VIVO - Military Spouse Success Story 

This is the Case Study of Laura Butress, a Military Spouse who works as a Project Manager at Vivo.

What is your spouse’s role in the Armed Forces?

"My husband is a Warrant Officer in the Royal Artillery and we have lived in SFA for the last 18 years in both the UK and Germany."

How did their Armed Forces career affect you as a Military Spouse?

"We have 2 children aged 18 and 16. My husband has completed numerous Operational Tours throughout this time and when the children were younger, that resulted in me being able to only work a part time job. Whilst in Germany, career options were limited as only certain jobs were available within the Garrison and childcare was limited."

How did you end up in the role you’re in now?

"We returned to the UK most recently in 2015 and I was able to secure a full-time position as an Area Co-ordinator working on the National Housing Prime contract. I progressed in this role to become Senior Administrator, before transferring to the Projects team as an Assistant Project Manager. I have recently been promoted to Project Manager and oversee the development and delivery of SFA improvements in the Larkhill delivery area."

What do you enjoy about this role and how has it helped you return that service to people in your situation?

"I have enjoyed my work on the housing contracts, as my experience in the military environment has enabled me to see the contract from both sides and understand the needs of service families."

"Recently, I have been enrolled on a course through VIVO for a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Project Management, incorporating Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner as well as APM."

What advice would you give to someone in a similar position who may be looking for employment within the Defence sector? 

"For anyone in a similar position looking for employment in the Defence Sector, I would highly recommend it. There are great opportunities for progression, so it becomes a career rather than a job. As a result of the pandemic, there are now more opportunities for flexible and hybrid working, which would be helpful for those struggling with childcare."

To find out more information about the opportunities Vivo have for the Armed Forces community, visit their virtual stand on our website by clicking here... 

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