From the Army Physical Training Corps to Sizewell: Mick's two-week placement that led to a career

Mick Asher served 24 years in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. Here's how a two-week placement at Galliford Try turned into a full-time role on one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects.

Mick Asher spent 24 years serving with the Royal Army Physical Training Corps before leaving the military. On his way out, he invested in himself — completing both his NEBOSH Fire and NEBOSH General qualifications to build a foundation for a civilian career in health and safety.

He then did a two-week placement with Galliford Try at RAF Wittering, working under Marcus Sheedy — himself a former infantry soldier. For Mick, it was exactly the kind of hands-on experience he needed to understand what a career in construction could look like.

Also on Troopr: Pete Fish: from RAF Military Police to Senior Health & Safety Advisor at Galliford Try

After a successful interview, Mick moved to Sizewell on the East Coast — a major infrastructure project — where he works as a Health & Safety Advisor. His mentor there is Pete Fish, a Senior Health & Safety Advisor who he sees daily in the same office.

What struck Mick most was how familiar it all felt. "It gives you confidence again — to leave the military and go into a decent career structure," he says. "It's very similar to how the military works. You will enjoy yourself in this company." For anyone on the fence about whether civilian working life will suit them after years of service, that's a significant thing to hear from someone 24 years in.