Quest May 2017 by Bulldog Publishing

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES

MAY 2017

FUNDING FINDER Everything ELC inside!

HIGH FLYER? Discover your higher education options

PLUS

Access Diplomas

And get on course for these careers: Civil aviation Close protection

UNLOCK YOUR FUTURE

Auto locksmith Steve Bulleyment’s tips for a smooth transition

ROUTE PLANNING FOR ALL RANKS COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERSI RESETTLEMENT

page 52

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EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR NEW EDITION OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES 4

FORCES. Regular readers will already be aware that it’s the only guide you’ll need to funding, courses, careers and resettlement. And, if you’re a newcomer to these pages, whether you’re still serving or have already started on your resettlement journey, you’ll find that – much like your own career path – QUEST comprises two main parts … The first section gathers together all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to make best use of the funding available to you – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim (find out all about that on page 8). As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also check out how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications, wherever in the world you are, and focus on higher-level study choices, if that’s where your sights are set. In this issue, we spotlight two career areas that we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition. This month we check out careers and courses that will help you prepare for a role in civil aviation or close protection. We also find out how Access to HE qualifications could help you follow your dreams and change your life – even if you think higher education isn’t really for you. The section winds up with our one-stop education and funding planner, which summarises your education and personal development opportunities, offers ideas on improving your career prospects and highlights the funding sources available to help you achieve your aims. In part two, there’s the usual QUEST mix of practical advice on resettlement issues and

inspirational ‘transition tales’. First, we hear how Steve Bulleyment, ex-RAF now self-employed auto locksmith, learned the hard way about the simple steps you too can take to ease your resettlement journey, and how former Lance Corporal Kofi Brempong has benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll. After that, we check out some tried-and-tested interview techniques while, beyond the workplace, our regular contributor Ryan Mansfield has some more of his customary useful advice to help make sure you’re civvy savvy. To further aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, pulling together in one place useful information from a wide range of sources. At the heart of all this is ‘The Hub’, where you’ll find key information on courses and training options alongside reader reports and transition news. As ever, drawing together in one place essential training, support and career information, we hope you will find in the pages of this issue plenty of relevant information to support you throughout your Service career and wherever you go from there.

For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk

Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798

CONNECT WITH US questonline.co.uk questmagazine

questmagazine Quest Magazine Group: groups/quest Quest Magazine Company: company/quest Quest Magazine Profile: quest-magazine info@questonline.co.uk

May 2017

MAY 2017 >>

Contents YOUR ELC

06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding

12 How to claim if you are still serving 14 How to claim after leaving 16 Avoiding queries or rejection 18 ELC dos and don’ts 20 Higher-level study 22 Distance learning 26 Qualifications to further your Service career 28 On course: Aviation 34 On course: Close protection 38 Trainers in focus: CNet 40 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts

THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

52 Success story: inspiration from those who’ve already made the transition. This month, Steve Bulleyment – from RAF to auto locksmith 55 Transition support: how former Lance Corporal Kofi Brempong benefited from the help of Stoll 56 Resettlement matters: interview techniques 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101 The basics

ubject to certain eligibility

which is a single payment of up to

criteria (see page 8), the ELC

£3,000 for those with six or more

− – Service training

scheme offers currently serving

years of qualifying service, which will

− – civilian accredited Service training

or former Service personnel access to a

count as all three awards.

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

is involved, together with a separate

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

Service leavers and Service personnel

exam, assessment or assignment)

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

in their qualifying resettlement phase

− – membership fees

first undergraduate degree or equivalent)

with access to a first full level 3 or a

− – books and materials

free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

first HE qualification (a foundation

− – normal Service sport and

information you need to know …

degree or a first undergraduate

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

degree or equivalent) with support

payments of up to £1,000 in three

towards tuition fees.

made due to foreseeable postings/

Only one ELC claim can be made in

Service activities will usually meant

any one financial year (April to March).

that no further claims will be allowed.

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

separate financial years; the higher

tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial l

If unexpected Service or compassionate reasons cause your

(the ELC element includes VAT but

withdrawal, you should seek advice

to run consecutively, and may be a

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

from your Education Staff or Learning

books and materials).

Adviser.Q

You must discuss your plans with

ELC may be claimed for the same

your line manager and education

learning course if it continues for more

adviser before making any financial ELC are available for full- or part-time

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS

If one course combines with others for

study for a qualification at level 3 or

From its inception until the end of

a single learning purpose these can be

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

March 2017, 382,375 people had

combined to claim ELC.

with an organisation on the approved

registered with the ELC scheme and

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

127,114 claims had been made, to the

purpose each year.

Withdrawal once payment has been

The three separate years do not have

than a year, or for a different learning l

learning of at least 20% of the cost

levels. l

You must make a contribution to your

adventurous training.

years.

combination of both higher and lower

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

You may not claim ELC for:

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

commitment. l

value of £194.8 million.

cti

personal development/ resettlement

training

compliance

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Value:

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©Train2Train 2016

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible for ELC?

Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l

All Regular Service Personnel (SP)

have left the Service or entered your

day of service, you will be eligible to claim

currently in service will be auto-

qualifying resettlement phase on or

ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to

enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will

after 17 July 2008

meeting the other conditions associated

meet UK residency requirements to

with the scheme.

future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l

qualify for full state subsidy.

The qualifying service required

Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

What about if you are medically

for both ELC lower-tier and FEHE

medically discharged from service before

discharged?

awards will increase from four to six

achieving the required number of years’

You are eligible to claim ELC at the

years from 1 April 2017. If you will

service. If this is the case, please seek

lower (£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier

already have accumulated four years’

advice from your unit education staffs.

depending on your length of service on

qualifying service before 1 April 2017,

In detail …

lower-tier award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

completing six years of service, you may

If you left – or are due to leave –

You can start claiming when you have

be eligible to make claims at the lower-

service on or after 1 April 2016, you

accumulated the necessary qualifying

tier rate if the injury or illness was caused

are entitled to post-service access to

years of service. For example, if you

or significantly worsened, wholly or

ELC and FEHE for five years.

registered on the ELC scheme and have

predominantly by service, as defined by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

have been entitled to start claiming at the

(JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the

FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).

£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

service for lower-tier awards will increase

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

from four to six years. However, if you will

eligible to claim under the terms of the

have accumulated four years’ qualifying

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

service before 1 April 2017, you will still be

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a

able to claim your lower-tier awards.

look at the feature on page 14 to find out

In brief … To take advantage of ELC support, you must: l

the date of discharge. Additionally, if

you keep your entitlement to use ELC

you are medically discharged prior to

more – or, for full details and to check the

have completed four years of full-time

What happens if you are made redundant?

detailed eligibility rules, visit

service or, from 1 April 2017, six years

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

have joined – or since April 2016

to be made redundant, you will cease

been automatically enrolled – on the

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

the day you leave service. If you have

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

accrued six or more years’ service since

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

registering on the scheme by your last day

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have

are academically qualified to enter

accrued eight or more years’ service since

learning on leaving the Service

registering on the scheme by your last

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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E LC PROVIDER NUMBER

2950

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YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

How to use your ELC funding When your claimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approved, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wide choice of where to spend your funding

LC are available for full- or part-time study for a

must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the National Qualifications Framework/Regulated

Qualifications Framework (NQF/RQF),* with an organisation on the approved providers list held by ELCAS and viewable at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or equivalent award. You may also use ELC to fund anything above that, too, like university modules or nationally recognised diplomas. This might include: l

foundation degrees

postgraduate qualifications

other academic qualifications

professional self-development

accreditation of prior learning

vocational training

registration and accreditation fees

sports qualifications

overseas qualifications

resettlement training (during last two years of service only).

To find out more about accessing higher-level study in particular, take a look at our feature on page 20.

CHOOSING A COURSE Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l

its relevance to your personal development plan

your ability to undertake it

likely disruptions to Service requirements

the flexibility of the study method.

* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is replacing the Qualifications

BY MoD ORT OF CHEME

and Credit Framework (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the

NUMBER

QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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ELC

E LC Logo 4435

PROVIDER NUMBER

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YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction and

Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future. 3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC

Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2017: 26th May, 30th June, 28th July Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com

application form online. 6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme membership using the information on the ELC website. 8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee, so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822, which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Phoenix Health & Safety are the Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses.

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And many more...

Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media

NEBOSH International General Certificate

NEBOSH International Diploma

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E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

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YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services

Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).

lthough the main purpose of ELC

claim form to them at the relevant address

Royal Navy

is to encourage serving personnel

(again, see box), along with:

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

to pursue higher-level learning

evidence of your last day of Service,

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

that benefits both the learner and the

which could be a copy of your

PO2 8BY

Armed Forces, it also allows level 3-plus

discharge document, a copy of your

02392 625954

learning to be pursued during resettlement

P45 terminating employment or a

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

or for up to five years after leaving the

document stamped by your regiment

Services.* The majority of this learning

confirming your leaving date**

Army

a copy of a utility bill showing your

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

home address

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

full information about the course

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

future employer and, nationally, adding to

you wish to undertake and including

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

the UK’s skills base.

details of your registration date where

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

is likely to be vocational (learning new

skills or enhancing existing ones), with the qualification benefiting the learner and a

First of all, refer to the eligibility

applicable. Q

criteria listed on page 8. To make a

01264 381580 elc@detsa.co.uk

claim, download the appropriate form

The Army Single Service telephone helpline

from the ELCAS website and complete

*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please

it fully, except for Parts 4 and 5 – your

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Single Service Representative (SSR) will

com for the expiration date of your claims.

Royal Air Force

complete these elements (you will find

** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of

Learning Credits Administrator,

their contact details in the accompanying

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

box). Send your otherwise fully completed

team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

personnel can request details of discharge dates

IMPORTANT!

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845

NG34 8HB

All applications must be submitted to

6009663.

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the start of the course you wish to take. They will then submit approved applications to ELCAS. You should not submit your claim form direct to ELCAS.

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.

01400 268 183 22TrgGp-CTS-AandEWg-LCA@mod.uk

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YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly

LCAS deals with many claims that

minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the

and research and discuss your learning with

have to be queried or rejected: almost

NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is

your line manager and Service education or

not on the ELCAS approved providers list

learning adviser. This also applies if you are

failure to follow the correct procedure for

a qualifying ex-Service person using your

authorising the claim

ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place

the course not commencing in the

for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead

qualifying financial year

enough you could find yourself significantly

incorrect financial data, such as the

out of pocket as retrospective claims are not

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

learner’s contribution being less than

allowed under any circumstances.

learners failing to allow sufficient time

20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated

20% of claims received fail to comply

with the correct procedures. Some of the

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l

as exceeding the ELC award

offered by an approved provider are

incomplete details or errors in course title

automatically admissible under the ELC

so any claim submitted within 25 working

or course level (these account for 25% of

scheme. This is a common mistake: one

days of the start of the course will

all rejected/queried claims)

provider may supply many courses, but only

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3

system

or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS

more than one active claim being

website may be considered for ELC purposes.

between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,

automatically be rejected l

form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also

a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation

Also, do not assume that all courses

processed for an individual in the same l

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

financial year.

So:

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YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS

ELC dos and don’ts Do:

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

consult your education/learning staff

training and/or resettlement adviser if

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

(CAN) l

automatically assume that approved

needing to book a course

strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

National Qualifications Framework

carefully before submitting a claim

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

commit any payment contributions

and line managers to discuss your

between submitting a claim and l

inform your Education Staff,

the level 3 requirement l

enrol on a course or commit yourself

CAN from ELCAS l

enrol on a course with a new provider

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

Learning Adviser or Single Service

who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;

benefits the Service (unless your claim

representative if your last day in

wait until this has definitely been

is resettlement-related during your last

service alters from that originally

achieved – if this takes too long, look on

two years of serving)

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking

questionnaire when you’ve finished

* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim higher!

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

career openings, but if it turns out

higher education (HE) qualification

you’re no good at it, you’re unlikely

that’s great – you can use your ELC

to end up with a good qualification

to fund anything above level 3, and that

at the end of it – and may even fail

includes university modules and nationally

altogether.

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open

It’s a good idea to start by

to you for consideration include diplomas,

thinking about the qualifications

bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees

you already have and the subjects/areas you

and postgraduate qualifications. The only

have a flair for. Other things you might want

through students completing a number

problem you are likely to have is in deciding

to think about include the course provider’s

of modules, the distinction between HE

exactly what and how to study!

academic reputation (you can find university

(generally academic) and further education

league tables and subject ranking tables

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

online), its graduate employment rates, and

Credits from a selection of courses can often

You may already have a pretty good idea

links between the university or college and

be added together to gain degrees and other

of what you’d like to study at a higher

employers.

HE qualifications.

Choosing an HE course level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to

Having decided what you want to study,

With many qualifications being earned

Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

make sure you understand the nature of

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

distance learning. The difference between

the subject you are considering, especially

studying it.

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

if it’s something new to you. So do your

Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.

in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),

research, and ensure you know exactly what

How do HE courses differ?

a course is offering you – topic areas, what

The most basic difference is between the

are modular; this means that you complete

the modules will cover, etc. Whatever else

levels of courses. While most HE courses

them in sections (modules), often of your

you take in to consideration, it goes without

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

own choosing, and credits gained from a

saying that you must have a strong interest

qualifications such as a Higher National

selection of such courses can be gathered

in the subject and the course content, as

Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE

you will be spending three years or more

(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,

qualifications.

occupied with it, which won’t be much fun

such courses will be shorter than a degree

if it turns out you’re not that struck with it

course, more vocationally orientated and will

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

after all!

have lower entry requirements. Some will be

Which? University is a free and

You are also likely to do better at a

linked to degree courses, though, giving you

independent website packed with

course if you already have an aptitude for

the option of progressing to a degree if you

everything you need to find the right

the subject. It might be a really fascinating

perform well enough on the early parts of

university course for you. See http://

course, which promises to lead to a host of

the course.

university.which.co.uk

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

both types are involved. Many qualifications

Please note that Service leavers cannot

usually takes three or four years to complete

access support under the FEHE scheme to

full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,

SOURCES OF ADVICE

commence studies at master’s level but they

can take five or six years).

