Now a senior project manager in the SCW Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) team, Simon Feetam originally joined the Armed Forces through the RAF. Simon progressed to the rank of Sergeant before joining civilian recruitment operations.
Here he tells his story of how he has used his military skills to build a career in SCW.
Stepping away from military life after over 30 years’ service was a daunting prospect.
Having had such a specialised job for so long I was unsure what I had to offer to ‘civvy’ street. Attending a Step Into Health insight day really showed me that there are great opportunities in the NHS for people leaving the Armed Forces.
Service personnel have a vast range of skill sets that are in huge demand and can be transferred across to organisations such as the NHS.
There are some strong similarities between the Services and the NHS. Both are large complex organisations with a structured management system. Both have amazing, dedicated people working together to achieve a common goal. And both are held in high esteem all over the world.
Working at SCW has given me an opportunity to utilise the skill sets I have gained over my years in the RAF and use them in the NHS where they are especially valued and where I can keep developing and improving.
Here's my career path in 14 steps:
- Joined RAF - after training, qualified as a Weapons Systems Mechanic. Then promoted to Leading Aircraftsman.
- Posted to RAF Leuchars, Scotland - worked on air-to-air missile systems.
- Posted to Germany - Bomb disposal, Gulf War 1 and supporting air assault over Kuwait.
- Harrier Jump Jet - back in the UK
- Promotion Course - following training incl BTEC promoted to Junior Technician
- Back to Harriers - responsible for removal and fitment of ejection seats. Then deployed to Italy.
- Promoted to Corporal - Travelled to Oman and Las Vegas. Deployed to Basra Airbase in Iraq.
- Planning and Deployment - Worked as Deputy Unit Movement Officer.
- Promoted to Sergeant - appointed Royal Air Force Harrier Display Team manager for four years.
- Recruitment Manager - leading RAF recruitment operations and finally posted to Portsmouth AFCO as Office Commander.
- SCW Contract Governance Manager - responsible for the commissioning performance leadership team.
- CCAS Business Manager– During the pandemic helped set up the Covid Clinical Assessment Service (CCAS) as part of the SCW response.
- Project Support Office Manager – Part of the Digital, Data & Technology team (DDaT)supporting projects with the ICB’s.
- Senior Project Manager – Part of the Sussex DDaT team managing projects collaborating with the Sussex ICB client.
Working at SCW has given me the opportunity to utilise the skill sets I acquired in my 31 years in the RAF and use them in the NHS where they are valued and where I can keep developing and improving.
Simon Feetam, SCW Senior Project Manager