Transitioning from the Military to Engineering: Sara Canning’s Inspiring Story

After 22 years of dedicated service in the Armed Forces, Sara Canning leapt into civilian life, bringing with her a wealth of experience in communication, air operations, and safety management. Now an SECC Safety Engineer at Thales, Sara is leveraging her military expertise to enhance safety awareness and training within the company. 

How long have you been at Thales?

7 months

What is your current role at Thales? 

SECC Safety Engineer

What was your role in the forces, and how are you connected to the military?

My roles varied as I progressed through my career, I began as a communications specialist working with various rotary and fixed-wing Aircraft which later evolved into an Air operations and Air Safety specialist (Bowtie Risk Manager). I have instructed at Phase 2, training junior soldiers ready for careers in the Army Air Corps and as I progressed as a senior soldier, I worked as a line manager in the Military Transport department and also as a Welfare Warrant Officer all very different roles. Overall, my career has been very diverse and one I fulfilled over 22 years. I left as a Warrant officer completing my full colour service. (And I did it all as a single parent)

What attracted you to a career at Thales? 

The safety roles and the challenge of working within an engineering environment. The MOD links were also encouraging as I feel my experience as an end user of products that THALES develops put me in good stead for getting to grips with a new job.

What is the most interesting thing you get to do in your current role? 

I am working on the learning pathways project which I’m very passionate about. Developing and Implementing training that helps improve performance and safety awareness within THALES is very fulfilling. I’m looking forward to working with the Academies when they start to take shape. 

How has Thales supported your career transition?

Thales recognised my skills and my background within the MOD and has placed me in a role I can deliver. I was given special consideration when on my probationary period as at the time I was trying to buy a home ( I couldn’t apply for a mortgage whilst on probation…) so it was great they took this into consideration and enabled me to complete my probation at the 4-month point (which they felt I was performing to the standard) and this helped me with this process. Something a lot of ex-forces personnel may need to be aware of when leaving the forces.

What advice would you give to others in the Armed Forces Community when starting their transition into civilian life?

Don’t be afraid of a challenge, we have had such diverse roles giving us a wide skill set in the forces. We have had to adapt as soldiers/sailors/aircrew to being managers of people (and their families) and we have had to do it in some of the most stressful environments in the world. I think it’s key to go for those jobs you know you can do but also try for those you think you might not get! You may surprise yourself. I took a risk going for a role I was not necessarily (on paper) qualified for, but as it turned out I was more than qualified in experience and my skills gained from my years in the forces. Be brave!