Quest April 2017 by Bulldog Publishing

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES

April 2017

HIGHER CALLING Could HE work for you?

EASY AS E.L.C. All the funding facts you need

PLUS

Access Diplomas

And get on course for these careers:

FOCUS ON YOUR PERFECT FIT ... says aero engineer turned gym owner David Smith

Healthcare Human resources Telecoms

ROUTE PLANNING FOR ALL RANKS COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERSï&#x201A;&#x;I RESETTLEMENT

page 52

questonline.co.uk

www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!

* XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL 4VF ,JOH .#&

COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG

OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE

VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.

Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.

4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE

0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH

COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ

CALL +44(0)1908 587665 Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ

enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk

www.gastectraining.co.uk

EDITOR WELCOME TO ISSUE 3 OF ALL-NEW QUEST magazine, now incorporating COURSES 4

FORCES. If you missed last month’s issue, we want you to know that, whether you’re still in uniform or have already started to prepare for life outside the Armed Forces, you’ll find that – much like your own career path – QUEST is now a thing of two halves. That said, it’s still the only guide you’ll need to funding, courses, careers and resettlement. The first part of the magazine brings together all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how best to use it – 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 delve into how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications – wherever in the world you might be – and home in on higher-level study choices, if that’s where your sights are set. We spotlight three career areas that we know are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition. This month our focus falls on healthcare, human resources and telecoms. Find out about the sort of courses that will help you further your skills in these areas, whether to boost your Service career prospects or to smooth your resettlement with relevant qualifications that will make you a more sought-after employee on leaving. We also have a special feature on how an Access to Higher Education Diploma could set you on course for a new healthcare-related role. The section winds up with our one-stop education and funding planner, which summarises your personal development and education opportunities, offers ideas to improve 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 inspirational ‘transition tales’ and practical advice on resettlement issues. First, we hear how ex-RAF Aerosystems Engineering Officer David Smith went from flight to fitness as the owner of his own gym, and how Nicola Stokes benefited doubly from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll, which helped her find both work and a home. After that, Sarah Davies, founder of I Am Strong Coaching, has the lowdown on how coaching can benefit your transition. Beyond the workplace, our regular ex-Forces contributor Ralph Straw has some useful advice, as ever, to help make sure you’re civvy savvy. While, to further aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, gathering together in one place useful information from a wide range of sources. All this is held together by ‘The Hub’, where you’ll find key information on courses and training options alongside reader reports and transition news. Once again, drawing together in one place essential course and career information, we hope you will find this third edition of ‘new’ QUEST has plenty of relevant information to support you throughout your Service career and beyond ...

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

April 2017

APRIL 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: Healthcare 32 The Access to HE Diploma: opening the door to a healthcare-related career 34 On course: Human resources 38 On course: Telecoms 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, ex-Aerosystems Engineering Officer David Smith 55 Transition support: how Nicola Stokes benefited from the support of charity and housing association Stoll 56 Resettlement matters: the benefits of coaching 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l April 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:

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

commitment. l

value of £194.8 million.

NEBOSH personal development/ resettlement Y 2 DA

training Y 2 DA

Qualifying trainers, managers and compliance specialists for the future

www.train2train.org

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR 2 DAY UPDATE

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR

The National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

FOOD SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

The National Certificate in Fire Safety & Risk Management HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Managers, trainers and health & safety specialists who have responsibilities in meeting or training legal compliance for health and safety and fire safety as well as TEACHER TRAINING OTHER COURSES those who are looking to develop a new career.

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR 2 DAY UPDATE

FOOD SAFETY INSTRUCTOR

COURSE CONTENT:

5 units delivered over the 3 weeks: Unit NGC1: Management of Health and Safety Unit NGC2: Controlling Workplace Hazards Unit NGC3: Health and Safety Practical Application TEACHER TRAINING OTHER COURSES Unit FC1: Fire Safety and Risk Management Unit FC2: Fire Safety Practical Application

Venue: Academy House, Doncaster* Price:** £2,260 *Minimum numbers required **Price per delegate

For further details on this and other courses available, including Compliance Training Instructor, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Teaching qualifications, please contact us at:

t: +44 (0)1302 363136

e: info@train2train.org w: www.train2train.org

Partner ©Train2Train 2016 (October 2016)

Centre No. 11389

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

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

Smart kids Smart parents Choose a state boarding school and save more than 50% State boarding is less than half the cost of independent boarding because government pays for the education. Offering comfortable and homely boarding, top-class facilities and great academic results, state boarding schools offer a range of attractive, affordable boarding options. Take a closer look and see how state boarding could Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11 work for you and your family.

stateboarding.org.uk 020 7798 1580

MOD APPROVED FIRE SAFETY TRAINING In support of ELC Scheme 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.

CALL US ON 01925 211488 www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

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

overseas qualifications

qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the

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

National Qualifications Framework/Regulated

To find out more about accessing higher-level study in particular,

Qualifications Framework (NQF/RQF),* with an organisation

take a look at our feature on page 20.

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

CHOOSING A COURSE

recognised diplomas. This might include:

Before deciding on a course, you should consider:

foundation degrees

its relevance to your personal development plan

postgraduate qualifications

your ability to undertake it

other academic qualifications

likely disruptions to Service requirements

professional self-development

the flexibility of the study method.

accreditation of prior learning

vocational training

registration and accreditation fees

sports qualifications

Quest January 2016_2015 22/12/2015 09:29 Page 49

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

and Credit (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the Readers must consult their Framework Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses QCF to expire on 31 December 2017. When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

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

W Woodward SHE Ltd.

W W Your Training - Your Entitlement - Your Future

5 NEBOSH Qualifications For 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD

New Courses Launching in Catterick - Summer 2017

NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH International General Certificate Conversion NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety NEBOSH Inter. Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Safety NEBOSH National Diploma in Health & Safety NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management

START YOUR NEW CAREER TODAY Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) Level 4 Diploma for Associate Ambulance Practitioners (QCF)

First Response Emergency Care (FREC) Level 3 Certiﬁcate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF) Level 4 Certiﬁcate in First Response Emergency Care (QCF) Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency & Urgent Care (RQF)

• Career development towards becoming a Paramedic • Realistic training environments • Experienced ex-NHS clinical tutors • Modular training options

Courses Also Available at Our Training Venues in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Carlisle.

