smudge's comments may be a little on the harsh side but in the main he tells it exactly like it is. Your 22 years in the RAF working on 'military' aircraft to 'military' procedures counts for diddly squat out here in the real world I'm afraid. At best your background will get you a foot in the door as a mechanic providing you can find a job amongst all the other unemployed fitters who have relevant civil aircraft experience. Unfortunately there are far too many forces types who believe the world owes them a favour on leaving the services. I’ve come across a few (usually 22 year plus NCO’s) and they tend not to last very long.
It can be a real eye opener when you leave and start working alongside civvy trained fitters who not only know their stuff, but have years of experience to back it up. Many of these guys are sitting on basic licenses and you will be in direct competition with them for courses and promotion. Starting out in the civvy maintenance game is not like a typical posting to a new squadron in the mob where you get to drink loads of tea whilst some crusty old chief allows you to slowly ease your way into things. You are expected to hit the ground running and be competent in all areas including major structural repairs - food for thought for all those guys who’ve spent their entire service careers working just engines or airframes.
Life out here is what you make it. Turn up with a poor attitude and you’ll last all of 5 minutes. Those highly experienced civvy fitters will teach you a thing or two if you are prepared to let them. Certifying positions and decent salaries will not be too far away if you are prepared to knuckle down and get stuck in. The opportunities and rewards are there but you’ve got to prove yourself first, nobody is going to hand it to you on a plate.