In Episode 19, we had the pleasure of welcoming Reuben, whose diverse career journey transitions from an army apprentice carpenter in the Irish Defence Forces to a Health & Safety Manager at an Irish Distillery bottling plant. Reuben generously shares insights from his 24 years of service in the army, beginning with his initiation as an apprentice carpenter. He takes us through the early days of his career, where he was confined to barracks for three years during his rigorous apprenticeship training. His path was anything but linear, involving service with the engineers, a move to the ordnance corps, and becoming an integral part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
Our conversation delves into a pivotal moment in Reuben's career when he was unexpectedly detailed for a Health & Safety course he initially had reservations about, which paved the way for him to complete a Higher Diploma in Health & Safety, marking a significant shift in his professional life.
Transitioning out of the Defence Forces after a distinguished 24-year tenure, Reuben ventured into the civilian workforce, where he accumulated a wealth of experience in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), food production, and ultimately, the whiskey industry. Today, he leads a team of five as the site Health & Safety Manager at an Irish Distiller bottling plant, applying his extensive military discipline and safety expertise to ensure the well-being and safety of his team and the smooth operation of the plant.
Join us as Reuben reflects on his journey, the lessons he’s learned, the challenges he’s overcome, and the wisdom he has to share from his transition from the military to a role in the health and safety domain.
