Transitioning into project manager: Tony Clare’s story

It could be the digital infrastructure industry, which – when it comes to new career paths – is overflowing with opportunity …

Commonly known as the ‘fourth utility’, and with copper and fibre cable installation at its heart, the digital infrastructure industry is responsible for keeping the tools and toys of the 21st century ticking – from mobiles to PS5s, anything that relies on the transmission of data functions thanks to the network infrastructure and data centre sectors (the components of the digital infrastructure industry).

CNet Training (CNet) is the global leader in technical education for the digital infrastructure industry and, for more than 26 years, has been providing the certifications and qualifications needed to work within the industry. CNet has a longstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, educating thousands of Service leavers over the years and providing them with the skills, hands-on experience and much sought-after certifications and qualifications needed to enter the industry. CNet proudly holds the coveted Gold Covenant from the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme for its commitment to military personnel and ex-Forces, as well as employing many ex-Forces and Reservist personnel itself.

The first step

Making resettlement decisions and entering a new industry can be an intimidating experience. CNet’s Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) programme has been adapted especially for Service leavers to help ease the transition. The resettlement programme combines the standard 10-day CNCI® programme (copper and fibre) with a further 10-day work placement in one of the major installation companies, with the potential for employment. Service leavers are in high demand and the work placement can be seen as an extended interview, to utilise newly learned skills on site, gain valuable on-the-job experience and establish industry contacts.

The CNCI® programme is shaping the future of the network infrastructure industry as the first official industry standard certification for those working within the network cabling sector. It’s ideal for Service leavers wishing to demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills, expertise and competency in network cabling infrastructure, and is endorsed by the sector’s major organisations.

Transitioning to the next chapter from a career in the Armed Forces can be a daunting experience and is different for everyone. Here, CNet Instructor Tony Clare shares his resettlement journey.

MY RESETTLEMENT JOURNEY

Tony Clare CNIDP CTPM CDCTP CNIT CIIT CNCI – instructor

Service: Royal Artillery

Trade: Air Defence­

Dates served: 1991 to 1999

Current role: Instructor delivering CNet’s Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) and Certified Integrated Infrastructure Technician (CIIT®) programmes

Following a parachute injury, I was medically discharged. I had no plan. I had spent my military career attending courses that were only relevant to my role in the Forces. Not much call for firing missiles in Essex. Unfortunately, my resettlement experience was not great. Housing, council tax, getting a job, ELC, etc.; I struggled to know and understand what I was supposed to be doing.

Luckily, I did my resettlement with CNet, which gave me some direction, but getting that first step into the industry was hard. Once you are in, though, the character traits and confidence that the Services build in you kick in. I stood out among my peers, courtesy of basics such as being prompt, well presented and having a positive, can-do attitude.

I worked my way up from being a network cable infrastructure installer to a supervisor, and then a site manager. As site manager, I began self-learning about construction and a broader spectrum of M&E [mechanical and electrical] installations and eventually progressed to project manager, delivering some of the largest projects across London – something I am very proud of.

Being a project manager in a fast-paced, hectic environment can be stressful, but overcoming the challenges and problems that occur all too often in construction is rewarding.

Now, as an instructor with CNet, I can pass on my learning and experiences, from both military and civilian roles, which I find incredibly fulfilling and hopefully others do too.

Click here to find out more about CNet’s resettlement programme.