Meet Mark Swords, a veteran with a long military career behind him and a brand-new one ahead. After years of technical roles in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and running his own business, Mark found himself at a crossroads.
He wanted a career that matched his expertise, fit his values, and - crucially - let him spend more time at home with his family. The challenge? Figuring out what that actually looked like. That’s where Redeployable’s Military Hiring Academy came in. Now, he’s landed a role with Schneider Electric, working in an industry that aligns with everything he was looking for.
Here’s how he got there.
Military Background: Engineering, Leadership, and a Knack for Reinvention
Mark’s military career started in 2004 when he joined the REME as a vehicle mechanic. Then, in 2009, he decided to try something different—leaving to start his own electrical business. After almost seven successful years running his company, he did what few would expect: he rejoined the military.
This time, as an ammunition technician, he took on responsibility for ammunition storage, safety, and bomb disposal—a job that required precision, technical expertise, and nerves of steel. In 2023, after years of constant movement and high-pressure roles, Mark decided it was time to leave for good. But walking away from military life is one thing. Finding the right next move is another.
The Transition Challenge: Experience vs. Opportunity
Mark had plenty of experience; technical expertise, leadership skills, the ability to perform under pressure. But finding a career that matched his values and lifestyle goals wasn’t as straightforward.
At first, he landed a role at AWE as an Operations Exercise Deputy Planning Specialist, a job that looked great on paper. But the constant travel didn’t fit his top priority: more time at home with his young family. That’s when he started looking for something better suited, a role that aligned with his skills, interests, and lifestyle.
Enter Redeployable.
How Redeployable Made the Difference
🔹 Industry Exposure & Career Discovery – Mark knew he wanted to move into an industry that mattered, but didn’t know where to start. Redeployable’s in-house experts helped him understand where his skills could fit in the energy and sustainability sector. Through the Military Hiring Academy, he got direct insight into Schneider Electric’s work, values, and opportunities.
🔹 Skills Analysis & Career Matching – Instead of blindly applying to jobs, Mark went through Redeployable’s skills-matching process, identifying where his military and business experience translated best in the civilian world. This gave him clarity on what roles he should pursue, and confidence that he was heading in the right direction.
🔹 Assessment Day & Direct Employer Access – No job board black holes. No generic interviews. Instead, Mark met Schneider Electric’s hiring team face-to-face at an assessment day, giving him a real feel for the company and its culture.
🔹 Insight Day: Hands-On Career Validation – Mark didn’t just hear about Schneider Electric—he visited their facilities, met the team, and saw the work in action.
"Everyone else is pushing so much to do these things virtually, but we had the option to go down face to face. When you're looking to go into a new world of employment, actually being on the ground and getting a proper feel for what's going on in the environment and the surroundings gives you a much better understanding and that warm fuzzy feeling if it's going to be right for you."
🔹 Structured Career Progression – Instead of bouncing between jobs, Mark landed a career with long-term growth opportunities. Schneider Electric’s training program means he can flex his technical expertise, learn new technologies, and evolve his skill set, without being thrown in at the deep end.
The Journey Into a Purpose-Led Career
With Redeployable’s Military Hiring Academy, Mark secured a role at Schneider Electric in a sector that aligns with his skills and values. It’s meaningful work. It keeps him technically engaged. And most importantly? He’s home for the moments that matter.
"One of the big things with me was progression and their ability to let their people flourish. They are very good at empowering their employees from what I've seen so far."
Schneider Electric’s flexible approach to working hours means Mark can plan his week around his family, making sure he doesn’t miss key moments with his young son and wife.
Mark’s Future at Schneider Electric
The challenges ahead? He’s ready for them. Mark is looking forward to learning how to use new technologies, modernising his approach to work, and making a real impact at Schneider Electric. And with the company’s focus on sustainability, he knows he’s working towards something bigger.
Mark’s Advice for Service Leavers
- Network. Speak to everyone you can, the more information you get, the better.
- Your skills are more adaptable than you think. You might be suited for roles you’ve never even heard of. Spend your 12-month transition period going to trade fairs, talking to others, and exploring different paths.
- Be savvy on LinkedIn. Not everyone is exactly who they say they are.
- Your first civilian role might not be forever. That’s normal. If it’s not the right fit, move on. Unlike the military, you can just leave.
Your Next Move
Mark’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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