Transitioning into Tech: Robbie Ramsay’s story
CASE STUDY
Air Force to building a promising career in IT, Robbie’s journey is one of determination, lifelong learning, and a passion for new challenges.
Leaving the Military and Finding New Opportunities
After four years of service in the RAF as an operations specialist in air traffic control, Robbie knew that his military career wasn’t the long-term path for him. While working in the forces offered invaluable experiences, such as handling responsibilities at a young age and working closely with aircraft like Chinooks and Pumas, life was calling him in a different direction. He made the decision to leave the RAF when he got engaged, aiming to build a future that allowed him more stability outside the military.
But the transition from military life isn’t always easy. After leaving, Robbie initially became a personal trainer. However, he soon realised it wasn’t the right fit either and decided to pursue a completely new career—tech.
Enter TechVets and the World of IT
Knowing he wanted to enter the IT industry but not sure where to start, Robbie turned to TechVets. The veteran-focused initiative, a programme of the Forces Employment Charity gave him a clear pathway into the tech sector, providing the resources and support he needed to retrain.
He first dived into the CompTIA A+ certification, which is designed to provide a solid foundation in IT fundamentals. Robbie committed hours to mastering the content, and his hard work paid off. Following that, he took a Python essentials course through Cisco Networking Academy and is now finishing up the Google Cybersecurity Certificate through Coursera. These courses are offered through TechVets (for FREE), opening doors that Robbie hadn’t considered before.
“The CompTIA A+ was definitely my favourite because it gave me a broad understanding of the tech world,” Robbie says. “It exposed me to so many different avenues, and it was like a whole new world opening up in front of me.”
A New Career at Network London
With these qualifications in hand, Robbie began applying for jobs. A referral from TechVets led him to Network London, where he quickly impressed his new employers with his enthusiasm and work ethic.
Robbie’s adaptability and willingness to dive in headfirst have served him well. On his second day at Network London, he found himself in a server room recogniSing hardware components, a moment that made all the hours of studying feel worthwhile.
“When I was in that server room, I realised I actually understood what I was looking at. It was a rewarding moment that showed me all the hard work had paid off.”
The Veteran Advantage: Attitude, Accountability, and Adaptability
When asked what qualities veterans bring to the workplace, Robbie doesn’t hesitate: attitude, adaptability, and accountability. These traits, which are deeply ingrained in military personnel, have made his transition smoother. His ability to step up, learn quickly, and take responsibility for his work stood out to his new employers.
“They hired another veteran before me, and it worked out so well for them that they wanted to bring in another,” Robbie says with a smile. “It’s nice to know that the work ethic we develop in the military is valued in the civilian world too.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Robbie?
Though he’s only been at Network London for three months, Robbie is already thinking about what’s next. His thirst for knowledge remains strong, and he’s got his sights set on completing the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and Security+ certifications to deepen his expertise in networking and cybersecurity.
“It’s such a wide world, and there’s always more to learn. I enjoy my job, but I also want to keep pushing myself to learn more even outside of work hours,” says Robbie.
Advice for Fellow Veterans
For other veterans considering a career change, Robbie offers straightforward advice: start with the CompTIA A+ to get a feel for the tech industry, and immerse yourself in the field through podcasts like Darknet Diaries and CyberWire Daily. These resources not only provide insight into the tech world but also help newcomers understand the variety of roles and opportunities available.
“The transition from military life to civilian work can be daunting because it’s such a different world,” Robbie reflects. “But attending events, networking, and just being open to learning makes all the difference. And, of course, TechVets is there to guide you.”
Robbie Ramsay’s journey from RAF to tech is a reminder that with the right mindset, resources, and a lot of hard work, any career transition is possible. He’s embraced the challenges, continued to learn, and is now thriving in a career he’s passionate about.
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