Adam Gaskin, is one of our minor works managers in the Capital, Planning and Development team, part of Capital Estates and Facilities Management. Adam was previously in the Army.
I started my working life as a construction labourer for two years working on a variety of sites and gaining an insight into the construction and engineering sector.
I then served for 10 years in the Royal Engineers, British Army from 2009-2019. During this time, I trained as a military engineer gaining skills and practical experience in a variety of civil engineering techniques including concrete works, steel works, bridge construction, battlefield fortifications and explosive demolitions.
I then spent two years training as an electrician, completing all of my level 3 City and Guilds qualifications and gaining valuable experience in the process.
After my trade training I was deployed to my unit in Saffron Walden, Essex where I spent the next 7 years working in Explosive Ordnance Disposal for 33 (EOD) Engineer Regiment, 101 (EOD) Engineer Regiment and the Explosive Ordnance Clearance (EOC) Group. During this time, I deployed to Iraq, Jordan and Northern Ireland for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Foreign Forces training duties. I trained in specialist high-threat search techniques, hazardous environments and specialist ordnance disposal. I also attended a number of leadership training courses. Prior to leaving the military, I reached the rank of Corporal, working as a Team Leader to eight engineers.
I joined CUH in October 2019 after a short period working as an electrical maintenance engineer in the private sector. I joined as a Clerk of Works within the Minor Works team where I used my construction knowledge, awareness of safety and my quality standards to assist in controlling the quality of output from the team. I then worked as a Senior Building Officer within the team where I worked up and managed a number of successful projects, including the new Cone Beam CT facility within Clinic 8 and the infectious patient isolation rooms within the Rosie Delivery Unit. I went on to work as a Senior Project Manager within the Capital Projects Team, working on the A Block Fire Compliance project, before handing that over upon successfully applying for the Minor Works Manager role.
I now lead a team of eight extremely talented and experienced individuals, who deliver approximately 600 refurbishment projects across the Trust each year.
Whilst I miss the adventure and experiences of the military world,
I thoroughly enjoy working for CUH and get pleasure out of the fact that we are able to help patients in our own way
Every project we complete has an impact on patient pathways by supporting and enabling the clinical service.
My biggest challenge in transitioning from the military to the NHS was developing my skills and knowledge in healthcare-specific construction and engineering requirements. Particularly building my awareness of all of the additional legislation and policies, which I now interact with on a daily basis. Fortunately, I believe my skills in adaptability under pressure, resilience and planning have helped me make the change effectively.
I would be happy to discuss my experiences and career pathway with anyone associated with the armed forces community who wants to understand how to transition into the NHS and how to translate their transferable skills.