Leaving the Royal Air Force after decades of service is more than just a career change – it’s a shift in identity, skills, and daily rhythm. Many service leavers wonder how their experience will translate and where to find guidance. At SQEP, we understand this firsthand: over 70% of our team are RAF veterans, and our commitment to supporting service leavers is recognised through our Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award.
We caught up with Mark Simpson, who recently made this transition. During his 26 years in the RAF, he worked across aerospace maintenance, learning and development, and quality assurance. He also mentored colleagues in human performance – experiences that shaped both his expertise and leadership.
Mark prepared carefully before leaving service, gaining professional qualifications and approaching the transition with focus. “I wanted to begin the next chapter of my career with confidence,” he reflected.
Even for those well-prepared like Mark, it’s natural to have questions about how military skills translate to civilian roles. “The challenge wasn’t a lack of skill – it was understanding how my experience would fit into a civilian career,” explained Mark. “Until I spoke with organisations directly, it wasn’t clear where my expertise would be most valuable.”
Mark was eager to embrace a new challenge “I was really excited to push myself in a completely different environment. Working alongside people from different backgrounds and experiences, I knew it would help me grow personally and professionally,” he shared.
The people and culture you join can make all the difference. For Mark, joining SQEP provided clarity and support. “The structured onboarding, the openness of colleagues who had recently transitioned, and the culture built on shared values made the process feel seamless,” he said.
Stories like Mark’s show that successful transitions rely on preparation, supportive networks, and workplaces that understand the value service leavers bring. At SQEP, moving from military service into a civilian career can be less daunting, deeply rewarding, and a continuation of purpose rather than a departure from it.
💡We’d love to know… If you’ve transitioned from service into civilian life, what’s one insight you’d share? Are you planning your next step? What questions do you have?
Sharing your experiences helps others navigate the journey with confidence.
:::
Championing veterans, diversity, and collaboration. Find out more about us
Follow SQEP on Linkedin for the latest news, company updates and events.