Former helicopter instructor finds the key to a new future
A former helicopter instructor from RAF Shawbury has locked on to a secure new career path despite recently being made redundant.
The blow did not deter former RAF helicopter aircrew instructor Alistair Park from retraining – this time in a totally new direction as a locksmith and creating RMP Locksmiths, part of the RMP Group of companies based in Telford.
The key to his new future clicked shortly after receiving his marching orders as a civilian instructor training RAF crews at RAF Shawbury on August 31 this year – just seven years after leaving the RAF after a 23 year career.
It is now third time career lucky for determined Alistair (51), of Aqueduct, Telford, who has trained military crews for operations worldwide, including Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also the personal helicopter pilot for General Sir Mike Jackson, while he was head of the British Army during visits to Kosovo.
“I refused to let redundancy get me down despite it being the second time in seven years. I am handy at DIY and thought of a career in plumbing or in electrical and then thought of becoming a locksmith and used my redundancy money to retrain.
He has just completed a comprehensive training course in Birmingham to learn how to fit and make keys, lock picking to gain entry to buildings using non-destructive techniques and to understand the locksmiths’ trade.
Alistair knew he was suitable for the job after coming runner up in a lock picking competition at an industry event where he competed against experienced locksmiths’ despite having no training.
A squadron commander of Dawley Air Cadets in Telford, Alistair has linked up with Shropshire businessman Trevor Bate who runs the fast growing RMP Group of companies including security services, event and entertainment organisation, and vehicle and electrical repairs based at Stafford Park, Telford.
“RMP’s owner Trevor Bate sponsors our air cadets’ minibus. We would be really struggling without his help. When I told Trevor about my plans to retrain as a locksmith he asked me to join the RMP Group as it is all part of the security industry.
“I intend to make the business a success for RMP,” said Alistair who offers a complete mobile locksmith service including a 24 hour call out for people inadvertently locked out of their homes or offices.
“In the future we intend to expand into the vehicle locksmith market which means we will be able to open car locks and provide new reprogrammed keys.”
Alistair is an accredited member of the national network of approved locksmiths’ and can be contacted on 01952 210187 or email locksmiths@rmpgroup.net
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