Your line manager should be your

can utilise their ELC for study at this level.

first point of contact. Each unit has

Postgraduate qualifications

an education/learning specialist, and

popular higher-level course options you

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

each Service also has a network of

could choose from …

qualifications that require learners to have

educational and learning centres

already completed a bachelor’s degree.

where advice can be sought and ideas

Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)

Most types of postgraduate qualification will

explored.

generally fall into one of two categories:

in open learning, with distance learning

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

postgraduate certificate or postgraduate

generally catering for students who are so

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

diploma.

far away that they study almost entirely by

Here’s a rundown of some of the other

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus

include taught and research elements. They

themselves.

designed to give you the skills to put that

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

knowledge to effective use in a particular

If you aren’t already in possession of the

ELC funding for higher education

job. Highly valued by employers, both in

lower-level qualifications you would normally

The good news is that your ELC provides

the UK and overseas, they can also count

need to build on in order to secure your

you with access to a first full level 3 or a first

towards membership of professional bodies

place on an HE course, the Access to Higher

HE qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first

and other employer organisations. HNCs

Education (HE) Diploma – often referred

undergraduate degree or equivalent) free

can take one year to complete full-time and

to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma

from tuition fees. This commitment means

two years part-time (or via, say, distance

– could be for you. It’s a qualification that

that Service leavers who have joined at level

learning). HNDs take two years full-time and

prepares people for study at university,

2, say, and have taken the opportunity to

can also be taken part-time (which takes

and is designed for those who would like to

gain a qualification such as an advanced

longer). (The award of an HND requires more

study in HE but who left school without the

apprenticeship, or other accredited learning

units to be passed than for an HNC.) They

usual qualifications, such as A-levels. It is

at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to

equate to approximately halfway between

widely accepted by universities and colleges,

access their first higher-level qualification.

an A-level and a degree, although they are,

having been developed with their support,

as mentioned above, more practically based

and is designed to provide a good grounding

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

than the latter.

in the knowledge and study skills needed

Training and Education, which can be

to succeed in HE. Although equivalent to

accessed and downloaded at www.

Foundation degrees

A-levels, Access Diploma courses are put

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

Foundation degrees combine learning with

together with people who haven’t studied

work experience if you decide you want

for a while in mind – and most don’t require

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

prior qualifications. Many are suitable for

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

study part-time or in the evenings, which

Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

is a fully flexible qualification that allows

adds to their flexibility. Most FE colleges

Compare official course data from

you to study full- or part-time to fit your

in England and Wales offer such Access

universities and colleges, including

lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240

courses, and a number are available through

student satisfaction and jobs after

‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full

distance learning, so you should be able

study (you have to apply to the college

account will be taken of any prior learning

to find a course that is convenient for you,

and experience you have accrued, too.

and that caters for your interests or career

UCAS: http://search.ucas.com

Recent developments, including university

ambitions. You can find out more about

Search and apply for full-time courses

partnerships and funding, make these

Access to HE courses, browse courses and

qualifications increasingly available to

read success stories on the Access to Higher

people in the Services.

Education homepage at www.accesstohe.

on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are

Full details can be found in JSP822

or university direct)

by course name, provider name or location l

Degree courses

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

ac.uk

advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

How to learn

academic study leading to a qualification

Qualifications can be earned through full-

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

time courses, part-time courses, day release,

Postgraduate study

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known

night school, open and distance learning

as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s

(see the feature on page 22 of this issue).

degree is designed to give learners a

There will usually be more times when

thorough understanding of a subject, and

students get together for joint study periods

Search for full- and part-time courses

Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses

Postgraduate Search: www. postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

Remote control

Let the classroom come to you!

hanks to distance learning, you

Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days, learning materials

work at your own pace – there are no term

want. There’s no need to be

and support may be provided by either one

times to be rigidly stuck to (although you

physically on-campus to study or take

or a combination of the following means:

(some) training courses. And that, of

books, phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the

course, is a considerable benefit to those

internet, podcasts and via mobile learning;

ASK YOURSELF …

of you posted to far-flung locations,

the latter is where the student accesses

meaning that you can continue your

course content stored on a mobile device

studies wherever in the world you may be.

or through a wireless server. Some

Nothing need come between you and your

providers offer course elements via the

preparations for life in the civilian world.

iTunes Store, which can be downloaded

As well as ‘distance learning’, you may

free of charge. Many courses make

come across other, related, terms such as

extensive use of the internet. Others

‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported

involve tutor groups, which may meet

Can I chat to previous learners?

learning’. In truth, all of these types of

regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few

Do I have to pass an entry test?

learning are likely to overlap, but, as

weeks’ duration to provide classroom

How much support is available? And in

a rough guide, open learning includes

education that complements regular,

more face-to-face classes than distance

directed coursework at a distance.

learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are tutors and physical material available to help

The great thing about distance learning

What’s involved? Courses delivered through distance learning range from those taking as little as a few hours, to degrees

employer)? l

several years’ study. So-called ‘short courses’ typically last days or weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those

Can I view the training materials first, before committing?

what form? l

Can the whole course be done at a distance, or is it necessary to attend training sessions at specific times?

How much time will I need to set aside for study?

in the Armed Forces – is that

How much does the course cost?

it puts you in control of

Will there be an exam at the end?

Is the provider inspected or accredited

To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc. org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.

your education. Once you have chosen and enrolled on your course

by an independent body? l

(see below), you are free to study when, where – and, these days,

years? l

how – you choose, so

around your current work and/ or family commitments. It’s entirely up to you. And, of course, in these days of laptops,

If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of

you can fit your education

qualifications that may involve

Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential

– especially for those, like you,

and postgraduate

Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?

At your convenience

students.

while travelling. Importantly, too, you can

can study when and where you

operational duties? l

Is the course available via learning tools that I will be able to access? (For example, if you are in an environment where IT availability is limited, you

subjects with a strong practical element

notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,

should select a course where it is

often have modules that are suited to

you can set up and study at a location of

possible to use paper and telephone,

distance learning.

your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even

at least for a limited period.)

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

gh ll ou ss wi hr ce S t ro M you g p rt din n fu

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Master’s in Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History Military History and Practice from 1945 to the Present Day October 2017 to September 2018

Approved by the Ministry of Defence in support of the ELC Scheme ELC Provider Number 1460

Directed by Professor Lloyd Clark, one of Britain’s leading authorities in modern warfare, this one-year course, starting in October 2017, examines major themes in modern militaryhistory and warfare.

General The Lord Richards Air Chief Marshal The Lord Stirrup Baroness Neville-Jones Professor Sir Hew Strachan General Sir Rupert Smith

Based in central London, but designed for those that may live further afield, participants will undertake independent research under expert supervision on a topic of their choice.

UK serving personnel are entitled to a 20% discount on the tuition fee. Those who wish to attend the seminars and dinners, but not to undertake a dissertation, may join the course as Associate Students, at a reduced fee.

Assessment is by a dissertation of 20,000 words. A central feature of the programme is its celebrated series of evening seminars and post-seminar dinners, at the Royal Air Force Club, Piccadilly, at which participants can engage in general discussion with the speakers. The ten seminars are led by internationally distinguished experts, including:

Google: ‘Buckingham War Studies’ www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/ma/warstudies Enquiries: Maria Floyd, Admissions Officer london-programmes@buckingham.ac.uk THE UNIVERSITY OF

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LONDON PROGRAMMES questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

may have to sit exams, which may take

own choosing, and credits gained from a

from learndirect (see ‘Key contacts’). It,

place only at specific times).

selection of such courses can be added

too, runs its own courses and learning

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other

centres with tutor support, where students

take responsibility for your own learning.

HE qualifications. It is not always necessary

can undertake online learning, and that

However, although you will be in control,

to have an undergraduate degree to gain

use ICT systems to enable users to access

a good provider will offer support – so you

a master’s; neither is it necessary to have

learning.

will certainly not be alone, left completely

one in order to achieve many professional

to your own devices, but will have back-up

qualifications.

To sum up, distance study enables you

and assistance as and when you require it.

Other information sources include direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’ (somebody

Increasingly, Service people like you

who has first-hand experience of a

There are also likely to be self-checks and

are taking distance learning modules

course or a training provider), written

interim tests to help ensure that you are

as part of the training that contributes

prospectuses and, of course, the internet.

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

to career progression. So, you could

The website of the Open and Distance

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

be studying with a view to gaining

Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) is

telephone helpline to call or someone to

qualifications that will help you while in

particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

email for advice if you get stuck.

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

contacts’).

How do I choose a course and provider?

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a But how do you know who is a good

Who are the learning providers?

Although necessarily influenced by demand

provider and who is not? And exactly

Many learning providers are neither HE nor

from learners, there are loads of courses

which course do you need? All this choice

FE institutions, although they may have

available in distance learning form. And

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

links of varying strengths with one or more

because the choice of provider is huge,

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

colleges or universities. Many companies

too, you are more than likely to be able

that should help you.

run large training departments, and there

to track down the course you are looking

particular subject.

are also many commercial organisations

for. This may be something that will give

Finding out more

you a general grounding or background in

Service education and training staff, both

Much of the training such providers

a particular subject or area (that you may

within your unit and specialists, can often

deliver is of excellent quality and targeted

go on to study in more depth later), or you

provide the best advice about what you

carefully at the needs of civilian employers

might be looking to focus on something

might want and what it is actually possible

in a specific market sector. Many

very specific – such as the entrance

for you to achieve. They can also provide

commercial businesses offering training

examinations of a particular professional

you with information about the funding

use the premises of academic institutions

body.

available to support your studies, and

to deliver courses, and may have contracts

recommend the subjects that you should

with employment agencies to help their

education (FE) courses can be taken via

be encouraged to pursue – particularly

students find work.

distance learning. The difference between

with a view to a second career when

these is not always clear-cut though, and in

leaving the Services. Increasing numbers

the bigger distance learning organisations,

some cases (e.g. foundation degrees), both

of Forces learning and education centres

however – as mentioned above – there are

types are involved. Many qualifications are

and personal learning advisers also have

many other providers out there too, also

modular; this means that you complete

access to e-learning opportunities.

offering a wide range of courses, some

them in sections (modules), often of your

Information about courses is also available

with discounts for Service people (ask your

Both higher education (HE) and further

that provide training to paying clients.

You are likely to have heard of some of

education and training adviser for further information). Q

KEY CONTACTS

learndirect 0800 101 901 www.learndirect.co.uk @learndirect

Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) 020 8658 8337

www.odlqc.org.uk

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committingtotocourses courses Readers mustReaders consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

Boost your prospects while serving

How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service publication, the main purpose

that your Service role might require,

Similar work has taken place with Summit

of ELC is to encourage serving

but that are also highly likely to prove

Skills with regard to building services

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

useful once you leave the Forces, could

engineering-related courses. A great many

that benefits both the learner and the

include accountancy and management

other areas are likely to serve you well in

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

qualifications, or courses related to

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

health and safety, and facilities or project

your Service branch now, of course! Q

which state that any money provided for

management. Depending on your Service

your personal development has to be of

role, you could find yourself in a position to

immediate benefit to both the Armed

embark on a range of studies that will turn

Forces and the individual – if not, the

out to have a very useful crossover into

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

the civilian workplace when the time comes

accompanying box for more tax-related

for you to make the transition.

s noted elsewhere in this

information.) The best of both worlds is offered by

Some of the areas of education

For example, thinking of IT training

as they are while you remain in Service.

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING Under the ELC scheme, most courses

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

of study undertaken by individuals still

those courses that will benefit your own

network of employers working to creating

serving are exempt from taxation, either

career and promotion prospects in the

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

Services – and ultimately help you find

been involved in putting together a

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

employment on leaving – as well as offering

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

a benefit to the Service while you remain

qualifications, which in these high-tech

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

in uniform.

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

reach an agreement on tax exemption. This means that the Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

Become a Domestic Electrical Installer This 17day training package is suitable for anyone (over the age of 18) looking to become a Domestic Electrical Installer who has little or no electrical installation experience. The skills achieved throughout this program will enable you to carry out a variety of installations in a domestic setting. Essentially you will be competent and safe to work alongside approved NICEIC electricians on any kind of domestic project, be that a house re-wire, extension or tasks such as new sockets and light fittings. Upon completion of this program you will possess the Knowledge, skills and qualifications to enable you to find employment as a domestic electrical installer. Qualifications Included: Electrical Principles & Core Installation 17th Edition Wiring Regulations 2382-15 Part P Domestic Installer 2392-10

For further info please call (01473)242344 or email: info@rttsolutions.co.uk

RT Training solutions Ltd registered in England and Wales: 8171597

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AVIATION

Ready for take-off? Thinking of transferring your aviation-related skills to the civilian workplace? Here’s some advice to help you plan ahead and ensure your new career gets off the runway

www.caa.co.uk/cap804 It describes the theoretical knowledge and flying requirements for civilian pilot licences and related qualifications. However, please

Just the job?

to be used for reference only as a new

career in the aviation sector when

Such a huge industry requires a vast

and restructured Air Navigation Order

the time comes for you to leave the

number of people with a wide variety of

came into force in August 2016. Article

Forces? If so, this feature aims to provide

skills. Just some of the roles you’ll find in

references have completely changed and

you with the background knowledge that

the aviation sector are:

new European Aviation Safety Agency

will help you get that new career off the

pilots and cabin crew

(EASA) regulations have been developed

ground. It’s a huge area, so we will focus

airport operations

since CAP 804 was last issued. In light of

on those roles of most interest to Service

passenger services staff

these significant changes, the need for a

leavers and which – due to the skills and

cargo processors/handlers

restructured and updated version of CAP

qualifications you’ve been racking up while

aviation engineers

804 that reflects current UK law and EU

in uniform – you are likely to be well suited.

security staff

regulations is currently being reviewed.

The routes from the Armed Forces

air traffic controllers (ATCs).

into civil aviation are well established and many Service leavers have found successful second careers by following them. Holding

note that – currently – this document is

erhaps you have long planned a

In this feature, we’ll take a closer look at the main roles likely to be of interest to you.

