CHANGING GEAR with JobOppO: Recent Episodes
Dominic O'Sullivan & JobOppO
Series 1 - NAAFI Break Understanding the transition process from the Military and discussing the opportunities within the civilian workplace you will hear from those who know what it takes to succeed.Busting myths around Service leavers and recognising what skills, experience and capabilities they bring to the employment market.Series 2 - Changing Gear We move forward with a deeper dive into the Sectors by talking to the JobOppO House Sector Champions, Partners and Employment Partners.We provide a Sector specific focus, with input from leading Industry experts, Veteran Support organisations and those who have made their own successful transition and who can provide information, insight and inspiration for those who are considering the next career move.JobOppO is committed to help our Military leavers find ‘THE JOB’ not a job.
If you have not considered coaching as part of your transition planning or career development, this is a conversation that will shed light on how it can be valuable to you.
Workplace ‘Coaching’ in the Military is a bit misleading and not personal coaching in its real form. Understand the difference between‘Coaching’ and ‘Mentoring’ and why working with a Coach will draw out of you what you really should be doing next, in your career.
Adam Macmillan-Scott is a Veteran with his own Coaching Practice www.jointhedotscoaching.com
Rob Allen is an Army Veteran who worked with Adam to help with decisions around his career direction.
A Veteran of US Naval Service putting down roots in the UK, Charles McKinney is a recently retired Navy Aviator, who has continued his ‘Service’ by sharing his experience and opportunities for the benefit of the network. Charles explains his decision to settle in the UK, how he has approached the transition planning and we outline the opportunity for Veterans to access a ‘free of charge’ software licence for Project Management.
Helping others and willing to give back, sets Charles apart as a TopOppO.
The opportunity
PRODACTIVE SMARTSHEET FOR ARMED FORCES LEAVERS
This month, Prodactive, in partnership with TechVets, will launch the Smartsheet for Armed Forces Leavers Programme.
This initiative will offer access to a leading work management platform used by 80% of all Fortune 500 companies.
Access is designed to be granted to eligible service leavers for a period of 12 months provided they meet specific criteria for leaving dates.
The programme is designed to give service leavers exposure to, knowledge of, and experience with Smartsheet, gaining relevant skills readily transferable to civilian industry.
The main benefits of the programme:
1. Will provide upskilling in a leading, highly recognised and transferable project management, solutions development and work management platform.
2. Can enhance skills to be more in line with those of Project Management roles in industry.
3. Readily usable as a tool to organise and focus service leaver resettlement plans and actions (think checklists that make you accountable).
4. Offers access to a learning guide which can be used to chart personal learning journeys. 5. Cohort Collaboration forum for shared learning journey.
6. Access to the platform for 12 months!
13 NOV 2023
Please contact Charles McKinney in JobOppO House using the tag @Navyator to find out how you can get started.
Cats Protection special Employment Partner Podcast, featuring Peter Shergold Head of Field Operations and Jim Newman Safety, Health & Environment Officer, both Army Veterans now working at Cats Protection.
Here what they have to say about the move from the Army into their roles and why it’s a great place to be a Veteran and achieve a great work/life balance.
We talk about the challenges and upheavals of leaving the military and relocating the family to a new area. in this TopOppO episode we talk to Mark Lumsden, who decided to make the move overseas.
Following a varied 25-year Army career, moved into a role (to fill the gap while waiting for his 'ticket') with the Prince's Trust in connection with Help for Heroes and then moved to Australia, a full15 month waiting process.
His reflections, learning and experience to help others with their own transition are invaluable (and if needed help relocating to Australia, with his own business 'Wannabe a Wallaby' www.wannabeawallaby.co..au )
A different lived experience, thought provoking and with some great advice for anyone looking at the 'what next' and 'where next!'
You can engage and follow Mark in JobOppO House @AussieLummO
Jo Paul is a US Army Veteran and faced a double challenge when faced with his transition. He relocated from Germany to the UK with his British wife and lost the security of employment opportunities within the USA Federal system. He found difficulty in getting any preference at the local USAF bases in the Suffolk area and without a ready-made network had to find his feet, fast!
Jo has dealt with relocation and transition well and no aims to help others by sharing his story and being part of the JobOppo Mentoring Plan.
He is a TopOppO
Listen to Colin Frensham Founder and MD of Tidal Training, who provide Healthcare Training about the culture and support for Veterans and Service Leavers in his organisation.
A great Veteran owned organisation.
