Civilian CRL Experience A Winner

Job experience with the City Rail Link (CRL) has paved the way for AirForce aircraft technician Mike Foster, to resettle into civilian life – after more than 38 years with the service.

Foster said the 45-day resettlement leave – offered by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) as a way to help employees transition out of the military – was an eye opener and has resulted in him securing a new job with CRL partner KiwiRail. 

“Like any job, the more you stay in the NZDF, the harder it gets to leave. These nine weeks away have broken that pattern for me.”

Apart from enjoying the novelty of being able to grow a beard for the first time in decades, during his time with CRL Mike contributed to a technical manual - translating his knowledge of proactive management of aircraft to rail.

The opportunity proved to be serendipitous for all concerned.

Foster was looking for new opportunities and challenges and got in touch with the defence force’s transition team.

“At the heart of this programme is helping people who have been in the NZDF for 16 years+ transition out of active service life, gain a little bit of life experience, create a wider network of connections and facilitate the next step in their career.”

It was during a set of workshops about CV writing and job seeking that the importance of LinkedIn was impressed upon him. At the same time, it just so happened that CRL’s Russell McMullan, GM Assurance and Integration, was looking for someone of his ilk – and the pair connected.

“I didn’t fully grasp how advantageous the resettlement leave, and my time with CRL, would be. Through Russ’ drive and help, I’ve been put in touch with a wide range of people that have provided me with positive feedback to my experience within the military.”

“He’s shown me that there is real potential for a career in the outside world for someone with my skillset, which I underestimated before.”

As a result of these connections, Mike has secured employment with CRL partner KiwiRail, where he will be providing expert guidance to the organisation improving their maintenance program and integrate the CRL into their network.