Achieve Great Heights with Morson
Expert Career Advice from a Market Leading Recruiter
Precision technology, complex manufacturing and innovative design are just three key components of the aerospace and defence industry. It is a pioneering sector that develops some of the world’s finest examples of high-performance engineering, which is why it needs a specialist workforce to support it every step of the way.
Morson International is a recruitment company for the engineering industry, and is based at key locations across the UK. Morson works with some of the most high profile companies in the aerospace and defence sector, and delivers to a diverse range of projects across the UK and overseas. With nearly 50 years’ experience specialising in this area of recruitment, Morson excels at working with ex-Forces personnel to help them find a career when they transition to civilian work.
Two of Morson’s specialist aerospace consultants are client account manager, Pat McMullan, and contracts manager, Jon Moon – both ex-Forces personnel. Here, they speak to Jenny Morris about their experience and what recruitment companies like Morson International can do for those making the transition to civilian life.
PAT MCMULLAN Q&A
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE AT MORSON?
My role entails the full end to end recruitment process and includes contractor care and management, contract implementation and governance, client liaison and meetings.
HOW DOES MORSON CATER FOR THE EX-FORCES?
We recognise and endeavour to utilise ex-Forces candidates in roles that are aligned to their existing military skillsets and abilities, or are a close match if looking outside of their previous role.
Morson also attends all resettlement roadshows and network with candidates either via social media and or running/ attending local events and roadshows, offering advice and market expertise to help them transition into a civilian role.
ARE THERE MANY JOBS FOR EX-FORCES? IF SO – WHERE AND DOING WHAT?
Many of our clients fully recognise the capabilities of ex-forces candidates and actively seek these skillsets for roles in maintenance, logistics, software/IT, working on projects across the whole of the UK and overseas. In many cases the roles are designed specifically for ex-forces candidates, allowing a natural transfer from service to a civilian role.
TELL ME ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AEROSPACE SECTOR FOR EX-FORCES:
Currently it is a very positive time for service leavers with many roles that are based around aircraft technicians – such as mechanical and electrical/avionics – along with many associated support roles such as software, instructors, IT and logistics. Also, there are a number of programme and project management roles, particularly for those that are Prince2 or AMP qualified.
YOUR NEXT STEPS..
If you’re ready to start the search, here are Jon and Pat’s expert tips to get the ball rolling:
• Open yourself up to a change of direction
• Do not take your pension in to account when working out an acceptable remuneration package (you worked for that, so bank it).
• Start early to find that job you want so you don’t have to settle for a job you need
• CV – if you need help with your CV speak to a recruitment company who can help you tailor it to a relevant role.
• Attend the CTP/BFRS Job Fairs, useful for both networking and future opportunities
• Ensure you have a LinkedIn/ social media account and make use of networking Groups
• Ensure you have all your Trade papers/certificates to hand
• Make an effort to network with people in the industry
MORE INFORMATION
For more expert advice, or to find out about opportunities in aerospace, and other engineering sectors, visit www.morson.com.
JON MOON Q&A HOW LONG WERE YOU WITH THE FORCES?
I served for just over 15 years as a Sergeant in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers both in the UK and overseas.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR MORSON?
Nearly five years. My prime responsibility is the performance of our rotary wing maintenance and operations programmes including: recruitment of permanent skilled staff; staff retention through professional development, training and performance management; financial performance; representing Morson at client meetings and representing Morson within the business community.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE JOB SEEKING PROCESS WHEN YOU WERE READY TO TRANSITION?
I was lucky as I had a job to transition straight in to. Unfortunately the position came to an end after only one year! It was after that position that I realised how high the competition is for roles in the industry.
IF YOU HAD ANY JOB SEEKING ADVICE FOR THOSE APPROACHING THE END OF SERVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Do your research and spend some time working on CV that is clear and easy to understand. Tailor your CV to specific roles – it makes you stand out from the competition – and become familiar with social media, such as LinkedIn, to make contact with companies, recruiters and see what jobs are on the market. Attending CTP events and recruitment fairs is also great.
WHAT DOES MORSON ACTIVELY DO TO SUPPORT ITS EX-FORCES CONTRACTORS/EMPLOYEES?
Morson signed the corporate covenant to demonstrate our support to forces personnel, and we also support Reservist personnel. Our on-site support teams assist our ex-forces employees from interview to transitioning into work for that first day. Morson also operates an open door policy so if anyone has an issue, be it at work or at home, we will help.
A lot of our staff are exforces so there is a support network already in place, they too have been in your position.