When Jack joined the Royal Navy as an aircraft engineer, he was searching for direction and purpose. Five and a half years later, he’s found both, but in a way he never expected. His journey from maintaining naval aircraft to managing cutting-edge building systems at Honeywell highlights just how transferable military experience can be. And the best part? He didn’t have to figure it out alone.
Through Redeployable, Jack found a direct pathway into a civilian career that actually made sense for his skills. Here’s how he made the move.
Military Background: High-Pressure Environments and Leadership Skills
Jack’s time in the Royal Navy was action-packed. As an aircraft engineer, he spent seven months deployed to the Gulf, working in Oman, the UAE, and India.
"I was away from November through to June, so I spent Christmas in the sun," he shares. "Honestly, I wouldn’t mind doing that every year, escaping this terrible UK weather!"
But it wasn’t all sunshine and sea breezes. After deployment, Jack returned to a training squadron, where he took on a leadership role, mentoring new recruits. The work was rewarding, but the constant relocations and weekend travel started to take their toll. When he was offered a potential move to Somerset, something clicked, he was ready for a proper career change.
The Transition Challenge: Shifting Priorities
Jack’s decision to leave the military wasn’t sudden, it came from a gradual shift in priorities.
"As you go through the years, you want different things," he explains.
He initially had ambitions to rise through the ranks, but over time, his focus changed. He wanted to be closer to home, spend more time with friends, and have control over his career path, something the military couldn’t guarantee. Jack approached his transition with a solid plan, mentally preparing himself for a full year before leaving the Navy. By the time his exit date rolled around, he’d already shifted into a civilian mindset, making the jump far less of a shock.
"I think for the past year, I kind of moved out of that military mindset and automatically, just day by day, made myself into a civilian," he says. "When it came to the time, it wasn’t such a shock to the system."
But knowing you’re ready to leave and knowing where to go next are two different things.
That’s where Redeployable stepped in.
How Redeployable Made the Difference
🔹 Career Discovery & Industry Exposure – Jack had no idea just how many industries needed people with his skill set. Through Redeployable, he got insight into sectors that aligned with his engineering background, opening up career paths he hadn’t even considered.
🔹Skills Analysis & Role Alignment – Rather than wasting time on roles that didn’t fit, Jack was matched with opportunities that made sense for his skills, values, and goals. By providing Jack with a skills analysis, he was able to see just how he could switch to a civilian career. That’s how he first discovered Honeywell would suit.
🔹 Networking & Employer Connections – Jack’s introduction to Honeywell came through LinkedIn, when a former Navy colleague spotted him and flagged opportunities. From there, Redeployable helped him connect with the right people, leading him straight to Honeywell.
🔹 Assessment Centre Access – Instead of blindly applying and hoping for the best, Jack had the chance to meet the Honeywell team face-to-face. This assessment day gave him a proper feel for the company and made the interview process far less daunting.
"I really enjoyed the assessment day," Jack recalls. "We started by getting to know each other [the candidates] and then we were gradually introduced to the Honeywell team. The day was so well organised that by the afternoon, the interview didn’t even feel like an interview."
🔹 Structured Training & Long-Term Career Path – Honeywell’s year-long training program gave Jack confidence that he wasn’t just jumping into the unknown. The structured approach meant he’d have time to learn, adapt, and build expertise in a brand-new field, without being thrown in at the deep end.
"I knew they were a well-established company," Jack says. "But I didn't realise how big they were and how many different sectors they're involved in. Getting put through a year's worth of training on such a good wage drew me in."
Stepping Into a New Career at Honeywell
Jack is now working as a Building Management System (BMS) Engineer, where he’ll be managing building control systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The role blends technical problem-solving with hands-on engineering—a perfect fit for his military background.
"You get to understand all the different aspects," he explains. "We’ll learn more about what the year entails during the first week of onboarding."
But the best part? The challenge of learning something completely new.
"I always like to learn new things," he shares. "I think you should always be inquisitive, ask questions, and keep learning. In the end, it’s all going to benefit you. Learning a new trade in a completely different sector is exciting."
And while the technical skills are new, the mindset and problem-solving approach from the military translate seamlessly.
"The way you approach tasks and tackle problems definitely translates," he notes. "That’s a skill that stays with you."
Jack’s Advice for Other Veterans
- Network. Get on LinkedIn, connect with people in industries you’re interested in, and talk to former service members who’ve already made the transition.
- Step back when needed.
"Sometimes, if things get too stressful, take a step back," Jack says. "I’d rather take a leap into the unknown than stay stuck in a job I’m not enjoying. You’ve got to step out of your comfort zone."
- Keep an open mind. You might not know exactly what you want to do, and that’s fine. Explore your options, test the waters, and find a role that actually works for you.
Your Next Move
Jack’s journey shows that with the right support, transitioning doesn’t have to be frustrating or uncertain. So let Redeployable match you with the right roles, the right employers, and the right opportunities. It's FREE to use and you can get going with your reccomentdations, a skills analysis and a transition plan in minutes.
Click here to get started and take the first step toward your next career.
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