Recognising Armed Forces Day: Bruno's story

By Bruno Wood, Engineering Services Director

To commemorate Armed Forces Day, #TeamGuidant's Engineering Services Director, Bruno, shares with us his experience serving in the Royal Air Force and what it was like transitioning to a civilian-reservist life.

​I served for 25 years in the Royal Air Force as an Engineering Officer.
My military career was varied and included travel all over the world (not often to places I really wanted to visit!) including the Gulf and Afghanistan. I worked across a diverse range of jobs, from front line aircraft engineering to central government. When I left the Royal Air Force in 2014, I became a member of the RAF Reserve which has allowed me to continue serving alongside my career as Engineering Services Director at Guidant.

Armed Forces Day to me is a great time to remember friends and colleagues who proudly serve their country.
It also presents us all with the opportunity to show support for our Armed Forces personnel and thank them for their service.

In the early days after leaving regular service I was nervous about the impact my reserve service would have on my new career.
Guidant and the wider Impellam Group have been immensely supportive of my commitments. I really couldn’t ask for a better employer that understands the immense benefits veterans and reservists bring to the business, recognising the wealth of experience and personal qualities that a reservist can bring.

Guidant has always been incredibly respectful when it comes to time off, which I require to keep current in my military skills and meet my reservist commitments.

There are many benefits veterans and reserves bring to the business. The biggest being loyalty.
In the Armed Forces, teamwork and leadership are practised every day, utilising the ability to think on your feet and overcome challenges. With Guidant, the challenges may be different, but they still require the same determination to succeed.

I think employers should take every opportunity to understand what veterans have done and what reservists do. 
The regional Reserve Forces Associations offer excellent engagement opportunities for employers to attend events, hear from senior military figures and get a fantastic insight into what veterans have to offer, as well as the skills reservist develop during their service.

​

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 >