You may find much of the guidance that you need on the ‘Licences and other approvals’ pages of the CAA website: www.caa.co.uk/licences

the required licence(s) is absolutely

Commercial pilot

essential for civilian employment and these

If you’re a pilot you can find a lot of useful

Navigation Order 2016 (ANO2016) is

can be expensive to obtain, so if you’re a

information on national licences and licence

available here: www.caa.co.uk/licences

pilot or engineer, make sure you use the

conversions in the Civil Aviation Authority

Service opportunities available to gain

(CAA) publication known as CAP 804, which

online here: www.easa.europa.eu/

them.

can be downloaded here:

regulations

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

More information on the revised Air

Current EASA regulations are available

ROUTES FROM THE ARMED FORCES INTO CIVIL AVIATION ARE WELL ESTABLISHED

ATPL’, meaning that the qualifications

effectively has to be conducted on a multi-

for an ATPL are complete except for the

engine type, usually involving extensive use

relevant flying experience.

of simulators. This will require a decision

A CPL is sufficient to act as PIC of a

as to which type will be of most use in the

single pilot aircraft on a commercial flight,

future, and a type rating course will have to

and it is worth bearing in mind that, in

be carried out prior to commencing the IR.

addition to the larger airlines, there are

The alternative is a modular course,

many smaller companies conducting ‘aerial

which does the same thing but in individual

work’ for which only a CPL is required.

sections, thereby spreading the cost

This can include glider towing, parachutist

(typically £40,000–£45,000 in total).

dropping, aerial photography and survey,

This type of training is more suited to

pleasure flights, private corporate work,

military pilot conversions for which special

and flight instructing for the Private Pilot

terms are currently available. To qualify

Licence (PPL) and CPL. Most of these

for modular training without military

activities require only one pilot holding

experience, you must obtain a PPL, for

either a CPL or CPL with an IR. The ground

which numerous flying clubs and training

training is simpler to obtain a CPL only, than

schools offer courses. Modular professional licence courses are available from about 20–30 ATOs in the UK. Once you have identified an ATO that offers a course that suits you, you should contact it direct for further guidance regarding costs, etc. The ground studies for a modular course can be completed via full-time classroom study or distance learning. On completion of the written examinations, you would move on to a CPL flight training course (typically taking about six weeks), ending with a skill test flown with a CAA examiner. CPL flight training can be started only when you have acquired 150 hours of flight experience as a PPL holder. Following the CPL course, those students training to obtain a frozen ATPL will also complete IR training. Licence application to the CAA is made

To be employed to fly as a commercial pilot you must hold a professional licence

for the ATPL. The first step to gaining a commercial

that is either a Commercial Pilot Licence

licence (CPL or frozen ATPL) is to obtain

(CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot

a Class 1 medical certificate. This means

Licence (ATPL) – the ground training

attending CAA HQ near Gatwick Airport

and examinations are different for the

and passing a medical examination (which

two licences. These licences also apply to

may take the best part of a day) and paying

both aeroplanes and helicopters, although

the relevant fee. After that, two types of

requirements differ for the two types of

training course are available: integrated and

aircraft. An ATPL requires a minimum

modular.

of 1,500 hours of flying experience and

Integrated courses combine ground

is normally acquired only after being

and flight training, and can take you from

employed as a pilot for several years. It is

zero flying experience to frozen ATPL

essential to hold an ATPL to be the pilot in

in as little as 14–16 months (these cost

command (PIC) on a commercial flight of an

between £60,000 and £95,000). A fixed-

aircraft that must be flown by two pilots. To

wing integrated course usually includes

be the co-pilot (first officer) a CPL with an

an IR – a helicopter one will not. For the

instrument rating (IR) must be held and the

helicopter pilot, the only way to achieve this

written examinations for the ATPL passed.

is at an Approved Training Organisation

This combination is known as a ‘frozen

(ATO) offering IR training, and the course

following the satisfactory completion of all necessary training, examinations and tests.

UK MILITARY PILOT CONVERSION TO A CIVILIAN PILOT LICENCE Qualified Military Pilots (QMPs) are defined in CAP 804 (which, as noted above, is to be used for reference only as it is currently under review). Depending on the military training completed, a QMP may qualify for credits against the requirements to complete the civil flying training and ground instruction specified for the various civil licences and qualifications. To obtain a civil licence or qualification, all pilots must pass the applicable CAA theoretical knowledge examinations and skill tests.

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

Course notes

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AVIATION

Engineering your way to the top

Accredited Competence in General LocksmithingSUITABLY level 3 QUALIFIED course AND

echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is EXPERIENCED EX-SERVICE Alexander Bill completed Knob sets conducted over a three‐week period, his MBA part‐time at Aston Pad locks comprising two weeks in the technical PEOPLE ARE A WELCOME Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, LeverTHE rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later ADDITION TO AVIATION landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the INDUSTRY transport business Alstom. Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for youENGINEERING to gain in‐ Alex began his career at 5 lever British Standard mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. found the commercial and Car opening You will be taught to strip and business side of selling and delivering advanced industrial Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by services exciting. Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using specialist equipment. You interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that one for myself. And I’m glad that I did! out with a locksmith doing daily work on are found on wooden, aluminium and ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but andUPVC hands‐on basis. Youtowill not just be an doors, as well in what to expect planning the preparation ofas flight airporta freight sheds and and from also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as coming across steel on plans. Airfieldwhen ops staff employed by doors foundaircraft. me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit are responsible for the the same time, the improvements to my skills when airport authorities invaluable experience in situations that doors and grill‐type gates. presenting communicating to a wide range of audiences Airlines’ orand handling agents’ dispatchers operational serviceability may arise, especially dealing with the Along withofallthe of runway the aboveand you will –are from the shop floor to very senior managers – havemanoeuvring been public if you employ have never done this be givenairfield sound advice from professionals responsible for aircraft turnrounds areas, lighting, aircraft Individual airlines their own flight very noticeable.’ before.cabin Pleasecrew) note that can arrange with scaring, regard tosnow the financial side of your and, although their duties may vary by marshalling, bird clearance, crew (pilots, and,we if you are Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on companyout ormy location, likely studying and any incidents or accidents. interested in such jobs, will be able to carrying day job,these goingare to lectures, at thedealing with at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how to includeand making weight and balance these disciplines is laid often you about the9qualifications you weekends my family. However, Aston was great, andTraining in hours are am–4 pm. your vehicle should be out and adviseClass very flexible. When, towards endweather of my second year, equipped, and even what type of vehicle calculations, providing crewthe with donemy in-house following employment, will need. The personnel department of daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. This in is without doubt best locksmith use.available We will also help you to acquirethe airline details, and general turnround supervision however it is to also through open which you arethe interested will Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply and progress chasing, followed by dispatch learning programmes, some of which lead to provide the criteria for each job (e.g. pilot, flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These of post-departure Dispatchers are was how recognised qualifications from you bodies such passenger service staff,3 airline ‘One of the mostsignals. valuable things I learned to you will be awarded your level NCFE accounts will allow to purchase, atcabin crew, analyse andeither understand wide range of complex andasoften National Certificate in trade price, stock for your van, tools and employed by thea airlines themselves City & Guilds. operations andAccredited dispatch staff) and details incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise Locksmithing. any specialist requirements that you may or by their handling agents (e.g. Servisair, of what you will need in order to be a them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. You will also receive a full set of Menzies, Swissport). candidate. Individual airline contact details presentation that gets straight to the point. like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by Airline opsdefinitely staff check of andThis sometimes byhelpline airlines should you have can be341257. found through the CAA website ‘The MBA gavethe me progress the knowledge skillsisto a free done 24‐hour progress career, helping me to bewhich promoted to general the flyingmy programme worldwide, themselves, but normally bytrading. specialist (see ‘Key contacts’). Details of recruitment problems while manager.’ may involve sending and receiving signals, handling agents. The work involves the opportunities and procedures can be

Ground operations, flight dispatch and airfield operations

Working for an airline

Cargo processing/handling

obtaining ATC clearances, checking the Get in touch significance of delays and re-routings Tel: 0121 204 3099

email:regard mba@aston.ac.uk with to crew duty periods, and Web: www.aston.ac.uk

arranging for ground support in the event diversions,onamong See theof advertisement page 2 other things. They may also become involved in route

Two‐week technical workshop Subjects covered with customsPin clearances and security, and tumbler locks ensuring correct of special cargo Disc handling locks Radial locks such as dangerous goods and live animals. locks bodies The work alsoPin‐tumbler involves the physical handling UPVC lock bodies

processing of cargo documentation, dealing

of both import and export cargo through

obtained them direct. Get infrom touch Tel: 01432 341257

email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com Aviation engineering Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk

Understandably, suitably qualified and experienced ex-Service See the advertisement on people page 39 are a welcome addition to the aviation

Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an

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engineering industry, which essentially

knowledge than for Category A. This

Use your ELC

splits into two areas: aircraft and avionics.

requires a longer period of experience and

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

Aircraft engineers inspect, repair and

examination at a higher level.

training can be taken, provided it is offered

maintain airframes and engines. Avionics

The requirements for Category C can be

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

engineers are concerned with the electrical

achieved through being a:

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

and electronic equipment on aircraft,

graduate with a degree in Aeronautical

co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full

Engineering recognised by the CAA, or

details of how to make the most of your

including instruments, radio and radar.

a similar discipline that is considered

Entry and training

relevant to aircraft maintenance

Taking the example of an aircraft

and that has been accepted for

maintenance engineer’s licence, training to obtain one is usually via: l

completion of an approved CAA basic

this purpose by the CAA l

B1 or B2 licence holder with certifying experience.

training course (see below), at an ATO

Applicants who successfully complete a

(although not compulsory, this allows

Part-147 approved basic training course will

a reduction in the experience required

have received instruction in the required

to gain a Part-66 aircraft maintenance

subjects, and passed the exams associated

licence – see below)

with that course and the respective licence

a recognised industry apprenticeship

category.

scheme, which provides on-the-job

Under Part-66 there is a requirement

training to NVQ level 3 and usually takes

to record satisfactory basic training and

two to four years (contact individual

skills attainment as a prerequisite for basic

employers direct for specific details on

licence issue. To assist both basic and type

entry requirements and availability).

rating applicants to demonstrate that they

It is also possible to enter the industry with

meet the licensing requirements, the CAA

the equivalent UK Armed Forces training.

has introduced an aircraft maintenance

However, for a Part-66 licence, one year’s

engineer’s logbook.

civil experience is required. In addition to relevant experience, exams need to

We have given just a few examples here,

be completed and no exemption is given.

but as you can see, licensing and training

There is also a special route for CAA licence

to work as an aircraft or avionics engineer

holders seeking registration as Incorporated

is quite a complicated area, so to find out

Engineers (IEng) and Engineering

about current licensing requirements in

Technicians (EngTech). For further

more detail, please refer to the EASA and

information and guidance contact the Royal

CAA websites (see ‘Key contacts’).

Aeronautical Society or the Engineering Council (see ‘Key contacts’). Information on

Aviation security

how to obtain a Part-66 Engineer’s licence

To find out about working in this sector,

may be found on the CAA website.

please take a look at the full-length feature

A Part-66 aircraft maintenance licence

careers/career/aviation-security Further

and experience requirements for any

information can be obtained direct from

aircraft basic category and aircraft type

potential employers.

broadly between mechanical and avionics

Air traffic control

trade disciplines, with the mechanical

Air traffic controllers provide instructions,

licence category being further subdivided.

advice and information to pilots by radio, to

There are also levels within the licence that

keep air traffic flying safely, efficiently and

allow the holder to perform certain roles

quickly. Aircraft movement is controlled

within line and/or base maintenance. These

by NATS Holdings (formerly National Air

reflect different levels of task complexity,

Traffic Services, widely known as NATS for

and are supported by different standards of

short). It provides air traffic control (ATC)

experience and knowledge.

to aircraft flying through UK-controlled

The wider privileges of the Category

pages 6–26. Q

KEY CONTACTS

Airlines recruit individually, in many cases via their websites Association of Licensed Aircraft Engineers (advice on training and course providers) 01932 577 007 alae@alae.org www.alae.org Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 020 7379 7311 fclweb@caa.co.uk (pilot licensing) eldweb@caa.co.uk (engineer licensing) ATS.licensing@caa.co.uk (enquiries about licences or certificates for ATCs, flight information service officers and the radio operator’s certificate of competence) www.caa.co.uk @UK_CAA Engineering Council 020 3206 0500 www.engc.org.uk @EngCouncil European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) www.easa.europa.eu @EASA

on our website: www.questonline.co.uk/

confirms that the holder has met knowledge

rating specified. The licence is divided

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

airspace and at several UK airports, and has

B licence, and the role of the technician

its own training college. To find out more

in defect diagnosis/rectification and

about becoming an air traffic controller,

system inspection require a more detailed

contact NATS direct (see ‘Key contacts’).

Heathrow Airports Holdings (formerly British Airports Authority, BAA) recruits by airport with no central department www.heathrow.com @HeathrowAirport NATS Holdings (National Air Traffic Services) 01489 616001 www.nats.aero @NATS Royal Aeronautical Society (RAES) 020 7670 4300 raes@aerosociety.com www.aerosociety.com @AeroSociety

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AVIATION

I DID IT! Name: Richard Saunders

the Service ethos the RAF followed.

Final rank: Royal Air Force

While serving, he gained experience in

Current employer: Ascent Flight Training

communication and specialist technical

Current role: Operations Training

knowledge; he also developed the ability

System Manager

to cope with a diverse range of tasks and

leadership training. ollowing 22 years in the RAF,

To begin his resettlement, Richard

ex-Acting Wing Commander,

attended a Career Transition Workshop

Richard Saunders left in October

at RRC Tidworth, which he found very

2015 to pursue a civilian career and gain

useful and well presented. He also

a more stable work–life balance.

went to a FAR Workshop and gained

During his time in the military, Richard thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of flying high-performance aircraft, working with high-calibre personnel and

THE CIVILIAN WORLD IS NOT TO BE FEARED AND OUR MILITARY BACKGROUNDS ARE WELL RESPECTED

THE RESETTLEMENT PACKAGE AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PREPARE FOR LEAVING ARE OUTSTANDING, SO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM

In this role, Richard is responsible for

a qualification in APMP (Project

the development of training packages to

Management) during his resettlement.

support the delivery of flying training to

Richard knew he wanted to stay in a career within aviation, and with prior

the UK Armed Forces. Reflecting on his resettlement,

knowledge of the company Ascent Flight

Richard advises other Service leavers

Training, he undertook a civilian work

that, ‘The resettlement package and

attachment with them, which he loved. In

opportunities to prepare for leaving

September 2015 he sent the company his

are outstanding, so make the most of

CV and, after successful interviews, was

them.’Q

offered the role of Operations Training System Manager with them.