Telephone ~ Sharon on 01228 - 592614 email ~ info@woodwardgroup.co.uk

www.woodwardgroup.co.uk

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC

E LC Logo 4435

PROVIDER NUMBER

T: 0345 5200 999 E: training@ﬁrstlineresponse.co.uk www.ﬁrstlineresponse.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

Course notes

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Engineering your way to the top

Accredited Competence in General Locksmithing level 3 course

echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is 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 Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the transport business Alstom. Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for you 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 a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what 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 well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit the same time, the improvements to my skills when invaluable experience in situations that doors and grill‐type gates. presenting and communicating to a wide range of audiences may arise, especially dealing with the Along with all of the above you will – from the shop floor to very senior managers – have been public if you have never done this be given sound advice from professionals very noticeable.’ before. Please note that we can arrange 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 will be given guidance on 1. Readout Joint Service Publication JSP822 If you wish to use provider thatvehicle, is not how9. Providers to waive any carrying my day job, going to lectures, studying 7. at the at a laterare dateexpected if this is more suitable. what stocka to put in your weekends and my family. However, Astonfor was great, andon the list, – Defence Direction and Guidance ensure they are be eligible to and initial registration don’t pay any Class hours are 9 fee, am–4sopm. your vehicle should laid out veryTraining flexible. When, towards the my equipped, and even(they whatmust type of vehicle of your own money towards the cost of and Education . end of my second year,participate in the scheme daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. This is without doubt the best locksmith to use. We will also helpand you ask to acquire their 2. Think about what fits your personal deliver publicly funded FE/HE) tuition fees – if you do, it will not Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply development plan and your future. them to apply for scheme membership be refunded. flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These ‘One of the things I learned to 3. Discuss thismost withvaluable your line manager andwas how using theaccounts information on the must a separate claim you will submit be awarded your level 3 NCFE will allow youELC to purchase, at10. You analyse and understand a staff. wide range of complex and often National Accredited education/learning website. trade price, stock for your van, tools and form for each year ofCertificate a course –inif you incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise Locksmithing. any specialist requirements that you may don’t, 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 8. Do not leave everything until the last it could result in support being 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 5. Go to the ELCAS website at minute. Allow time for any new publicly withdrawn. presentation that gets straight to the point. like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by www.enhancedlearningcredits.com funded to behelpline accepted on to 11. Start learning, and make the most of ‘The MBA definitely gave me the knowledge and skills to providers 341257. a free 24‐hour should you have progress my career,the helping to be promoted problems trading. process and complete ELC me application form to general the scheme, as thewhile registration your life! manager.’

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

online.

6. the ELCAS database of approved GetCheck in touch Tel:providers 0121 204 3099 to see if the course you wish email: mba@aston.ac.uk to enrol on is allowable under the rules. Web: www.aston.ac.uk See the advertisement on page 2

can take several weeks. Once they

ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram

have been accepted, you can submit an

to sum claims process. You can find Getupinthe touch

Two‐week technical workshop Subjects covered application study with Pintotumbler locksthem. Disc locks Radial locks Pin‐tumbler locks bodies UPVC lock bodies

01432 341257at the end of JSP822, thisTel: in the Annex

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

which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. comSee Q the advertisement on page 39

Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an

6WLYH[PVUZ 6MÄ JLY VY -SPNO[ +PZWH[JOLY

Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding

Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

1009

Spring2017 2016l /questonline.co.uk COURSES4FORCES April

www.avtech2000.co.uk

01892 770250 www.courses4forces.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.

Courses available include:

•

NEBOSH National General Certificate

•

NEBOSH National Construction Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Fire Certificate

•

NEBOSH International Construction Certificate

support groups.

•

NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Diploma

0345 500 8811 info@phoenixhsc.co.uk

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

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3518

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

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.

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

From its inception until the end of exam, assessment or assignment) and an extra ELC authorised. All cases will December 2015, 371,405 people had â&#x2014;? membership fees be judged on their merits. The cancellation Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE toand courses registered withcommitting the ELC scheme â&#x2014;? books and materials and reinstatement process is published in 113,564 claims please had beenmention made, to the When responding to advertisements Quest â&#x2014;? normal Service sport and adventurous JSP898 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Defence Direction and Guidance value of ÂŁ167.2 million. training. on Training, Education and Skills. It is APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

The difference that makes the difference...

VISIT OUR TRAINING SCHOOL OR CALL TO SPEAK TO EX-MILITARY INSTRUCTORS

ELC

PROVIDER NUMBER

8089

Ltd

THIS IS WHERE

i2i is the first choice for Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching training. Our holistic approach ensures that your training and development needs are at the heart of what we do,which allows you to give your new career the start you are looking for.

Wefor specialise in: an I prepare my future with ELCAS approved learning provider â&#x20AC;˘ NLP Practitioner Training â&#x20AC;˘ NLP Master Practitioner Training

This is distance learning Leicester, with over â&#x20AC;˘ Presentation Training skills withat NLP 25â&#x20AC;˘ yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience delivering quality courses ILM Accredited coaching and management programs up to level 7

Ourâ&#x20AC;˘ Education expertise, wherever are 4 & Training Level 3 you and Level If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking to retrain, upskill or start a new career, choose NLPover courses can be done in conjunction with ILMcourses qualifications, from 50 varied and practical distance learning i2i are also a ELCAS Approved Provider. at the University of Leicester, including our internationally renowned MSc Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management. Start your journey e: dladvisers@le.ac.uk Tel: www.le.ac.uk/thisiselcas

0845 121 0475 www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com

Spring 2016 / COURSES4FORCES

SPECIALIST DOG HANDLER TRAINING G4S Canine Training School provides specialist canine security qualiďŹ cations and a route to employment with G4S.

JUSTICE & DETENTION

HABC Level 4 Full Explosive Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 4 Explosive Vehicle Search Dog Handler (ELCAS approved)

AVIATION & CARGO

HABC Level 3 Passive Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 3 Proactive Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved)

VIP & SPECIAL EVENTS

HABC Level 3 Dual Purpose Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 3 General Purpose Security Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROPERLY QUALIFIED DOG HANDLERS.

UK CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Tel: +44 (0)1582 458 355 â&#x20AC;˘ ,EE $EIGHTON UK G S COM

CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

www.courses4forces.co.uk

Enhanced Helicopter Training Training Pilots. Employing Pilots. Since 2005 we have been the leading provider of EC135 Type Ratings, Instrument Ratings and instructor courses. We now offer NVIS and GNSS training along with CPL and ATPL tests. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC PROVIDER NUMBER

2950

5766_BND_Quest_Advert_v9.indd 1

visit www.babcockpilottraining.com email Elly.Clark@babcockinternational.com or telephone +44 (0) 1452 856 007

31/03/2017 12:18

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

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

20% of claims received fail to comply

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

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

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

between submitting a claim and starting

as exceeding the ELC award

offered by an approved provider are

incomplete details or errors in course title

automatically admissible under the ELC

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.

automatically be rejected

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

Also, do not assume that all courses

so any claim submitted within 25 working

a course – this takes at least five weeks,

form for the previous claim has been

processed for an individual in the same

completed – such claims are also

financial year.

