Aaron Barnes transitions from the battlefield for the showroom

Aaron Barnes

Ex-military serviceman, Oldham-based Aaron Barnes is starting a new and exciting career in the retail motor sector, thanks to an innovative partnership between the forces and Jardine Motors Group.

The two organisations have teamed up to offer an employment pathway for military personnel who having left the services are keen to offer their unique and transferrable skills to UK employers.

Mr Barnes is one of the first people to benefit from a partnership that is based on the RAF’s ‘Careers Transition Programme’ and has joined Jardine Motors Group’s brand new Audi dealership in Oldham in the newly created position of Handover Specialist.

With experience of completing tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan carrying out a number of positions including Aviation Specialist, Arming Landing Point Commander and Physical Training Instructor, Aaron is now applying his broad range of skills to ensure the car handovers to new owners are a pleasurable and well planned experience to remember.

Mr Barnes said: “I am delighted to have joined Jardine Motors Group’s Audi dealership in Oldham. I am confident that the many skills learnt in my ten years spent in the military are totally transferrable to the private sector, and I am grateful that the partnership between the forces and Jardine Motors Group has created this very exciting opportunity for me.”

The possibility of the role became apparent to Mr Barnes when he attended an ex-forces job fair and discovered that company’s like Jardine Motors Group are keen to recruit staff from different backgrounds who can bring with them varied experiences and skills that can be applied in the expanding and dynamic motor retail sector.

As part of their commitment to ex-servicemen, Jardine Motors Group will provide the support, training and coaching required to help Mr Barnes move into his new role.

Always interested in cars, he now has his dream job working for a world famous and respected brand. He has his eyes on developing his skills into a sales role in due course and ultimately owning his dream car – an Audi RS6.

Clare Martin, Group HR Director for Jardine Motors Group, is the driving force behind the initiative to bring the worlds of service and motor retail together.

She said: “We are constantly looking to enhance our employee profile and attract stars like Aaron who have brilliant transferrable skills that can aid our ambitious growth plans.

"His positive attitude shone through at the interview stage and with the support that Jardine Motors Group will provide, I am highly confident he will go on to make a great contribution in his role and carve out a long and rewarding career with us. I look forward to following Aaron’s progress in the months ahead.”