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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
£52500 - 52500 per year Training and progression
Mansfield
Role: Maintenance Engineer Location: Mansfield Salary: £52,500 plus Group discount and technical development Shifts: 4on 4off Days and Nights The Company ATA Recruitment are proud to be working with a global client who are ever growing their group and increasing their status within the Global economy, now having stores in various industries in over 20 countries across the world the group has been established for 40 years and since then they have grown and gone from strength to strength creating this engineering opportunity with lots of security which is a huge benefit in the current financial climate. At their site in Mansfield they are currently recruiting for a number of Maintenance Engineers to join the site and creating an opportunity to work on some state-of-the-art equipment following the recent expansion of the site. So grab this opportunity with both hands whilst you can. The site in Mansfield is one of the largest facilities in Europe providing plenty of progression opportunity whether you want to progress technically or into man management the ball is in your court with the company fully supporting you! Since the site has opened there has been hundreds of millions of pounds invested into the engineering and automation function helping make the site efficient and embarking on a journey of continuous improvement. To help the journey and increase the commitment the current Head of Engineering, has helped the company overcome the teething issues, and has supported steady the ship over the last couple of years and increase the retention but also continued the investment and development on the site The Role As a Maintenance Engineer you will: - Be joining a shift team of 10 engineers including, SMEs and Shift Managers who don’t shy away from a challenge and supporting the team and helping development of their team - Be responsible for Electrical and Mechanical fault finding on fully automated systems, Following PPMs using the companies CMMS system following the recent installation of the software as a huge part of their long-term development of the site - React to any breakdowns during the shift and be an essential part of engineering problems out and ensuring they don’t happen again - Be working on over £200 million worth of automated machinery and some high-tech equipment including various conveyor systems, ASRS systems, Packaging equipment just to name a few! - The Engineer I am looking for a Maintenance Engineer that: - Has a recognised engineering qualification - Can communicate confidently and work as part of a team depending on the need - Work under pressure in a fast moving environment - Fault find confidently and isolate systems to make them safe to work on - Alternatively my client fully supports candidates from a Forces back ground and welcome them with open arms The Package and Benefits As a Maintenance Engineer you will receive - An annual salary of £52,500 - Pension Contribution - Discounted on site gym membership - Online Learning content with unlimited access - Refer a friend scheme and employee of the month which is DOUBLE monthly salary 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
Electrical Plant Engineer
£35000 - 38000 per year 5% Bonus + Overtime (OTE of £42,000+)
Manchester
Are you an electrical engineer who has worked on any of the following equipment or machinery; Cranes, Diggers, Forklifts, Lifters, Cherry Pickers, Generators or are you a Forces leaver (Army/REME/RAF/Navy) looking to get into the world of Engineering? I have the Role for you. Electrical Plant Engineer Shifts- Monday-Friday (Days) Location: North Manchester Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 per annum + 5% Bonus + Overtime (OTE of £42,000+) Benefits: Private Healthcare | Tailored Training & Development | Forces Leavers Welcome Are you an Electrical Plant Engineer looking for a fresh challenge with excellent work-life balance? Do you want to be part of a company that truly invests in your growth? We’re seeking a skilled and motivated Electrical Plant Engineer to join our team working Monday to Friday, day shifts only. You’ll play a key role in maintaining and improving our electrical systems across a modern industrial facility. What Our Client Offer For an Electrical Plant Engineer: • Competitive Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 depending on experience • Private Healthcare: Enjoy peace of mind with a great health package • Tailored Training: Continuous professional development built around you for career progression. • Support for Forces Leavers: We highly value the skills of ex-military personnel and welcome your application Your Responsibilities as an Electrical Plant Engineer: • Maintain, fault-find, and repair electrical plant equipment • Support planned preventative maintenance schedules • Work closely with other engineers and departments to ensure operational efficiency • Ensure all work complies with health, safety, and environmental regulations What our client is looking For: • Proven experience in electrical plant maintenance or similar industries. • Relevant electrical qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 3, 18th Edition) • Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach • Background in industrial, manufacturing, or plant environments preferred • Ex-forces applicants with relevant skills and experience are encouraged to apply Join a company that values your experience and offers a supportive, forward-thinking environment. 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
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) Experience as a maintenance engineer in FMCG, manufacturing, or similar industries Strong electrical diagnostic skills (three-phase systems, sensors, control systems) Solid mechanical ability (gearboxes, pneumatics, sprockets) 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