So: 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

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

The Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews.

Terrorism Studies Individual Modules / Certificate / Advanced Certificate

Study the characteristics of terrorism, terrorist tactics and counterterrorism by part-time online e-learning

Course starts: June and October

www.terrorismstudies.com/FLR2859AA101Q2

Enrolment administered by:

Tel: +44 (0)20 3377 3210 / +1 (646) 957 8929 | Email: info@terrorismstudies.com Quote VIP code: FLR2859AA101Q2

Postgraduate Certificate / Postgraduate Diploma / Master of Science Security Studies Counter-Terrorism Studies Intelligence and Security Studies Terrorism, Security and Policing Security Management Diplomacy and Security Studies Security and Terrorism Law (MA) All courses start annually in September

www.security-studies.com/FLR2875AA101Q2 Tel: +44 (0)20 3377 3210 / +1 (646) 957 8929 | Email: info@security-studies.com Quote VIP code: FLR2875AA101Q2

Enrolment administered by:

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.

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses to advertisements please mention Quest When responding eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

Training that makes a difference and gives you options enhancing job and promotion prospects SLC, ELC and resettlement registered

Check our website to find how you can achieve 2 certificates for just one ELC and the opportunity to become a fully certified NLP Practitioner for just Â£150 extra, all of which sets you up for a fulfilling and rewarding future. Å&#x2DC; ,/0 /HDGHUVKLS DQG 0DQDJHPHQW TXDOLÆ&#x201C; FDWLRQV DW OHYHOV Å&#x2DC; ,/0 LQWURGXFWLRQ WR 0HQWRULQJ TXDOLÆ&#x201C; FDWLRQ OHYHOV Å&#x2DC; ,/0 &RDFKLQJ DQG 0HQWRULQJ OHYHO RU ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D IXOO 1/3 3UDFWLWLRQHU FRXUVH Full details of dates, prices and locations can be found on our website

01522 501886 LQIR#LQVSLUHG EH FRP

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

www.inspired2be.com

martyn@downlandcycles.co.uk

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

5110

facebook.com/downland twitter.com/downlandcycles

48 www.questonline.co.uk / February 2016

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

Spring 2015

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

April 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

ac.uk

Degree courses

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.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 April 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.)

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

LEARN TO TEACH GOLF If you have a passion for golf and would like to change your career, then why not enrol on one of our famous accelerated teacher training courses. The EGTF run recognised courses all year round, and our training program is open to anyone with a passion for learning to teach golf.

BA (Hons) Outdoor and Adventure Education Ensuring you have the knowledge, skills and experience to compete in today’s challenging jobs market. We work alongside industry experts and companies to prepare you for a career in the rapidly growing ﬁeld of adventure education.

“THE STEPPING STONE TO REALISING YOUR DREAMS AND CHANGING YOUR LIFE.” APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 1432

PROVIDER NUMBER

Our graduates work in • Adventure Tourism • Recreation and leisure management • Education • Coaching • Youth work • Research

European Golf Teachers Federation Established since 1992 For an Information brochure contact

Find out more at chi.ac.uk/aded

T: 00 44 (0)1643 706010 E: egtf@mail.com www.egtf.co.uk

READY TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER AFTER SERVICE? Develop your skills and increase your employability with a recognised University qualification We provide structured and supported undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses that can be studied part-time online from anywhere in the world. Online learning offers you a flexible way of completing a University qualification both during and after your military service, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to further your career.

Choose from a wide range of subject areas including: Accounting and Finance Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Business and Management Environmental Sciences Computing and IT Health and Social Care

Hospitality Management Professional Engineering Psychology and Ergonomics

Ready to find out more? Call: +44(0)1332 594000 or Email: OnlineAdmissions@derby.ac.uk

Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE

www.derby.ac.uk/military questonline.co.uk l April 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

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Call us now on 01

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

Next Course Date - 3rd July 2017

30 ELCAS d Transi Course Pr

Transitional Qualifications for your new career

for

Call us now on 01284 76 Leadership &

22 Packages

Multi CourseLevel 3 - 5

Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)

 Health & Saf

Env. IOSH CIE

Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5

 Quality & Env Health, Safety & Environment  IT & HR Trainin NEBOSH 30 ELCAS discou Leadership & Management Course Program ILM Passout Project Management

Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings.

guarantee

 Leadership & Man Passout

Level 3 - 5

Quality & Environment  Health & Safety - N Auditor Env. IOSH CIEH Risk

We recommend that you book at least 16 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability.

 Quality & Environm  IT & HR Training - MS

L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a L3 Diploma in Brick or Carpentry

Help provided w Passout guara Techniques supp available all as guarantee

Passout

L3/4 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person

Passout guarantee Transitional Qualiﬁ cations Re-sit for FREE for your new career within 12 months

Short Skills Courses - Use your SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, Painting & Decorating, or level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training “Don’t look anywhere else, this is the place to learn trade skills!” For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Jon Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk

guarantee

Passout

Call us now on 01284 763040 or email mod@oaktree-training.co.uk Help provided with you Techniques support an eMail: steve@oaktree-training.co.uk ELC all as part of available

oaktree-training.co.uk/mod

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

t: 01284 763040

PROVIDER NUMBER

4687

30 ELCAS discounted Internationally recognised Course Programmes and Career counselling MOD_Advert_300315.indd 1 APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC PROVIDER NUMBER

Accredited Centre 896

4687

 Leadership & Management - ILM Awards & Certiﬁcates Level 3 - 5

 Health & Safety - NEBOSH NGS/Construct/Fire/ Env. IOSH CIEH Risk

1  Quality & Environment - QMS - EMS - OSHAS MOD_Advert_300315.indd 18001 Auditor  IT & HR Training - MS Ofﬁce - HR Ofﬁcer - Train Trainer

guarantee

Passout guarantee - re-sit for FREE within 12 months

Passout

Have us on your radar ... it’s your future Help provided with your: FREE CV Conversion, Interview Techniques support and Independent Financial Advice, available all as part of our service

www.oaktree-training.co.uk APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC PROVIDER NUMBER

4687

MOD_Advert_300315.indd 1

Accredited Centre 896

Partner

30/03/2015 17:15

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

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.

