We caught up with Cian, an IT Scheme Executive who balances working full-time at Admiral with his role as a Fusilier in the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh.
What has your Admiral journey been like so far?
I joined Admiral as a Motor Claims Handler after leaving school at 18. That was in 2019, so I have not been with the company too long. I have been lucky to progress quite quickly, and I am now an IT Scheme Executive, undertaking an IT traineeship, which really aligns with my interests as I took a Computer Science A Level. Day to day, I work with our Customer Services and Renewals Teams, investigating any issues or problems they have with the platforms they use. The nature of the role means that no two days are the same, and I really enjoy the variety.
What about your role in the Reserves? What does that see you get up to?
I have always thought about joining the Army, but at the moment I want to keep my Admiral job and stay close to home. Joining the Reserves has been a great compromise. I am currently a Fusilier in the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh. I take part in our drill nights every Tuesday, and I am just about to go on my Bravo training, which is the equivalent of the second half of Basic Training. I will get to do more weapons handling and 5-day exercises – it’s a great opportunity.
What makes you proud of being part of the Reserves?
I think it is just getting to be part of the Army. Since I was a boy, I have always wanted to be in the Army; I joined Cadets when I was in school, and this feels like the next step – I’m really fulfilling my dream. I feel really lucky to have the chance to do something different, away from my desk and in the fresh air. Particularly now, in the world of home-working, it feels like a real release.
Has it been difficult to try and balance your two roles?
Honestly, it has not been a big issue. When I was still working in Claims, it was a fifty-minute drive to my barracks for drill nights, but my manager always made sure I finished early enough to get there with plenty of time to spare. I get given one week per rolling year for training where I am still paid and it is not taken out of my holiday, which is helpful, and makes a real difference for me. Admiral culture is so supportive in general that I have never had any problems.
I am proud to be working towards my childhood dream of being in the Army, whilst also building a career here at Admiral – it’s the best of both worlds and I would recommend it to anyone!