RE committing to courses st

Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2016_C4F 29/03/2016 15:55 Page 39

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May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION

Prepare to

protect! The various sectors of the security industry offer a huge range of employment opportunities – none more so than close protection. Could CP be your calling?

to ensure that it is secure and returned safely afterwards. This type of role can range from half a day to several consecutive days’ work.

hile close protection (CP) work

Roles and requirements

Lifestyle management

has traditionally been associated

Bodyguarding, private security detail (PSD),

Lifestyle management companies offer busy

with reducing risk to an individual

executive protection, residence security

people a service that meets their individual

or family who are considered to be under

team and personal protection officers are

needs: from people who may just need an

threat of attack or kidnap, the CP role

just some of the terms associated with

extra pair of hands in their daily business

can also extend to many other tasks, as

the CP role, but the range of different

activities, to more permanent lifestyle

discussed in detail in this feature.

opportunities available go way beyond these.

support, security and concierge services.

We take a look at just some of the many and

Some business people travel extensively in

varied options here …

their work and personal lives, and have little

Depending on the level of risk, a CP team can vary in size from one or two members to a fully equipped team who can provide

loan. The company that owns the item needs

time themselves. Well-trained CPOs with

residential/hotel security, security advance

Asset protection

good organisational and negotiation skills

parties (SAP) and protection during moves

An asset could be anything from a high-

can alleviate many minor burdens, leaving

by vehicle or on foot. It is important that

value necklace to an aircraft, or even a

business people to concentrate on the

the team leader or operator can assess the

horse! Close protection operatives (CPOs)

important things.

risk and be able to recommend the required

are often used to protect high-value items

level of security, commensurate with the

such as jewellery, or the person wearing

professionals with good communication and

perceived threat.

the jewellery – for example, in the case of a

interpersonal skills who are presentable

photo shoot where a piece of jewellery is on

and used to solving everyday problems. For

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Opportunities exist for well-trained

some clients, personal security and safety

additional qualifications, such as project

provides excellent income and stability, not

when travelling abroad is often their last

management, may enhance an individual’s

to mention excellent experience to add to

thought, as their primary concern is the

employability. Some with a CP background

their CV.

management of the travel and transport

have gone on to work for overseas

arrangements.

government agencies managing teams

Surveillance

These matters are second nature to

of court security officers, and to provide

While being a qualified and/or experienced

trained CP personnel, and go hand in hand

realistic training in legislation and conflict

CPO does not mean you are a trained

with personal security needs. In short, many

management, acting as technical advisers

surveillance operator, many companies

people are not looking for a CPO, but a

to individuals working with CCTV and access

will look to trained CP individuals to

concierge or personal assistant. However,

systems, and running practical exercises

provide aspects of or join surveillance

it is highly advantageous if this person can

in threat and surveillance awareness.

teams. Although these roles often go to

also take care of their security and safety

Furthermore, CPOs have also been involved

those with specific training and experience

needs at the same time without them

as advisers in the security design of

working in surveillance, opportunities to

appearing to have a protection officer.

buildings, structure and strategy.

work in surveillance and investigative roles

Remember, you might not be employed as a

cannot be ruled out. By gaining additional

security operator, but you may be expected

Expedition security/safety

qualifications in surveillance and/or

to take on the role of one as well as that

There are various reasons for expeditions,

professional investigations, an individual

of a PA, concierge, chauffeur, etc. Being

ranging from media crews and television

will be able to look at other employment

a qualified CPO can give that extra added

companies through to oil expeditionary

openings. With the licensing of private

value to someone who initially may not have

search teams. Some multinational retail

investigators due to be enforced some time

given personal security a second thought.

organisations travel around the world

in 2015 anyone employed as what is defined

looking for exclusive products for their

as a private investigator will need a relevant

Household management

outlets, which can take representatives

Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence and

Many companies offer complete household

to more remote, hostile and hazardous

qualification.

management services, providing everything

environments as part of their work activities,

from chauffeurs and gardeners to security

prompting a need for a certain level of

Management

and butler services. Approaching these

security. Not all roles will involve large-scale

Some CPOs go on to more managerial

companies with a good, diverse CV, showing

teams and, depending on risk level, the job

roles within security, their qualification in

a range of skills, can open up a range of

could be undertaken by either an individual

CP proving attractive to employers who,

different opportunities for CP trained

or small team.

although not specifically looking for a CPO,

personnel. It may lead to a position as

recognise that the skills and knowledge

personal safety and security manager,

Media protection

that come with this level of training are

or even as a member of a permanent or

Media crews often have a level of security

invaluable.

temporary residential security team.

both for their own protection and the protection of the high-value equipment

Security chauffeuring

Other roles

they carry, which can be worth tens of

Other more unusual roles include working

Chauffeuring companies, like many other

thousands of pounds. Ranging from fly-on-

for the NHS providing protective security to

businesses, have recognised a need to

the-wall documentaries and news crews to

those with mental health-related disorders or

expand their services. In a growing market,

major sporting events, these roles can see

learning difficulties, whereby operators act

many now offer security chauffeuring

operators employed on short- or long-term

as a protection officer in a discreet manner

coupled with a personal protection service,

contracts around the UK and the world

in order to safeguard individuals from harm

sometimes referred to as the individual

in a multitude of potentially hazardous

while going about their daily business.

bodyguard (IBG). Gaining advanced driving

environments. In addition, operators may

qualifications, such as RoSPA’s Occupational

also (depending on their level of training and

Skill up while serving

Advanced Driving and Security and

skill) be required to provide an element of

The CPOs most in demand are generally

Protective Advanced Driving, can open

medical support and liaison.

those from a Special Forces or military

another route to employment for CPOs in

background where experience has been

Residential security

gained over a number of years. As well as

Many companies employ security guards to

those contracts that require operators to

Venue-based security

protect property and premises if they are

carry firearms, overseas contracts in the

Because of the diverse environments

vacant, however those individuals with a CP

more high-risk countries generally require

CPOs need to be capable of working in,

licence are more attractive to employers.

operators to have local knowledge and the

opportunities can open up within sporting

Some roles have seen newly trained CPOs

ability to operate on their own. It is possible

venues, large hotels and even national

earn upwards of £150–£200 per day. Some

for someone without this background to

infrastructure. Linked with security

have retained a long-term contract for 18

progress to this level, but they will need

management and/or supervisory roles,

months based on a six-day week, which

to establish their reputation as part of a

both hostile and executive markets.

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION

team in the UK, often on a more mundane contract, but where they can prove their skills, reliability and professionalism. It is generally during such contracts that the opportunity to network can lead to more interesting tasks.

Get qualified! An SIA CP licence is required for those ‘guarding one or more individuals against assault or against injuries that might be suffered in consequence of the unlawful conduct of others. This applies if your services are supplied for the purposes of or in connection with any contract to a consumer.’ Licensing will include a criminal records check; operating without the correct licence is a criminal offence. You can find

equivalent), risk management or even

full details of licence types, and licensable

training qualifications, such as the new

qualified CP operator can expect is relatively

roles and activities (including CP) on the

level 3 Award in Education & Training

low-risk tasks in the UK or in more benign

SIA website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.

and Certificate for Deliverers of Conflict

environments. It is therefore important to

uk This is the best source of in-depth and

Management. All of these will go towards

consider course content carefully before

up-to-date information on the qualifications,

promoting you as a highly skilled, diverse

spending hard-earned money, and to seek

licensing and training required to work in

and employable security professional,

advice on the training that will suit your

this industry.

enabling you to demonstrate to potential

background and expectations. There are also

employers that you have more than an

online networking and forum sites available

the perceived impression of simply providing

SIA licence, have invested in yourself and

via which you can seek advice from others in

protection from attackers, with many

developed beyond the general baseline of

the sector, an example of which is CP World:

roles now looking for a range of additional

industry requirements.

www.closeprotectionworld.com

These days, the role of CPO extends past

The majority of work that a newly

qualifications and experience a close

There are many courses on offer

protection grounding can bring. Gaining

Choosing a course

that will give you directly applicable

additional qualifications in health and safety,

For anyone wishing to enter the industry,

training; there are also courses that give

enhanced medical qualifications such as the

the quality of the instructors and the

you invaluable background/supporting

Medicine in Remote Areas (MiRA), which is

training they deliver is important. Reputation

information and skills, which will be viewed

endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons,

is everything in the CP industry and being

by potential employers as worthy knowledge

and the Responding to Emergency Medical

trained by a recognised expert helps

in this area.

Incidents and Trauma (REMIT) will make you

students. However, the downside of this is

more attractive to employers and the client.

that reputable trainers will not automatically

in, e.g., health and safety, fire risk

Consider enhancing your skills and

pass everyone who attends a course –

assessment, fire safety, search training,

knowledge in other areas too, such

something that should be considered before

physical intervention, substance

as project management (PRINCE2 or

paying for expensive courses.

awareness, handcuffing, survival training,

It is also important to consider the

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS Threat assessment, forward planning and anticipation of the unexpected are important aspects of all planning, and administration and logistics are among the most critical aspects of the task once the aim has been established. The principles of prior preparation and planning practised in the military provide a sound background for all CP tasks. The ability to communicate easily with the client, sound general knowledge and an awareness of current affairs are invaluable assets, as is a quiet sense of humour.

Short (one day to two weeks) courses

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

hostile environment awareness training,

course content. A good example of this is

travel awareness and defence techniques,

whether firearms training is necessary or

detecting deceit, and understanding

not. In the majority of CP tasks, firearms

stewarding at spectator events, will

will not be carried and there are very

give you a good background knowledge

few countries that allow the carriage of

before you progress to more in-depth

firearms by non-military/police personnel.

and specific training. Alternatively, these

Generally, only men and women with

courses can be seen as professional

operational experience of weapon handling

development for an employment role

will be engaged on a contract where the

you already hold. Some courses, such

use of a weapon might be necessary to

as health and safety, can be undertaken

protect a client. If the carriage of firearms

online, and may require just a few hours

is necessary, even the more experienced

of study (including an assessment of your

operators will require refresher training

understanding). Costs can vary, as many

with the weapon they’ll carry before an

of the courses are privately run, but can

operational deployment.

start from about £50.

Next comes a range of relatively short

different courses have to offer. Most

CPOs will openly state that having this

part-time further education courses,

importantly, seek advice from anyone you

background has developed them personally,

giving you a recognised qualification,

know who is already working in the sector

and the qualities and varied opportunities

which would then allow you to progress

and find out who are the most respected

that come with it have made them more

to a higher level of study. FE courses

training providers. Try to attend security

employable. It has led to employment with

include, for example, an NVQ level 2

seminars and briefings where you can meet

government departments, commercial

in Spectator Safety, which would take

others already working in the sector and

companies and individuals in a variety of

between 8 and 12 months to complete,

the companies who are likely to employ or

roles, such as risk management, threat

or an NVQ level 3 in providing security,

subcontract to you when you have qualified.

awareness, crisis management, design

emergency and alarm systems, which could take between six months and

Use your ELC

two years. Many of these courses have

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

and teams providing security, to name but

flexible study options, so you could, if

training can be taken, provided it is offered

a few.

you prefer, study them intensively, full-

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

time, over a period of four or five weeks.

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

provides self-confidence, diplomacy and

For some courses at this level, you may

co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full

interpersonal skills, improves organisational

be expected to have undertaken a First

details of how to make the most of your

and planning abilities, and instils an ability

Aid at Work course and/or have an SIA

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages

to see the bigger picture and understand

licence (see earlier). Costs typically start

6–26.

strategic viewpoints. In addition, experienced

at around £250. l

management and oversight of individuals

Furthermore, on a personal level it

CPOs will openly state that they are able to

Apprenticeships are growing in

Finding employment

this sector and may typically cover

Most CP operators are self-employed and

levels, from those lower down in the

areas such as static guarding, patrol

contracted to security and risk management

security industry to the movers, shakers and

guarding, reception duties, retail

companies. Commercial contracts can

decision-makers high up, not afraid to offer

security and operating/studying CCTV.

run from days to months, and are agreed

well-thought-out and structured answers or

Apprenticeships are also likely to

between the client and the security

acting as that ‘voice of reason’ and sense

incorporate how to handle key data, such

company. The CP operator will sign his own

at all levels. Finally, CPOs are some of the

as hard-copy documents, and how to

contract with the company. Networking

few who are able to fill the gap between the

keep accurate records. As a workplace

is vital, and an individual’s reputation

operational aspects of the industry and the

apprentice, you are likely to find it easier

for reliability and experience are critical

theoretical professionals. Q

to progress to a much higher (perhaps

to his or her chance of getting further

managerial) role within the company.

work and progressing to the more

Moving further towards higher

lucrative, longer-term contracts.

education, BTEC level 4 courses begin

Local knowledge, both for tasks in

to encompass some of the management

the UK and overseas, is essential for

roles within the sector. For example,

many contracts, where orientation and

a BTEC in Security Management is

familiarity is necessary.

likely to provide a comprehensive

consultancy, project management,

relate to and liaise with people on different

Very few training providers can

insight into topics such as the role of

guarantee work in the CP sector because the

the manager, current/key legislation,

industry simply isn’t geared to permanent

security technology, crime management

payroll employment, and even subcontract

and prevention, and instigating crime

work can be ‘feast or famine’. It is also

reduction initiatives. A course like this

difficult to assess the ability of an individual

would typically cost around £2,000 and

until they have been seen and tested on

could be undertaken intensively over

a course. So beware of companies that

several days of full-time study.

promise too much and be wary of those

A foundation degree within a related

that offer too little. There is currently a

security/close protection topic (e.g.

shortage of female CP operatives, who

Security Risk Management) may count

are in particular demand for guarding

towards a BA or master’s. That said, if

female principals, family members and

you can prove that you gained relevant

children, especially in some cultures and

experience in the military, you may be

environments.

able to move straight on to studying at master’s level. It’s always worth checking

In conclusion …

and making your Service experience

A CP qualification, and subsequent good

explicit when you are seeking courses.

practice and valuable experience in its

Look around and compare what the

application, can open many doors. Many

KEY CONTACTS

British Security Industry Association 0845 389 3889 info@bsia.co.uk www.bsia.co.uk @thebsia Security Industry Authority 0844 892 1025 www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk @SIAuk Security Institute 0845 370 7717 info@security-institute.org www.security-institute.org @SyInstitute Skills for Security 01905 744000 info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk @Skills4Security

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YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Access your HE dreams

Even without the necessary qualifications, the Access to Higher Education Diploma could offer you the chance to reawaken your educational aspirations

Service leavers registered for ELC can use the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the

Do any of the following sound familiar?