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

Develop Your Future Career with ÂŽ

Crownship

New Entrants or Technical Upgrades QualiďŹ cations at Level 2,3 & 4 â&#x20AC;˘ Property Management Services L3 â&#x20AC;˘ Energy Performance CertiďŹ cate â&#x20AC;˘ Legionella Operative & Management â&#x20AC;˘ Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 â&#x20AC;˘ Electrical - Domestic & Industrial L2 & 3 â&#x20AC;˘ Air-conditioning & Refrigeration L2 & 3 â&#x20AC;˘ NEBOSH General CertiďŹ cate NVQ QualiďŹ cation L2 & 3 A career in law â&#x20AC;˘ Processing Hydrocarbons e& Refrigeration without aâ&#x20AC;˘law degree Air-conditioning

â&#x20AC;˘ Electro Technical Electrician â&#x20AC;˘ Engineering Make Maintenance a successful uccessful tr transition ansition - Mechanical and ondElectrical career b y stud ying into a second by studying â&#x20AC;˘ DesignMVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVU I` and Systems VeriďŹ cation SLNHS of X\Electrical HSPĂ&#x201E;JH[PV U I` L4

earningus: distance For expert advice learning contact

vider658151 no. 1105 01652

cilexlawschool.ac.uk and www.crownship.com

S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU E L CSH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

1060

PROVIDER NUMBER

E LC

Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%

PROVIDER NUMBER

4435

Gas training at Kier

Gas training with you in mind Premier Providers

of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses. 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 support groups. Courses available include: NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH National Construction Certificate NEBOSH National Fire Certificate

20 weeks complete L3 domestic gas course with GUARANTEED JOB INTERVIEW.

www.phoenixhsc.co.uk

NEBOSH National Diploma Kier Group is one of the leading construction, services, property and

Kier Group is one of the leading services, property Andwith manyconstruction, more... staff worldwide residential companies in the UK 21,000 and an and residential in UK with 16,000 staff us the today forsatisfaction an informal discussion on worldwide how annual turnover ofcompanies ÂŁ3bn. Contact We have a 99% score from ourwe can help with your training requirements. and an annual turnover of ÂŁ3bn. 298 people have trained previous learners, with most of them finding work after finishing. on one of our andstarted. 93.4% of previous learners are in employment. Give uscourses a call to get For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies studies and and training trainingcourses. courses.

0345 500 8811

questonline.co.uk l April 2017 March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk March 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk

13 33

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTHCARE

The healthy option The healthcare sector, public and private, offers a huge range of career opportunities. When the time comes for resettlement, you may well find you already have sought-after skills. But, to really make sure your prospects are in the pink, now’s the time to start getting some appropriate qualifications under your belt. What’s involved?

many within the military). Beyond those major attributes are practical Service skills relevant to certain areas of the health sector, such as the ability to drive, operate technical equipment, coordinate people and/or supplies, as well as work with initiative – individually or as part of a team. The scope for employment within this sector is vast, encompassing work

sure you’ll be at the front of the queue by

that requires no qualifications (e.g. some

ealthcare-related work covers a

using the funding available to you while

administrative positions) to roles that need

broad spectrum of roles – from

serving to take appropriate courses and

years of specialist training (e.g. surgeon).

administration, logistics and

qualifications.

Here we’ll focuses on the roles likely to

practical back-up support to complex

well save lives (an experience known to

be of greatest interest to those who have

medical care. A total of 1.3 million people

Skill up while serving

make up the NHS workforce. In addition

Many people join the Services to ‘make a

due to skills and qualifications gained while

to them, around one-fifth of all health

difference’ to communities and individuals,

in uniform, and judicious choice of relevant

professionals are employed within the

and there is a very similar ethos within

qualifications to back these up – they are

private sector, and many more are self-

the healthcare sector. The ability to work

most likely to be suited.

employed in areas such as physiotherapy,

calmly and with initiative while under

podiatry and holistic/complementary

pressure is a core Service skill that is

The NHS

therapies. With life expectancies on the

directly and critically applicable to the

Hospitals in the NHS are managed by trusts

rise, employment opportunities within this

healthcare sector. Clear and effective

(sometimes called acute or foundation

sector are only likely to increase. Make

communication is an asset that could very

trusts) and run by a trust board. Acute

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

been in the Armed Forces, and to which –

extend your range of skills and knowledge,

to manage teams, run wards – and even

and take on new responsibilities. Many

reach consultant level if desired.

people take on additional responsibility within their own area, while others retrain

Allied health professions

and move in to different roles.

A career in the allied health professions

We will now take a closer look at just

(AHPs) offers a wide range of

a few roles within the NHS you might

opportunities, and combines challenge, an

be considering for your next career,

excellent employment package and the

from among the vast range of career

rewards of doing something worthwhile. As

opportunities it offers.

key members of the healthcare team, those

Working within the NHS

working in the AHPs provide treatment that helps transform people’s lives; this

Nursing

might mean working with other AHPs or

If you want to work in an environment that

other professionals, such as GPs, hospital

is interesting, rewarding and challenging, a

doctors, teachers or social workers.

career in nursing could be for you. Nurses

Various roles that come under the

form the largest group of staff in the NHS

banner of the AHPs, including: arts

and are a crucial part of the healthcare

therapists; chiropodists/podiatrists;

team. They work in every kind of health

dieticians; occupational therapists;

setting, from accident and emergency to

paramedics (see below); physiotherapists;

patients’ homes, with people of all ages

prosthetists; radiographers, and speech

and backgrounds. So, if you are caring,

and language therapists. Each role

compassionate and have a commitment

has different qualification and skills

to helping people, you will find a role

requirements, but in general allied health

that suits you. You also need to be able

professionals need to be practical and have

hospital trusts provide medical and surgical

to communicate difficult health issues

a good academic background, including

care, while mental health and ambulance

effectively.

a science-based qualification. To become

trusts have a similar structure but tend to

To work as a nurse in the NHS, you

a qualified professional you will need to

cover wider areas. Primary care is provided

must be registered with the Nursing and

study for a degree, and some careers (such

via local GPs, NHS walk-in centres, dentists,

Midwifery Council (NMC), which means

as art therapy) also require postgraduate

pharmacists and opticians. There are also

you’ll need a degree in nursing (you can

study. Alternatively, you might be able

a number of community providers running

use the ‘course finder’ on the NHS website

to join the NHS as a therapy assistant,

services such as district nursing and health

(see ‘Key contacts’) to find out more).

working alongside qualified staff, where

promotion.

