LEEA Military Transition Scheme Helps Jamie Morris Build a Lifting Career
30-Second Takeaway
Jamie Morris, a site engineer at JK Lifting Equipment, has built a new career in lifting after seven years in the British Army. Through the LEEA Military Transition Scheme, he completed the Foundation Certificate, gaining a recognised qualification to complement his military experience. He has since used Enhanced Learning Credits funding to complete NVQ Diplomas in Lifting Supervision and Appointed Person. His experience highlights how structured training and employer support can help service leavers transfer their skills into civilian lifting roles.
LEEA Military Transition Scheme
After serving with the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Jamie Morris joined JK Lifting Equipment and began developing a civilian career. Over the past two and a half years, he has combined practical industry experience with formal training, including participation in the LEEA Military Transition Scheme. The programme provides eligible service leavers with a route into lifting equipment training and connections with potential employers.
Jamie said:
“After seven years in the Army, I found my next career in the Lifting Industry.”
Military Experience Provides a Starting Point
Jamie’s Army service included roles as a Warrior gunner and driver, followed by service in the Sniper Platoon and, finally, a Reconnaissance Platoon. Those roles developed teamwork, composure under pressure and a strong sense of responsibility for completing work safely.
At JK Lifting Equipment, he has applied those attributes while learning the technical requirements of a new industry.
His experience illustrates the distinction between transferable skills and industry-specific competence: military service provided a foundation, while training and practical development helped him build the knowledge required for lifting work.
Foundation Certificate Supports the Transition
Working in the sector introduced Jamie to the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association, or LEEA, and its competency programmes. The Military Transition Scheme stood out as an opportunity to build on his Army experience through a recognised civilian qualification.
Jamie completed the LEEA Foundation Certificate, gaining an understanding of the lifting industry and a formal starting point for further development. He credits the opportunity to gain qualifications and continue learning with helping make the transition to civilian employment more manageable.
Further Qualifications Through ELCAS Funding
Jamie has continued his development at JK Lifting Equipment, recently using Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service funding, commonly known as ELCAS, to complete NVQ Diplomas in Lifting Supervision and Appointed Person. These qualifications represent progression beyond his initial Foundation Certificate. The training has allowed him to develop new knowledge alongside the skills he brought from the Army, creating a continuing career pathway within lifting.
Who Can Access the Scheme?
The LEEA Military Transition Scheme is open to regular service leavers worldwide, regardless of armed service branch, trade, previous experience or qualifications.
The eligibility window extends from six months before leaving the military to two years after the end of service. The scheme includes a free Foundation Certificate e-learning course. Successful completion of the assessment provides a qualification that LEEA describes as internationally recognised and valid for life. Reduced-rate Advanced Diploma training is also available, subject to conditions.
Connecting Service Leavers with Employers
Alongside training, the scheme provides employment networking through LEEA’s international membership. Participants can view opportunities advertised by member companies, while participating employers can access basic background and location information to identify potential recruits. The lifting industry offers roles across equipment design, fabrication, manufacturing, supply, inspection, testing and maintenance.
Those skills serve markets including construction, renewables, offshore and nuclear, giving service leavers several potential routes into civilian employment.
Ross Moloney, CEO of LEEA, said:
“We know the military services are full of high caliber people with important employability skills, together with the technical expertise required by our industry. Those skills will need to be transferred into industry recognized qualifications – a bridge that LEEA wants to help them cross by offering the next step in their work life. Our message to them is to come and look at the LEEA offer. There is a real opportunity to work for LEEA members who represent the best employers in the Lifting Industry.”
How to Apply
Service leavers can apply through LEEA’s online Military Transition Scheme application form.
For further information, contact mts@leeaint.com.
About JK Lifting Equipment
JK Lifting Equipment provides lifting, inspection, testing and engineering services from locations in Newcastle upon Tyne and the Port of Blyth in northeast England.
The company reports more than 40 years in business. Its services include proof load testing, equipment servicing and repair, bespoke design and manufacture, contract lifting, machinery movement and vessel mobilisation.
It also supplies lifting and height-safety equipment for hire or purchase, together with test weights and supporting accessories. Its engineering team provides 24-hour support for customers working across industrial and marine applications.
Official website: www.jklifting.co.uk
About LEEA
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association represents businesses working across the lifting equipment sector.
Its activities include technical guidance, learning programmes and competency development for people involved in lifting equipment supply, inspection, testing and maintenance.
The Military Transition Scheme connects those educational resources with eligible service leavers, providing an initial qualification and access to employment networking within the association’s membership.
Official website: www.leeaint.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jamie Morris?
Jamie is a site engineer at JK Lifting Equipment who previously served for seven years in the British Army.
What qualification did he complete through the scheme?
He completed the LEEA Foundation Certificate.
Who is eligible for the Military Transition Scheme?
Regular service leavers worldwide can apply from six months before leaving until two years after their service ends.
What training is included?
The scheme provides a free Foundation Certificate e-learning course and assessment, with reduced-rate Advanced Diploma training available subject to conditions.
How can service leavers apply?
They can complete the online form at leeaint.com/mts or contact mts@leeaint.com for information.
