'For someone coming out of the Navy ... I would definitely recommend a training role like this.'

Recently, I left the Royal Navy to become an Electronic Warfare instructor based at HMS Collingwood. The role was perfect for me as it offered the chance to use my experience and still be involved with the Navy.

The switch over from the Navy to VT Flagship was seamless.  I’m really enjoying it. All the people I teach are enthusiastic and keen to progress their careers, so there’s always a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

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'VT Flagship has given me the opportunity to train in a profession that I would never have dreamt I would be doing.'

I joined VT Flagship Fire Fighting Training School six years ago after wanting a change of job. My career with VT Flagship began in Stores providing students with the correct clothing. After a year I was given the opportunity to train as an Instructor and now I teach commercial students to safely extinguish a fire.

Being given this chance has opened the doors for me and I have never looked back since.

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'VT Flagship offer a variety of training courses which has enabled me to gain the knowledge and skills to confidently do my job.'

Two and a half years ago I joined VT Flagship as the Co-ordinator/Personal Assistant in the Defence Maritime Logistics School at HMS Raleigh.  The school provides training for approximately 1,500 Armed Forces personnel each year on up to 40 different courses.

My responsibilities vary.  Part of my role is to act as PA to the Commandant, a Royal Navy Commander as well as co-ordinate events within the School. I am required to manage diaries, arrange functions and events, travel and accommodation and offer general secretarial support to the Commandant.

During this time I have gained an excellent understanding of the Royal Navy and its daily business and am able to contribute to the efficient running of the school. 

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'VT Flagship has given me the chance to match the needs of my family with my career.'

I left the Royal Navy after 13 years service to start a family. After my maternity break I decided to return to work, so I looked for a role where I could use the skills I had acquired in the Navy.

Joining VT Flagship in 2006,  my return to work was made easier by the flexible working hours and childcare voucher scheme.

My role as a Training Provider means that I still have regular contact with the Royal Navy and this has helped me to quickly settle in to the civilian workplace.

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'VT Flagship looks for people with knowledge in very specialist areas and I was surprised to find that there was the perfect position for me.'

After completing a full term in the Navy, I was thrilled when I landed a job with VT Flagship as Training Co-ordinator at the Hydrographic, Meteorological Training Group (HMTG) at HMS Drake in Plymouth.

As Training Co-ordinator, I perform an administration role, which is critical to the smooth running of the HMTG. I have a wide range of responsibilities including, health and safety, recycling, security and course co-ordination. I am also the school’s environmental impact officer.

When I heard about the position at the HMTG I couldn’t believe my luck. I started the job the day after I left the Navy and as I was already familiar with a lot of the processes I didn’t need much training.

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‘I actually feel proud when people ask me where I work. It’s a good feeling knowing you are part of an organisation that offers such excellent training solutions.’

Working at the VT Flagship Academy as a Senior Administrator has offered me a great opportunity to work with young people. I joined two and a half years ago when the Academy had just opened and I am still thoroughly enjoying my job.

I provide administrative support to both staff and apprentices who are involved in training at the Academy. I also deal with the day to day issues that occur when young people are a long way from home. I find my job very rewarding, especially when I see the apprentices adapting well to major changes that happen throughout their first year. The Academy has seen many changes since we started, mainly with new facilities regularly coming on-line which are both interesting and challenging to my role.

Winning a Managing Director’s Award for Excellence as part of the Academy team was very rewarding and gave a great boost to morale amongst the staff.

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