There are currently no minimum academic

you can also build up qualifications and

entry requirements for nursing courses,

experience to help you apply for training.

Each trust is responsible for its own recruitment of staff. The vast majority

so each higher education institution sets

of employers now advertise their job

its own criteria. That means you should

career, and the qualifications you will need,

vacancies on NHS Jobs – www.jobs.nhs.

check before applying to see if your

on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk

uk – the online recruitment website for

qualifications meet their entry standard.

jobs in the NHS. Applicants can search

It is also possible to work your way up

and apply online for vacancies that match

from a healthcare assistant position and

The NHS’s wider healthcare team

their preferences. They can also register

apply for a place on a degree course;

This offers a unique variety of career

with the site and be notified by email when

however, you will still need to meet the

options, but every role has one thing in

matching vacancies arise.

entry requirements. Alternatively, you

common: it is essential to running the

can apply for a nursing course directly

NHS. Members of the wider healthcare

in the NHS, you will see that it is committed

through UCAS: www.ucas.com You can

team design, construct and maintain NHS

to offering development and learning

also find lots of information on the Nursing

buildings, organise catering, supply linen,

opportunities for all full- and part-time

Careers website: nursing.nhscareers.nhs.

clean the wards, book appointments … and

staff via its dedicated Career Framework.

uk This offers comprehensive information

much more. It consists of people as diverse

No matter where you start within the NHS,

about the wide range of career options and

as painters, caterers, chaplains, secretaries

you will have access to extra training and

pathways as well as the variety of entry

and engineers, who all play a vital part in

be given every opportunity to progress

routes into nursing.

ensuring that patients receive the best

If, in future, you find yourself working

within the organisation. You will receive an

There are many different roles

You can find full details of this type of

possible care. You may be interested in

annual personal development review and

available in nursing and, depending on

cutting-edge technology or providing

development plan to support your career

experience and training, there are plenty of

hospitality, or in administration, estates

progression and you will be encouraged to

opportunities to rise up through the ranks

or human resources. You may be looking

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTHCARE

for a high-flying career, or one that is less demanding but still very rewarding. Whatever your situation and strengths, the wider healthcare team has a role for you.

Other roles with in the NHS Obviously the NHS is a vast organisation – and that means, as we have already noted, that it offers a similarly vast range of career opportunities – far more than we can cover in-depth here. Some roles and areas in which you may also be interested include: dental team; health informatics (managing communications technology); midwifery; healthcare science (helping to prevent, diagnose and treat illness using technical skills and scientific knowledge); management; operating department practice; pharmacy; psychological

SAY YES TO 999!

therapies (supporting people with a range of mental and physical disabilities); and even studying to become a doctor,

To find out more about working in the UK’s emergency services, take a look at in-depth article at www.questonline.co.uk/careers/ career/emergency-services

or transferring

Care assistant

to do some volunteering work with an

If you enjoy

organisation that supports vulnerable

helping people

people. You can also draw on personal

and want to make a difference to their lives, this job could

Forces medical skills to

be for you. As a care

such a role.

experience of caring for someone you know. Although not essential, there are a number of qualifications that you can work towards, whether you are looking to learn

assistant (also known as a

more to get into this career or if you have

care worker or support worker),

just started in a paid or voluntary position.

Private-sector healthcare

you help people who have difficulties with

You can find a full list of qualifications

Don’t forget that, besides the NHS, the

their daily activities. You might work with

on the Skills for Care website – www.

UK also has a major network of private

children, people with physical or learning

skillsforcare.org.uk – which also has more

hospitals and healthcare-related services,

disabilities, older people or families, in their

information on routes into this career.

offering similar opportunities to those

own homes, in sheltered housing, at day

described above. Although there are still

centres or in places like nursing homes.

you will receive on-the-job training from

perceptions that it is the more secure

The exact nature of your duties will vary

your employer. You may also attend

option to work for the NHS, this fast-

depending on where you work, but is likely

external courses, e.g. on first aid, food

growing sector is already establishing a

to include:

hygiene, health and safety, and how to

prominent place in the UK’s health industry

Once you start work as a care assistant

helping with daily personal care such as

lift and move people safely. You may also

and offers health professionals numerous

washing, dressing, using the toilet and

be encouraged to work towards further

opportunities to develop and progress.

feeding

qualifications, such as the level 3 Diploma

carrying out general tasks such as

in Health and Social Care, to become a

housework, laundry and shopping

senior care worker (don’t forget that

helping families get used to new caring

you can use your ELC – see below – to

responsibilities

work towards qualifications at level 3

working with other health and social

and above for up to five years after you

healthcare sector online, using career

care professionals to provide individual

leave the Armed Forces). As your career

search engines (dedicated and general)

care and development plans.

develops, you can move on to higher-level

The NHS has acknowledged this and more

collaboration between the two sectors is now evident.

You can find out about job vacancies and requirements in the independent

as well as via the websites of individual

Working hours vary, depending on the job,

qualifications and there is funding available

providers (such as Bupa, Care UK and

and might include evenings and weekends.

in that case too. Turn to page 20 to find

AXA).

If you work in a residential location, you

out full details.

may be expected to stay overnight on a rota basis. In some jobs, you might live in.

A common way into this career is

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Emergency care technicians and paramedics

– see www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories/

Use your ELC

pages/ambulancetrustlisting.aspx – while

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

paramedic training is currently the

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

These people are the ‘first on the

preserve of universities. The College of

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

scene’, generally having driven there

Paramedics’ website has full details: www.

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

by ambulance. They need a level-

collegeofparamedics.co.uk

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

headed approach and the ability to work

FutureQual’s levels 2 and 3 ‘blue light’

quickly under pressure, often in difficult

driving courses are recognised by all NHS

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

circumstances. These are all skills that

Ambulance Services in the UK. They are

pages 6–26.

translate well from the Armed Forces.

listed on the QCF, which means you can

Routes into this work can be via:

use your funding towards them. Developed

Turn to our special feature on page 32

one of the NHS Ambulance Service

in partnership with the NHS Ambulance

to find out how an Access to Higher

Trusts in the UK

Service Driver Training Advisory Group

the Private Ambulance Services

(DTAG), the qualifications currently

(PAS), which compete against the NHS

available are:

Ambulance Services for contracts and/

or work on subcontracts from them. Most NHS ambulance trusts run their own

Driving l

training courses so, although using your ELC for emergency driving or ambulance

level 2 Certificate in Nonemergency Transport Services

technician courses will help if you go on to work for a private company, you will still

level 2 Award in Ambulance

level 3 Certificate in Emergency level 4 Diploma in Emergency Response

need to undergo training periods with the

Ambulance Driving Instruction.

