Having served in the British Army with 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, he shares his story of transition from the Army to the Lifting Industry and discovering LEEA’s Military Transition Scheme.

During his Army career, Morris served as a warrior gunner and driver, then in the Sniper Platoon, before finishing his service in a Reconnaissance Platoon. These roles taught him teamwork, composure under pressure and a sense of responsibility for getting the job done safely. After leaving the Army, he joined JK Lifting Equipment, where he has spent the past two and a half years building a new career in the Lifting Industry.

Working in the industry introduced Morris to LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) and its competency programmes, including the LEEA Military Transition Scheme, which aims to provide a training path into the Lifting Industry for the valuable military veterans and leavers skills pool. The scheme stood out to him immediately as a way to build on the skills and experience he gained in the Army within a civilian career.

Through the Military Transition Scheme, Morris completed the LEEA Foundation Certificate, which gave him not only a solid understanding of the Lifting Industry but, importantly, a recognised qualification to establish his career.

Continued career development

He has since continued to develop at JK Lifting Equipment and recently used his ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) funding to complete NVQ Diplomas in Lifting Supervision and Appointed Person. He said the chance to gain recognised qualifications as well as continuing to develop has made a huge difference to what could have been a difficult transition into civilian life after leaving the Army.

Morris’ military skills have helped, but the Lifting Industry has also given him the chance to learn something completely new and progress.

The Military Transition Scheme was an important first step, turning seven years in the Army into the foundation for a new career. Morris is proud of what he has achieved over the last two and a half years and looks forward to developing further in the industry.

LEEA’s Military Transition Scheme is designed to help and support all service leavers transitioning from military to civilian life, with a view to embarking on a new career within the Lifting Industry.

Available within 6 months of leaving and for 2-years after end of service, the scheme is open to all regular service leavers worldwide – regardless of armed branch, trade, experience or previous qualifications.

It features a free LEEA Foundation Certificate e-Learning course. Successful completion of the assessment provides a worldwide recognised qualification valid for life. LEEA also offers Advanced Diploma training courses at reduced rates, subject to conditions.

Importantly, the Military Transition Scheme also offers vital employment networking with the worldwide LEEA Membership. The service leaver can view available job opportunities / vacancies offered by LEEA’s members, with the possibility of recruitment into the Lifting Industry in over 80 countries. In addition, the leaver’s basic background and location is displayed for LEEA members who maybe actively recruiting in their local area.

The exceptionally diverse Lifting Industry offers many roles including within design, fabrication, manufacturing, supply of lifting equipment, inspection, testing and maintenance of accessories, appliances and bespoke lifting equipment. Career opportunities exist within diverse industries such as the renewables, construction, offshore and nuclear industries.

“We know the military services are full of high calibre people with important employability skills, together with the technical expertise required by our industry,” said LEEA CEO Ross Moloney.

“Those skills will need to be transferred into industry recognised qualifications – a bridge that LEEA wants to help them cross by offering the next step in their work life. Our message to them is to come and look at the LEEA offer. There is a real opportunity to work for LEEA members who represent the best employers in the Lifting Industry.”

For further information on the Military Transition Scheme, please email LEEA at [email protected]. To apply for the scheme, please complete our online application form at leeaint.com/mts.