> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Lichfield man lifts the lid on his career change after leaving the military - URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-man-lifts-the-lid-on-his-career-change-after-leaving-the-military/ - Published: 2025-06-28T06:08:00.000Z - Updated: 2025-06-27T06:13:16.000Z - Description: A Lichfield man has lifted the lid on his career change as part of Armed Forces Week. - Author: Lichfield Live - Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:45, News A LICHFIELD man has lifted the lid on his career change as part of Armed Forces Week. Matt Priestley, 33, served in the army as an avionics technician with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He worked on high-tech helicopters in the UK and overseas. But after leaving the forces in 2022, he swapped the skies for the rivers by taking on a role as a project with Severn Trent. Matt said: > “Being an avionics technician was a demanding role, but one I loved. You learn to lead, think fast, and work as a team – and they are skills that have really stuck with me. > > “I never thought when I was serving that I would be working for a water company, but there’s so many different pathways and opportunities. The skills I learned in the forces, have been super helpful. > > “I wanted to do something that made a difference. Being involved with a team working in the environment really does that.” Matt’s role sees him leading on complex projects that bring together engineers, regulators, and local communities. He said his time in the military had been perfect preparation: > “Don’t underestimate the value of your experience as the skills you’ve developed, from leadership and teamwork to technical know-how and resilience, are highly transferable. I use them every day, whether it’s leading cross-functional teams, managing risk, or engaging with stakeholders. > > “I’ve always been drawn to adventure, whether that was in the army or now exploring the outdoors. > > “I’m proud of the work I did in the forces, particularly supporting operations that made a real difference on the ground. I’m as equally proud to be part of a team at Severn Trent as well, delivering projects that improve the environment and benefit communities. It’s rewarding in a different sense.” ![Matt Priestley at Severn Trent](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/image-2.jpg) Matt Priestley at Severn Trent Severn Trent was awarded Gold Status as part of the Armed Forces Covenant for its commitment and positive role it’s playing in supporting former military personnel and helping them adapt back to civilian life. The company’s internal Armed Forces Network was set up in 2021 and has helped support ex-military members of staff and their families. Steve Bernie, who leads the network, said: > “Veterans bring so much to the table, including leadership, resilience and technical know-how > > “We’re proud to have people like Matt here at Severn Trent and to support them as they build their next chapter. > > “It’s not easy to return to civilian life, and we’ve been able to really look at the entire journey for service leavers, from applying for a job here, to receiving the relevant training and any additional support. > > “We want to ensure they have the very best experience with us and ease their transition back to civilian life – this includes things like CV workshops and providing free interview practice to go even further to help people adjust” More details about roles at Severn Trent can be found at [severntrent.com/careers](http://severntrent.com/careers?ref=lichfieldlive.co.uk).