IAN WEBBER

immediately after the Access to HE course)

Fast food restaurant manager to primary school teacher …

or an Advanced Learner Loan to fund their

the importance of education and the

Ian was a fast-food

are written off for QAA-recognised Access

empowerment it bestows’

restaurant manager

to HE courses on completion of higher

before he enrolled on

education studies, and repayments don’t

an Access to HE course.

start until you start to earn more than

He’d always meant to

£21,000 per annum.

‘In my teens I didn’t understand

‘I left school at 15 years old with no qualifications’ ‘I’d always planned to go on to further study but, what with one thing

study, but somehow life

and another, life somehow just took

got in the way.

over’

studies. Advanced Learner Loan balances

It is important to look into your funding options carefully to ensure you make the best choice for you. Access to

‘As a teenager I was convinced that people like me couldn’t go to university’ If so, an Access to HE course could be for

‘I’d always planned

HE providers, your education officer or

to go on to further study but, what

transition staff should be able to help you

with one thing and another, life

choose the best route.

somehow just took over’

you.

Tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas vary. However, if you take out an

When you ask young children what

When he was younger he’d always wanted

Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your

they want to be when they grow up, they

to be a teacher. He was a volunteer

studies, the fees will be around £3,350.

are often very clear: ‘I’m going to be an

basketball coach and enjoyed seeing the

The government-backed scheme makes

astronaut/a princess/a soldier/a doctor.’

young people he coached achieve, and

Advanced Learner Loans available to

Not everyone can become an astronaut

decided he’d follow his dream.

eligible students aged 19 and over. More

or a princess, of course, but for some the

Ian gave up his full-time job and

information is available from the .gov

dream comes true. Many of you will have

enrolled on an Access to HE course in

website: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-

fulfilled the dreams of many – travelling

healthcare. With a young family to support

loan

the world in the service of your country.

and no financial support, he worked three

Maybe it’s time to dream a new dream, or

part-time jobs around his studies. He

to follow your childhood dream.

completed his Access to HE course and

Read on to find out how QAA-

higher education (HE) course must be done

went to University of Birmingham where he

recognised Access to HE qualifications

completed a degree in physical education,

have helped others follow their dreams and

joining his passion for sport with his new-

change their lives – some of whom thought

found love for learning. He became a

education wasn’t really for them …

primary school teacher.

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Example repayment amounts Annual income Monthly income before tax

Monthly repayment

Up to £21,000 £1,750 £0 £22,000 £1,833 £7 £25,000 £2,083 £30 £30,000 £2,500 £67 £35,000 £2,916 £105 £40,000 £3,333 £142

NNEKA AKUDOLA

education providers. Each year, around

location, subject, provider or type of

25,000 students successfully complete

study).

Waitress to criminal barrister …

an Access to HE course and are accepted on to higher education courses; around

(find out about doing maths and English

Nneka Akudola became a criminal barrister

half of them are aged 25-plus. Since QAA

GCSEs before you start if you don’t

after completing an Access to HE course

started collecting data in 1999, more than

already have them).

in legal studies. With only four GCSEs, she

330,000 of the mature students who

was working long hours

gained an Access to HE Diploma have gone

Could you get an Advanced Learner

as a waitress, for very

on to university and started a graduate

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little reward, when she

profession or moved up the career

Diplomas are eligible for Advanced

decided to try Access

ladder; many of them left school with few

Learner Loans and the balance of

to HE.

qualifications.

the loan will be cancelled when you

3. Talk to your education advisors …

4. Check your funding options …

complete your HE studies.) Could you

‘I definitely couldn’t

SUE LONG

have taken a

At the age of 45, mother

degree without first

of two, Sue Long, was

completing the Access to HE

unable to progress in

information … When does the course

course’

her job without a degree.

start? Where will you be taught? How

use learning credits? Could you use the publicly funded FE/HE scheme? 5. Contact providers to get more

She felt she had missed

much teaching time is there? How

Nneka didn’t have any firm career ideas

out and decided to do

much time will you need to spend

when she started her studies, she just

something about it.

studying on your own? What support

wanted a degree. She was accepted for

can you expect? When and how do

a place to study law at Cardiff University

‘I left school at 15 with no

and was accepted to the bar a year after

qualifications. I thought you had to

you sign up? (Do you need to have an

graduating.

be super-brainy and super-rich to

interview or test before you enrol?) 6. Look at UCAS and university websites/speak to higher education

go to university’

admission staff … What are the entry

Education plays an important role in individual personal development and, for

Sue completed her Access to HE course in

requirements? (What qualifications do

many Access to HE students, the Diploma

a year and went on to study history at the

you need to get on the degree course?)

has changed their lives and helped them

University of Cambridge. She took a job at

Does the Access to HE Diploma you

to pursue a graduate profession or gain

the university after graduation.

want to do meet these needs?

promotion.

College-based full- and part-time courses

Course tutors provide a supportive,

‘If you are thinking about Access to

usually start in September; distance

encouraging, yet challenging environment

HE, don’t let “what might be” stop

learning courses tend to have different

to help adults make the transition to higher

you – let “what could be” drive you!

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education. Students also use their life

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Diplomas are available for January starts.

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you need to engage and be who you

one another, developing strong support

really want to be’

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Alan Searle, self-employed Access to HE student

atmosphere of mutual support and to this day I am still in contact with many of

1. Take the first step … Think about

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use your existing skills and learn new

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business psychologist and former

Follow your dreams and get on course to higher success

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On the course: ones make new friends l

make your university applications (mid-

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my classmates.’ Richard is now studying

what subject area you would like to

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towards a PhD and has almost succeeded

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start university (September). Q

in his dream to become a research

your current career? Do

scientist.

you want to change

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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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Make the best use of your ELCs by gaining professional fire safety qualifications from the experts in fire training at Vulcan. We hold public fire training courses throughout the year, at venues around the UK, including 5 Day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma, which give you the confidence, competence and tools to be able to put into practice your knowledge at the end of your training.

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

Q Plan ahead!

YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDING PLANNER

Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it

Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?

PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons

>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career

PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide

Other sources of information include:

Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)

A PD Route Map

>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)

unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)

PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel

A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure

College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available

There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources of advice and finance).

To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on page 22.

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College Courses

You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC and ELC. In addition, many in-Service education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families, especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families. Contact your education/training officer for details.

Personal Development Record (PDR)

Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.

Key: Q Service personnel

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

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Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning costs. You are able to claim 80% of your course fees, up to a maximum of £175 per financial year. To qualify for SLC funding, the course of study must lead to a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and directly benefit the Service.

Enhanced Learning Credits

The ELC scheme offers currently serving or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years. A new Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education ELC was created in 2016. It’s an aggregated lower-tier award, which is a single payment of up to £3,000 for those with six or more years of qualifying service, which will count as all three awards. You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost, and must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment. Detailed information about ELC can be found in the first half of this magazine. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)

The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation. For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well. If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com

University Short Courses

The University Short Course Programme (USCP) exists to enhance the general educational development of Service personnel through providing short courses at a range of universities in topics such as leadership and management, regional and strategic studies, and languages. Course fees and accommodation costs are funded by the Services. Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.

learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.

Jobcentre Plus Professional and Career Development Loans

Finding a job

These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900.

The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC), Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract (called Contract Funded training). These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of the £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the students, but other allowances may be available to help with those.

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.

Armed Forces Champions

Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

Useful contacts

Need to know more? Here’s who can help …

s noted For general enquiries

Education and Resettlement Staff

RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk

about the scheme, eligibility and

seeking further clarification of sS

(

qualifications, seek advice from

instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264

381580)

at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET

resettlement staff in the first instance,

SO3C’ (

not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer

625954)

Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF

Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors

the following single-Service education and

(PLAs), and Resettlement and

Army: Individual Education and

Learning Centres. Education and

guidance on eligibility or education/

Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army

Resettlement Staff seeking further

learning or resettlement needs. Policy

Education Centres, which must be used

clarification of sS instructions should

helpline details are as follows.

by Service leavers on resettlement.

contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:

RN: RN/RM Education and

Education and Resettlement Staff

’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (

Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval

seeking further clarification of sS

95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)

Education and Training Support

instructions should contact the relevant

Officers (NETSOs) and Naval

SO2 Retention and Resettlement in

In addition, advice on any aspect of the

Resettlement Information Officers

Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-

ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:

(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.

ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-

applications, not provide advice and

Mil:

People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

WANT TO WIN £250?

Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize! Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of qualifications (and are perhaps still working on others), or you’ve already negotiated the resettlement process and are well into your new life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us know about your experiences? Your own personal learning or resettlement story could feature in a future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner. So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

HUB THE

THE HUB

>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

Planning to work in pre-hospital care? Respond here …

First Line Response received ELC Provider status in 2010 and, since then, has continued to enhance the individual skills of ex-military personnel to create new career pathways within the pre-hospital care sector. We provide a broad range of clinical and driver education programmes, delivered by a team of tutors who have significant training experience in both the Acute NHS Trusts and NHS Ambulance Services – ensuring we meet the nationally recognised clinical standards for employment opportunities within the NHS and private sectors. The level 4 Associate Ambulance Practitioner and level 5 First Response Emergency and Urgent Care Diplomas offer the skills, knowledge and experience through apprenticeship-style learning, to allow for career progression towards paramedic education. On successful completion of our training packages, to include the level 4 Emergency Response Ambulance Driving course, candidates will have the experience and opportunity to gain employment within multiple pre-hospital environments, including the ambulance service, security industry and offshore and remote sectors. Courses are offered in a range of locations within the UK and Cyprus, with full industry recognition. First Line Response has provided education to support the prehospital sector to the highest standards for the past 13 years, and continues to develop training programmes and opportunities globally. Many of our past students have successfully gone on to gain employment directly with the NHS Ambulance Service or enhance their education by completing paramedic programs and/or offshore medic courses to take their skills overseas. Start your new career today – enrol on one of our clinical and emergency driving packages, all approved for funding. Get in touch 0345 5200 999 enquiries@firstlineresponse.co.uk firstlineresponse.co.uk See the advertisement on page 43

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

>> CHARITY NEWS

Wounded Veterans to take on gruelling muddy obstacle race to raise money for Blesma … and they want you to join them! A group of wounded Veterans are taking on the menacing Nuclear Races in May and they’re not about to let their injuries stop them. Blesma are partnering with Nuclear Races in Brentwood for its award-winning fun, tough and gritty obstacle race on 13 May. With a Blesma-dedicated wave at 12:40 and 500 places to fill, wounded Veterans are asking you to take part alongside them to complete this gruelling 7k race. Paraplegic Andy Bracey will be joined by Rob taking on the tightrope amputees Rob Copsey, Hannah Campbell, Colin Branch, Andrew Stockton and Matty Woollard in their bid to raise funds and awareness for military charity Blesma, the Limbless Veterans. Andy Bracey took part in a Nuclear Races taster day back in October as part of his own mission to show how much is achievable for those in wheelchairs: ‘I want loads of people to see what I’m doing and see that people in wheelchairs can do these challenges too!’ Andy served in the Royal Artillery for 17 years, touring in Northern Ireland in 1991 and Iraq in 2001–02. He was confined to a wheelchair after a motorcycle accident in 2005. In order to take part, he needs a team of 15–20 people to support him and is still looking for volunteers. So this is your chance to help! Blesma wants you to take part alongside its wounded Veterans. To get involved, visit https://blesma.org/support-us/ find-an-event/extreme-events/nuclear-rush/ or contact the Blesma fundraising team by calling 0208 548 7089 or emailing fundraising@blesma.org To find out more about the work of Blesma, visit www.blesma.org

Valuable training package awarded to first ‘deserving delegate’ Corporate Risk Systems Limited has a programme of donating an MoD Full House training package, valued at £2,600, to a deserving delegate at all remaining BFRS events in 2017. The first of these is Kimberley Edmunds-Jones, who was nominated by the charity Armed Forces Bikers. The reason behind her nomination was that she has not found things easy since leaving the military – she has PTSD, but has worked hard to overcome barriers due to this. At present she is having difficulty securing full-time employment, but does pick up some part-time work. The training package is of particular interest to Kimberley due to the path she wants to take, and the charity knows it will be the sort of training she can ‘really get her teeth into’. Kimberly was presented with the certificate that will allow her to claim her future training at the recent BFRS Catterick Jobs and Careers Fair, by David Hancock-Dexter, Sales Manager for Corporate Risk Systems Limited, and Amanda Wood-Woolley from Armed Forces Bikers.

David and Kimberley initially thought that the combination of the Nebosh National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Nebosh Certificate in Environmental Management and Nebosh Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate would be ideal for future job applications. Get in touch 01332 527107 advice@crsrisk.com www.crsrisk.com See the advertisement on page 11

>> BUSINESS START-UP

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces Part 9: Taxation of limited companies By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces One of the first decisions a start-up business must make is what business format to trade under. There are three basic formats – sole trader, limited company or partnership – although there are some other alternatives. The decision as to which format to choose has been made more complicated by a change in the way dividends from limited companies are taxed. The change took effect on 6 April 2016. Until then most people forming limited companies paid themselves a salary to use up their personal tax allowance and took the renaming profits as dividends. This was because, previously, dividends were treated as 10% tax paid as well as not making the recipient liable to National Insurance.

