From the RAF to the NHS | Blog posts

Al - Facilities Operations Manager

I joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an aircraft armourer in 1996, serving across five stations and three squadrons. In 2003, I moved into Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), working as a bomb disposal technician. Although EOD was primarily provided by the Royal Engineers, the RAF specialised in air-dropped weapons and World War II ranges. This meant we spent up to 45 weeks a year deployed on operations across the UK and in overseas theatres.

I left the RAF with an honourable discharge in 2014.

After leaving the guardroom at RAF Waddington for the final time, I returned to West Yorkshire and became a stay-at-home parent. This felt like the right decision, as I had spent so much time away from home, missing many milestones in my children’s lives.

I remained in regular contact with the British Legion and the 1366 Armourers RAFA. With their support, I became a parent governor at my local school. This later evolved into a voluntary role as chair of the Sure Start under-5s group, where I engaged with OFSTED and other external stakeholders to improve preschool education and access to services for local parents.

When my child left the school and I could no longer continue in that role, I began searching for meaningful employment. That’s when I found not just a job but an unexpected and rewarding career within Mid Yorks.

Starting as a waste operative at Dewsbury District Hospital, I quickly realised the NHS was an ideal environment for a veteran. Its support, structure, vision, and values aligned perfectly with my own. Progressing from waste porter to general porter and then to supervisor felt like a natural continuation of my military career. Within a year, and with the support of my team, I moved into a team leader role at Pinderfields. Under the guidance of senior managers within the then Estates, Facilities and Information Technology (EFIT) team, I was soon promoted to domestic manager, returning to Dewsbury District Hospital.

In 2023, I moved into the role of Operational Services Manager, where I discovered and joined the Armed Forces Network within the Trust.

The Network has helped me feel a deeper connection to the Trust—not just as an employee, but as a veteran. It provides support and a sense of belonging for veterans, reservists, and others connected to the Armed Forces. With the additional backing of my division’s senior leadership team, I’ve continued to grow into a senior management role.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me, the Armed Forces Network, and Trust as a whole. They’ve given me not just a place to belong after my service, but a career I am genuinely proud of and enjoy beyond words.

Find out more about how we support the Armed Forces community into employment.