Tesco support for Ex-service personnel making the move to a career at Tesco
23 June 2017
Armed Forces Week: ex-RAF Flight Commander turned-Tesco colleague Ed Beckingham writes about how he's forged a post-Forces career with us.
Before joining Tesco, I served as an officer in the Royal Air Force Regiment for six years. As a Flight Commander I led a team of 37, tasked with the protection of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. After a stint as a training manager I left the RAF for a new career at Tesco. I joined the management team at an Express store before moving to Business Support at Tesco HQ.
Leadership for Life
The leadership qualities expected at Tesco are similar to those I learned on my 18-month RAF Officer training course. In my current role I engage with people from lots of different departments across the business. A key skill the military taught me was how to engage with people from all walks of life.
Innovation and problem solving skills from the Royal Air Force are helping me to overcome challenges I face at Tesco. Planning business objectives for stores, is similar to planning and leading RAF patrols.
New Horizons
Having never worked in retail I found it very challenging at no longer being an expert in my field. This made me push my career towards something I could specialise in. I’ve been able to explore many areas of the retail business with the support from my managers.
Working for a company the size of Tesco lets you explore a huge scope of roles. It’s opened my eyes to what needs doing in a business, as well as the opportunities available to me.
Sound Advice
Ideal Roles
Armed Forces Day
Tesco Armed Forces Network
Tesco has an Armed Forces Network, created to help our ex-Armed Forces, reservists colleagues and their families share experiences and support each other. Our Volunteer Reserve Forces & Veterans policy also supports ex-Forces and Reserves colleagues in completing their required training.