Apply now
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
Maintenance Engineer
£55000 - 55000 per year Private medical healthcare, 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday allowance, excellent training and de
Wisbech
Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer Location: Wisbech Shifts: 4 on 4 off – NIGHTS only Salary: £55,500 Benefits: Private medical healthcare, 8% matched pension, 28 days holiday allowance, excellent training and development opportunities Join One of the UK’s Leading Manufacturers Supplying to Major Supermarkets We're looking for a Multiskilled Maintenance Engineer to join our clients high-performing engineering team at a fast-paced manufacturing site in Wisbech. As a key maintenance engineer on site, you’ll help ensure the smooth running of operations that supply top-quality products to the UK’s largest supermarket chains. About Us This business is a trusted name in UK manufacturing, part of a £2 billion business known for quality, innovation, and operational excellence. Our site benefits from continued investment in new technology and is committed to continuous improvement, efficiency, and the development of every maintenance engineer in the team. This role is ideal for a skilled maintenance engineer who thrives in a fast-moving FMCG environment and is looking for a secure role with outstanding long-term prospects. The Role As a maintenance engineer, you will play a vital role in maintaining a variety of modern production equipment. Working nights on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern, you’ll report directly to the Engineering Manager and be involved in both preventative and reactive maintenance. Key Responsibilities: Perform planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and breakdown repairs Diagnose and resolve electrical and mechanical issues effectively Assist in the installation and commissioning of new equipment Contribute to CI (Continuous Improvement) initiatives and reliability improvements Keep maintenance records updated using our CMMS system Ensure strict adherence to health and safety regulations What We’re Looking For: Level 3 qualification in Engineering (or equivalent) Strong electrical and mechanical fault-finding skills A team player with a proactive, safety-conscious mindset What’s in It for You? Competitive salary of £55,500 Private medical healthcare 8% matched pension and life assurance 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) Bespoke training and development to grow as a maintenance engineer Long-term job security in a growing, well-invested business 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
Maintenance Technician - Armed Forces
£50320 - 50320 per year Annual bonus, 33 Days holiday, pension up to 18%, life assurance, private healthcare, Company sick p
Derby
Maintenance Technician £50,320, 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. Why join our client? - Huge advocate of armed forces hires and have been awarded the Gold Award by the armed forces covenant. - A group who are committed to provide equal treatment to service personnel, reservists, military family members and Cadet Adult Volunteers. - Fantastic career progression opportunities. There have been over 60 internal promotions in the last two years. - The opportunity to work for a group that have achieved world class manufacturing standards. - The opportunity to work for a progressive company who are a leader within their field. - Employees have use of the fantastic Onsite nursery to help with work life balance. About the company ATA are working exclusively with one of the UKs leading OEM groups at their world class manufacturing 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 205. 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. The investment alongside a fantastic training and development program, promises a great business to work for. If you would like to hear more information, please press apply now. About You The company value the skill and dedication armed forces personnel offer and have recently hired Army, RAF and Navy personnel. They are keen to speak to individuals with avionics, electrical, & mechanical skills. To be considered for the Maintenance technician role, you must have the following: - Level 3 engineering qualification. - Mechanical/electrical fault finding skills - The drive to continually improve the site. - Happy to work across a three-shift pattern, including night shift. - Flexibility to complete the occasional overtime shift. About the role As a maintenance technician you will be responsible for you will be responsible for maintaining a variety of PLC controlled automated production machinery, which can include conveyors, hydraulic presses, robotics, plastic injection moulding and other niche equipment specific to the site and industry. Other responsibilities will include: - Planned preventive maintenance - Reacting to breakdowns - Both mechanical and electrical fault finding - Working with fluid power systems. - Project, upgrade, and continuous improvement work. - Supporting the installation of new machinery The benefits Joining our client will bring you a host of benefits. You will be proud to work at one of the most impressive sites in the UK who put personal development and continuous improvement at the heart of everything they do. They offer a great benefits package including Annual bonus, 33 Days holiday, pension up to 18%, life assurance, private healthcare, Company sick pay, free workwear. 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
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.
Read more
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
Read more
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
Read more