NHS.

To find out more, visit www.

There are three ‘ranks’ within this

Response Ambulance Driving l

futurequals.com/qualifications/sectors/

area – emergency care assistants (ECAs),

regulated/health-public-services-and-care/

ambulance technicians (EMTs) and

Ambulance%20Service%20-%20Driving/

paramedics – each requiring specific

index.html

training. ECA training falls within the remit of the various NHS Ambulance Trusts

details of how to make the most of your

Education (HE) Diploma could help you get on course to a higher-level healthcare-related qualification. Q

KEY CONTACTS

Information about NHS careers and vacancies may be found online via www.nhscareers.nhs.uk www.jobs.nhs.uk and www.nhs.uk To find PASs in your area, search the Care Quality Commission’s website: www.cqc.org.uk As well as the website addresses provided above and within the feature itself, contact information for all organisations mentioned in this article can be found in your local telephone directory or online.

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Think you’re not qualified for a healthcare career? Think again! There are almost 400 Access to HE courses in health-related subjects and nearly 200 specifically designed for progression to a degree in nursing. Each year, around 50% of Access to HE students study Diplomas in health, public services and care. Could you join them? When I left school without the ‘necessary qualifications’ I thought

The Access to HE course is nothing

I would never fulfil my dream of

like school. The tutors are very

Access to HE Diplomas covering England,

becoming a midwife. After almost

supportive, and I think they

Wales and Northern Ireland. The Diploma

giving up hope all those years ago, I

recognise how life changing the

search on our website at https://ava.

am now working as

Access to HE qualification can be.

accesstohe.ac.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/

a full-time midwife

Life skills, experiences and personal

Search.aspx?acceptcookies=true lists all

and enjoying every

stories are all valued on the Access

QAA-recognised Diplomas and providers.

minute. I never tire

to HE course, as

A number of these providers and Diplomas

of telling people

well as the main

are also listed on the ELCAS website at

about the benefits

study curriculum,

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

of Access to HE!

which I have found

Linda White The Access to Higher Education (HE)

Of all applicants accepted to higher

very interesting and

education courses in subjects allied

challenging.

to medicine in September 2015, 46%

Simon Hatch

Diploma is a qualification that prepares

There are more than 300 providers of

were Access to HE students, and 14% of students on nursing degrees had

adults to succeed in higher education by

Unlike many other qualifications there is

completed an Access to HE Diploma. In

giving them the skills, subject knowledge

no national curriculum for Access to HE

addition, Access to HE students are just

and confidence they need in a supportive

Diplomas, therefore the subjects studied

as successful on graduation as students

and encouraging environment. It is

may vary between different Access to HE

with other qualifications, with more than

equivalent to A-levels and is recognised by

providers. However, if you are studying

60% achieving first- or high second -class

UK higher education providers. Every year,

a Diploma designed for progression to

degrees.

more than 10,000 students successfully

a degree in nursing you can expect to

complete an Access to HE Diploma in a

study subjects including human biology,

health-related subject and are accepted

psychology and the context of health

on to higher education courses in subjects

(including the role of the profession in

and vocations allied to medicine, including

supporting the health of people, the origins

nursing and midwifery. Around half of these

of public health and an awareness of the

students are aged 25 or older. Many left

role of government and other bodies in

school with few qualifications.

health professions).

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Employment rates for nursing graduates with Access to HE Diplomas show that 97%

WHAT IS THE ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION (HE) DIPLOMA? Read our in-depth online feature at www.questonline.co.uk/news/article/theaccess-to-higher-education-he-diploma to find out all you need to know.

USING YOUR ELC

Standards of education for health

You may also use Enhanced Learning Credits towards the tuition fees for an Access to HE Diploma, and, if you’re eligible, you may use the publicly funded FE/HE scheme to pay for your Access to HE and university studies. It is important to look in to your funding options carefully to make sure you make the best choice for you. Access to HE providers, your education officer or transition staff should be able to help you choose the best route.

professional courses are the same in any UK home nation. However, funding is different depending on where you live. You can find out more on this government information sheet: www.gov.uk/government/uploads/ system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/586757/Studying_in_a_different_ country.pdf So if you’re interested in a career in healthcare and you don’t have the qualifications you need to go to university: l

visit the Access to HE website at www. accesstohe.ac.uk/Pages/Default.aspx to find a Diploma to study

sign up to our free Access to HE newsletter at http://qaa.us3.list-manage. com/subscribe?u=005201c8e9f59dec7 87dc820f&id=de268c74ae

talk to your education advisers (find out about doing maths and English GCSEs before you start your Diploma, if you don’t already have them)

were in employment or further study six

From August 2017 there will be changes

check your funding options – Could you use learning credits? Could you use the

months after completing their degree (data

to funding for nursing, midwifery and allied

for 2013–14 graduates). If you are interested

health profession degrees. If you are a

in a career as a health professional you

student living in England and starting a

might find the information on the Council

degree after 1 August 2017 you will need to

of Deans of Health website useful: www.

take out a tuition loan to fund your degree

thefundingclinic.org.uk/why-study-health

studies. However, repayments won’t start

and the websites of universities, speak

until you graduate and earn more than

to higher education admission staff, look

vary. However, if you take out an Advanced

£21,000 per year. Payments are usually

at the Council of Deans website (see

Learner Loan to pay for your Access to

taken out of your pay packet each month.

web address above).

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

This may not seem affordable, but – as an

Gabrielle Holmes (pictured) was a full-

The government-backed scheme makes

example – a new nurse earning £21,700

time housewife before she enrolled on the

Advanced Learner Loans available to

would repay £5.25 per month. If at any time

Access to HE course. She is now a midwife.

eligible students aged 19 and over. More

you change your working pattern and your

The Access to HE course kick-

information is available at gov.uk

salary drops below the threshold, you stop

started my self-belief.

paying the loan. Any unpaid loan amount

It opened up a whole

is written off after 30 years (repayment

new chapter for me.

information taken from Council of Deans of

Would I be where I am

Health website).

now if I hadn’t done

Tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas

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

Many people worry that they won’t be able to afford university. You don’t need to

publicly funded FE/HE scheme? Could you get an Advanced Learner Loan? l

contact Access to HE providers to get more information about their Diploma

look at the UCAS website at ucas.com

the Access to HE course? No way!

pay money in advance, tuition and living cost loans are not like commercial loans. If you live in England, you may also

Students successfully completing a

receive a childcare allowance

QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma will

grant that doesn’t need to

USEFUL WEBSITES

have the balance of their Advanced Learner

be repaid. You can see if you

Loan cancelled when they complete their

get help for childcare using

university studies. Advanced Learner Loan

the calculator on the

repayments currently start when you earn

gov.uk website. Many

more than £21,000 per year; this means

universities also offer

you may be paying back the loan while you

bursaries to help with the

study.

cost of going to university.

