From defence to food manufacturing – the power of transferable skills in the workforce

From nuclear power to defence, pharmaceuticals to food processing, many of the world’s largest and most established commercial industries are complex and high-risk in nature and therefore have extremely niche ways of working that simply cannot be compared.

From detailed legislation to site and operational regulations, most organisations have strict policies to ensure optimum ways of working. However, scratch a little below the surface and most share common ground too; transferable skills within their own respective workforces that can be applied to diverse applications and environments across all sectors.

Companies like technical design and engineering specialists, FEG Global, often work closely with national and international clients from diverse and challenging environments, or who have multi-faceted, complicated project requirements.

The defence sector is just one example where staff’s transferable skills have enabled work to be won (ie it is FEG’s experience and expertise, whether individually or as a multi-disciplined team, that has enabled fit-for-purpose and bespoke solutions to be found for defence clients).

From planning, build and capex project management, to automation systems, patent-approved products and game-changing environmental technologies, the collective skills applied to each project have helped to deliver a first-class (and dedicated) one-stop-shop solution for organisations including the Ministry of Defence.

Chris Williams, managing director, explains,

“Clients and projects come in all different shapes, sizes and environments, and because of the work FEG delivers, we have, in most cases, CDM 2015 regulations to consider and meet. This can encompass everything from initial consultancy and demolition to production line upgrades and system installations, with most contracts placing emphasis to meet such requirements on the principal designers and contractors – companies like FEG.
“Being Principal Contractor in highly regulated industries, say nuclear, defence or food manufacturing for example, means that a person’s sector experience and commercial expertise must carry and translate well too, making sure all technical, security and compliance needs are well served regardless of application. At FEG, we ensure all our people are suitably qualified experienced personnel (SQEP).
“On a personal level, problem-solving, leadership and time management skills are also critical, especially when project pipelines, deadlines, tight budgets and a multi-party approach is a pre-requisite. Embracing these business and personal attributes within the FEG team, with employees who have worked in different industries and roles, has enabled the company to break into new markets and deliver high-calibre projects within high risk and specialist sectors.
“Transferable skills are important and can help companies gain competitive advantage in a rapidly changing world.”