Transitioning Military Skills into Civilian Careers
Military service instils a range of transferable skills, including leadership, discipline, problem-solving, and technical proficiency. At ATA Recruitment, we recognise the immense value that forces leavers bring to the engineering and manufacturing industries. Our mission is to facilitate their seamless transition into civilian roles where they can continue to excel.
For forces leavers, we offer personalised support, helping them identify opportunities that match their experience and career goals. Our consultants understand the nuances of military experience and work closely with candidates to translate their skills into roles within sectors such as General Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace, Food & FMCG, Warehouse Automation and Special Purpose Machinery.
At the same time, we support our clients in tapping into this highly skilled and dependable talent pool, helping them strengthen their teams with individuals who thrive under pressure, adapt quickly, and bring a unique level of commitment and capability to technical environments.
"ATA Recruitment helped me throughout my process of leaving the armed forces (RN) in the most professional way. Carefully choosing opportunities that are suited to my personal preferences, knowledge and experience providing me with the right options for me. Their personal approach and efforts to create a good quality relationship throughout my process is something that I really want to highlight, contacting me every month to check in and contacting me every 1-2 weeks when it came closer to me leaving the military. ATA provided me with the best professional and personal advice during what is a stressful time for any service leaver. This included what to expect in civvy street, how to approach interviews and most importantly helped me with my confidence in conversing my skills and best qualities. I cannot thank ATA enough for their help and I would recommend them 100%."
HOW WE SUPPORT FORCES LEAVERS AND EMPLOYERS
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Support for forces leavers
By providing guidance on CV preparation, interview techniques, and industry insights, we not only introduce individuals to market-leading employers, we empower them to embark on fulfilling new careers with all the support they need for a successful transition.
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Support for employers
We work closely with employers to help them access a highly skilled and reliable talent pool of forces leavers, individuals who excel under pressure, adapt rapidly to new challenges, and bring a strong sense of discipline, commitment, and technical proficiency to their teams.
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Career Transition Partnership
We partner with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), exhibiting at careers fairs to engage face-to-face with Forces leavers, understand their career goals, and connect them with employers who value their unique strengths and potential.
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Armed Forces Covenant
By signing the Covenant, we have pledged to actively promote fair opportunities for veterans, reservists, and their spouses, and to help bridge the gap between military and civilian employment.
Latest Jobs In Recruiting Forces Leavers
Maintenance Engineer
£50420 - 50420 per year Annual bonus, 33 Days holiday, pension up to 18%, life assurance, private healthcare, Company sick p
Derby
Maintenance technician - Plastic, £50,420, Derby, Shifts: Monday – Friday (Early, lates, nights) Package includes Annual bonus, 33 Days holiday, pension up to 18%, life assurance, private healthcare, Company sick pay, free workwear. ATA are working exclusively with Toyota Motor Manufacturing at their world class facility in Derbyshire. We are supporting them on a recruitment drive to add maintenance technicians to their team due to requirement to increase their workforce throughout 2025. The groups UK arm is a critical part in the company wheel and currently operates as their flag ship site in Europe accounting for an impressive £3B of the groups £210B annual turnover. The company are world renowned within its sector and often pioneers new technology which keeps them ahead of its competitors. This has recently included an investment of over £300million across both sites which will allow for a tremendous period of growth cementing their foothold within a marketspace they excel within. Plastics department TMUKs prestigious plastics shop is responsible for the manufacturing, assembly and spraying of the car’s bumpers, instrument panels and dashboards. The shop is known as a factory within the factory and act as a supplier to the main shop. What does a day to day of a maintenance technician within the plastic department look like? As a maintenance technician you will be responsible for maintaining a variety of PLC controlled injection moulding equipment. Responsibilities