Leaving the military isn’t a walk in the park—fact. But finding a second career that aligns with your skills and values? That’s the sweet spot. And if you’re after something with a proper mission (without the 3 am wake-up calls), sustainability might be the move.
Why Sustainability?
The sustainability sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with government targets for net-zero by 2050 pushing investment, job creation, and demand for skilled professionals. It’s a future-proof, mission-driven industry—and if you’re considering it, here’s why you might want to get your boots on.
It’s Mission-Driven
You’ve spent years working towards something bigger than yourself. Sustainability is no different—except this time, the mission is saving the planet. From reducing carbon emissions to securing energy independence, this isn’t just a job. It’s hero-level work.
Shared Values
- Commitment to a cause – You already know how to dedicate yourself to something meaningful. Now, it’s about applying that to climate action, energy security, and sustainable development.
- Sense of duty – Civilian life can sometimes feel a bit… directionless. Sustainability work gives you tangible goals, clear impact, and a reason to get stuck in.
Use the Skill Set You’ve Got
You might not have 'Renewable Energy Engineer' on your MOD90, but the overlap between military and sustainability skills is massive. And no, we’re not talking about being good at camping.
- Leadership & teamwork – Coordinating teams, managing operations, and getting the job done—sound familiar? Sustainability projects need leaders who can rally people and execute a plan.
- Problem-solving & adaptability – The planet’s in a bit of a mess, and fixing it isn’t straightforward. Being able to think on your feet and adapt to shifting priorities makes you a valuable asset.
- Project management – Sustainability work is all about breaking big missions into smaller, actionable plans. Something you’ve already done, just in a different uniform.
Where Can You Work?
Sustainability is broad, so you’re not stuck with one path. Depending on your interests and experience, here’s where you could land:
- Renewable Energy – Managing projects in solar, wind, and bioenergy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Environmental Consultancy – Advising businesses on how to reduce their impact and stay compliant.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry – Helping secure long-term food and resource sustainability.
- Policy & Advocacy – Influencing laws and corporate policies to drive environmental change.
- Net-Zero Operations – Military logistics experience? Perfect for optimising supply chains and decarbonising operations.
Check out this article on Green Tech if you would like to learn more.
It’s Only Getting Bigger
The UK’s sustainability sector is booming. Government incentives, corporate net-zero pledges, and public pressure are all driving demand. That means more jobs, more career progression, and more opportunities for skilled professionals—like you. And unlike some industries, you won’t have to start at the bottom. Your military experience means leadership roles in operations, project management, and strategy are all within reach.
Continuous Learning & Career Progression
Sustainability isn’t static—there’s always new tech, regulations, and challenges to tackle. But that also means opportunities to upskill and stay ahead of the curve. With certifications, training programmes, and higher education options in renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainability management, you can future-proof your career while making an impact.
Ready to Make the Move?
Thinking sustainability might be your next mission? If a free skills analysis, gap analysis, matched roles, and a personalised resettlement plan sound useful, try our AI-driven platform today. Sorted in minutes. Click here.
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