instead joined the security industry because he found that his military experience was highly valued. His role required an ability to problem solve and to maintain resilience; something that David brought from his time in the Army. The management skills he gained were incredibly beneficial, as were his adaptability and critical thinking.

Colleagues respected him for his hard work and dedication and David gained promotions and currently works as regional director for Amulet.

David said: “At the time I left the Army, there weren’t any transition support services organisations I could go to. For those leaving the armed forces now, I would highly recommend that veterans access the support they need from the military before they leave, or organisations like JobOppo and the Defence Association’s Employer Recognition Scheme. It can be valuable at the start of a new career that a veteran-supporting organisation is considered. Some companies also offer mentoring specifically for veterans, all of which I would have found useful at the time of leaving the Army. Veterans have valuable skills to offer and it’s important that veterans and businesses remember that.”

Churchill Group employs many veterans, like David, who now thrive in a civilian career. If you’d like to find out more about a career in facilities management, please visit the Churchill Group website.