Terrorism: understand the threat, reduce the risk

So what are the changes? From 6 April 2016 dividends received attract tax above a dividend taxfree allowance of £5,000. Above this level, dividends will be taxed at 7.5% for standard rate tax payers. Higher rate tax payers will pay tax at 32.5% above earnings of £32,000. For the top rate of tax (earnings above £150,000) dividends will be taxed at 38.1%

In his book, The Psychology of Terrorism, John Horgan talks about the definition of terrorism and how consensus is hard to reach beyond a broader definition: ‘terrorism involves the use, or threat of use, of violence as a means of attempting to achieve some social or political effect’. Regardless of how we define it, terrorism remains one of the major threats that continue to dominate the global agenda, causing around 130,000 fatalities worldwide between 2006 and 2013 (source: Statista. com). Understanding the threat is key; whether that be to governments, transport networks, investments, private organisations or the public. Understanding the threat is about knowing who is involved, how and why they act, and their capacity to inflict harm. Established in 2006 in partnership with IBC Academy, the Terrorism Studies programme from the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews was the first transnational counterterrorism online course to provide individuals, military and police, as well as public- and private-sector organisations with an understanding of the latest thinking on terrorism and homeland security, making it the world’s leading online professional development programme in the field and recommended by many.

How does this work in practice? Two illustrations will aid understanding.

‘This training is by far the best I have experienced during my 27 years in the federal service and I will highly recommend it to my colleagues.’ Michael H. Sparks, Former Office of Security, US Department of Energy Since the early days of the course, the University of St Andrews has expanded its focus to include issues such as radicalisation, human rights and intelligence on terrorist use of IEDs, and has recently launched a new module on terrorism financing. Visit the website to find out more about this leading online course.

Profit £30,000 • Sole trader tax and NIC – £5,920 • Limited company corporation tax and income tax on dividends – £5120 • Saving for limited company – £800

Profit £75,000 • Sole trader tax and NIC – £23,128 • Limited company corporation tax and income tax on dividends – £21,470 • Saving for limited company – £1,658

Figures for limited companies assume a salary of £8,000 to the owner, to reduce taxable profits and to minimise the NIC contributions and the balance of profits after tax paid as a dividend to the owner. With profits of £30,000, a saving of £800 for the limited company would be absorbed by the additional costs of administration of a company. So, from 2016/17 onwards, to make savings in taxation, choosing a limited company is now less tax efficient. To cover the costs of being a limited company and to make significant savings in taxation, a business needs to be making profits approaching £40,000. The savings of forming a limited company start tailing off at around £50,000 and, at £100,000, the tax saving will probably not justify the additional costs. Ready to go? Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com

Get in touch +44 (0)20 3377 3210 or +1 (646) 957 8929 info@terrorismstudies.com www.terrorismstudies.com See the advertisement on page 17

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

THE HUB

I DID IT!

MA in Modern War Studies and Contemporary Military History

Name: Bob Skivington, Captain, Royal Tank Regiment Courses: VRQ level 3 Cycle Mechanic and Frame Building Provider: Downland Cycles

With Britain having recently been more heavily involved in ‘Leaving the Army and starting a overseas wars than at any point in the last half century, the new job or business is a difficult task. Gaining the correct up-to-date study of topics such as military history, war studies and security qualifications for your new job or issues has not been more important since the end of the Cold business venture is just sensible War. To enable students to gain a deep understanding of these thinking. My venture was in bicycles topics, and to prepare them for careers in related fields, the and Downland Cycles made gaining University of Buckingham offers a master’s degree in Modern those qualifications easy. I completed War Studies and Contemporary Military History, which is the Frame Building course and Bike conducted from locations in central London. Mechanic level 3 (Professional). The course offers a research degree and the assessed Finding the courses I wanted was piece of work is a dissertation of not less than 20,000 words. At easy using the ELCAS website, and the heart of the MA is the close relationship between student booking each module was no hassle and supervisor; all of the latter are experts and internationally whatsoever. recognised authorities in their fields. Since 2005 the university ‘The training was mature, has ranked first for student satisfaction in the National Students’ easy-going and catered for all levels Survey seven times and achieved its highest ever result in 2017. of experience, with a well-stocked There are no compulsory seminars, but the course offers workshop and plenty of room for six students. The majority of the Mechanic course was taught by one ten guest-speaker seminars, which add substantially to the instructor, with the odd lesson taken by another, maintaining continuity. learning experience of the students. The stellar programme of The accommodation slept six students and was on-site, which is ideal, speakers has recently included General The Lord Richards, Air allowing for late-night revision. It was warm, with a TV, fridge as well Chief Marshal The Lord Stirrup, Admiral The Lord West, Dr Liam as plenty of reading material. There was enough space not to be in one Fox MP, Professor Sir Hew Strachan, Professor Joanne Bourke, another’s pockets. Three meals per day are provided, all of which are very Baroness Neville-Jones, General Sir Nick Carter, Kate Adie, Sir good. Refreshments are also provided throughout the day, and all food is Max Hastings and Mark Urban. included in the accommodation cost. The course is ELC approved and an additional 20% discount is available for serving military ‘Support after the course is just a phone call away, with the option personnel and individuals who have recently left the Armed Forces. to attend refresher courses whenever needed in the future. The only additional charge for this is accommodation if you would like it. As a See the advertisement on page 23 leaving gift you are awarded a CD with all the information and links you will need, as well as a Downland Cycles T-shirt, not to mention some new friends. ‘Downland Cycles is exactly what a Service leaver needs to prepare. The staff have a wealth of experience and give advice over and above what you would expect; an offer to assist you with setting up in business with trade accounts is also given. ‘I can highly recommend, and commend, Bryan, Julie and Resettlement poses many challenges, not least Value doesn’t, however, come at the cost team for the service and support they provide to our Service leavers.’ in making sure it doesn’t disrupt your children’s of quality as state boarding facilities are now

Will I still be able to afford boarding?

Check out some of Downland’s other success stories … • Mark now works as a sales and mechanic professional at Bike Park Wales • Terry works at West End Cycles in Conwy • Steve Drewery works at Carbon Bike Solutions in Derbyshire • Steve Anderson works at Halfords • Tony Arnell has set up his own business, including sport science and bike fitting • Joe Joseph has set up a successful and expanding business at www.onyoucycle.co.uk • Congratulations also go to Craig McClelleand, who has set up a business – Spokey Cycle Maintenance – following level 3 Cycle Mechanics training with Downland • Andy Setchfield trained with Downland and now has a successful cycle business, Setchfield Cycles, which includes MTB leader training • David Torbitt who completed Downland’s training in 2012 and now works in Blöte bike shop in Germany • Steve Gaze owns a mobile cycle mechanic business in the Forest of Dean, Road 2 Trail. Get in touch 01227 709706 julie@downlandcycles.co.uk www.downlandcycles.co.uk See the advertisement on page 33

education. While boarding is an attractive indistinguishable from those in the independent option, promising high educational standards sector following a £20 million programme of as well as some very welcome stability at a time investment in boarding accommodation. Fully of great upheaval, many equipped health centres Service leavers find the and modern home comforts ongoing cost of boarding have replaced the outmoded in the independent sector concepts of a ‘visit to prohibitive. matron’ and the school dorm. This is where state Top-quality sports and arts boarding, with its fees of facilities underpin a packed around £4,000 per term programme of evening (less than half the cost of and weekend activities, comparable independent and many also offer schools) is an attractive comprehensive Combined option for many Service Cadet Force programmes, leavers, or even those with Science at Gordon’s School, a state boarding school particularly popular with in Woking half a mind to resettling military families. Following before their children are due the national curriculum, to leave full-time education. Fees are kept at this academic performance exceeds that of many more manageable level because the education is other schools, and state boarding schools paid for by the state and parents are only asked to regularly top league tables of results. cover the cost of the boarding. To find out more about the high-quality Already a popular choice with Forces families, education, state-of-the-art facilities and military children make up around 10 per cent of exceptional pastoral care offered in the state children in the state boarding system’s 30-plus boarding system, visit www.stateboarding.org.uk schools and, while most offer boarding from age 11, some can also accommodate primary-age See the advertisement on page 19 children.

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 23 May 2017, Newark CTP Employment Fair 29 June 2017, Bristol These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l

opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

Want to keep flying? Here’s how … If you are considering continuing to fly upon leaving the Armed Forces, equip yourself with the knowledge of what you’ll need to fly in the civilian world. First of all you’ll need a civilian licence – CPL or ATPL (you’ll need to check if you satisfy the prerequisites in either case). Depending on your aspirations, there will probably be specific further requirements – for example, if wanting the ability to fly IFR you will need to convert your military IR to a civilian qualification, and you’ll need a certain number of hours in order to fly HEMS or police aircraft. It pays to prepare yourself well in advance of your military leaving date. At Babcock, formerly Bond, we maintain a full working knowledge of all regulatory changes as and when they are introduced. We operate an ATO (flying school) but we are also at the forefront of the HEMS, police and offshore sectors. This is an ever-changing environment; as part of the training solution we want to be instrumental in preparing you for training, as well as guiding you through whichever course you undertake in preparation for your future flying career. Scott Armstrong served in the Royal Navy from 1991–2017. After 26 years of flying in almost every environment possible, he was looking to continue

a challenging and rewarding aviation career in the commercial sector. Scott says: ‘I chose Babcock to conduct my (self-funded) training – first, as they are a recognised and experienced training organisation, but also because they are familiar with the requirements of Service leavers. They produced a training programme specifically tailored to my experience. This was right for me both financially and in terms of managing my expectations. ‘The reception I received from the training team and the company as a whole was very similar to that of any military unit: pragmatic, efficient and keen to deliver what the customer wanted. During my training I was interviewed for and accepted a position as a touring pilot with Babcock. I am now part of a team that includes operations staff, logisticians, paramedics, doctors and engineers, all with a common aim: to provide a service that is second to none and leads the ways in the HEMS and air ambulance industry.’ Get in touch +44 1452 856007 or +44 1452 716348 Elly.Clark@babcockinternational.com www.babcockinternational.com See the advertisement on page 9

Airline ops and dispatch: meeting the challenge of change Some things don’t change but, being at the forefront of technology, aviation does – constantly. Operational standards, and training, must meet the challenges of such changes. Operations and flight dispatch personnel are responsible for flight planning and preparation for flights, so that pilots don’t need to spend their vital duty periods doing it themselves. In the USA there is a Dispatchers Licence, but in the rest of the world, the nearest thing to verified approval is the City & Guilds accredited award. Both have their origins in the recommended syllabus from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which seeks to promote safe standards that are common worldwide. As air transport advances, so does training. Programmes to meet these standards are often available only ‘in house’ as airlines provide for their own staff, and some locations in the USA provide classroom courses tailored to US standards and procedures. Courses designed according to worldwide procedures are also available via open learning, which enables

candidates to take the full City & Guilds course in their own home at their own speed. Exams can be taken in the UK or at British Councils around the world. Avtech2000 provides such programmes and is ELC approved, so you need only pay a small proportion of the total cost of course and exams. It’s a considerable qualification involving five exams totalling nine hours (or add another extra two-hour exam if you have no previous experience and need the foundation course as well). Avtech is currently making significant upgrades to all of its units to keep up to date, so not surprisingly it is used not only by UK military personnel on resettlement, but also intercontinental airlines like Qantas, many major European carriers and indeed the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Get in touch 01892 770250 administrator@avtech2000.co.uk www.avtech2000.co.uk See the advertisement on page 30

>> TICKETS FOR TROOPS

Lewis Hamilton surprises soldiers, sailors and airmen on board HMS Middleton British F1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton was given a guided tour of HMS Middleton at its current base in Bahrain last month. Hamilton, who came second in the Bahrain Grand Prix, took time out to pose for photos, sign autographs and learn more about Royal Navy operations in the region, shortly before the Minehunter set sail. Thanks to generous support from the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Dragon Advisory Limited and CSM Sport & Entertainment, Tickets For Troops secured 40 tickets each day for members of the Royal Navy, and their Army and RAF colleagues, all serving with the UK Maritime Component Command, to attend the Bahrain Grand Prix. Tickets For Troops trustee, Stuart Higgins, organised the visit of the former F1 Champion to the ship, which ensured that Service personnel who have spent months away from their families and friends could enjoy the Easter weekend in style. The charity has distributed more than 980,000 free tickets in the past seven years and is proud to offer tickets to troops that they can share with their loved ones, as a small acknowledgement and reward for the work they do for our country. To find out more, visit www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk

>> CHARITY NEWS

Truly, man’s best friend Service Dogs UK is a unique charity that partners rescue dogs with mentally wounded individuals. The dogs help Forces Veterans and members of the emergency services cope with the effects of PTSD. Mark is a former Serviceman, whose fully trained dog, Jerry, helps him with the challenges of PTSD. ‘He’ll load the washing and unload it as well, and make sure I hang it up, and he wakes me up from nightmares at night. I can’t really think where I’d be without him, but I know where I am with him.’ Co-founder of the charity, Royal Navy Veteran, frontline Police Sergeant, and mental health champion, Garry Botterill, comments, ‘It’s great that Veterans are gaining independence. They are doing things they haven’t done before, they are reintegrating with society because the dogs act as a furry, friendly barrier at times, and help start a conversation.’ The dogs provide unconditional love and reassurance, but the power of these pooches goes beyond that of a normal assistance dog. Watch our furry friends in action in this moving report from British Forces News: http://forces. net/radio/homeless-hounds-improving-lives-veterans You can watch British Forces News on Forces TV: Sky 264, Virgin 277 or Freesat 165; online at www.forces.net; or on air at Forces Radio BFBS.

