Stuart Naylor's Seamless Transition from the Armed Forces to TSG UK
Stuart Naylor, a 40-year-old Field Service Engineer at TSG UK Solutions, embodies the spirit of resilience and adaptability. Married to Jo and a proud father of two, Courtney and Kyle, Stuart’s journey from the army to civilian life is a testament to the support and training provided by both the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and TSG UK.
A Dream Deferred, Then Realised
Stuart’s dream of joining the army was inspired by his father, a Chieftain Tank Commander, and grandfather, both of whom served with distinction. Despite an initial setback due to appendicitis, Stuart’s determination never wavered. At 24, he reignited his dream, embarking on a rigorous diet and training regime to lose 8.5 stone and meet the army’s stringent physical requirements. His perseverance paid off when he joined the Queen’s Royal Lancers (QRL) on November 14, 2010.
Serving with Honour
Stuart’s military career included rigorous training sessions in the UK, Germany, Poland, Canada and France. As part of the reconnaissance unit, he played a crucial role in gathering battlefield intelligence. His service included a tour in Afghanistan in 2012, a period of immense stress and sacrifice, especially for his family back home.
In 2013, Stuart transitioned to the King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) as a battle tank engineer, performing level-one maintenance on Challenger 2 tanks. Working in close-knit teams of four, the camaraderie among the men was crucial. They relied on each other to keep spirits high and ensure their work met the precise standards of the army. Training and progressing together as a group. Stuart continued to advance his skills portfolio by becoming a Gunner Instructor at Lulworth Cove, home to the Armoured Fighting Vehicle Gunnery School, where he shared his expertise with colleagues for the next two years.
Stuart’s dedication and skill eventually led to his promotion to Troop Sergeant. In this role, he was in charge of four tanks and their crews, a position of great responsibility and pride.
The Decision to Transition
The decision to leave the army was driven by Stuart’s desire for stability for his family, particularly as his daughter approached secondary school. By this stage in his military career, Stuart had been posted to Tidworth on Regimental Duties (RD) and this move prompted Stuart to reassess his future. With the unwavering support of his wife Jo, who cared for their two young children and managed the household during his deployments, Stuart decided it was time to transition to civilian life in their hometown of Stoke.
Jo and the children moved ahead of Stuart, and once settled in their new home waited for him to join them after he completed his 12-month notice period at Tidworth.
The Role of CTP
Stuart approached the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) for guidance. The CTP provided invaluable support, helping him rework his CV, navigate networking opportunities and secure necessary training. CTP’s advice on networking gave Stuart the confidence to reach out to James Davies, the Field Service Manager at TSG, to enquire about work placement and useful training courses. James facilitated a work placement at TSG, where Stuart shadowed his brothers-in-law, both Field Service Engineers at the company. CTP continued its support for six months after Stuart took the job, ensuring a smooth transition.
Joining TSG UK
TSG UK welcomed Stuart with open arms, offering him a role as a Field Service Engineer. The company provided comprehensive training, including the Shell Passport scheme, and has consistently supported his professional growth. Stuart’s military skills have seamlessly translated to his new role, and he has already been considered for a senior position as Team Leader.
A Bright Future
Stuart is enthusiastic about the future, particularly with TSG’s expansion into new services like hydrogen, electricity, solar and battery storage. He is confident in his ability to grow within the company due to the robust support and training he has received.
Encouraging Others
Stuart’s story is a powerful example of how the right support can make a significant difference in the transition from military to civilian life. TSG and the CTP play crucial roles in this process, ensuring that ex-service personnel like Stuart can continue to thrive and contribute meaningfully in their new careers.
For those considering leaving the forces, Stuart’s journey is a beacon of hope and encouragement. With determination, support, and the right opportunities, a fulfilling career awaits beyond the frontline.
TSG UK – Armed Forces Covenant
Author: Cheryl Ashton