will include: Planned preventative maintenance. Reacting to breakdowns Electrical and Mechanical Fault finding Swapping components like for like. Completing continuous improvement activity What do the plastic department look for? As with all TMUKs departments, a mind set for Continuous improvement (Kaizen) and adopting a fix right first-time culture is essential. Toyota like their maintenance technicians to be comfortable working with a fast-paced environment and enjoy the buzz of a busy factory. It doesn’t matter if you are mechanical, electrical or multiskilled. Toyotas fantastic training program will aim to multiskill you. An engineering qualification What’s in it for you? Working for TMUK you will be trusted and empowered to make decisions and to make you feel part of the team, you will be given you responsibility on day one. TMUK will give you the opportunity to develop and broaden your skills to help you thrive in a demanding fast-moving environment. This is underpinned by their fantastic training offering. During your first three months, they will assess your skills in each of the following areas: Electrical, Mechanical, Fluid power systems Toyota maintenance systems PLC programming Injection Moulding Robotics programming They will then tailor a training programme specific for you in the aim to get you competent in all these areas. TMUK provide a vessel for learning, not only will you receive the above fantastic technical training, but their maintenance technicians are also provided with the opportunity to further their career by receiving further qualifications. ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£52212 - 52212 per year overtime and bonus + 7% matched pension + Overtime at x1.25 +20 days holiday + Private medical healt
Leicester
Maintenance Engineer – £52,212 – Leicester overtime and bonus + 7% matched pension + Overtime at x1.25 +20 days holiday + Private medical healthcare + Profit-related bonus (typically £1k–£3k) Shift Pattern: Week 1: Mon–Fri (6am–6pm) Week 2: Sun–Thurs (6pm–6am) Followed by 10 days off This is an excellent opportunity to join one of the biggest names in UK food manufacturing. With a great reputation for training and development they are a massive advocate of taking on forces leavers. With 20 sites across the UK, each one is a fat paced environment providing all maintenance engineers the chance to work on a wide variety of special purpose machinery. What You’ll Be Doing As a maintenance engineer, you’ll be responsible for maintaining essential production equipment, responding to breakdowns, and ensuring the smooth running of machinery across the site. Your Responsibilities Will Include: Electrical and mechanical fault-finding Completing both reactive and planned maintenance Working with components like sensors, relays, inverter drives, motors, conveyors, shafts, and bearings Using electrical drawings and a multimeter to diagnose issues Supporting installations of new equipment Working closely with the engineering team to prioritise and deliver effective solutions What We’re Looking For The successful maintenance engineer will be someone with a strong electrical background and the ability to work independently. Experience in fast-paced manufacturing or food production is highly desirable. Ideal Candidates Will Have: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Electrical Engineering (apprenticeship preferred) Strong fault finding skills A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to take ownership on shift Why Join? This is a fantastic opportunity for a maintenance engineer who enjoys varied work and wants to be part of a highly productive team. You'll benefit from job security, clear expectations, and profit-related pay bonuses. What’s on Offer: Base salary: £52,212 Average earnings: £55,000+ with overtime and bonus 7% matched pension Overtime at x1.25 20 days holiday Private medical healthcare Profit-related bonus (typically £1k–£3k) ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
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Maintenance Engineer
£51500 - 51500 per year 8% pension matched, private medical healthcare, 21 days of holiday + 8 bank holiday days
Spalding
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer Location: Spalding Shifts: PANAMA Days and NIGHTS, £51,500 8% pension matched, private medical healthcare, 21 days of holiday + 8 bank holiday days Join a Leading UK Manufacturer Supplying to the Nation’s Biggest Supermarkets We’re looking for a Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer to join our clients high-performing engineering team at a fast-paced manufacturing site that supplies some of the UK’s most well-known supermarket chains. About Us: As a trusted name in UK manufacturing, this business products are found on shelves in every major supermarket. We pride ourselves on quality, innovation, and operational excellence. The site operates to strict standards, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, reliability, and