Celebrating Armed Forces Week

As Armed Forces Week came to a close, Plessey was proud to attend Plymouth Armed Forces Day and show support for service personnel, veterans, reservists, and families. For us, it was also an opportunity to discuss careers, transferable skills, and futures after service.

We design and build photonic devices and systems that help shape the future of computing. That requires technical precision, resilience, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. These are capabilities that military experience helps build.

One example is Charlie Watt, Manufacturing Director.

Charlie served in the Royal Navy for nine years, joining as a Marine Engineering Artificer Apprentice and leaving as Chief Petty Officer. After completing further studies, he built his career at Plessey and progressed into senior leadership.

Reflecting on his career, Charlie said: “General skills from my time in the Navy were invaluable – discipline, attitude, leadership, people skills and, of course, a sense of humour.”

Charlie’s experience reflects a broader story across Plessey.

Colleagues with military backgrounds now work across manufacturing, operations, facilities, engineering, and leadership roles. Their experience brings valuable skills and qualities that strengthen how we work every day.

The day also created valuable opportunities to strengthen local connections, including discussions with civic leaders about Plessey’s role in Plymouth’s advanced engineering sector.

Thank you to everyone who visited the Plessey team at Plymouth Armed Forces Day.

And thank you to all those who serve, have served, and continue to support the Armed Forces community.