Access to HE Access to HE Diploma search Advanced Learner Loans Student finance calculator Enhanced Learning Credits Council of Deans Funding for health degrees

https://goo.gl/r5yd76 https://goo.gl/icIbwA https://goo.gl/LZGslZ https://goo.gl/9N7Ly2 https://goo.gl/6Y7JHt https://goo.gl/sXmw2Q https://goo.gl/DSHBaf

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HUMAN RESOURCES

Personnel choice When you make the leap to the civilian workplace, could human resources be the career for you? What’s involved? Human resources (HR) is a huge field that covers everything and anything to do with people as a business resource. It includes such diverse areas as recruitment and selection, training and development, remuneration and benefits, conditions and opportunities, retirement and redundancy, outplacement and counselling. It is an area of constant change, with legal, cultural, ethnic and other diversity issues presenting new challenges daily. Legal changes could deal with areas such as: l

sexual discrimination

disability

maternity, paternity, adoption and parental rights

religious rights

working hours and patterns

ageism.

There is no ‘correct’ model of best personnel practice because organisations operate in different areas, in different places and at different stages of development. The whole business of

because there are no universal solutions.

development, but the CIPD takes the lead

people management is very complex

People answer back and interact with

in people management as a whole. It was

HR’S TOP TEN TALENTS Professional HR standards aim to encourage the following ten competencies: 1. personal drive and effectiveness 2. people management and leadership 3. business understanding 4. professional and ethical competence 5. continuing learning 6. adding value through people 7. analytical and intuitive/creative thinking 8. customer focus 9. strategic capability 10. communication resourcing and interpersonal skills.

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

management decisions; other resources

formed by an amalgamation of the Institute

don’t do that. There has been a shift of

of Personnel Management and the Institute

power, backed up in many instances by

of Training and Development, and now

legislation, from employer employee,

offers a range of academic and vocational

with the latter expecting more from

standards and qualifications for the

both work and life than was previously

aspiring professional in this field.

the case. The Chartered Institute of Personnel

The day job

and Development (CIPD) is the principal

The areas dealt with on a day-to-day

UK body that represents the human

basis by the HR professional can vary

resources function. It is Europe’s largest

enormously, depending on the size

HR development professional body.

of the company they work for. Bigger

Other organisations cover specific

organisations may employ several people

personnel areas like recruitment,

to cover specific HR-related issues, while

outplacement, counselling and personal

smaller ones could have just one person to

deal with the entire HR function. HR-type

career in HR when you leave the Forces

roles within a company may include:

(don’t forget that you can use your ELC –

human resources management

see below – to work towards qualifications

– compensation and benefits manager

at level 3 and above while serving and

– employee benefit consultant

for up to five years after you leave).

– employee relations officer

Additional modules may be required in

– equal opportunities officer

order to achieve CIPD membership at the

– human resources officer

appropriate level, which may well call for

recruitment

some extra work and effort. Not every

– recruitment consultant

youngster at the start of their military

– recruitment manager

career will see this as a desirable thing

training

to do, but those who make the effort will

– IT trainer

acquire a transferable qualification – as

good time management

– training and development officer.

well as one that will be increasingly useful

proficiency in IT/using computers.

Use your ELC Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC website at www. enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages 6–26.

So you can see that this is a pretty wide-

within a military career. Note, too, that the

ranging employment sector!

CIPD is not ‘officer only’. There cannot be a

Course choices

senior NCO who could not easily complete

As for qualifications, there are bachelor

A CIPD QUALIFICATION IS AN INVALUABLE TOOL IN TRANSLATING SERVICE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE INTO TERMS THAT A CIVILIAN EMPLOYER WILL UNDERSTAND

an appropriate N/SVQ at the right

degrees, higher national diplomas (HNDs)

level, simply by using the paperwork

and higher national certificates (HNCs)

and experience available in everyday

in human resources available via UK

Service life.

universities and colleges, many of them

There is nothing new in much of

linked with other subjects like business

this. The mixed workforces and more

studies, technology or a language. There

civilian-style working environments

are also many shorter courses on the

that the more technical parts of the

subject in general, or in specific aspects

Services have managed for years

of it, on offer through local colleges and

Skill up while serving

clearly call for a different approach than

independent course providers. There

Many people in the Armed Forces see

that adopted by units firmly focused on

are training centres close to most major

themselves as trained and experienced

operations. Manning branches and posting

military concentrations, and qualifications

in personnel issues and the development

authorities, despite the occasional internal

can also be obtained through open and

of the skills of their workforce. Does that

bad press, also largely follow today’s

flexible learning programmes, which are

sound like you? There is no doubt that this

civilian best practice. Expectations are

well suited to a Service lifestyle.

is largely true, and that the recruitment,

managed as far as possible to keep them

selection, career management and

realistic, there is consultation about

appraisal processes demonstrate a genuine

postings where possible and within

commitment to people and responsiveness

the constraints of operations, and

to change. However, many people have

individuals can consult with a career

also found that the gap between military

manager if they wish – although, as in

and civilian practice is greater than they

civilian life, they may not necessarily

imagine – and it can also be difficult to

like what they hear.

manage 21st-century expectations in a Service environment. In areas like leadership, recruitment,

Get qualified! It’s essential to have the right skills to

training and personal development, the

work in HR, but it’s a competitive area,

Services’ record is a strong one and they

so qualifications are important, too (see

could fairly claim to be among the market

below).

leaders. However, the unique demands of Service life leave many Forces personnel

Skills in demand

unfamiliar with such topics as disabilities,

Useful skills for a career in HR include:

trades unions, job-sharing and some of the

finer points of employment law. Some military courses in all three

strong interpersonal skills (e.g. empathy, tact, discretion)

Services are accredited by the CIPD (for

ability to get on with a range of different people

further details, contact the CIPD direct –

capacity for teamwork

see ‘Key contacts’). These will also stand

excellent organisational and

you in good stead if you are thinking of a

administrative skills

PEOPLE ANSWER BACK AND INTERACT WITH MANAGEMENT DECISIONS; OTHER RESOURCES DO NOT DO THAT

THE CIPD AND THE SERVICES Many Service leavers have found that gaining a CIPD qualification means that they can be confident in their knowledge of modern personnel and development management. It is also an invaluable tool in translating Service skills and experience into terms that a civilian employer will understand and value. Indeed, a look at employment pages and national advertisements confirms that many organisations regard CIPD qualifications as essential for work in this field.

