Jack Longley

Making the move from the armed forces to renewables...

Branch of the armed forces:  Royal Air Force  

Rank:  Air specialist (class 1) technician, formerly senior aircraftman technician.  

What was your role in the armed forces and what training prepared you for a role in renewables?  

During my service in the RAF I worked as a weapons technician, gaining hands-on experience with a diverse range of mechanical and electrical systems. The technical training and expertise I developed in the military enabled a seamless transition into the civilian engineering sector. 

How did find out about the role in renewables? 

Before joining Natural Power, I worked as a solar engineer on utility-scale solar farms, gaining valuable experience in the field. I transitioned to Natural Power for the opportunity to work with a broader range of renewable energy technology and take on a greater focus on management responsibilities. 

What attracted you to the renewables industry?  

Contributing to the enhancement of infrastructure while taking essential steps toward self-sufficiency by generating our own renewable energy. 

What is your favourite aspect of renewables? 

With technology continuously evolving and advancing, there are endless opportunities to acquire new skills and build upon existing knowledge. 

Did you find any aspects of the transition challenging?  

What initially felt like a leap into the unknown turned into a smooth and rewarding transition, thanks to the transferable skills and experience I gained throughout my career.  

Would you recommend a career in renewables to others, and what advice would you give?  

I highly recommend a career in renewables, as it offers a wide range of roles suited to various backgrounds—not just engineering. The sector also has a strong presence of like-minded ex-forces personnel, making the transition even smoother.