Transitioning into industry: how Jake Francis turned experience into a level 6 qualification

Jake enlisted in September 2011 and served until January 2021 as an Infantry soldier. Like many leavers, his transition wasn’t about abandoning everything he knew — it was about translating it into something civilian employers would immediately recognise.

“I registered for ELC once I started seriously thinking about transition,” Jake explains. “I wanted to use the funding wisely and select a qualification that genuinely reflected what I already did in my job rather than sitting in a classroom or doing exams.”

Choosing the Right Route

Instead of opting for a traditional academic pathway, Jake selected the ProQual Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Practice, delivered through Site Competence Ltd.

The choice was deliberate. The NVQ route is competence-based, meaning candidates demonstrate their knowledge through real-world evidence rather than written exams.

“It suited me perfectly,” Jake says. “It was based on demonstrating competence through real work I was already carrying out — risk assessments, managing teams, writing safety documentation, incident management and audits — supported by professional discussions with my assessor.”

For a Service leaver used to learning on the job, the structure made sense. The qualification was primarily vocational, supported by reflective and professional discussion elements, and fitted around full-time employment.

“The course was excellent — the best one I’ve done to date,” Jake says. “The website was easy to use and the response from the tutor was quick and helpful.”

Building Civilian Credibility

Jake is clear that the qualification did exactly what he hoped it would: it strengthened his knowledge and boosted his confidence.

“It built directly on my military experience and gave me a Level 6 civilian qualification that employers immediately understood.”

More importantly, it provided formal recognition of skills he had already been applying in uniform — leadership, hazard awareness, risk management and maintaining safe working practices.

“It’s given me more confidence in my role and in providing evidence of my work, showing my understanding and competence.”

Adjusting to Civvy Street

Jake’s first civilian role involved installing and manufacturing ducting — a significant shift from military life. “I found the day-to-day changes harder than getting used to a new job,” he admits.

He has since moved into a role as a Health and Safety Coordinator, where he has been working for the past 10 months. His responsibilities include ensuring RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) are in place across sites, driving health and safety compliance, checking correct training is in place, and ensuring teams are working as safely as reasonably practicable.

The parallels with military life are clear.

“Finding health and safety hazards and keeping people safe,” he says, is a direct carryover from Service.

He also credits his confidence in delivering lessons and briefing others — developed during his time in the Army — as a major asset in his civilian role.

A Realistic Perspective on Pay

Like many who retrain into a new field, Jake accepted a short-term pay cut while establishing himself in a new industry.

“I had to take a pay cut as I was learning something new, but that was expected.”

His advice reflects that realism: build your knowledge before you leave.

“Experience is key. Get the knowledge and skills before you leave.”

Jake’s Advice to Service Leavers, his message simple:

“Don’t let your ELC go to waste — you can get so many good qualifications through it.” “Get as many qualifications as you can.”

For him, the transition wasn’t about reinventing himself. It was about validating the skills he already had and presenting them in a way the civilian world understands. And that, as Jake’s story shows, can make all the difference.