Case Studies
Skillforce - Liam's story
Leaving the army was soul destroying. It had been my dream since I was a kid to be a soldier. I joined The Royal Logistics Corps at 19 years-old, straight out of catering college, and was promoted from Private to Lance Corporal within six months. I was on a great career path and saw myself being in the army until I retired.
In 2007 that all changed. I was out on exercises when I became ill. It started with diarrhoea and vomiting but within a week I had lost two stone in weight. Something was very wrong. I was sent to hospital and discovered I had Crohn’s disease. It’s a lifelong condition.
I was devastated by my diagnosis. My consultant at the time told me I’d be unable to fulfil my role in the army and advised me to leave but I stuck it out, hoping that I’d be able to cope. I was given administrative duties but was unable to be deployed.
I applied for a medical discharge and was sent home to await the decision. During that time I couldn’t work, I was alone at home all day, no longer the breadwinner. My confidence sank and without the support and friendship of my mates in the army, I began to feel depressed and worthless.
After eight months of waiting, confirmation of the discharge finally came through in October 2009 and I left the army. After that, I was put on a special career transition course to help me with writing a CV, interview techniques and rejoining civilian life.
I had just had a child and wanted to support my family properly. I was beginning to lose hope of finding something when my Army Welfare Officer rang and said SkillForce, a charity that teaches courses to 14 to 19 year-olds, had a place on their Intern Programme. I jumped at the chance to retrain.
After the Internship, The Poppy Factory funded my first year of employment with SkillForce. Now, I’m a full-time Instructor, teaching a wide range of qualifications from First Aid to The Duke of Edinburgh Award to children who have had difficulty in education.
I love my job. My confidence is back and I feel I’m doing something worthwhile. I use the skills I learned in the army, such as people management and leadership, and the kids respond brilliantly.
SkillForce have given me the chance to gain vital experience. I can look to the future now, knowing there will always be doors open to me thanks to the training and work I’ve found with their help.
Further information can be found at www.skillforce.org