Collet's Story

Growing up in Jamaica, Collet had always wanted to join the Armed Forces. When she moved to London and joined up, however, the initial weeks of training came as a shock to her but always naturally determined and committed, Collet was adamant she would see it through.

On finishing her Phase 2 training Collet became the medic for the Garrison, administering vaccinations and checking the troops were fit enough to deploy. She was sent with them on exercise in Jordan, North America and Kosovo and was deployed with them to Afghanistan.

Later, she was posted to Germany and Cyprus as well as serving in the UK. As she rose up the ranks, Collet became responsible for the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families and then ultimately, in her role as Staff Sergeant, she provided support with foreign transition, and to those dealing with domestic breakdown, mental health issues or long-term physical health problems.  

Battling personal challenges

The last few years of Collet’s service she admits were hard work, and she was diagnosed with depression. She confronted this personal challenge head on and decided to treat herself through exercise and running. Thankfully, Collet ran herself back to physical and mental fitness and, to this day, she follows a fitness regime to help maintain her wellbeing. 

Finally, after 22 years’ service, Collet left the Army. She had no work to go to, and she found little success with the jobs which she applied for. When a good friend, a mental health nurse, recommended talking to WWTW, Collet got in touch.

Finding new opportunities

Her Employment Advisor Alma, talked through her skills and experience and what she wanted from her next role. She worked on Collet’s CV, did some research and found a job as a Military Training Instructor to young people who had not had access to the cadets at school. Of course, her work experience was a perfect fit, and it suited Collet’s outgoing personality and natural aptitude for health and fitness. The job satisfaction was great, and it turned out to be the perfect transition role.