JobOppo have partnered with AWE to provide qualifications in the FM Sector. Asset Management qualification will be free to OppOs you only have to pay the £50 exam fee.
Simon Says is our exclusive Job Search module for OppOs with JobOppO House. Created by Simon Ward, who explains his ‘Why’ and ‘How’ he delivers value to the Service Leavers and Veterans Community.
If you are trying to ‘Change Gear’ sign up via the Value Vault.
I speak to Jim Hughes @BecomeUntamed about when coaching is relevant and appropriate.
He is available via the Value Vault to all OppOs.
In this episode, I talk to another 'TopOppO' an Army Veteran who served in the Royal Signals & Intelligence Corps, Trish Mullen. An ever-present on Linkedin, with expertise and insights to help our Service Leaver & Veteran Community. I would go so far as to call her LinkedIn 'Royalty'.
We discussed her development in the Army, her plans on leaving, and the realisation that her previous bosses were not far wrong when they nicknamed her the Jack Russell!
Tenacious, inquisitive, and resilient, are all good transferable skills!
Listen, comment, and share with anyone in the process of Changing Gear.
Johnny Mercer is the 'poster boy' for championing Veteran causes and holding the Government accountable on the promises they made. He is the MP for Plymouth, a former Royal Artillery Officer who joined the Army after a unique childhood upbringing and who left to answer a calling and lead the charge to improve the future treatment of Veterans in the UK. He is committed to 'us' and to make the UK the best country in the world to be a Veteran.
Honest, authentic and insightful I spoke to him on 14th October after his sacking by Liz Truss the new PM(at the time!)
I talk to David Richmond, Independent Veterans Advisor to UK Government Ministers about the challenges facing Veterans, the support ‘Eco System’ and the Employer perceptions of our Community.
David will be speaking at our event and we look forward to following on the discussion.
In this episode of the 'Changing Gear with JobOppO' series we speak to TopOppO Will Hairsine, Royal Navy Veteran about shaping the narrative during his military career and since leaving.
He is a regular contributor to Linkedin discussions, around recognising your value, finding a new purpose and identifying 'right fit' with an organisation after service. He is a eloquent advocate for Veterans.
He is now a Management Consultant with KPMG and a Charity Trustee for the Sailors' Children's Society.
We talk to Veterns within CBRE Data Centres about their personal lived experience of ‘Changing Gear’ as well as their roles, the culture and opportunities within the organisation.
Featuring
Mickey Rooney Global Operations Director
Ed Peters Enterprise Accounts Alliance Director
Lee Heggan Business Development Director
On this episode of the Changing Gear podcast I talk to Craig Murney, former Royal Signals Army Veteran and now Programme Manager in the IT Sector. He shares his experience of translating the Military to Civilian language and the value in researching the company you want to work for, by utilising your networking and matching your CV to their needs.
Craig is actively helping Service Leavers and Veterans to communicate their abilities to potential Employers.
Another Top OppO, Veterans helping Veterans.
TopOppO Stuart Miller joins me on the Changing Gear with JobOppO Podcast to share his personal lived experience and what led him to move into Employability mentoring and coaching post Army career.
Royal Engineers Veteran Stu Miller has a wealth of experience supporting Veterans and Service Leavers with their employability challenges and, as well as assisting JobOppO in other ways, Stu quickly volunteered his time to deliver our AfghanOppO programme. There are some great nuggets of wisdom and real lived experience captured in this conversation that will benefit the JobOppO community.
Richard Charles from AGCO Corporation joins Community Manager Dominic O’Sullivan to discuss the AGCO Insight day for Service Leavers And Veterans on 16th September and the opportunities for Service Leavers to enter the Mechanical Manufacturing network within the Agriculture & Land Sector
An invitation to visit the AGCO HQ and the AGCO Academy Training Centre.
In partnership with AGCO Ltd, Forces Farming are pleased to invite armed forces personnel and veterans to ‘Discover AGCO’ on September 16th, 2022 at AGCO Ltd, Abbey Park, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth, CV8 2TQ, UK. This insight day acts as the first step in exploring agricultural engineering as a new career.
In April this year Forces Farming and AGCO Ltd announced the ‘ReTrain Career Path’ to make the industry more accessible for people not from an agricultural background. Forces Farming represents the link between the armed forces and agriculture and facilitates the transition into a new career. Leadership and good communication are two of the many transferable skills that veterans or serving personnel offer the industry.
The day will be focused on knowledge sharing and networking and is applicable to all ranks of the armed forces. With many different roles in the retail dealer network Forces Farming are confident attendees will find their place in the industry.
