Movements Controller, Andy Tesch
“I’d say to any RAF leaver going for a job to structure their CV around individual job requirements. The technical language throws people, so you need to learn civvy speak and make sure people understand what you can do for them.”
Andy Tesch spent 29 years with the RAF, responsible for the logistics of getting squadrons out to international locations and bringing them safely home. The job involved co-ordinating air, sea and land movements, the procurement of shipping, vehicles and aircraft, and managerial responsibility for a team of a dozen people. He’s now Quality, Training and Health & Safety Manager for McPherson Ltd, a road haulage company specialising in bulk movements of whisky, and has been there for two and a half years.
His service career has definitely been relevant to the job he enjoys now: “In the RAF, I did some training instruction as well as studying health and safety and quality control, so that was relevant experience when it came to this job.”
“At first, I got some interviews in the Aberdeen area, but I didn’t really want the A96 in my life and decided to stay local for the quality of life. It hasn’t been hard to adjust to the change – the work is harder, but just as rewarding. I miss the social side of the RAF but overall, it’s been a positive experience. The best thing to do is get good advice and make sure your CV fits the bill.”