ATA Recruitment

Helping Ex-Forces Transition into Engineering Careers

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As increasing numbers of individuals leave the Armed Forces, many are seeking meaningful civilian careers that align with their skills, discipline and work ethic. At ATA Recruitment, Lewis Gardner has become a trusted specialist in ex-Forces recruitment, helping service leavers transition into engineering and technical roles across the UK.

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Why Are More People Leaving the Armed Forces?

There has been a significant rise in the number of people leaving the Armed Forces in recent years. Many cite the need for a better work-life balance, the desire to live closer to home, and a benefits package that no longer reflects today’s financial demands. Some service leavers are commuting up to 6.5 hours, while others face long hours and unpaid overtime due to staffing shortages. These challenges are driving a growing number to explore civilian jobs after the military.

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Supporting Career Transitions for Ex-Forces Candidates

Lewis Gardner has placed numerous ex-military candidates into long-term roles, with around 90% of placements in automation and manufacturing environments. His passion for supporting veterans started with a single conversation:
“After speaking with my first Forces leaver, I found the whole process genuinely rewarding. These candidates often feel uncertain about what ‘Civvy Street’ holds for them. But once you start consulting and guiding them through their career transition, it becomes clear just how much value they can bring to engineering and technical teams.”

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What Makes Ex-Forces Candidates Ideal for Engineering and Manufacturing?

Ex-Forces personnel possess a unique combination of technical skills, reliability, and resilience. But Lewis is keen to avoid generalisations.
“Not every Forces leaver is the same. What they often share, though, is a realistic mindset, a willingness to learn, and incredible discipline. Many are more than happy to travel if the role is right. They’re also excellent listeners — a trait highly valued in any engineering team.”

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Success Stories: Building Stronger Teams with Veteran Talent

One notable success has been the placement of four Forces leavers at Frasers Group, where the Shift Manager is also ex-Forces.
“There was an instant connection,” Lewis explains. “Shared values and experience made it easy for the new hires to integrate, and the employer quickly saw the benefits.”

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Overcoming Barriers to Civilian Employment

Job interviews in the civilian world can be a daunting change for military professionals. Lewis ensures every candidate is fully prepared with coaching, mock interviews, and personalised support.
“We focus on building confidence and helping them present their skills in a way that resonates with hiring managers. It’s about showing them how to translate their experience into commercial value.”

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Why Supporting Forces Leavers Matters

This work is more than just recruitment. For Lewis, it’s personal.
“There are more Forces leavers than ever before, and they need someone who truly understands their journey. I see my role as a consultant, not just a recruiter. It's about being someone they can trust — someone who’s there to open doors and reduce the stress of a big life change.”

Thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations, more and more ex-military candidates are finding their way to ATA Recruitment, confident that their careers are in expert hands.

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Looking to Build or Begin a Career in Engineering?

Whether you're an ex-Forces professional seeking your next opportunity or an employer looking to strengthen your technical team, ATA Recruitment is here to help. We're Bridging The Skills Gap in UK engineering by connecting skilled, disciplined service leavers with employers in manufacturing, automation, and beyond.

If you’re leaving the military and want support transitioning into a civilian engineering role or if you're hiring and want to explore the value ex-Forces talent can bring, get in touch with Lewis Gardner at lewis.gardner@ata-recruitment.co.uk, call 07583 676 804, or fill in the form below.

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