When leaving the Army in 2000, Iain Sanderson, above, wondered how he would transfer his skills into an alternative working environment.
A qualified civil engineer, Iain, 43, from Kemnay, spent five years in the Army as a Royal Engineer based in Cambridge. He has always had a passion for plant and machinery. So, when he was able to spend an extensive period of time learning the complete ins and outs of heavy machinery and plant equipment, to say he was in his element was an understatement.
As a sapper in the Corps of Royal Engineers, Iain was charged with running and fixing equipment, knowing precisely how every piece of machinery worked, testing it to its limit.
The sappers have operated at the cutting edge of technology and frequently in the most inhospitable conditions, improving transport routes, constructing camps, building runways and carrying out the vital task of bomb disposal.
“I was tasked with extensive earthworks, and was also part of the specialist bomb-disposal team: Knowing the capability of all the equipment available to us, how it operated, how to maintain it and how to fix it was imperative.
“Most people in industry get seven days to learn about the equipment they are required to operate during their daily working lives. I got to spend six months dedicated to understanding every inch of how the machinery operated, what it was capable of and to hone my own skills to operate it safely, quickly and efficiently in some of the harshest environments.”
Like many armed-forces personnel, Iain contemplated his return to industry and society.
“It’s a big lifestyle and cultural change coming out of the Army. It was daunting thinking about what I would do. How and where could I transfer my skills into industry?”
Well, in fact, Iain has now spent the last 15 years transferring his skills to thousands of individuals and companies across Scotland.
On leaving the Army, Iain met Brian Gray – a former military man himself – who founded Bon-Accord Training, a provider of operator and safety training on a diverse range of mechanical handling equipment, in 1986.
Brian saw the potential Iain could bring to the business, so recruited and trained him as an instructor.
His knowledge and passion, coupled with his experience in heavy machinery and communication skills gained as a Royal Engineer, stood him in good stead for shifting to this new vocation.
Iain made the transition that was necessary, converting his learning and experience from within the armed forces, and he passes his skills and knowledge on to others on a daily basis.
Iain, now a director in the family owned business, is involved with ensuring standards and competence within the firm as well as helping to drive the importance of safety when operating heavy plant and machinery in diverse industry environments.