efficiency. A 2-billion-pound business with tons of investment and innovation to keep machinery to the highest of standards, this business also offers a host of training opportunities to make you a more well-rounded engineer. This business is searching for a multiskilled maintenance engineer to join their talented team in Spalding. Your Role: As a Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer, you'll play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, you’ll be responsible for both proactive and reactive maintenance across a range of production equipment. Key Responsibilities: Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and breakdown repairs Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical faults quickly and effectively Support installation and commissioning of new equipment Contribute to CI (continuous improvement) and reliability initiatives Maintain accurate records using our CMMS system Ensure compliance with health and safety standards What We’re Looking For: Level 3 qualified Strong fault-finding skills across both electrical and mechanical disciplines Flexible, team-oriented, and safety-conscious What’s In It for You? Competitive salary with shift allowance/overtime opportunities Company pension and life assurance Training and development tailored to you A stable, secure role in a growing business Opportunities for progression and cross-functional training ATA is committed to creating a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation
Apply now
Latest Case Studies
ATA Recruitment at the CTP Employment Fair: Supporting Forces Leavers and Closing the UK Skills Gap
ATA Recruitment at the CTP Employment Fair: Supporting Forces Leavers and Closing the UK Skills GapWe recently attended the CTP Employment Fair in Lincoln, further strengthening our commitment to supporting ex forces professionals and helping UK manufacturers address the growing engineering skills gap.As demand for technical talent continues to rise across the manufacturing sector, finding skilled, reliable and adaptable individuals has become a top priority for employers. One of the most overlooked talent pools is the Ex-Forces community, highly trained professionals with transferable skills that are directly applicable to engineering and industrial environments. Why ATA Recruitment Attended the CTP Employment FairDirector Chris Addison and Recruitment Specialist Lewis Gardner represented ATA Recruitment at the event. It was an important opportunity to engage directly with service leavers and learn more about their aspirations as they transition into civilian careers.Chris Addison shared:"Our mission at ATA Recruitment is to help bridge the growing skills gap in UK manufacturing. As part of this plan, we are encouraging our customers to recruit from outside of their current marketplace. Taking on forces leavers is a fantastic option. As the number of our customers willing to do so continues to grow, we made the decision to attend the CTP event in Lincoln. We met so many great forces Engineers with strong qualifications and excellent transferable skills, many of which we will be passing on to the relevant customers."Recognising the Value of Ex Forces TalentThe event provided a chance to meet a range of former service personnel, individuals who possess not only technical expertise but also qualities such as resilience, discipline and leadership. These attributes are highly sought after across sectors including General Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace, Food and FMCG, Warehouse Automation and Special Purpose Machinery.Lewis Gardner commented:"Meeting so many talented individuals who have served in the Armed Forces was a privilege. The technical skills and mindset they bring can add real value to businesses across the UK."A Long Term Vision for Forces RecruitmentMilitary service develops a skillset that is perfectly aligned with the needs of UK industry, from problem solving and process discipline to hands on engineering capability. At ATA Recruitment, we aim to act as the bridge between forces leavers and employers who can benefit from their experience.We provide personalised support to help service leavers identify roles that match their skills and career goals, while also educating clients on the benefits of hiring from this talent pool. The result is a more diverse, skilled and future ready workforce for the sectors that keep the UK economy moving.Let’s Build the Future TogetherIf you are an employer seeking to address long term skills shortages, or a forces leaver preparing for your next career step, ATA Recruitment is here to support you. We are passionate about creating opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses, and we believe connecting ex forces professionals with industry is a vital part of that vision. Get in touch today by filling out the form below to discover how we can help you strengthen your team or successfully transition into a new career.
