Josh Kime’s career journey is an inspiring tale of determination, adaptability, and a passion for problem-solving. After three and a half years in the Royal Navy, Josh embarked on a new chapter, diving headfirst into the world of tech. His story is a testament to how skills learned in the military can be leveraged for success in civilian life, especially in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Josh joined the Royal Navy in 2019 as a Hydrography and Meteorology (HM) Specialist, where he primarily focused on surveying the sea floor. With a background in marine biology and oceanography, this role aligned perfectly with his interests. He was stationed aboard the HMS Scott, where he conducted deep-sea surveying across the Atlantic. Despite the job's appeal, after a few years, Josh realised that the path he was on didn’t quite match his long-term career goals.

Initially, Josh had aspirations of pursuing a commissioned officer role, but his interest waned after observing the limited hands-on work in hydrography that came with the officer path. This led him to consider his next steps outside of the Navy. After much reflection, he decided to explore opportunities in the civilian world, specifically in tech, where he could challenge himself intellectually and engage in continuous learning.

Josh’s first exposure to the tech industry came through TechVets, a programme of the Forces Employment Charity that supports veterans transitioning into tech careers. He was directed to TechVets by his career advisors at the Careers Transition Partnership (CTP). He quickly signed up for courses in coding and cybersecurity, particularly Coursera’s "IT Automation with Python" and Immersive Labs courses in cybersecurity. For Josh, the coding and cybersecurity world was appealing because it presented a constant stream of new challenges, a key factor that fuelled his desire to upskill.

Robin’s story highlights the potential for veterans to find meaningful careers outside the military. By leveraging his skills, reaching out for help when needed, and staying adaptable, he successfully transitioned into a role he never expected. For anyone considering a similar journey, Robin’s experience serves as both inspiration and a roadmap. With the right support, the sky’s the limit.

Robin’s transition wasn’t without its challenges. Leaving the Royal Marines wasn’t planned; it was necessitated by health issues after a decade of service in physically and emotionally demanding roles.

Read his full story: https://www.techvets.co/news/from-marine-to-release-train-manager-how-robin-cleave-found-a-new-mission-in-tech/

Robbie Ramsay’s story is a testament to how dedication and adaptability can drive a successful career transition, even into a completely new field. From serving in the Royal Air Force to building a promising career in IT, Robbie’s journey is one of determination, lifelong learning, and a passion for new challenges.

Read his story in full: https://www.techvets.co/news/from-raf-to-tech-robbie-ramsays-journey-into-the-it-world/

Sign up to join TechVets via: www.techvets.co

Adrian Montague joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in 2020 and commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

During his military career, he served with 8 Field Company (Para) in Colchester before becoming a Platoon Commander in Lyneham. Before joining the British Army, Adrian studied Mechanical Engineering at university. Although he enjoyed his time in the REME, he aspired to switch professions to design solutions using his engineering skills as a software developer. He began studying Python in the evenings and on weekends and worked with DT Squad during his resettlement.

Unfortunately, no full-time positions were available when Adrian finished his service. In this podcast, Adrian shares the disappointment of his initial plan not working out and his resilience and determination to secure a job as a software developer. He revised his CV nearly eight times, used feedback from unsuccessful interviews to improve his confidence, learned to sell himself better, and translated his military experience into case studies that prospective employers could understand. He also continued to build his portfolio and skills by participating in and winning Inversity challenges and taking part in hackathons. Fast forward, and Adrian had two job offers on the table from BT and Smart DCS IT.

In this podcast, he discusses his decision to join the smaller, agile company, Smart DCS IT, and why he chose it over BT. Adrian now has his feet well under the desk in his new role as a software developer with Smart DCS IT and has recently completed his AWS Cloud Practitioner course.

Want to follow in Adrian’s footsteps? Get in touch with TechVets, and our team will guide you on the correct pathway to becoming a software developer via www.techvets.co

Steve Townsley, Head of InfoSec for the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team, joins us on the latest episode of the TechVets podcast.

Join us as we uncover Steve's remarkable journey from Royal Marine Commando, pursuing pirates on the high seas, to hunting hackers in the high-speed world of Formula One.

After five years with the Royal Marines, Steve embarked on a lifelong learning journey, earning a degree, a master's, and numerous cybersecurity qualifications. This set the stage for his success and ultimately landed him his dream job in cybersecurity. Now, in his InfoSec leadership role, Steve focuses on securing the Mercedes Formula One team by protecting sensitive intellectual property and ensuring IT systems function properly to support car performance.

Find out more about FREE cybersecurity training across SANS Institute, CompTIA, Immersive Labs, and others by joining TechVets via www.techvets.co

Meet Rachel Morley-Jones, a former full-time mum and legal administrative assistant who transformed her career by diving into the world of cyber security. After 14 years of dedicating herself to family, Rachel stumbled upon a Facebook post about a Capslock cyber security boot camp. Despite feeling overwhelmed on the first day, she persevered through the free four-month course, bolstered by support from TechVets' Colin Grimes. Her determination led her to land a coveted position at Arculus, one of the UK’s leading cyber security firms.

Read more: https://www.techvets.co/news/from-stay-at-home-mom-to-cyber-security-expert/

Transitioning from military life to a civilian career is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. For many veterans, the tech industry, with its dynamic environment and constant innovation, offers a promising pathway. In our latest TechVets podcast, we delve into the inspiring journey of Rich Coles, a veteran who successfully transitioned into the tech sector and now dedicates his efforts to helping others do the same. This story not only sheds light on the potential of veterans in the tech industry but also provides valuable insights and advice for those embarking on their own transition journey.

Read more: https://www.techvets.co/news/richs-resettlement-rundown-from-veteran-to-tech-innovator-with-smartsheet/(opens in a new tab)

In our latest TechVets podcast to mark International Women's Day 2024, we welcome Seru Nainoca, a veteran with a remarkable story that spans continents, careers, and considerable challenges.

Seru Nainoca’s journey into the military was as unexpected as it was transformative. Initially enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in Fiji, Seru's path took a dramatic turn when she decided to join the British Armed Forces. This decision marked the beginning of an eight-year career that would shape her life in ways she had never imagined. Fastforward to the present day and Seru has finished her degree, retrained in the legal profession and moved into a tech career.

Read Seru's story in full and become a member of TechVets

In our latest podcast with Sam O'Donnell from NetCompany, we get an intimate glimpse into the life of someone who seamlessly bridges the gap between serving as a military reservist and excelling in the fast-paced world of technology. Sam's journey is not just a story of personal achievement but a testament to the symbiotic relationship between discipline, leadership, and technological innovation.

Find out more about how TechVets and Netcompany work together: https://www.techvets.co/news/microsoft-office-skills-training-for-spouses-partners/

Ben Shorter from Ex Mil Recruitment takes us on his journey to creating an agency that exclusively helps ex-military professionals find jobs, including tech employment after their service. 

Ben emphasises the often-overlooked diverse skill set of military recruits. From technical expertise to fast adaptability, he believes veterans possess a wide array of transferable skills that make them ideal candidates for various roles, especially in tech. Understanding and empathy are key to Ben’s approach.

He recognises how military roles, from risk management to technology expertise, can translate into valuable assets in the civilian job market. His insights have also highlighted the advantage of security clearances that many service leavers hold, opening doors in the tech industry.

Read the article in full: https://www.techvets.co/news/how-do-you-get-your-tech-career-started-after-military-service/

Find out more about Ex Mil Recruitment: https://www.ex-mil.co.uk/