Transitioning into facilities management: Wayne Addison’s story

Wayne enlisted in November 1998 and served until April 2023, rising to WO1 and specialising as a Foreman of Signals. Throughout his military career, he was keenly aware of the value of qualifications. He amassed an impressive list: BEng (Hons) in Telecommunications Systems Engineering, PRINCE2 and Agile PM Practitioner, ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor, ITIL Foundation, CCNA, SCIDA, and more. These academic and vocational achievements helped form the backbone of his exit strategy.

“I was always conscious of where I wanted to settle post-Service — the north-east — and that shaped my decisions,” Wayne says. “My technical background meant I wasn’t aiming for hands-on roles, but something more strategic.”

Using his Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs), Wayne invested in professional qualifications that helped bridge the language gap between military and civilian work environments. “Courses like PRINCE2 and Agile PM gave me the lexicon to translate military jargon into business speak. That was critical,” he explains.

In 2022, while still in uniform, Wayne signed terms with Company X Consulting (CXC) Ltd to become a Principal Consultant. “I’d done my homework and targeted companies whose values matched mine. CXC stood out, not just for the opportunities but the culture.”

His new role sees him working with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, coordinating a Five Eyes (FVEY) defence programme focused on information-sharing transformation. “It’s not just technical — it’s about influence, strategy, and managing change. The soft skills I gained in the military are what I use most now.”

Wayne says civilian life has brought a much-needed balance. “I’m more present with my wife and children. I can say no when needed — something you rarely do in the military.”

While he acknowledges the salary potential in civvy street is often higher, he also notes a tendency among leavers to chase money over meaning. “Early on, you’re trying to figure out your market value. But don’t forget to ask what’s enough. Personal balance is just as valuable as a pay rise.”

Wayne credits much of his successful transition to early networking — especially through the Forces Transition Group (FTG). “I reached out to John Stevenson at FTG in 2020. He helped polish my CV, guided my LinkedIn profile, and advised me during a critical moment when I was debating promotion versus leaving. Two years later, he introduced me to CXC. That’s where my second career began.”

His top advice to Service leavers? “Don’t let your rank define you. Your soft skills, adaptability, and values are in high demand. Start networking now — you never know which conversation will change your path.”