Matt didn’t plan a career in tech. For years after leaving the RAF, Matt moved from job to job, unsure where he really fit in civilian life. He found himself facing repeated knockbacks as engineering roles disappeared, his confidence slipped, and the path forward felt increasingly narrow. After years of navigating civilian employment alone, he encountered the Forces Employment Charity and accessed specialist support and training when he needed it most.
Matt served in the RAF, enlisting in March 2000 at the age of 18. “I knew that I didn’t want to go to university. I was more practically minded, rather than fully academic.” One day, he wandered past a military recruitment centre in Swansea, walked in, grabbed a pile of leaflets, and found a direction he didn’t know he was looking for.
Matt enlisted as a Senior Aircraftman Technician and spent seven years serving on 15 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. He deployed to Cyprus as part of the Iraq War, developing strong engineering skills and learning to be independent.
Transitioning to civvy street
By 2007, Matt had sensed a shift. “I was approaching my 30s, and I just felt like I’d done enough of that kind of thing. I needed to do something else.” What he didn’t expect was how hard the transition would hit him.
“When I left, I didn’t feel like the support was that comprehensive. There was lots of information to absorb on your own, but if your brain’s wired like mine, you can’t appreciate what you need to do unless somebody talks you through it.”
Having been in the RAF for more than a decade, civilian life felt foreign and fast. On top of that, the 2009 financial crisis was just starting. “Major aircraft manufacturers were shedding jobs. Opportunities were scarce. The market was really competitive.”
His personal life added another layer of pressure. “My partner at the time wanted me to leave the military because it was having an effect on our relationship. And when I was trying to find time for myself, I found family life somewhat challenging. It was an upheaval for all of my family.”
Years of uncertainty
Over time, Matt worked a string of different jobs, including at an IT repair company that later went bankrupt in 2009, a cheese dairy, office roles, and an insurance company. However, a deeper frustration kept resurfacing. “My CV was completely not in the right place. It was like thousands of other CVs. My interview techniques wouldn’t have stood me out from the crowd.”
By January 2025, he was unemployed and feeling the strain again. “It becomes a bit of a bleak time. Desperation seeps in, and you think, I’ll just take this job.” He considered zero-hour contracts simply because he needed money. “Personal pride makes you think you shouldn’t need help. You think, am I a bit of a failure if I’m asking for help?”
Finding support
Then an Instagram advert caught his eye. “I saw an advert for the Forces Employment Charity, and I thought, what is this?” He registered with the Charity, and TechVets provided him with training that sharpened the skills he already possessed. “I came away with Microsoft certifications, which really paid off.”
But it was speaking with Employment Advisor, Kim, that changed everything.
“I wasn’t sure if it was too cheeky to drop her a message after two months, but she was golden. She said, ‘What do you need from me?’, and I said, ’Well, I don’t know really’.” Kim rebuilt his confidence, his CV, and his direction. “She took me through everything. I realised the holes in my CV, how old-fashioned it was. She helped me create tailored CVs for every job.”
From rejection to opportunity
From there, things shifted fast. “I applied for 12 jobs. I got interviews for nine out of those 12.” Even the rejections felt different. He was learning, improving, getting closer. “It only takes one,” he kept telling himself.
And it did. A LinkedIn alert for Natural Resources Wales popped up. He’d applied for two roles there before. “I said to Kim, let’s go, third time lucky.” And he got the job.
A new chapter
Today, Matt works in the Customer Team for Natural Resources Wales. “I really like helping people with their queries, it’s great.” He talks about the work-life balance with genuine relief. “I can do hybrid working. Flexi working. I get a wellbeing hour every week. It’s brilliant.”
The stability has opened his world again. “Salary was quite a big jump for me. And now I’ve got one eye on my pension. It feels like a nice place to be.”
Helen Florek-Oughton, Team Leader Customer Care Centre, Natural Resources Wales, said:
“We’re really delighted to welcome Matt to our team. Like other colleagues who have served in the Armed Forces, he brings invaluable skills – including resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of teamwork – that enrich our culture and strengthen our abilities to deliver for nature and communities in Wales.
“We’re also pleased to have recently had our Armed Forces Covenant formally confirmed, reinforcing our commitment to supporting colleagues who serve, and their families, and ensuring they receive the fairness and respect they deserve.”
Looking ahead
For Matt, landing this job was more than just a pay check, it marked the end of years of uncertainty he had felt since leaving the RAF. With guidance tailored to the Armed Forces community, he was able to translate his military experience, and upskill into a civilian role that offered stability, confidence, and renewed purpose.
“It’s never too late to speak to the Forces Employment Charity. They give you a sense of worth. They help you stand out. They help you see that you’re worth employing as an ex-service member.”
With a stable routine and clearer headspace, Matt has found the time to enjoy cooking again. He regularly experiments with ingredients and has started his own Instagram page dedicated to his dishes. “I think about food a lot. Sometimes I’m thinking about tomorrow night’s dinner already today.”
