Telecom News Issue 2 - Flipbook - Page 5
From Army Life to Avonline
Networks
Ex-soldier Nick Addey tells Telecom News
about the transition from Army to civilian
life and the transferable skills that he has
brought with him to his role as Gigaclear
Installation Engineer at Avonline.
Before I started work for Avonline I was in
the British Army for 12-and-a-half years,
leaving in December 2018. During my time
in the Army I was deployed on numerous
exercises around the world including
Canada, Germany and Turkey and was
based in three different locations, spending
nine years in Paderborn, Germany, two
years in Warminster, and my last year in
Bulford. I also completed two operational
tours, one in Iraq and the other in
Afghanistan.
Prior to joining Avonline I was quite
apprehensive about working in ‘Civvy
Street’. There’s a common misconception
that there is nothing “outside” the army for
ex-services people; I was pleased to find
that this couldn’t be further from the truth.
From the moment I had my interview with
James Harding, Head of Field Services,
I knew that this was the job for me and
could not wait to get started. As soon as I
started working I was made to feel part of
the team and I was trained to become an
accredited Gigaclear Installation Engineer.
The transferrable skills that I have brought across from the Armed Forces include:
Discipline - I'm always aiming to be in the right place at the right time with the correct kit
and equipment I need to complete a job • Work ethic - I always try my hardest to make
sure my work is done to the best of my ability • Customer relations – I know how to
speak and deal with customers in the correct manner • Attitude – I respect my peers at
all times and listen to tasks delegated to me by those above me • Honesty - I do my best
to be honest and carry out all tasks to the best of my knowledge • Working with others This was a massive part of being in the Army and my current job role with Avonline would
not be possible if we didn’t all work well with each other.
I instantly felt part of a team at Avonline and everyone made me feel welcome, which was
fundamental to making my transition easier. Being part of a strong team is at the core of
being in the Forces. You need your crew member and your crew member needs you: it
just doesn't work if you’re on your own.
I can happily say that six months into my new civilian job I am really enjoying it!
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