Veteran careers: James

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Tuesday 22 August 2023 10:06 AM

Veteran careers: James

Across Rolls-Royce, we have a deep connection to our armed services, and for more than a century, we have proudly delivered the power to protect. We’re proud of the veterans and reservists that we work with and are committed to supporting career opportunities for those transitioning to civilian life. We talked to James Fletcher, Global Asset Lifecycle Manager in Group Business Services.

What is your connection with the Forces and tell us about the experience?

I was raised in a Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm family and made the decision to follow in my father’s footsteps after my A-Levels. I joined as an apprentice aircraft technician and served in the Fleet Air Arm for nearly ten years. I spent my entire military career as a ‘Jungly’ in the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF). During my service, I served in Afghanistan on four occasions and spent time in the Californian desert practicing sand and dust landings. I was also utilised in the support of operational tasking to support counter-terrorism activities around the UK.

Did you experienced any challenges moving into civilian employment?

I was fortunate to get a role in the railway initially but always wanted to work for Rolls-Royce as it was local to me. I initially struggled to get into Rolls-Royce as I wasn’t sure how to convert my skills from a military aviation background into a civilian aerospace company. Fortunately, I applied for a role where the hiring manager could clearly see my skillset. I have taken this experience to help other veterans and by engaging in our Armed Forces Network to make it easier for veterans to join Rolls-Royce. I am also leading a technical team in my area which can boast three out of four of the team members are veterans.

What has your Forces experience given you that you bring into work?

My forces experience taught me to have a keen eye for detail and to break down functional silos so we can succeed together. This has driven my work ethic daily, sometimes the small things can cause the largest issues. The military taught me that if I do the small things well, the larger elements will fall into place. The military is a machine with lots of moving parts and all parts have an interaction with one another in some form, similar to asset management which I’m doing now. I use my experience and learning from the military to break down silos between teams and make sure everyone is working together.

Why did you want to work for Rolls-Royce?

Its Rolls-Royce! I have worked with R-R engines in the military, and they always performed to the highest standard. The brand is synonymous with pioneering, innovation, and the best quality – who wouldn’t want to join? Combining the ambition of Rolls-Royce with the legendary past, it was a very appealing choice, especially when relocating back to the Midlands.

If you’re interested in career opportunities, join our Armed Forces Talent Community here. You can also connect with someone in our Armed Forces Network at [email protected]

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