Feb 27, 2020

Doug Anderson In the Canadian Armed Forces

Doug’s pathway to a career in marine service is a unique one. A few years ago, as his retirement date with the Canadian Armed Forces drew closer, Doug began planning an exit strategy to transition into a productive civilian life. With the assistance of Roger Boulet of West Coast Boatyard Association, Doug secured a part-time position with MG Yacht Systems in Vancouver. He began his apprenticeship, enrolled with Quadrant, and while still serving in the armed forces, was training and working towards his marine service technician certification.

As of his official retirement date on October 7th last year, Doug was already a third-year apprentice in the Marine Service Technician program, and is well on his way to completing the program.

Doug apprenticing at MG Yacht Systems

Doug is one of the 9,000 to 10,000 members who leave the Canadian Armed Forces each year (1,000 of whom retire from posts here on Vancouver Island).  Many of these members have an interest in working in the marine service industry. 

“There’s a potential for [marine service employers] to get military members while still in uniform as they get closer to their release date,” Doug says.  “A lot of the military personnel getting out already have a lot of skills.  Many are probably in their late 20s [to] early 30s, and they’re leaving [the forces] with good leadership and management training.  They [have] a strong sense of team and are self-disciplined and motivated.” 

Retiring forces members are often looking to secure stable, long-term employment.  “Their reasons for leaving are as diverse as themselves, but the common denominator is that they’re looking for a greater sense of stability.  They [no longer] want to have to be away from home for six or nine months.” 

Doug speaks very highly of his fellow retiring CAF members and their potential value to the marine services industry.  “These individuals bring with them an array of skill sets that are immediately transferable into the MST world. They also possess a capacity for learning that makes them favourable candidates,” Doug says.  “These men and women are going to be the type of people who you will be proud to send to a job site.” 

Marine service business looking to hire apprentices from this promising crew of potential new hires, or if you are a Canadian Forces member interested in a fulfilling new career after your retirement, please get in touch with Quadrant Marine Institute for more information.

- Bob Nicoll, CYOB West Coast Editor