Steve Birch - qualifications for civilian life

Steve Birch, 42, from Stockport, was due to finish his army career after 22 years but worried his lack of qualifications would stop him from getting a civilian job.  After completing qualifications with learndirect, he went on to get a job as a self-employed instructor with a training company.

Qualifications for civilian life

Steve said: "I had been in the army with the Royal Green Jackets for the past 22 years.  My contract was about to come to an end and I needed to get some new qualifications to get a civilian job.

"I'd gained a number of army qualifications over the years.  However, I hadn't paid any attention to my English and maths skills since I was at school.

"I left school with only basic CSEs in English, maths and history and didn't particularly have a good experience with education."

Getting up to speed

After achieving his English Level 2 qualification in June 2010 and his maths Level 2 by October, Steve then did an ITQ. 
He decided to convert his military forklift skills into a civilian qualification. learndirect helped Steve complete his practical training at the army learning centre in Preston while he did an NVQ in Plant Operations.

"I feel like my maths and English skills are back up to speed and I’ve actually learnt how to use a computer. 

"Thanks to these new skills I was offered a job with Mainstream and I’m now working as a self-employed forklift instructor."