Soldier lands on his feet in civvy street

Leigh Hicks, 25, spent eight years in the Royal Signal corps, based in Germany and the UK, and was involved in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, crossing the border from Kuwait in the company of the US Marines.

A former Bexhill High student, Leigh followed his Dad into the Army, moving around various postings before his family settled in Bexhill.

Leigh joined up as an Army apprentice when he was sixteen, and says the experiences and skills he gained during his time in the Army, stood him in good stead when, on leaving the Armed Forces last September he found himself faced with the daunting task of looking for employment in a country in the throws of a recession.

Leigh said: "Trying to find your feet in civvy street, having spent eight years in an institutional environment, isn't easy. I left the Army because I decided that I needed a new direction and a change of career. The training I received and the skills and experiences I encountered during my time in the Armed Forces made me the person I am today."

During his basic training Leigh had the opportunity to brush up on his English, maths and science, gained his HGV truck license and went on to become expert in the technicalities of communications, maintaining radio networks that are crucial to the Army.

On leaving the Army, having been promoted to Corporal, Leigh received extra training for the job he wanted to move on to.

He said: "I completed a Data Network Engineer Course, gaining an NVQ level 3 in Fibre Optic cable installation, and Wireless Network Engineering."

He added: "It gives me an edge when it comes to looking for communications engineering jobs."

Leigh didn't have long to wait before St Leonards based Drallim Industries snapped him up and he began working for them as a Technical Support Engineer in January.

Drallim produces a variety of precision engineering equipment and associated services, including hooks for the securing of Royal Navy helicopters.

Dave Mooney, MD of Drallim said they were eager to seize the chance to employ a service leaver like Leigh.

Dave said: "I'm pleased to have been able to welcome Leigh to the team and he's made an excellent start. Drallim is proud to supply equipment to the UK Armed Forces and, not only has Leigh got the technical expertise we were looking for, but he's got that 'can-do' attitude and motivation that people associate with the military."

Leigh is enjoying the challenge of his new career and said: "My job as a Technical Support Engineer is to travel around the country fitting Drallim products on installations such as National Grid Substations and British Telecom cables. My technical expertise from servicing radios and other communications equipment in the Signals improved my chances of finding a new career."

He added: "It's onwards and upwards."