As part of Armed Forces Week, and our ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, we are sharing some of our employee stories about transforming their military experience into thriving careers at City & Guilds Training. Here, we look at Mark’s story and his journey from Royal Engineer Warrant Officer to Head of Operations at City & Guilds Training.
Former Royal Engineer Warrant Officer Mark Turner exemplifies how military experience translates into civilian leadership success.
After 24 years of distinguished service, including multiple operational tours in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, Mark faced the daunting prospect of civilian transition in 2011. However, his military career had unknowingly prepared him perfectly for his next chapter.
During his service with the Royal Engineers, Mark gained extensive City & Guilds qualifications – from Level 3 artisan trade qualifications through to his Level 6 Graduateship Award (GCGI) in Leadership and Management. This foundation proved invaluable when transitioning to civilian employment.
“The military had inadvertently prepared me for my career in education,” Mark explains. “The skills, experiences, and mindset you develop over 24 years of service allow you to adapt to new ventures, new people, and ultimately a new career.”
Starting as a teacher at City & Guilds Training, Mark’s military-honed leadership abilities quickly became apparent. He progressed through centre management roles to his current position as Head of Operations, leading a team of 61 personnel across five sites spanning delivery, customer care, and NVQ departments.
Mark’s commitment to the military community extends far beyond his day job. He mentors junior soldiers gaining their EngTech professional engineering status through the Institute for Royal Engineers (InstRE) and sits on the Education Panel of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), bridging military and civilian engineering expertise.
This dedication to service is embedded throughout City & Guilds Training’s culture. The organisation actively supports military exercises, where ex-military personnel advise current military training, and regularly raises funds for Combat Stress through initiatives like their VE Day Brew and Bake event, which raised over £1,000.
Mark hasn’t forgotten his roots either. He actively recruits veterans from all three services plus emergency services, with former military personnel now serving as Centre Managers, NVQ Managers, and teachers. He regularly attends military resettlement fairs and unit briefings, sharing his story and highlighting career opportunities in education.
“City & Guilds Training understands the value veterans bring,” Mark emphasises. “We don’t just offer training – we offer career progression and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
We’re proud to employ ex-service personnel across our organisation – from instructors who’ve walked the same path you’re on, to operations staff and senior leadership, such as Mark, who understand the unique value veterans bring to the workplace. Alongside offering industry-leading training, we focus on building a community where your service experience is recognised and valued.
Industry Leading Training for Veterans
City & Guilds Training is at the forefront of transforming technical education in the UK. As a market-leading provider of in-demand, industry-recognised training solutions, we are committed to raising standards in technical education, empowering individuals to get into the job, progress on the job and onto the next job.
We understand that transitioning from military service to civilian employment is one of the most significant challenges veterans face. That’s why we’ve made supporting ex-service personnel a core part of our mission – helping you translate your military experience into rewarding civilian careers.
Your military service has already equipped you with invaluable skills: discipline, leadership, problem-solving under pressure, and the ability to work as part of a team. We specialise in helping you build on these foundations with industry recognised qualifications across rail, electrical, construction and green skills, that employers actively seek.
As a charitable organisation, we’re driven by purpose, not profit. Our commitment to veterans goes beyond training, we’re invested in your long-term success and career progression.
To find out more about our industry-leading training for veterans, contact our team at sales@cityandguilds.ac.uk.
