New career

[Mark Bolam]

Nice one.

It just makes you much more employable mate.

A fair few companies have big kit, and a lot of the younger lads can't tow more than 750kg.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Don't go and work for someone else - it'll be miserable and low paid.

 

As you approach TX take every opportunity to maximise GRT, EVT & ELCAS:

 

- Make sure first aid is qual is updated - free, not off GRT allowance.

- Get alongside the CTP organisation - some things can only (officially) be done in last 24months but biscuits and a personal visit / intro may get you sat in on some really useful courses before TX-24.

- HMRC tax workshop / small business administration courses are a must if you get a chance

- Start buying kit and doing jobs before you leave, register as self employed and off set necessary expenditure against your other earned income (MoD salary)

 

Get alongside some other ex-Service bods and work in a loose co-operative of sole traders - it gives you flexibility and agility without the commitment of taking on staff or worrying if you have enough work during quieter times.

[Haironyourchest]

Could also whack a load of money down and buy a tracked cherry-picker/MEWP/"Spiderlift" (whatever). Would obviate a lot of the need for technical climbing at the start, make most jobs more efficient, and could be used for other chores as well. Not a lot of guys would have a load of money lying around to spend on such gadgets, but if you are retiring from the services, I'm guessing theres a good chance you have saved a fair sum of ver the years.

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Could also whack a load of money down and buy a tracked cherry-picker/MEWP/"Spiderlift" (whatever). Would obviate a lot of the need for technical climbing at the start, make most jobs more efficient, and could be used for other chores as well. Not a lot of guys would have a load of money lying around to spend on such gadgets, but if you are retiring from the services, I'm guessing theres a good chance you have saved a fair sum of ver the years.

 

There's some serious merit in that line of thinking.....

[Newby]

Don't go and work for someone else - it'll be miserable and low paid.

 

As you approach TX take every opportunity to maximise GRT, EVT & ELCAS:

 

- Make sure first aid is qual is updated - free, not off GRT allowance.

- Get alongside the CTP organisation - some things can only (officially) be done in last 24months but biscuits and a personal visit / intro may get you sat in on some really useful courses before TX-24.

- HMRC tax workshop / small business administration courses are a must if you get a chance

- Start buying kit and doing jobs before you leave, register as self employed and off set necessary expenditure against your other earned income (MoD salary)

 

Get alongside some other ex-Service bods and work in a loose co-operative of sole traders - it gives you flexibility and agility without the commitment of taking on staff or worrying if you have enough work during quieter times.

 

I like your thinking, one of my pals is out in a few months so he plans to get some experience then go it alone when Iam due to get out :-)

 

Thanks for the info 😉

[Newby]

Could also whack a load of money down and buy a tracked cherry-picker/MEWP/"Spiderlift" (whatever). Would obviate a lot of the need for technical climbing at the start, make most jobs more efficient, and could be used for other chores as well. Not a lot of guys would have a load of money lying around to spend on such gadgets, but if you are retiring from the services, I'm guessing theres a good chance you have saved a fair sum of ver the years.

 

I have had a look at the climbing styles and there not to different from what I instruct as a rock climbing instructor and caver (using SRT etc)

 

Not sure if want to lay out that kind of cash in the beginning :-)

[Newby]

Nice one.

It just makes you much more employable mate.

A fair few companies have big kit, and a lot of the younger lads can't tow more than 750kg.

 

Iam quite happy behind the wheel of any size truck and or trailer, I should be ok there ;-)

[Starscream]

Sounds like you've got your head screwed on and have done some considered research. All the best to you bud

[Newby]

Sounds like you've got your head screwed on and have done some considered research. All the best to you bud

 

Cheers mate 😉

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Are you inside TX-24 yet? If yes, and you want a punt at some GRT work placement let me know.... It's Cornwall mind!