It’s Careers Week and we want to shine a spotlight on former Scouts who have gone on to have amazing careers.
Scouts have walked on the moon, rowed across oceans, scaled the highest mountains. They have been prime ministers and Oscar winners, authors and inventors, World Cup heroes and scientists.
The opportunities are endless, and futures are bright for our Scouts!
Meet Jon Grimes, a former Scout who is now an engineer for Costain and also a member of the Future Generation Scheme. We caught up to learn a little bit about his time as a Scout and how it helped him in his career.
When were you a Scout?
“I joined the 2nd Rhiwbina Scout Group in 1994. I went on to be a member of the Red Drago Explorers and the CATVOG Scout Network until 2015.”
How did being a Scout help you to where you are now in your career?
“Civil engineering and Scouting have lots in common – they both quite often involve working as a team to find solutions to problems.
“I really enjoyed being outside doing practical activities like hiking and camping whilst I was at Scouts and so that encouraged me to go down the construction side of industry – I get to be outside in the rain or sun every day.”
How did being a Scout give you skills for life?
“Going away on my first Scout camp taught me a lot. I learnt to cook on an open fire but cooking on a gas hob was admittedly a lot easier by comparison when I got home afterwards!
“I’ve been really lucky to be involved with events like the World Scout Jamboree and Brownsea 2007, both were experiences of a lifetime that meant I got to meet and spend time with people from nearly every country in the world.”
What would be the one piece of advice you’d give to someone going into your field?
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
What was your favourite thing about being a Scout?
“I really enjoyed the buzz from a great weekend away, whether that was camping in the Brecon Beacons or doing the Monopoly run in London. There’s something special about people coming together to have fun under a promise.
“I particularly enjoyed the bigger events where you met people from different groups – you’d usually come away from the event knowing you’ve made friends for life.”
