NAAFI Break

This weeks NAAFI a break, shines a light on the role of an Armed Forces Champion in the NHS. We hear a lot of titles, phrases and words around the transition, that to be honest can be overwhelming. Sarah gives us the reality of what to expect in terms of support and guidance from an Armed Forces Champion and a little about her journey to the role and her Service connection and influence.

I know if I was looking for a career in the NHS I’d want someone like this in my corner.
Please share to anyone with a Forces connection.

Dominic 

NAAFI Break with Carl Harrison, former RAF Regiment Gunner, who is trying to help his fellow cap badge in the preparation for the transition from the RAF into civvy street.

November 27th will be the first RAF Regiment Networking event at LS-TEN in Leeds. 

I just want to ask you to encourage as many Rocks, past and present to not only like this post but please share. 

The event with provide a fantastic opportunity for people to get a real insight into the resettlement process, transition out of military life into a civilian working world. Provided with a range of opportunities. A series of guest speakers sharing their experience.
Most importantly an opportunity to catch up with friends, renew contacts and build nee links. 

The centurion fund have expressed an interest in supporting future events with a view to looking at other locations. I have also had discussions with the Leeds City Council and several other employers about future possibilities. 

If your planning to attend please comment or send me a DM, alternatively if you can’t attend but would be interested in having a zoom link put it in the comments. If not available on this occasion but interested in getting involved in future events please let me know. 
Carl Harrison 

Details:
RAF Regiment Networking
1600-2300 hrs
LS-TEN, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1NT 
www.LS-TEN.org

 #military #networking #opportunity #event #veteran #armedforces #RAFRegiment #Leeds

This week on the NAAFI Break we focus on the transition 'into' as well as 'out of' the military. 

I first came across the post below from Andy Challen and immediately identified what I have felt for some time, the need for good mentors and role models for our children. That person who will light the flame of ambition or nurture and support to show that 'anyone can' reach their potential. That kind of person, the mentor, crops up time and time again in the transition particularly with Veterans helping Veterans. I will ask you at the end of this episode to recognize who your 'mentor' has been since deciding to leave the military?

There are two jobs that everyone wants to be in the RAF, PTI or Pilot! #ifyouknowyouknow


Original post from Andy Challen MA CMgr FInstLM MSyl

Innovation Champion at Inzpire Ltd

For those not getting the A level (edit - or GCSE) results expected or needed today:

I wanted to be an RAF pilot and decided to study A-level Geography and Modular Technology (electronics, pneumatics, structures). But I failed O Level Maths due to disrupted teenage years in a single-parent family where I believe my mother suffered mental health issues.

My retake O Level maths class clashed with some of my A-level classes. I was the only person in the town studying Modular Technology (the first year it had been run so I was the test case). Each subject was taught in a different school so I cycled around the town of Stevenage trying to get to the classes on time.

I skipped some of the technology classes to go to maths classes as I needed the maths to be an RAF pilot.

My Headteacher found out and told me he would give me a bad reference if I did not attend and pass the Modular Technology class. So I quit subjects I really enjoyed after a year and did a 4-year apprenticeship at BAE Dynamics. I worked 4 days a week with 50 or so great colleagues in my intake year and we went to college one day a week and 3 evenings a week most terms. I went into lodgings at 17.

I got the academic qualifications needed. I lived on the breadline and caught rabbits in the local woods to supplement my diet, but had no debt. I spent 4 years in the high tech industry. I planned for 5 years but at the end of the apprenticeship, most of us were not offered jobs. The Cold War was ending and the defence industry was crashing.

I drove a 7.5 tonne truck (as you could in those days on a normal licence) and worked long hours delivering fresh and frozen meat and veg to pubs, hotels and hospitals. I waited for my RAF application to be processed and to attend selection. I promised the family firm I would stay on for Christmas, their busiest period.

I joined the RAF and served 24 years, became a Qualified Flying Instructor and Electronic Warfare Instructor on the Tornado and reached the rank of Wing Commander. I went to Staff College and struggled through a Masters. I have O levels, and a Masters. No A levels. No degree.

The flight plan is not always direct routing. Stay loose, chill your jets, find your own path.

