After 31 years in the British Army, Karl Clark found that the work he valued most was helping people through difficult times and supporting them to move forward.
Today, Karl is an Employment Coach with AKG Employment, based at the Grantham office. He supports people as they build confidence, overcome barriers and take their next steps towards work. On 16 November, he’ll begin a new role as Activity Coordinator for Lincolnshire, bringing his experience to AKG’s new Jobs Guarantee contract for young people aged 18 to 24.
“I’ve always enjoyed helping people,” Karl says. “That’s what I did in the Army, and it’s what I do now.”
An Army life from an early age
Karl joined the Army just days before his 16th birthday in 1991. Growing up in a military family, he spent much of his childhood moving between Germany, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and the UK.
“It was an adventure,” he says. “I wanted to leave home, I loved sport and the outdoors, and the Army gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else.”
Although Karl trained as a chef, his career took him far beyond catering. Over three decades, he served around the world, including operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, and deployments to the Falkland Islands, Brunei, Norway, Cyprus and Kenya.
As his career progressed, so did his responsibilities. He eventually retired as a Warrant Officer Class 1, having led large teams, managed complex operations and supported others throughout their careers. One role in particular would shape what he chose to do next.
Helping people rebuild
Following his deployment to Afghanistan, Karl became a Personal Recovery Officer, supporting wounded, injured and sick service personnel as they rebuilt their lives. For the next nine years, he helped hundreds of people navigate what was often one of the most difficult periods they would face.
“It wasn’t just about medical recovery,” Karl explains. “It was about everything else too – housing, finances, education, employment, family life and helping people prepare for what came next.”
One person he supported has stayed with him. After her life changed following a serious road traffic collision, she was struggling and had stopped responding to calls. Karl drove several hours to check on her and helped her get the support she needed.
They’re still in touch today. Seeing her rebuild her life and pursue her ambitions is one of the moments Karl remembers most.
“It’s those moments that stay with you,” he says.
A different uniform, the same purpose
When Karl left military service, he wasn’t specifically looking for a career in employment support. But he realised that helping people move forward had become the part of his career he valued most.
In his work as an Employment Coach, he draws on many of the skills he developed in the Army: listening, building trust, helping people see what’s possible, and encouraging them to believe in themselves.
“The situations are different,” he says, “but fundamentally it’s still about helping people move forward.”
A new chapter supporting young people
On 16 November, Karl will begin his new role as Activity Coordinator for Lincolnshire. He’ll be working on AKG’s Jobs Guarantee contract, which launches on 23 November and supports young people aged 18 to 24.
The role brings together several things that have mattered throughout Karl’s life: sport, teamwork, personal development and helping people recognise their potential.
For his interview, Karl developed an activity proposal called Targeting Success – Command Tasks & Target Sports Challenge. It uses practical challenges and team activities to help young people build confidence, develop skills and prepare for employment. The idea was well received and reflects the kinds of activities he hopes to organise as the new contract gets underway.
For someone whose career has taken him from Army leadership to supporting people through difficult transitions, it feels like a natural next step.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on more than three decades of military service, Karl talks less about medals or achievements and more about people: the colleagues he served alongside, the individuals he supported through difficult times, and the satisfaction of seeing someone rebuild their confidence and create a better future.
Those same motivations have shaped his work at AKG and will continue to guide him in his new role supporting young people.
Thank you for sharing your story, Karl.
