With 22 years in the Royal Air Force and almost two decades at Weston College, Neil’s career shows how military experience can lead to a fulfilling and long-term career in Further Education (FE), continuing a strong sense of service beyond the Forces.

Discovering a Passion for Teaching in the RAF

Neil’s move into education began while he was still serving. Stationed at RAF Cosford, he worked as an Armed Forces Subject Specialist Tutor, giving him his first opportunity to support others to develop technical skills.

“I really enjoyed that part of my service career,” Neil explains. “As I approached the end of my time in the RAF, I knew I wanted to explore teaching further.”

As part of his resettlement, Neil gained additional qualifications to prepare for civilian life. With family based in the South West and Midlands, he explored opportunities along the M5 corridor and successfully applied for a role within Weston College’s Electrical Installation team. Nineteen years later, he remains a proud member of the College.

Why Further Education?

For Neil, FE offered a natural continuation of what he valued most in the RAF: developing people.

“The biggest draw was very similar to teaching in the military – helping others build skills,” he says. “FE also gave me the opportunity to teach learners across a wide range of ages. Over the years I’ve taught people from 16 to 72, and that variety is something you don’t get in the military.”

Skills That Transfer Perfectly

Neil believes his RAF career equipped him with a strong set of transferable skills that fit naturally into education, including resilience, leadership, communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving and technical expertise.

“Experiences during service really shaped how I approach challenges,” he reflects. “They built resilience and problem-solving skills that I still rely on today.”

A Strong Sense of Team

Life in the RAF taught Neil the importance of teamwork, trust and looking out for others – values he has carried into Weston College.

“That sense of belonging stays with you,” he says. “I’ve tried to bring the same commitment into my department and the wider College.”

This approach led Neil to become a staff mentor, supporting new colleagues as they settle into College life – something he describes as one of his proudest achievements.

Changing Lives Through Education

Neil has seen many examples of how FE can open new doors. One that stands out involved adult learners retraining on electrical courses and going on to build successful new careers, including one learner who later returned to Weston College as a member of staff.

“That’s what FE is about,” Neil says. “Giving people the opportunity to change direction and improve their lives.”

Advice to Fellow Veterans

Neil’s message to those leaving the Forces is clear:

“The transition can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. You get to pass on your knowledge, build new teams and friendships, and genuinely make a difference.”

For Neil, FE offers the same sense of purpose he felt in uniform.

“Serving Queen and Country becomes serving your local community. Helping people develop skills and confidence – that’s a privilege.”

If you’re a veteran looking for a meaningful second career, Weston College could be the perfect next step. Take a look at the latest job vacancies available at here.  

After serving as a Royal Marines Commando, Darran has built a successful and influential career in Further Education (FE), demonstrating how the skills, values and mindset developed in military service can translate into long-term impact within education.

Discovering a New Direction After Service

As Darran prepared to leave the Royal Marines, he began to consider teaching as a potential next step. A strong interest in sport, physical training and human performance led him to explore opportunities within education, where he could continue working in practical, people-focused environments.

“I knew I wanted a career that involved developing others,” he explains. “Teaching, coaching and supporting learners felt like a natural fit.” Darran served as a Royal Marines Commando between 1998 and 2002, initially in the Heavy Weapons branch and later with Reconnaissance. 

After giving the required notice to leave the Armed Forces, he transitioned directly into Further Education, beginning part-time work as a Sports Lecturer and Rugby Coach at Coleg Gwent. What started as a small number of teaching hours quickly developed into a full-time role.
 

Why Further Education?
 

For Darran, the appeal of FE lay in its practical, applied nature. “Coaching learners in hands-on environments was a huge draw,” he says. “FE gives you the opportunity to support people not just academically, but personally and professionally too.”

Over time, Darran has worked across both Sports and Public Uniformed Services programmes, supporting learners with a wide range of ambitions – from elite sport to careers in the Armed Forces and emergency services. Darran is now part of the Executive Team at the College and is the Vice Principal responsible for Governance.
 

Skills That Transfer into FE
 

While Darran’s specialist military training did not directly map onto civilian roles, the transferable skills developed during service proved invaluable. “Communication, leadership, resilience, tenacity – those skills gave me the confidence to succeed in education,” he explains. “They matter just as much as technical knowledge.”

Darran also credits his experiences overseas, during operations and exercises, with shaping his perspective and approach to working with people from diverse backgrounds.
 

Evolving Leadership and Teamwork
 

Moving into FE required an adjustment in leadership style. “The sector favours slower, more inclusive and more purposeful approaches,” Darran reflects. “That really helped my leadership evolve. You learn to listen more, involve others and bring people with you.”

Mentorship from experienced colleagues played an important role during this transition, helping Darran navigate a very different professional environment.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
 

Darran believes professional development never stops. “I’ve learned something from every line manager and senior leader I’ve worked with,” he says. “I try to keep an open mind and continue developing – that mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.”
 

A Proud Achievement
 

Among many achievements, one stands out; leading the development of the UK’s first degree-level qualification in Uniformed Services – a programme that has since been adopted by multiple FE and HE institutions. “That’s something I’m incredibly proud of,” Darran says. “It’s about creating clear, credible pathways for learners who want to serve.”
 

Continuing to Serve Through Education
 

For Darran, working in FE provides a strong sense of ongoing purpose. “Supporting learners on their personal and career development journeys is an honourable life choice,” he says. “It allows you to continue serving, just in a different way.”
 

Advice to Other Veterans
 

Darran is keen to encourage veterans to consider the breadth of opportunities within FE. “There are many roles beyond teaching,” he explains. “The discipline and structure of the Armed Forces prepare people well for careers in FE – whether that’s teaching, leadership, professional services or support roles. If you’re considering it, just go for it.”

If you’re a veteran looking for a meaningful second career, Weston College could be the perfect next step. Take a look at the latest job vacancies available here. 
 

Weston College brought together industry professionals, educators and aspiring engineers this week to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day with a dedicated breakfast event focused on collaboration, inspiration and action.

The event, held at the South West Skills Campus, created a space for open and honest conversations about the perceptions, barriers and opportunities within the engineering sector. Through a mix of employer and alumni spotlights, roundtable discussions and networking, attendees explored how the industry can become more inclusive and accessible for future talent.

A key highlight of the morning was the range of presentations delivered by both staff and attendees. These shared real-life experiences of career pathways, challenges overcome, and the importance of representation within engineering. The discussions moved beyond surface-level themes, addressing stereotypes, recruitment challenges, workplace culture and the need for clearer pathways into the profession.

The event also emphasised the strength of collaboration between education and industry partners, reinforcing the importance of building a connected and inclusive talent pipeline that supports individuals at every stage of their journey.

Lynsey McKinstry, Strategic Business Partnership Manager, said: “This event felt genuinely special. The conversations were insightful, inspiring and, most importantly, honest. There was a real sense of connection in the room, with people sharing experiences openly and challenging perceptions together.

"The quality of the presentations and discussions really stood out, they were thought-provoking and grounded in real experience. It’s clear there is so much more for us to explore as a sector, and events like this create the space to do that.

"We should absolutely be bringing people together like this more often, because this is where real change starts.”

The morning concluded with a shared commitment to continue the conversation and build on the momentum created, ensuring that the insights discussed translate into meaningful action for the future of engineering.