Ex-soldier pioneers road to work for former servicemen

A former army officer is pioneering the track back to work for military personnel with a initiative to transfer skills into the energy industry.

Magnus Jeffrey, a project engineer at Senergy Development Solutions, has set up The Network Aberdeen to help former service staff make the transition he did.

Magnus, 33, formed the group as a means of providing leavers with the information and contacts they need to get their foot in the door and learn how to adapt their knowledge to the energy industry.

Following nine years in the military, Magnus joined SDS after meeting some of the company’s representatives at Offshore Europe in Aberdeen in 2011.

He said: “The hardest thing is definitely that initial step.

“A lot of people leave the services without relevant industry qualifications, but they often have the knowledge and skills needed, as well as broader experience garnered from operational military work.

“The oil and gas industry is a dynamic and exciting industry in which to work, and is in many ways similar to the military.

“Critically, it has job opportunities so will naturally be a focus for service leavers.

“However, many of these individuals struggle to get past the initial application stage. Their applications often fall foul of the automated systems as it is difficult to relay their appropriate skills and expertise on paper.

“If the same individual is able to meet with someone and given the opportunity to explain what they can offer, the outcome can be very positive for both parties.”

SDS has recently recruited former UK infantryman, Andy Wilson and ex-Swedish naval officer, Erik Bergman.

Head of field development at SDS Rob Fisher said: “One of the biggest challenges facing the energy industry is finding the right people.

“Senergy welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds and we recognise the value and experience people who have military backgrounds can bring.

“Magnus, Andy and Erik are all playing an important role within SDS and the recruitment of former forces personnel is something we will continue to pursue.

“The Network Aberdeen is a first-class way to support and benefit both military leavers and the energy industry.

“Anything which can help to bring skilled people into our sector is to be commended. As a company we wish the organisation every success.”

Magnus established The Network Aberdeen in November 2011 and has already been successful in helping more than 10 people into work.

The Network Aberdeen is also providing an increasing level of support to those leaving other uniformed services, including the police and fire brigade.

Recent announcements by the Government have meant 26,000 troops over 250 career fields are eligible for redundancy, whilst industry body Subsea UK estimates 10,000 people will be needed over the next year

The Network Aberdeen is assisting in this by acting as an independent focal point to advise and send service leavers in the direction to take advantage of such opportunities.

Meetings are held every six to eight weeks and allow members to network, socialise and share experiences of employment transition and the job market.

Magnus said: “We had our first meeting just over a year ago and it seems to be going from strength to strength.

“Everyone we have approached has been happy to play their part, and the ongoing support of those in the Network is fundamental to the group.

“Many of those former military staff, who are already in the industry, have seen it as a way of returning the help they received during their career transition.

“It is about getting people into the room to network. Those new to the industry don’t always know the right place to look, and we can help by introducing them to people and setting up meetings.

“We firmly believe in creating opportunities and training in, rather than selecting out.

“With thousands of British military personnel facing redundancy and the UK oil & gas sector attempting to address a potentially crippling shortage of workers, there are opportunities for those leaving the armed forces to transfer skills and build a new career in a rewarding industry.”

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