Remembrance Day | Steven's story

By Steven Grocott, Senior Recruitment Business Partner

​Before recruitment, I served in the Royal Air Force.
Joining in January 1990, I started off as a Personnel Administrator. After completing my basic and trade training, I went on to serve for 22 years, being posted across England, Scotland and Europe.

I was proud to serve on two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) postings; the first spending three years in The Netherlands, and the second saw two years in Portugal. I also served on operation detachments in The Falkland Islands, Italy and Iraq and a United Nations operational detachment in Kosovo.

In 2008, I was awarded a Chief of Staff commendation in the Queens’ Birthday Honours list. I spent the last seven years of my Royal Air Force career as a Royal Air Force recruiter, a role that gave me tremendous job satisfaction and ultimately paved the way for my future career choice. I left the Royal Air Force on 22nd January 2012.

Remembrance Day holds a much deeper significance to me now than it used to.
Only years later after serving in the Royal Air Force does Remembrance Day means something very different to me.

Before I enlisted into Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, Remembrance Day to me, was an opportunity to see all the different branches of the armed forces on display, whilst recognizing the efforts of those that had sadly fallen during WWI & WWII.

Today, when we mark Remembrance Day, I think of two things. First, are the men and women currently serving on operations in a country where they face great danger on a daily basis, and are far away from their home and loved ones. Second, are the families of those who’ve lost a loved one in past conflicts.

Remembrance Day is a day where we can remind ourselves of the sacrifices and hardships that those before us have gone through, and of the professionalism and dedication of those that are currently serving.

Finding employment as an ex-veteran is tough if you don’t have ‘transferrable’ skills.
I was quite fortunate, in that I started employment with Impellam, Blue Arrow on 2nd January 2012 (20 days prior to leaving the Royal Air Force). I’m aware other veterans have found it difficult to secure employment – especially those who served as an infantry soldier, as many employers don’t look beyond ‘directly transferrable’ skills.

The biggest challenge transitioning to a 9-5 job was…
…my wife having to get used to me being at home seven days a week! But seriously, I was happy to be in a secure job that worked within clearly defined processes, which is what I spent the majority of my military career doing. Having a closely knit on-site team also helped as it echoed the military ethos and camaraderie spirit.

I’ve come across many ex-veterans since – and they’re brilliant employees!
Over the last 8 years, we’ve employed military veterans in many roles at JCB. During interviews, it helps me strike a good rapport with the candidate when they disclose their previous service. Generally, military veterans will fit in really well with most employers – purely because they’re reliable, punctual, hard-working and loyal candidates that are able to work to strict timelines and offer a high level of flexibility with their ‘can do’ attitude.

Open-mindedness will take employers further.
From my own experience, my CV upon leaving the Royal Air Force was a little less conventional than the majority of CVs that I now see on a daily basis. With that said, an open minded approach from employers can ultimately lead to employing an invaluable team member.

​

We’re committed to giving equal opportunities to ex-veterans as long as they’ve got the right skills and work ethic. If this sounds like you, come and join our inclusive family today >

​