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Helping Ex-Forces Transition into Engineering Careers
Helping Ex-Forces Transition into Engineering CareersAs 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.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.Supporting Career Transitions for Ex-Forces CandidatesLewis 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.”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.”Success Stories: Building Stronger Teams with Veteran TalentOne 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.”Overcoming Barriers to Civilian EmploymentJob 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.”Why Supporting Forces Leavers MattersThis 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.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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Why Hiring Forces Leavers Could Be the Smartest Recruitment Move You Make
Unlocking Potential: The Value of Hiring Forces LeaversIn an increasingly competitive recruitment landscape, employers are under pressure to find candidates who are not only technically proficient but also dependable, adaptable, and committed. One of the most consistently overlooked talent pools in the UK is that of forces leavers - former military personnel transitioning into civilian careers.At ATA Recruitment, we specialise in helping organisations tap into this valuable resource. Forces leavers bring a wealth of transferable skills and a proven track record of performing under pressure - qualities that align perfectly with the needs of engineering, technical, and manufacturing industries.We also work in parallel with trusted veteran support organisations such as the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the official MOD provider of career support for service leavers.What Makes Forces Leavers Exceptional Candidates?Transferable Technical SkillsMany roles in the Armed Forces involve hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, and electronic systems - experience that translates seamlessly into commercial environments. Roles such as Maintenance Engineers, Technicians, and Field Service Engineers are a natural fit.Leadership and TeamworkMilitary training instils a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and collaboration. Forces leavers have experience managing teams, following structured processes, and executing projects in high-pressure environments.Reliability and Work EthicEx-forces professionals are known for their punctuality, attention to detail, and long-term commitment - traits that are invaluable in industries where reliability is critical. For those in the process of leaving the military, additional guidance and support can be found through resources like the Veterans’ Gateway, a comprehensive hub for employment and wellbeing services.Sectors Where Ex-Forces Professionals ThriveAt ATA Recruitment, we’ve placed forces leavers into a wide range of sectors, including:Engineering and ManufacturingRail and InfrastructureDefence and AerospaceAutomotiveEnergy and UtilitiesRoles often include:Mechanical and Electrical Maintenance EngineersMulti-skilled TechniciansProject ManagersHealth & Safety ProfessionalsField Service EngineersTeam Leaders and SupervisorsWhy Partner with ATA Recruitment?Our dedicated Forces Leaver Recruitment Team understands both the operational needs of our clients and the career transition journey of ex-forces professionals. We provide:A tailored shortlisting process focused on cultural and technical fitAccess to a national network of military-trained candidatesIn-depth role briefing and support for both clients and candidatesLong-term recruitment partnerships based on trust and resultsWhether you're scaling operations, replacing retiring staff, or simply looking for reliable professionals with proven capability, forces leavers represent a valuable recruitment solution.Let’s Talk About Your Hiring NeedsIf you're interested in hiring highly skilled, motivated, and disciplined individuals, we’re ready to help. Our team can provide insight, candidate profiles, and advice tailored to your specific industry.Contact ATA Recruitment to find out how we can support your business: Visit our Forces Leavers recruitment page
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Career Paths for Ex-Forces Personnel
As part of our mission to Bridge The Skills Gap, we partner with highly skilled forces leavers, connecting them with exceptional employers in the engineering and manufacturing sectors where their unique abilities and attitudes can truly flourish. Our Recruitment Specialist, Lewis Gardner, successfully placed Josh Boak—an ex-Aircraft Technician and Maintenance Supervisor who joined HM Forces in 2018—into a position at the Frasers Group (Sports Direct). Find out below about his transition from working in the forces to working at his current new role. How did you feel about your job search leaving the forces?Starting my job search in civvy street was daunting. I was nervous and didn’t know where to start. The initial screening call with Lewis helped me understand what the market had to offer and how I could move forward. He was the first to approach me with a role and kept me informed throughout the process. Even after placement, Lewis remained proactive, making the transition smooth and seamless.What sort of role and company were you looking for?When transitioning to civvy street, I had no clear idea of what job to pursue. I browsed general engineering roles, coming across everything from HVAC to water sewage. My primary goal was to secure a position that allowed me to live in my own house in Nottingham. This changed after an internal interview call with Lewis, who presented a position at Frasers Group (Sports Direct) in detail. He ensured it aligned with my goals and interests, and now I’ve gathered my certificates and have a job offer on the table.What attracted you to the Frasers Group?The company I have an offer with is well-established but also undergoing a development journey, which will allow me to grow alongside the business. They have a clear promotion system in place, giving me something to work towards. During my site tour, I met engineers and team leaders from various forces backgrounds, which will help me hit the ground running and adapt to the environment efficiently.What are the benefits of recruiting a forces leaver?I bring various attributes to civvy street, having undergone training that pushed me to the next level by working under pressure in diverse team scenarios. This type of training isn’t something typically found in civvy street. At just 20 years old, I was entrusted with the responsibility of signing off £500,000 aircraft for flight.This is just one of the many forces leavers who have engaged with ATA Recruitment to support their transition into engineering and manufacturing. If you are an ex-forces leaver looking to move into the sector, then get in touch with Lewis using the details below.Email: lewis.gardner@ata-recruitment.co.uk Telephone: 07583 676 804LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
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