After 25 years of service in the British Army, Neil brought deep technical expertise, discipline, and a strong team-first mindset into civilian life, building a long-term career in the energy sector and continuing to lead and develop others.
Neil joined the Royal Engineers in 1986 and served until 2010. Starting as a Sapper, he worked primarily on construction projects, steadily gaining qualifications including A1 Carpentry and Site Supervisor accreditation. These qualifications opened the door to increasingly complex projects, from groundwork through to large-scale construction activity across multiple locations.
What Neil valued most throughout his Army career was the camaraderie. Working as part of a close-knit team, with shared purpose and trust, defined his experience of service.
Why Neil Chose to Transition
Neil's move into civilian life came at the natural end of his service. While the decision itself was straightforward, the transition required careful preparation and a willingness to invest in his future beyond the military.
Preparing for Civilian Life
Unlike many service leavers, Neil left with a clear plan. Before exiting the Army, he invested some of his own funds to enter the energy sector, qualifying as a surveyor under what were then Home Condition Reports, surveying buildings, assessing their condition, and producing EPCs.
He also made use of ELCAS funding to complete On Construction Assessor and Non-Domestic training courses. These qualifications proved invaluable, giving Neil the confidence and capability to establish himself as a self-employed professional.
Building a Civilian Career from the Ground Up
Neil's first civilian role was as a self-employed Energy Assessor and Home Condition Report Assessor. Initially working in partnership with others, he used that time to deepen his technical knowledge and ensure he was delivering work to a high standard.
This steady, skills-led approach allowed Neil to remain in the same sector throughout his civilian career, gradually progressing into leadership and management roles.
Adjusting to a Different Pace of Life
One of Neil's biggest surprises during transition was time. Accustomed to the pace and structure of military life, he found that civilian work often left him with more spare time, something that can be challenging for ex-military personnel used to constant activity and clear direction.
Learning to manage that change and the mental adjustment that comes with it was one of the hardest aspects of the transition. Neil emphasises that adapting to civilian life is not to be underestimated; it took him four to five years to fully adjust to both working and living outside the military environment.
Military Foundations That Still Matter
Neil credits his military background with giving him structure, reliability, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. These characteristics became a strong foundation for civilian success, even as he learned to adapt to different expectations and working styles.
Today, Neil is a Learning and Development Team Leader at Elmhurst Energy, part of the Phenna Group. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is earning the trust of senior leaders and being empowered to manage and develop his team with confidence.
Advice for Veterans Preparing to Leave the Forces
Neil's advice to service leavers is clear: prepare early. Take as many courses as possible before leaving, no matter how small they may seem. You never know where civilian life will take you, and preparation gives you options.
He strongly recommends qualifications such as IQA/IV, alongside basic IT skills and role-specific training aligned to your interests. Networking, particularly with other ex-military personnel, is also vital. Neil found that shared experiences helped create understanding and open doors that might otherwise have stayed closed.
Above all, Neil encourages realism. Transition is not easy; trust works differently in civilian life, and adaptation takes time. But with preparation, support, and the right mindset, it is achievable.
Neil's story highlights the importance of long-term preparation, resilience, and patience, and shows how military experience can underpin a successful and fulfilling civilian career at Phenna Group.
Interested in building your career at Phenna Group?
Explore our Careers for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families page to learn how we support your transition.