Since the start of the NAAFI Break podcast,the aim was always to highlight success in the transition process from the military. My experience has brought me into contact with some amazing people with inspiring and uplifting stories. During the process of finding and unearthing the stories, I was introduced to Garrath Williams (Season 2 Episode9) and as a result, a collaboration was formed to produce sector specific podcasts with JobOppO www.joboppo.co.uk, with the goal of changing the narrative around Veteran employment and highlighting sectors that welcome and value our Service Leavers and Veteran community.
A NAAFI Break with JobOppo is a Series of podcasts that shines a light on the Sectors that value our Service Leavers and Veterans. We look at the Sector as a whole and chart the personal journey of those who chose a career in the Sector.

Today we meet Rick Mounfield CEO of The Security Institute  and David James-Roll Security Risk & Crisis Management Director 

These JobOppO episodes are now available on the NAAFI Break platform, widening the reach and availability to Veterans and Service Leavers.

Since the start of the NAAFI Break podcast,my aim was always to highlight success in the transition process from the military. My experience has brought me into contact with some amazing people with inspiring and uplifting stories. During the process of finding and unearthing the stories, I was introduced to Garrath Williams (Season 2 Episode9) and as a result, a collaboration was formed to produce sector specific podcasts, with the goal of changing the narrative around Veteran employment and highlighting sectors that welcome and value our Service Leavers and Veteran community.
These JobOppO episodes are now available on the NAAFI Break platform, widening the reach and availability to Veterans and Service Leavers.

In this episode of 'NAAFI Break with JobOppo' we delve into all things Construction with some fantastic guests, who bring real lived experience of the Construction sector.

Angela Forbes Buildforce CEO
Sanju Varkey Site Manager Balfour Beatty
Peter Boase Senior Project Manager Al Farwaniya Property Developments

www.buildforce.com
www.balfourbeatty.com
www.alfarwarniya.com
www.joboppo .co.uk

Please like and share with anyone with a forces connection or within the sectors we publish.

Dominic O'Sullivan

This week we have a special bonus episode on Remembrance Sunday. We talk to Matt Simmons who is the founder of Ems4Afghans supporting the Afghan refugees.

It’s a great example of ‘Service’ and after listening to the news, like everyone else, Matt was stirred to take action and do something to help.
He has got the attention of the National media and MP Stephen Morgan supporting his work.

ON Remembrance Sunday, it is poignant that we acknowledge the role the Afghan Interpretors played in supporting our British Forces on the ground.

Please share to anyone with a forces connection.,

This week we look at the transition from the Military to a successful second career, with Dan Jarvis MP for Barnsley CENTRAL and Mayor of South Yorkshire. A former Parachute Regiment Officer, who resigned his Commission and an hour later was sworn in as the MP for Barnsley Central, the first non-Yorkshire man since 1938 to win the seat. 

He is known across parties for his integrity, honesty and hard work ethic in politics. His transition was not the usual, but he offers some insightful and valid pointers on the transition. 

We need better people in politics, here is one of those ‘good apples’!

Please share to anyone with a forces connection who wants to understand the transition from the Military. 

This weeks NAAFI Break guest is Research Fellow, Dr Graham Cable, who since our interview has moved on from his post at The Forces in Mind Trust Research Centre, a Big Lottery Fund endowed spend-out charitable Trust, whose aim is to provide an evidence base that will influence and underpin policy making and service delivery in order to enable Veterans and their families to lead successful civilian lives as they transition from the serving military community.

I wanted to hear from someone involved in research, how policy is influenced and how can the stories of our transitions that we have heard on the NAAFI Break, may be able to be used.

A very insightful conversation and my recent connection to Graham has spurred me on personally to enroll into Higher Education. You’re never too old to learn!

Bio 
Graham is currently leading learning with @QA_Ltd, supporting public and private sector clients in determining, developing, deploying, managing and continuously improving technology-enhanced blended learning solutions.

Volunteer support to UK and international military veterans via public appointment as Vice Chair of the South East England Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee (appointed by the UK Minister for Defence People and Veterans) and current and former professional and voluntary academic roles, including membership of the (US) Veterans Studies Association Advisory Board.

Doctor of Education, published in the area of military-to-civilian transitional support and healthcare, with doctoral thesis focused on educational transition from the UK Armed Forces (former military education and training officer). 

Following the recent event held at the Churchill War Rooms, Veterans into FM hosted by ThisWeekinFM and JobOppo, we speak to the speakers and businesses who attended on their perspective on why Veterans and Service leavers are in demand in the FM sector.
Featuring:
Dave Mapps ThisWeekinFM 
Andy Reid ex- Duke of Wellington Regiment 
Mark Moseley PestGone Environmental Ltd
Frankie Collins Talent Acquisition Partner CBRE