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 how military experience can unlock exciting opportunities in the civilian world.
Military Background
Jack’s time in the Navy was action-packed. As an aircraft engineer, he spent seven months deployed to the Gulf region, 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 weather!"
After his deployment, Jack returned to a training squadron where he took on a leadership role, mentoring new recruits. This experience built on his technical expertise while sharpening his leadership skills. But the constant relocations and weekend travel started to take its toll, and when a potential move to Somerset came up, Jack realised it was time to make a change.
"I enjoyed that Christmas in the sun," he reflects on his deployment. "But coming back from there, you get sent back on a training squadron where you act as a mentor to trainees coming through and show them the trade."
He was ready for the next challenge.
His Transition Journey
"As you go through the years, you want different things," he explains.
Jack’s decision to leave the military wasn’t sudden—it came from a gradual shift in priorities. While he initially had ambitions to rise through the ranks, his perspective evolved. "As you go through the years, your priorities change," he reflects. He wanted to be closer to home and spend more time with friends, but the constant travel of military life stood in the way.
Jack tackled his transition with a clear plan, starting to mentally prepare for a full year before leaving the military. This steady approach gave him the headspace to navigate the shift to civilian life. With a drive to expand his engineering skills and open a new chapter, he knew the timing was spot on.
"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," Jack shares. "When it came to the time, it wasn’t such a shock to the system."
Finding the Right Fit
Jack’s path to Honeywell came through the power of networking. A former Navy colleague spotted him on LinkedIn and started sharing opportunities, including one through Redeployable’s Military Training Academy.
The Honeywell role immediately stood out: comprehensive training, a strong salary, and the chance to work for a global leader with operations in diverse sectors.
"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."
Honeywell’s assessment day left a lasting impression on Jack. The structured yet welcoming format allowed candidates to feel at ease while demonstrating their potential.
"I really enjoyed the assessment day," Jack recalls. "We started by getting to know each other—the eight 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."
Looking Forward
Jack is stepping into his new role as a Building Management System (BMS) Engineer at Honeywell, where he’ll be working with building control systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The role kicks off with a year-long training programme that blends remote learning with hands-on experience. "
You get to understand all the different aspects," Jack explains. "We’ll learn more about what the year entails during the first week of onboarding."
What excites Jack the most is the chance to learn a completely new trade.
"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."
His military experience brings valuable transferable skills, particularly in areas like punctuality, customer service, and problem-solving.
"The way you approach tasks and tackle problems definitely translates," he notes. "That’s a skill that stays with you."
Advice for Other Veterans
For those thinking about leaving the military, Jack highlights the power of networking, especially on LinkedIn. He also stresses the importance of keeping perspective during the transition.
"Sometimes, if things get too stressful, take a step back," he advises. "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."
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