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE locksmith, Steve’s former life as an air electronics operator seems a world away. Following a chance air experience flight with the Air Cadets, he had always wanted to fly on Nimrods and, in 1996, he joined 201 Sqn based at RAF Kinloss. While travelling the world, life was great, but after a move to Waddington in 2001 it became clear to Steve that RAF life no longer suited his family situation: ‘I loved my job and my family,’ he says, ‘It was tough, but I chose to retrain and set up in business.’ When he left the RAF in 2004, Steve was full of confidence for the future: ‘With all the training I had and the preparation during resettlement, I believed it would be a walk in the park.’ But, looking back, he wishes he’d known the truth about setting up in business from someone with experience of doing just that themselves. He also wishes he’d known what it would be like to work as a sole trader. ‘I set up as an auto locksmith, knowing very little about cars, locks, business or keys – it was a bit crazy looking back!’ With a hefty mortgage, two small children and no customers, he did the only thing he could: ’I worked all the time to get work in, and ironically was seeing even less of my family than before.’ Steve was so unhappy that, after 12 months, he re-applied to the RAF. ‘We’d

Key skills Steve Bulleyment, ex-RAF and now Lincoln’s go-to auto locksmith, tells QUEST how he learned the hard way about the simple steps you too can take to ease your resettlement journey

we had little money and it was a pretty lonely life after losing contact with my RAF colleagues. On top of that, I worked alone, under pressure and I honestly believed I’d made a terrible mistake.’ However, a family bereavement meant that joining back up had to be put on hold and the opportunity was lost. A pretty desperate story. However, now Steve couldn’t be happier. He has a growing business, employs staff, loves his job and feels part of the local community. ‘I can look back and see the dark days, the recession and all that came with it. Being in business can be really tough and

ife in business is full of highs and

service. Now, though – 13 years later and

it can feel like there’s no help available.’

lows, as Steve Bulleyment knows

with a thriving business – he is keen to

So how did he turn things around?

only too well. His RAF training may

share some advice with Quest readers

The main message he wants to get

have taught him to be part of a Nimrod

on what to expect and how to handle

across to QUEST readers is that there

crew, but it didn’t fully prepare him for

resettlement.

are some simple steps that can be taken

the years that followed his exit from the

had to downsize to make ends meet,

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

These days trading as an auto

to make your transition easier. ‘I love my

life now,’ he says, ‘but I wish someone

talk to other business people.

had shared these things with me early

3. Find a mentor, or someone who has been in business and can guide

on.’

STEVE’S STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION 1. Stop spending money. Better still, once you decide you want to leave, research how much you think you

BEING IN BUSINESS CAN BE REALLY TOUGH

you. ‘After getting ill with worry, I

‘I know that getting time off in the

found a coach and it changed my

Forces is very hard now – however, once

whole life,’ says Steve. ‘It was a bit

you leave, every day you spend training

like seeing a shrink, but it also gave

will be a day not earning money, so if you

me some great ideas on how to take

can do it while you are still in, then all the

the business forward.’

better.’

4. Be brave. If you love what you do, tell

will earn and then try to live on it.

your customers. People love a story

You may have to give up all the good

and will buy into it if you are honest

Choosing the correct course

stuff, for a long time. It’s no good

and fair with them.

‘If you are like me,’ Steve continues, ‘you

5. Lastly and most importantly, do what

have probably sat leafing through this

leave, do it during resettlement and

you say you are going to do. ‘All my

magazine getting ideas for jobs. That’s

get some money in the bank.

troubles early on were caused by me

how I ended up as a locksmith. However,

not turning up when I said I would due

there some very important things to

people who are in business and get

to me being unrealistic about how

consider before choosing what to spend

into the habit of meeting with them

much time things took. If you are new

your valuable time on.

on a regular basis. It may lead to

in the job allow lots of time and don’t

work but, more importantly, it will be

put yourself under pressure.’

saying that you’ll do it once you

2. Join a networking group. Find

support for you when you need to

‘First, the training you get is going to need to be enough for you to earn a living. That means that, if you choose to start your own business, that information will be all you have, besides your previous experience. That’s why it is so important to choose wisely. Does the course have backup once you’ve left? If you want to be a plumber but don’t have any experience, are you going to be able to call someone when you’re stuck on a job? The reality is that if you can’t get the boiler working, you’ll have unhappy customers and you won’t get paid. They aren’t going to pay you because you tried really hard or spent all day there. If you’re thinking of setting up on your own, you’re not going to be able to

UNLOCKED POTENTIAL

call another plumber for help. So is it

Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is

practical what you are planning? How

a specialist auto locksmith company

much stress are you going to be putting

covering Lincolnshire. Launching in

yourself under?

to solve the problem of replacing lost

… AND TOP TIPS FOR TRAINING

and stolen car keys. The company now

On top of that, Steve also has plenty of

for the contact details of a few people

offers workshop facilities as well as a

good advice for QUEST readers about

who have done the course and are now

mobile service. Recognising the needs

ELC and training …

in the industry. These should be a mix

2004, Steve spotted an opportunity

of concerned vehicle owners, it offers

‘If you are going to survive in

‘Next, before you choose to sign up for a course, talk to the provider and ask

of recently completed and two to three

free consultations to find an affordable

business then you need to decide that

years on. If need be, get in your car, drive

solution to the growing number of car

you are going to learn as much as you

to where they are and spend few days

key problems.

can,’ he says. ‘During my resettlement I

with them. The idea isn’t just to find out

Recently Steve has also launched a

chose to do as much training as possible,

about the course, but to find out about

YouTube channel to help customers, and

attending day courses on business

the lifestyle choice. Are they happy?

opened an online shop as a trial, which

through the various resettlement

What do they love and hate? What

is in its early stages. ‘We’ll see what

organisations and also doing my ECDL

experience did they have before, and has

happens,’ he says. ‘I’m a big believer in

[European Computer Driving Licence]

that and the training been enough to get

trying things out.’

through Lincoln College on day release.

them through?

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY ‘You’re planning for your next 10–20

years, so take some time off and find out. The last thing you want is to use up all your resettlement, only to find that those coming out the other end hate the job! This will also give you a chance to ask honestly what the earnings prospects are like; people will tell you if you ask. I didn’t do this and assumed I’d earn 25K. The reality was that for the first two years I actually earned about £10K, which meant we had to sell the house! A bit extreme, but true. ‘Lastly, before choosing your course, talk to potential employers. You may be planning to work for yourself, but nine out of ten businesses fail within five years.

Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCEyGDGBNdu9 qlux2VM8IWLw

quickly it goes. Bear in mind that, for the last three months, you will probably be out of uniform. So plan ahead and get stuck

in. Talk to people in front of you; use the experience of people who have done it already. ‘Lastly – and as ridiculous as this might sound – don’t start a business just to avoid the pain of going through the interview process. Interviews and selection centres can be very daunting and, to be honest, part of me chose starting a business so that I didn’t have to be rejected by an employer. It was a mistake though. If I had to do it all again, I’d go on as many interviews as time allowed, use it for experience and find out what is out there. You might just get talking to someone That means that of all the people that

I started my degree with the Open

who could lead you on a completely

leave the Services and start a business,

University I remembered and my first year

different career choice, so just apply and

nine out of ten stop doing it within five

was partly paid for by ELC. I found it very

see what happens …’ Q

years, and most will have spent their

easy to apply for and the team were really

resettlement money, often their gratuity

helpful coordinating with the OU for

and their own savings, etc. So have a

me. However, when I re-applied the

backup plan and know what employers

second year, my ten years had run

want. That way, you can choose a course

out, just by a few days, and it cost

that will be useful to an employer.’

me £800 of my own money. So,

Remember your ELC ‘Make sure you use your ELC allowance! I had forgotten all about it, but when

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

get in early – and make sure you use what’s available.

‘Your resettlement time will go very quickly. It’s actually quite scary how

Get in touch

07832 147601 or 01522 514141 Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com thecarkeyman.com

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT

Inspiring independence Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not all. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans – helps the most vulnerable by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent The charity, Walking lives. Here, former Lance Corporal Kofi With The Wounded, Brempong tells us exactly what Stoll did for provides Stoll with an him … employment advisor to

ofi Brempong served as a Lance

In his procurement

Corporal in the Royal Regiment

role, Kofi looks after

Fusiliers for 12 years and was

12 wards at Lewisham

support Veterans to get a job or training.

is here to support vulnerable Service leavers – the

medically discharged in September 2015.

Hospital, ensuring his team

He thoroughly enjoyed his time in the

is ordering everything they

Armed Forces: ‘A lot of good things came

need from stationery to syringes. His

from my experience of Army life, but

main role is checking that all the stock

is vital so that people like Kofi and his

when I left the Army I thought, “What

is in order and being the main point of

family have a place they can call home.

next?”’

contact for the matron and ward sisters.

It is great to see that Kofi has now also

Kofi actually had a very similar role in

found work. This means he can live

referred to Stoll. The charity was able to

the Army, where he was a Weapons

independently and support his family.’ Q

assist him and his family with finding a

Armourer, responsible for ensuring each

home. Kofi, his wife and three children

regiment had all the correct weapons for

are currently living in a Stoll Veterans

missions and training exercises.

During his transition period, Kofi was

Nomination Scheme property in London. Kofi began working with Jenny, an

people who need our help the most. Arranging accommodation for people

Kofi says of his experience, ‘I’m so happy – more than happy. I am so

employment advisor, who helped him

thankful that I met the right people to

put together an updated CV, suggested

give me the right information. My advice

various employment opportunities

to other Service leavers would be to aim

and recommended that he

high – if you put your mind to

take a two-month course with the NHS. Says Kofi, ‘I didn’t know anything about getting a job, but Jenny helped to direct my actions. No one can do it for you, but Jenny

MY ADVICE TO OTHER SERVICE LEAVERS WOULD BE TO AIM HIGH – IF YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO THE TASK, YOU CAN DEAL WITH IT

the task, you can deal with

Stoll supports vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.

helped set me on the right path and in the right direction.’ Kofi has been working full-time for

it. I never thought I would be able to go into an NHS role – I just assumed I would go into security –

but the skills I learned in the Army fitted perfectly for this job, which I love.’

Stoll CEO, Ed Tytherleigh, adds: ‘Kofi’s story highlights the

the NHS since June 2016. He has also

importance of our personalised approach.

studied at South Thames College and

Most people manage the transition

gained his Security Industry Authority

from the Armed Forces to civilian life

(SIA) licence.

successfully, but not everyone does. Stoll

KEY CONTACTS

Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 info@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall

questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES FACTFILE

How to be a STAR interviewee

ackling today’s competency-based interviews with confidence calls for extra preparation and an

appreciation of what employers want to hear. A good way to begin is to identify the key skills and experiences that the job requires. Then ensure you have good examples to demonstrate your personal competency in each of them. Use the ‘STAR’ approach outlined below to answer the questions effectively. l

Situation – describe a tricky situation in your military role.

Task – explain what needed to be achieved.

Action – show how you addressed the task successfully.

Results – explain how this benefited your unit or your employer.

It’s simple but remarkably effective. Having at least five STAR stories up your sleeve can be invaluable at interview. They demonstrate that, when you are faced a plan and then implement that plan to

relations job and the interviewer asks:

EXTRA TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW

beneficial effect.

‘Can you give me an example of a time

with a problem, you can assess it, develop

Employers want to see that you have

when your organisation faced bad press

Allow plenty of time to get to the interview.

the skills necessary to turn a bad situation

and say how you managed it?’ If you’ve

into a good one. They are always keen

never had to manage bad press, tell

to hear how you have delivered positive

them instead about the time you dealt

outcomes in the face of adversity.

with a complaint or other negative

company and how your skills would

situation and turned it into a positive.

benefit the employer.

Say, for example, you’ve applied for a management job, which requires

This approach can’t give you

Have a good knowledge of what the company does.

Work out how you could fit in to the

Practise answering tricky questions with

good influencing skills. The interviewer

experience that you haven’t got, but it’s

says: ‘Tell me about a time when you’ve

a way of preparing yourself to tackle

influenced colleagues to achieve a

difficult questions in a positive way. It

positive outcome.’ You could draw on your

draws on your relevant experiences,

leadership experiences, explain where

providing examples where you have

choose something peripheral to the

you’ve managed troops in a wide variety

excelled, and if your work experience

core skill set required, then show how

of challenging situations and describe how

is lacking, you can use it to draw on

you are working to overcome them –

your actions achieved the desired results.

relevant experiences in your private life

for example, ‘My photography skills

Your answer should show that you’re a

instead. Q

need work, but I’m taking photography

strong contender.

Maybe you’re going for a public

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

a friend. l

Smile, try to relax, be positive and never criticise a former employer.

If you’re asked for your weaknesses,

evening classes.’

Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. found the commercial and Car opening You will be taught to strip and business side of selling and delivering advanced industrial Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by services exciting. Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field trainingSkills methods using specialist equipment. You Providing Practical Engineering interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that Training For Industry one for myself. And I’m glad that I did! out with a locksmith doing daily work on are found on wooden, aluminium and TECHNICAL ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in whatINSTRUCTOR to expect also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At The Role: Technical Instructors andto deliver short well. This design is designed give you commercial premises, suchOur as final‐exit yourself as a CiviltoAviation Authority doors and grill‐type theFancy same time, the improvements my skills when training of engineers base inthat invaluable experienceatinour situations gates.courses to small groups Accredited Commercial Pilot? presenting and communicating to aDrone wide range of audiences Rochester andyou throughout thearise, UK. This involves ordering may especially dealing with parts, the Along with all of the above will – from shop floor to very senior managers – have Jointhe the rapidly growing market at the rightbeen time. briefing and dealing with sub-contractors, training public if you have building never done this be given sound advice from professionals very noticeable.’ note that we canand arrange rigs, researching technicalbefore. issues,Please writing course notes Use your IRTC and accommodation credits towards a short with regard to the financial side of your Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You willdelivering be given guidance on training the actual courses. residential training course that will enable you to earn carrying out my day job, going to lectures, studying the at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how money using your drone commercially. All MODatresettlement weekends and my family. However, Aston was great, and Class hours are 9 am–4relevant pm. your vehicle should laid outElectrical and ThebePerson: engineering knowledge, forms available on request. very flexible. When, towards the end of my second year, my equipped, and even what type ofexperience vehicle qualifications, and an ability to communicate are Residential Course includes: Discounted daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. rate for to use. We will also This is without doubt the best locksmith help you to acquire the technical instructor’s most important assets. Previous • Theory Training and Examination service personnel Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply is not experience of training required in the role, as help and • Practical Flying Training (quote QSTMR17) flexible. - using our fleet of drones UK today and, on successful completion, companies in thesupport country.isThese given, although an engaging aptitude to present plus VAT (Usually £1095) • ‘One Flight of Assessment the most valuable things I £895 learned was how to you will be awarded your level 3 NCFE accounts will allow you to purchase, at an audience technical subjects to is crucial. The candidate must Starter bundles available including at no additional cost analyse and understand a wide range of complex and often National Accredited Certificate in trade price, stocklive for within your van, tools and 1 hours commute from Rochester training and equipment – details • No re-sit fees incomplete sources of information, andonthen synthesise Locksmithing. any specialist requirements that you may • Operations Manual writing request them workshop into a coherent andngcompelling argument and short and proofi you have any questions or would receive a full set of use theirIfown Contact the Drone Pilot Academy have. You will also Transport: Instructors transport, which must be • Membership the ‘Drone Pilot presentation thatofgets straight to the point. like to use bookestate a course, please call driving 01432 of for thispurpose is backed‐up byinstructors 0800 3800 007 course notes. Allfit (most cars). A valid Academy - Certified Operators’ ‘The MBA definitely gave me the knowledge and skills to 341257. a free 24‐hour helpline you have or visit us online database licenceshould is required. progress my career, helping me to be promoted to general problems while trading. manager.’

