Supporting our military
My role as an Equipment Support Manager involves working in the technical through-life support (TTLS) specialism. We help ensure there are maintenance support packages in place to keep a platform – such as a type of tank or armoured vehicle – operating effectively throughout its lifetime.
I speak to a lot of people, including the military end users of our equipment, to find new ways to improve equipment support. Being able to speak to all the stakeholders involved on a project allows me to build up evidence and have an informed view about what I need to do next. Once I’ve found something that can be improved, we can start implementing measures – we get to have direct impact on improving the support we offer the UK military.
First steps into the world of TTLS
I have a degree in History and held a variety of temp jobs in logistics and customer service before joining DE&S. There’s a lot of transferable skills I was able to bring into the role thanks to this, from communication skills for working with a range of stakeholders, to analytical skills and attention to detail for reviewing documentation.
TTLS is something that you might not have heard of before! As I found, there are plenty of training opportunities here to develop all the technical skills that you need, and in TTLS there’s a formal learning pathway, which helps you clearly understand where you are and what opportunities are available to progress.
“TTLS is something that you might not have heard of before! As I found, there are plenty of training opportunities here to develop all the technical skills that you need.”
– Jamie, DE&S Equipment Support Manager
Learning, support and progression
At DE&S, you’re actively encouraged to progress in your career and to always think about how you can push yourself to get to that next level and what support you need to get you there. For example, I’ve been supported by the organisation to complete a Level 2 TTLS Practitioner course.
I’m also very lucky to work alongside subject matter experts, who I can absorb lots of knowledge from on the job. My line manager has been very supportive in arranging mentorships and shadowing opportunities for me when I feel it’s needed, too.
Everyone’s very collaborative between departments here, which is another great way to learn. For example, if I’m working on a document that requires knowledge in technical engineering, I will speak with my engineering colleagues who can give their input, and this will help me gain useful knowledge for future projects.
At DE&S, you get a lot of support and there hasn’t been a moment where I’ve felt like I’m on my own here. I’ve been trusted to own my work, but I can always ask somebody for assistance. The knowledge I’ve gained has helped me grow in confidence. The nature of my role requires me to be decisive and having the confidence to make those decisions is invaluable.
Now, I’m mentoring someone myself, and get to pass on the support and empowerment that I’ve benefited from.
When I joined the organisation, it was a little daunting and I’m sure others feel the same. But from the moment I arrived, I’ve felt fully supported to get to where I am today.
“At DE&S, you get a lot of support and there hasn’t been a moment where I’ve felt like I’m on my own here. I’ve been trusted to own my work, but I can always ask somebody for assistance.”
Empowerment to create positive change
Within a complex defence organisation like DE&S, there is a lot to learn when you join a new team, and knowledge retention is key. I launched a project to create a training portfolio, which is now being used by new members of the team, including the people I’m mentoring. It feels brilliant to have the freedom to create positive impact and influence the bigger picture too.
Rewarding work, supporting the UK
I’ve always been a people person, and I like to help people. Knowing my work supports our armed forces in their mission makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile – it’s incredibly rewarding.