For more information please contact info@forcesfarming.co.uk or to book your place on the Discover AGCO Insight Day please navigate to the following link:
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/agricultural-engineering-career-path-agco- retrain-tickets-406887550617?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm- medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb
More information: https://www.forcesfarming.co.uk/agricultural_engineering
At JobOppO we are always trying to bring the lived experience of Veterans in the ‘Changing Gear’ to our OppOs. We talk to those who have successfully managed themselves and others in the 'Changing Gear' and explore the issues that arise and how to negotiate them.
This episode we speak to Kris Milne, Australian Army Veteran and champion of Veteran causes, throughout his post military career and about changing the perception of 'being just a Corporal' by the individual themselves and Employers.
A great conversation, thought provoking, honest and insightful.
You can find this episode and more great guests in JobOppo House App and on our Website Resources.
On this Employment Partners episode of the Changing Gear podcast we speak to Kirsty Sloan and Army Veteran Jamie’s Gordon about the organisation and the fit for Service Leavers and Veterans
This episode highlights the opportunities to work in support roles with a Primary and Secondary School Environment.
We talk to Kelly Kirk, Talent and Development Manager and Army Veteran, now Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Timmis about the organisation, it’s mission and it’s culture.
This episode of the Changing Gear podcast features Delaina Morse, a vocal Advocate for Veterans and Service Leavers into Employment. We consider the similarities between the USA and UK, related to the Changing Gear from Military to civilian employment.
The JobOppo Changing Gear podcast talks with Penny Connorton about opening the ‘gate’ for Veterans and Service Leavers to get into the Land sector.
Hear from Penny about her ‘Why’ and ‘How’ she hopes to create opportunities for our Community.
In this episode of the Changing Gear podcast we meet Chris Shaw, who describes himself as the Scottish Ginger kid. A former Royal Marine and founder of the Gen Dit Network on LinkedIn, which has become a beast and bit of a phenomena in very short space of time.
We discuss the power of a network in supporting our Service Leavers and Veterans and what works and what doesn’t with current Career Transition
.
JobOppo is always willing to work with people and organisations that share values and purpose to support our Service Leaver and Veteran Community.
We speak to Scott Hutton , Royal Navy Veteran, about the journey into Further Education and what to expect. He also explains the longer term advantage of a career in FE.
Hear from Michelle Reid People and Operations Director and RAF Veteran Matthew Williams Operations Team Leader about the company and the opportunities, culture and work of IOM
Client podcast with Rich’s Products UK.
Hear from Veterans Luke Swaffield and John Hughes about working with Rich’s and the move from the Military.
We speak to Sarah Andrew’s Regional Manager with Pinnacle Searvice Families and the new Armed Forces Accommodation contract and the opportunities for Service Leavers and Veterans.
In this Sector Champion episode I talk to Peter Boase about taking an opportunity overseas and the challenge of returning to the UK Construction Sector.
Some great honest insights and shared experiences for OPPOS to use in their consideration for Changing Gear
We talk to Sara Dolby and Andy from Carallon, Engineering specialistists in the Live Event & Media field.
My guest on Changing Gear is Louisa Clarke MD of the Churchill Group and RAF Veteran. We discuss the FM Sector and the compatibility for Service Leavers in the roles and opportunities available.
Louisa is living proof that rank is no determination of future career success outside the Military and that, "if I can, you can’!’
Insights and reflection on her development in the RAF and Changing Gear successfully.
We speak to our Employment Partners Buildspace about the role in Construction Recruitment.
Featuring Directors Dominic Coyne and Tony Ward
We speak to John Gillies Transport Training & Compliance Officer at Carr’s Billington about Changing Gear from the Military to Civilian workplace and about the company, it’s culture and opportunities.
In this episode of Changing Gear with JobOppO we talk to Ryan Lamb, former Professional Rugby player and Lee Cole, Army Veteran about the work of the Rugby for Heroes Charity with its Transition Through Rugby programme. A programme that allows Serving Military to access Rugby Coaching qualifications during their Changing Gear.
We are proud that Rugby for Heroes are a JobOppO Sector Partner.
www.rugbyforheroes.org.uk
Rugby for Heroes works with the rugby community to raise funds and awareness for military personnel who are making the transition to civilian life. We are committed to providing financial and personal support, to help individuals overcome the many challenges that this transition presents.
Why the Rugby Community?