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www.atatraining.co.uk 01255 870700 questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY

RYAN MANSFIELD

t really annoys me when I hear the older generation say ‘Back in my day, you

could just walk into any job you wanted.’ Well nowadays, in a world where money is tight and competition is fierce, committing to any job can really feel like a big step.

Get some perspective

risen to 43.6 hours a week. That’s a long time to spend doing something you’re not passionate about. So it’s time to gain a little perspective … l

What do you really want to get out of your new job?

It’s never easy trying to

What are you motivated by?

decide which new job to go for.

Is it money that inspires

Even in one role or specialism

you, so you can live in a big

there can be lots of varied

house and drive nice cars,

options. In your case, you have

or do you go for the job

a blank canvas and can go in

that makes you feel good

any direction you wish. But

and the pay is enough for

be aware that this can be a

you to get by?

double-edged sword provoking

What would you do if

indecision and stopping you

every job in the world was

from reaching any conclusions.

voluntary work?

Let’s face it, your job says a lot about you, and to a

… Ask yourself these questions

degree we all judge people in

over and over again and try to

some way for the job they do.

determine what it is you really

After all, it’s very rare that on

need from the occupations

introduction to someone new,

you’re currently considering,

being asked your name isn’t

taking your time to get it

immediately followed by ‘So

right. Jobs are not easy to get

what do you do?’

into and a drag to get out of,

Right now may feel a

so taking an extra month to

frustrating and difficult period

get exactly what you want is

in time. You have finished one

invaluable advice.

chapter in the story of your

in life I ask my old man for

is coming up next. Feels a bit

advice. He nearly always

like being at a wedding when

seems to reply with one of two

you hardly know anyone, so

comebacks, no matter what

you just eat all the food and

the topic: ‘More haste, less

wander around aimlessly

speed’ is a favourite of his,

looking for a purpose. But it

or ‘Prevention is better than

only need feel that way if you let it. If anything, it’s like being 16 again, only this time you think with your brain and not your genitals. Personally, I’d like to think of you seeing this as a positive situation where you can re-evaluate yourself, analyse what you have to offer someone and plan your next career move with a clear head. The average number of working hours for full-time employees in the UK has

Whenever I have a dilemma

life and you have no clue what

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

QUEST’s regular ‘civvy’ contributor Ryan Mansfield reports from the resettlement frontline on another issue likely to be of concern to our readers: how to form a clear strategy for your next career move. It’s a task, says Ryan, that will involve you coming up with some straight-talking answers to some straightforward questions: What do you want to get out of your new job? What motivates you? What really inspires you? It’s time to be honest with yourself …

cure.’ You hear these sayings thrown around regularly, but they both certainly apply to the situation you find yourself in now. Always maintain a level head – and remember ‘Good things come to those who wait.’ That’s the Guinness slogan, so it must be true! Unfortunately, however, there are external factors that will affect the speed and pickiness with which you make your decision. As

ANALYSE WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER AND PLAN YOUR NEXT CAREER MOVE WITH A CLEAR HEAD

know someone who does that

if you hate the cold, and don’t

job or something similar. See

be a salesperson if you have a

what they say, and don’t be

conscience.

afraid to take a risk or gamble

If you find yourself in

if you think it will pay off.

demand for more than one job,

much as I love some of those

scale, to help people decide

One of my favourite ‘famous

remember you can apply for

inspirational videos about

whether they’ll enjoy that thing

person’ quotes is Richard

dozens and you’re perfectly

work, travel (and anything

they have to do for five days

Branson’s ‘If someone offers

within your rights to turn one

else for that matter that leads

out of seven. I’d rather earn

you an amazing opportunity

down despite your original

to a mid-life crisis once we

£25,000 a year in a job I love

and you’re not sure you can

application.

realise we’ve been doing it

and believe in, than £50,000

do it, say yes – then learn how

wrong all this time), they do

a year and be one of these

to do it later’ – a billionaire’s

odd extra hour here and there,

not cater for the fact that at

plonkers who always has their

way of saying ‘just blag it for

as working hours are on the

some point real life has to take

eyes glued to their phone

a while’. Do however take into

rise, never lose sight of why

over. Mortgages, rent, family,

checking emails or answering

account the negatives that

you are looking for a job and

living costs and how much you

calls on that hideous Bluetooth

may lurk in certain jobs. People

take the time to pick the right

tucked away before you packed

eyesore stuck in their ear, and

don’t like to moan about their

path. Don’t just be clever

up and headed for civilian life

all to make bundles of money

jobs out loud too much in case

enough to do your job, be

will all have a huge say. Assess

for someone who probably

you think less of them and

clever enough to ask yourself

your situation, and play with

wouldn’t even know who you

what they do. For example,

why you do it.

the hand you’ve been dealt.

were if you passed them on the

don’t be a teacher if you have

street.

no patience, don’t be a builder

When searching for jobs on the internet, I hate the icon

If you have any doubts

that allows you to search for

about a job you think you like

pay brackets. They should

the sound of, speak to people

get rid of it. They should have

in similar roles. No matter what

a ‘fun’ gauge or a ‘banter’

it is, chances are you probably

Be prepared to work the

Thanks for reading, and good luck! Q

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from June to August 2017 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.

To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RC Aldergrove

RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Senior Officer

CTW Mixed Class

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer)

rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk

05 June 2017 03 July 2017 14 August 2017

07 June 2017 05 July 2017 16 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 13 June 2017 12 July 2017 17 August 2017

13 June 2017 12 July 2017 17 August 2017

FAR All Ranks 27 June 2017

27 June 2017

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 13 June 2017 15 June 2017 25 July 2017 27 July 2017 08 August 2017 10 August 2017

CTW Mixed Class

12 June 2017 14 June 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 14 August 2017 16 August 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)

CTW SNCO 18 July 2017

20 July 2017

07 June 2017 03 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

FAR All Ranks 14 June 2017

14 June 2017

Housing

13 June 2017 13 June 2017 (Course location RRC Aldershot)

Self Employment Awareness 20 June 2017 09 August 2017

20 June 2017 09 August 2017

05 June 2017 13 June 2017 19 June 2017 27 June 2017 04 July 2017 10 July 2017 14 August 2017

07 June 2017 15 June 2017 21 June 2017 29 June 2017 06 July 2017 12 July 2017 16 August 2017

CTW Mixed Class 13 June 2017

15 June 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO 06 June 2017 08 June 2017 20 June 2017 22 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 18 July 2017 20 July 2017 07 August 2017 10 August 2017 22 August 2017 24 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

15 June 2017 15 June 2017 29 June 2017 29 June 2017 13 July 2017 13 July 2017

FAR All Ranks 06 June 2017

06 June 2017

Self Employment Awareness 03 July 2017

03 July 2017

RRC Colchester

RRC Cottesmore Central London

05 June 2017 07 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 07 August 2017 09 August 2017 06 June 2017 12 June 2017 19 June 2017 26 June 2017 10 July 2017 11 July 2017 17 July 2017 24 July 2017 14 August 2017

08 June 2017 14 June 2017 21 June 2017 28 June 2017 12 July 2017 13 July 2017 19 July 2017 26 July 2017 16 August 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

04 July 2017 06 July 2017 31 July 2017 02 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

12 June 2017 12 June 2017 17 July 2017 17 July 2017 07 August 2017 07 August 2017

FAR All Ranks

08 June 2017 08 June 2017 (Course location External Venue)

Self Employment Awareness 29 June 2017 02 August 2017

29 June 2017 02 August 2017

RC Germany

20 June 2017 17 July 2017

RC Northolt

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class

12 June 2017 14 June 2017 26 June 2017 28 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 24 July 2017 26 July 2017 07 August 2017 09 August 2017

CTW Officer

05 June 2017 07 June 2017 10 July 2017 12 July 2017 31 July 2017 02 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Workshop 27 July 2017

FAR All Ranks 12 July 2017

27 July 2017 12 July 2017

rcgermany@ctp.org.uk

Housing

START DATE END DATE

Self Employment Awareness

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Junior Ranks

RC Plymouth

rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

05 June 2017 07 June 2017 19 June 2017 21 June 2017 10 July 2017 12 July 2017 17 July 2017 19 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 June 2017 20 July 2017

16 June 2017 21 July 2017

FAR All Ranks 20 July 2017

20 July 2017

Self Employment Awareness 12 June 2017

12 June 2017

06 June 2017 20 June 2017 25 July 2017 29 August 2017

08 June 2017 22 June 2017 27 July 2017 31 August 2017

CTW Mixed Class

11 July 2017 13 July 2017 (Course location Cyprus)

CTW Officer/SNCO 04 July 2017 01 August 2017

06 July 2017 03 August 2017

06 July 2017

13 July 2017 06 July 2017

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks

10 July 2017 12 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

26 June 2017 26 June 2017 10 July 2017 10 July 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 31 July 2017 31 July 2017

German CV Writing

CTW Officer/SNCO

Employment Support Programme Wksp

17 July 2017

19 June 2017 17 July 2017 07 August 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

13 July 2017

05 June 2017 12 June 2017 26 June 2017 03 July 2017 11 July 2017 24 July 2017 31 July 2017 14 August 2017

17 July 2017

13 June 2017 15 June 2017 25 July 2017 27 July 2017 22 August 2017 24 August 2017

07 June 2017 14 June 2017 28 June 2017 05 July 2017 13 July 2017 26 July 2017 02 August 2017 16 August 2017 21 June 2017 19 July 2017 09 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

FAR All Ranks

08 June 2017 08 June 2017 20 July 2017 20 July 2017

FAR All Ranks 06 July 2017

06 July 2017

20 July 2017

04 July 2017

16 June 2017 05 July 2017

Self Employment Awareness

RRC Rosyth

RC Portsmouth

START DATE END DATE

rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 05 June 2017 03 July 2017

07 June 2017 05 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

19 June 2017 21 June 2017 10 July 2017 12 July 2017 31 July 2017 02 August 2017 29 August 2017 31 August 2017

CTW Officer

26 June 2017 28 June 2017 24 July 2017 26 July 2017 21 August 2017 23 August 2017

CTW SNCO

12 June 2017 17 July 2017 14 August 2017

14 June 2017 19 July 2017 16 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 29 June 2017 27 July 2017 24 August 2017

29 June 2017 27 July 2017 24 August 2017

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk

CTW Mixed Class

05 June 2017 07 June 2017 19 June 2017 21 June 2017 (Course location Kinloss) 20 June 2017 22 June 2017 (Course location Faslane) 26 June 2017 28 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 17 July 2017 19 July 2017 18 July 2017 20 July 2017 (Course location Faslane) 24 July 2017 26 July 2017 08 August 2017 10 August 2017 15 August 2017 17 August 2017 29 August 2017 31 August 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO 31 July 2017

02 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

15 June 2017 15 June 2017 13 July 2017 13 July 2017 25 July 2017 25 July 2017 (Course location Faslane) 17 August 2017 17 August 2017 29 August 2017 29 August 2017 (Course location Faslane)

Self Employment Awareness 01 June 2017 03 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

01 June 2017 03 August 2017

06 June 2017 15 June 2017 20 June 2017 04 July 2017 18 July 2017 27 July 2017 01 August 2017 15 August 2017 29 August 2017

RRC Tidworth rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 05 June 2017 12 June 2017 19 June 2017 03 July 2017 10 July 2017 17 July 2017 21 August 2017 29 August 2017

07 June 2017 14 June 2017 21 June 2017 05 July 2017 12 July 2017 19 July 2017 23 August 2017 31 August 2017

26 June 2017 01 August 2017 15 August 2017 CTW Officer 13 June 2017 11 July 2017

28 June 2017 03 August 2017 17 August 2017

06 June 2017 15 June 2017 20 June 2017 04 July 2017 18 July 2017 27 July 2017 01 August 2017 15 August 2017 29 August 2017

FAR All Ranks

01 June 2017 01 June 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre) 18 July 2017 18 July 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)

Housing

07 June 2017 07 June 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)

CTW Mixed Class

Self Employment Awareness 26 June 2017 31 July 2017 30 August 2017

26 June 2017 31 July 2017 30 August 2017

15 June 2017 13 July 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

24 July 2017 26 July 2017 08 August 2017 10 August 2017 22 August 2017 24 August 2017

CTW SNCO

06 June 2017 04 July 2017 18 July 2017 30 August 2017

08 June 2017 06 July 2017 20 July 2017 01 September 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

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questonline.co.uk l May 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

Preparation for leaving the Forces Advice from the CTP, official provider of career guidance, skills training and job-finding assistance to Service leavers CTP provision is delivered from ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany, and the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot. The CTP provides a number of workshops, seminars, one-to-one career advice, and a range of in-house resettlement training for entitled Service Leavers from up to two years before discharge. CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers.

Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk

A Service leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge

Employment Support Programme

>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice

No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?

Yes

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant

Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

Secures employment

Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge

ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE

Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding

• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress

CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement

Resettlement Services

Resettlement Centres

1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).

Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.

2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk

May 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689

For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk