JAMIE Dean, of Bishop's Cleeve, served in the infantry before coming back to the county to look for work.
The 27-year-old, part of the 4th Battalion The Rifles, spent a total of six years as a serviceman, first joining up at the age of 16.
He now works as a driver and fitter for Hirebase in Cheltenham. Jamie, who has worked at the plant and tool hire business for two weeks, aims to work his way up to management.
He said: "I wanted to join the Forces when I was at school, for the adventure and travel.
"There are a lot of things that you learn like teamwork, leadership, hard work, being on time and working jobs through to the end.
"There are definitely skills that are transferable and can be used in the jobs market. I got a track vehicle licence in the Army. I use it now when I move diggers around – it's very similar to what I was doing originally."
Jamie praised recruitment companies for their work in getting former service men and women into employment.
He said every individual was different but that many ex-service personnel had something to offer employers.
Jamie had been searching on and off for a job for around a year before finding his current position.
He said: "There is support out there for people like me who need it. It's just a case of getting out there and looking.
"I'm in my job for the long term.
"I want to progress and then push into management."
Jamie worked in a factory and at a car dealership in between two stints in the military.