There are some obvious parallels that can be drawn between the UK’s Armed Forces and the sport of rugby – the traditions and core values of: leadership, teamwork, commitment, discipline, courage, respect, loyalty and camaraderie are all values in which the sport of rugby and the military unite behind and aspire to, and it is these values that RUGBY FOR HEROES champions.
And when the time comes for a person to leave the Armed Forces we believe the rugby community can offer a sense of belonging to our returning heroes that is easy for them to recognise and relate to. Through rugby teams, coaching and the wider community we are a dependable friend in a time of transition.
Series 2 of our JobOppO Podcast kicks off with a deeper dive into the Energy and Resources Sector with our Sector Champion Dom Barton chatting to Host of ‘Changing Gear with JobOppO’ Dominic O’Sullivan.
You can access all podcast episodes on the JobOppO website www.joboppo.co.uk
Have you joined our exclusive Community yet? Download the App and register at www.joboppo.co.uk/joboppo-house.
For anyone who has worn a uniform to connect with Service Leavers and Veterans, to find Employment opportunities, or to send the elevator back down and give back to the Veteran Community.
We have your back.
Series 2 of our JobOppO Podcast hosted by Dominic O’Sullivan Community Manager, shines a light on the ‘Changing Gear’ from the Military into a second career.
We shine a light on the sectors that work best for our Service Leavers and Veteran Community.
Changing Gear speaks to Employers, Sector Champions and Partners to provide insight, information and OppOs who share personal experience to help you find THE job, not just a job.
Our JobOppO Community is available via the JobOppO House App, to anyone who has served or is serving.
You can access from the Apple or Google store, just download and register. www.joboppo.co.uk/joboppo-house
It’s not just about finding a job, it is also a Community that wants to send the elevator back down the for the next person.
JobOppo wants to change the narrative around Veteran employment. Valuable not vulnerable.
Bonus episode from the Old Trafford event on 10th March, featuring
Brian Rogers McArthur Business Solutions
Louise Clarke Churchill Group
John Cottrel Service Leaver
Daisy Michelin - Head of Digital Engagement at This Week in FM
If you want to find out more about the FM Sector head over to JobOppo House Community and join the FM Group.
This episode highlights Hospitality & Retail as a sector with opportunities for our Veteran and Service Leavers Community.
We hear from the CEO of UK Hospitality Kate Nicholls on the current and future opportunities in this post Covid landscape.
Martin Longden is a former RAF PTI, who after a combined service of over 30 years with the RAF and Police, sought to set up his business and has made KARUTA Sportswear and thriving brand in and around the South West.
Harry Lomas is a former Director Food Services for the British Army and after several prestigious posts, is currently Head of Culinary at Wembley Stadium.
You will find all of our 12 Sector specific podcasts available on our website or in the JobOppo House App.
In this episode of A NAAFI Break with JobOppO we focus on the IT, TECH & Cyber Sector, with contribution across the range of opportunities presented by these segments of the market.
We hear from Ben Edwards, currently working for a Global Media organisation, Ross Baker Global Security Programme Manager at Dentsu International and Dean Gray , who works globally as a Contracting IT Project Manager.
A special podcast episode featuring a new JobOppo Employment Partner
We speak to Will Ramage and Richard Bon Co Managing Directors at Clear Channel.
In this episode of A NAAFI Break With JobOppo we shine a light on the Defence Sector.
We hear insights from 2 former members of the British Army , first Graham Anderson Training Analyst at Cubic Corporation and Richard Bullock Business Development Manager at 4C Strategies
I’m your host Dominic OSullivan and in this special client episode we scratch beneath the job description and speak to the team at Clean Events about the opportunities available within a Veteran friendly Employer.
This episode of the NAAFI Break with JobOppO highlights the personal journey into Logistics as well as talking to organizations who work with our Veteran community to provide employment opportunities.
We speak to
Nicola Dickson - Amazon about her personal journey and experience after leaving the Royal Navy
Martin Turner - AsdaTechnical Training Manager on having Veterans in the Asda workforce
Darren Wright Veterans into Logistics founder a Not for Profit organisation supporting ex-military personnel into the Logistics Industry
Steve Eden - Driver with Asda about his pathway and employment post service via support from Veterans into Logistics
We continue to focus on the sectors that serve our Veterans and Service leavers best, this time we look at Energy & Resources.
As the world tries to look to move away from fossil fuels and harness new forms of energy, there are numerous technologies and opportunities rising from the sector.
