As a Recruitment Consultant working in the permanent team at JMC Aviation, I have seen first-hand the incredible value that former military personnel bring to the aviation sector and how desired their unique skillset is. Transitioning from military service to civilian careers can be daunting, but the good news is that there’s a world of opportunity in commercial and civilian aviation, particularly for those who have completed an engineering apprenticeship and undertaken leadership roles. In fact, the skills and experience you’ve gained during your service could be the perfect foundation for a successful career as a licensed aircraft engineer!
In this post, I’ll highlight why embarking on an engineering career in the aviation industry is such a great fit for former military personnel. I’ll explore the key commonalities between the two sectors that make this transition smoother than many might expect.
One of the first things I want to highlight is the overlap of skills and mindsets between the military and aviation industries. Whether you’ve worked as a technician or a supervisor, or in any number of highly skilled roles during your service, many of the competencies you’ve developed are directly transferable to civilian aviation.
Here are some of the key parallels:
Technical proficiency and attention to detail
In both the commercial and military sectors, precision is crucial. Military personnel are trained to follow complex procedures, maintain equipment to the highest standards, and perform under pressure. These skills are highly sought after in aviation engineering, where attention to detail can be the difference between success and failure, particularly when it comes to flight safety.
As a military technician, you’ve likely already worked with complex mechanical systems, electrics, engines, gearboxes and avionic equipment, many of which are similar to those used in civilian and commercial aviation. The knowledge you’ve gained about fault finding, following procedure and sign offs is a directly transferable process, albeit on different variations of equipment and airframes.
Problem solving
Military service is all about adaptability and finding solutions in high-stakes situations. In aviation, engineers are constantly faced with the need to solve technical problems quickly and efficiently, often under tight deadlines and in difficult and demanding circumstances. The ability to think critically and creatively, troubleshoot complex systems, and react decisively to challenges is an invaluable asset for commercial and civilian aviation companies.
Safety and compliance
Safety is the number one priority in both sectors. In the military, you were trained to adhere to strict safety protocols, and this mindset is a cornerstone of the aviation industry. The aviation industry operates under rigorous regulatory standards, and a career as a licensed engineer will require an understanding of these regulations. Your military experience, particularly in environments where safety was paramount, means you’re already accustomed to working in high-stakes situations where safety cannot be compromised.
Teamwork
The military instils strong teamwork and communication skills – traits that are essential in aviation engineering. Engineers often work as part of a team to diagnose and repair complex systems, and effective communication with colleagues, pilots, and other departments is critical to ensuring smooth operations. The collaborative environment in aviation will feel familiar to military veterans who thrive in cohesive, mission-focused teams.
Discipline
The discipline and work ethic instilled in you during your military service is exactly what civilian employers are looking for. The ability to follow procedures meticulously, the commitment to continuous learning, and the dedication to ensuring that every job is completed to the highest standard are all qualities that military personnel excel at and that make them outstanding candidates for aviation engineering roles.
To discuss in more detail how your background could lead to a successful and fulfilling career after service, get in touch with me here: Megan.Collyer@jmc-aviation.com or a member of the team.