We speak to Veterans who are inside the sector:
Dom Barton - Operations Director Metropolitan at BU-UK Infrastructure discussing the Domestic Energy landscape
Dan Wilkinson - Recruitment and Championing of Veterans into the energy sector with his role in Pennine Energy Resources
Dave Edwards - Director F and H Power Consultants Ltd - Energy Consultant highlights the Then- Now -Future Sector needs
Great people helping our Veterans and Service leavers understand the Energy & Resource Sector.
Further episodes can be found exclusively in JobOppo House our Veteran and Service leavers Community.
This exclusive episode, highlights a new JobOppo Client Rifles Security Solutions as we speak to Veteran Owner Lee Rider. RSS is a bit different, so hear about how Lee has managed his own transition and how his company combines unique security solutions with giving back to the Veteran Community.
You can find RSS Jobs on the JobOppo website and information in JobOppo House our Veteran Community . Register here http://community.joboppo.co.uk/download
This episode of the NAAFI Break with JobOppo focusses on the Activity Health and Fitness sectors, with Veterans who entered and thrived in those areas.
Tracy Roberts - 17 years in Trainer Roles & Management for International Brands
Mike Evans - Trainer, Leisure Management & Senior Operations Management around the World
Jonty Castle - Experience in the Sports world, both Rugby and Football, currently Chief Revenue Officer at Blackpool FC.
This episode of our sector specific NAAFI Break With JobOppo features guests from the the 3rd Sector, which is defined as Social activity undertaken by non-governmental and not for profit organisations.
We meet Heropreneurs Trustee Stuart Nicol
Challenger Operations Co-founder Richard Sharp
Dougie Brown - after 30+ years as an Infantry Officer he moved into the sector and has spent 8 years across several charities.
A diverse wealth of knowledge and experience in this NAAFI Break With JobOppo.
The NAAFI Break with JobOppo delves into the world of Manufacturing, as we talk to those inside the sector about why Service Leavers and Veterans are in demand. They provide insight, understanding and a clear picture of the opportunities and pathways that exist.
Featuring:
Dean Rowlands Factory Manager for Citu
Steve Lee’s - JAGUAR LANDROVER Armed Forces Programme Manager at Mission Motorsport
Michael Love - Global Manufacturing and Operations Director Teconnex
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
In this episode we talk to Jeremy Gibbs, founder of Forces Farming, who has over 20 years of experience, to provide an overview of the sector. We discuss the High Ground charity that helps Veterans and Service leavers gain awareness and experience of the sector and we meet soon to leave the Army and take up an Assistant Farm Management role, Brodie Watson.
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
Your first Networking event can be uncomfortable, I talk to Garrath Williams, Director of Veteran Engagement and Development at JobOppo, on how to make it a success!
Worth a listen in preparation for the upcoming Ex-Military - A Journey into FM event on 28th October 2021 at The Churchill War Rooms in partnership with This Week in FM.
Register at www.joboppo.co.uk
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
The first in a series of Sector focussed episodes of ‘A NAAFI Break with JobOppo’, where we highlight a Sector and give insights for Service Leavers and Veterans to help them find ‘The Job’ not just a job!
Hosted by former RAF PTI and Veteran, Dominic O’Sullivan with Garrath Williams, Director of Veteran Engagement at JobOppo
This first episode brings Sector overview from Dave Mapps Client Relationship Manager at ThisWeekinFM, who are the Leading News & Information Service for the Facilities Workplace & Built Environment and the personal journey of Ray Cooksley, who left the Army and entered ISS a World-Leading Facilities Services and Workplace Experiences company.
www.twinfm.com
www.joboppo.co.uk
www.issworld.com
NAAFI Break with JobOppo is a collaboration in the true sense of the word. After having Garrath Williams guest on the NAAFI Break podcast, it became clear there was a shared passion and purpose between us, to support Veterans and Service leavers into successful second careers. The definition of Veterans helping Veterans!
Over the next 6 months we will be providing 12 exclusive episodes for the JobOppo Community, with specific sector focus, from Industry specialists, JobOppo members and the wider employment community.
The goal of the series, is to help change the narrative around Veteran employment and ensure Service Leavers and Veterans can identify the value and experience they have to offer, as well as help Employers understand the benefits that they bring to the business.
NAAFI break with JobOppo promises to be honest, insightful, informative (and a little tongue in cheek at times), bottling that ‘mateship’ that we all recognise from our time in (any)uniform.
Dominic O’Sullivan
Podcast Host
RAF PTI 1985-99