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES

www.courses4forces.co.uk

Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HUMAN RESOURCES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS…

There are several routes to becoming a qualified HR professional. l

for accreditation of prior certificated learning (APL).

A CIPD qualification is the most popular way and is available for a

information services, training courses

senior positions. All qualifications are nationally recognised and lead to a professional grade of membership. l

A professional assessment of competence is appropriate for people with five years’ manageriallevel experience who can have their competence professionally assessed.

Affiliate membership (non-studying) APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

is an individual grade that is open

to all, and allowsE access LC to member PROVIDER NUMBER

and regional events. Members also receive

Development (CIPD) RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS… its monthly Management Course Four magazine, People Course Five ,

020 8612 6200

SPECIAL OFFER…

which not only contains a large number

www.cipd.co.uk NEBOSH NEBOSH Course Three Course OneInternational Course TwoCertificate of job advertisements, but also provides @CIPDChoose any combination Technical Certifcate in Environmental NEBOSH National NEBOSH National NEBOSH National information on industry of three courses for one inup-to-date Oil and Gas Management Certificate in Fire Safety General Certifi cate in Certifi cate in developments, career opportunities, Operational Safety ELC People Management magazine and Riskclaim. Management Occupational Construction Health courses, and so on. Health and Safety

020 8267 4446

and Safety

pmeditorial@haymarket.com

CALL US TODAY ASK FOR ELC AND www2.cipd.co.uk/pm Course Five SPECIAL OFFER… A BROCHURE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of www.peoplemanagement.co.uk NEBOSH International NEBOSH Certiﬁcate Use Course Fouryour

learning can be taken, provided it is offered Technical Certifcate Ipswich: 01473 212535in| Environmental London: 0207 194 84@PeopleMgt 33Choose any combination

services without 6781 having to demonstrate an approved provider Management listed on the ELC in Oilbyand Gas professional knowledge and

KEY CONTACTS

Certificate in Fire Safety General Certificate in Certificate in leading to qualifications, CPD, and the and Risk Management Occupational Construction Health chance to network with others national Chartered Institute of Personnel and Health Safety andatSafety WE CANand HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY

range of people – from those with little or no experience to others in more

Course Three Course Two NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES The CIPD provides library and NEBOSH National NEBOSH National NEBOSH National Course One

E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. Operational Safety

of three courses for one

claim. To keepELC in touch with the industry, for jobs ads

competence.

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

and career news, also check out the following

The award of a CIPD qualification

details of how to make the most of your

websites:

CALL AND ASKonFOR ELC,US referTODAY to our in-depth features www.hrmagazine.co.uk OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE last ten years qualifies the holder to A BROCHURE pages 6–26. Q www.hrmguide.co.uk Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:31 Page 44 or a relevant NVQ/SVQ within the APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

PROVIDER NUMBER

professional grade of membership. 6781 A relevant postgraduate-level

www.personneltoday.com Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com

qualification could qualify the holder Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

gh ll ou ss wi hr ce S u t pro OM t yo ng or di pp un su he f t

direct admission and could lead to a E LC

gh ll ou ss wi hr ce S u t pro OM t yo ng or di pp un su he f t 14 different discounted packages for service leavers

Do Something Different- Be Something More

Internationally recognised Health & Safety qualifications at Level 3

Close Protection Course

7 week work experience placements available for successful candidates

Includes Hostile Environment Preparation and a SIA compliant

Level 3 Certificate - Working as a CP Operative within the Private Security Industrry & FPOS Intermediate

Remote Medicall Te ech hnician Course Includes the QualSafe Awards First Response Emergency Care Level 3, 4 and 5

Can you honestly y call yourrself s a "Body" "Guard" until you are both tactically and medically competentt to save a Client's Life?

14 different discounted packages for service leavers

Internationally recognised Re-train for your future and join Health & Safety qualifications a fast growing employment sector at Level 3 placements available for Health & Safety Careers successful candidates 7 week work experience

call now: 0845

1300 616

www.oms.uk.com Flexible study routes - work-based, taught, mixed-mode programme or Supported Distance Learning.

commencing May and September 2017 at our training centre in Doncaster

www.ronin.co.za Ronin

is trademarked within the UK K & EU and can only legally be used by Ronin South Africa

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

ELC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3228

Re-train for your future and join a fast growing employment sector Spring 2015

Health & Safety Careers call now: 0845 www.oms.uk.com

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

1300 616

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3228

Spring 2015

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

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 3368

PROVIDER NUMBER

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: TELECOMS

Is telecoms your calling? If you enjoy constant change and are thinking of a future job role that involves you with technology at the cutting edge, why not connect with a career in the telecoms industry?

The convergence of the telecoms and IT industries means that voice and data communications, which used to be two separate areas, are now coming together and using the same communications channels. Modern developments

What’s involved?

involve enlarging the

(value-added) services

of career options. Driven by advances

ahead to a career in

in communications technology, notably

telecoms when you hang

mobile phones, the internet and broadband,

up your uniform, you need

telecoms is fast becoming indistinguishable

to be familiar with the term

from IT. Many of the new technologies

‘information and communication

use broadband data networks carrying

technology (ICT)’. Indeed, the convergence

telecoms means mobile or smartphones,

high volumes of multimedia traffic, which

between the IT and telecoms industries

linked using radio and microwaves, and

is reflected in the skills required and the

mentioned above is demanding upskilling

masts and dishes seen all around. Satellites

job roles available. Traditional phone

in telecoms to a profile more similar to

may also be used in both mobile and static

calls continue to be the industry’s biggest

that of the IT industry, with skills that

telecoms networks. Digital TV uses both

revenue generator, but thanks to advances

were traditionally regarded as being IT-

cable and satellite services, while 3G and

in network technology, telecoms today

rather than telecoms-based now being

4G technology, smartphones, tablets,

is less about voice and more about text

required. To find out more about this,

personal digital assistants (PDAs) and

(messaging, email) and images (e.g. video

you might want to take a look online at

quad-band devices are commonplace.

streaming). High-speed internet access for

our ‘Computing and IT’ feature at www.

computer-based data applications, such

questonline.co.uk/careers/career/

Fixed telecoms

as broadband information services and

computing-and-it Also as with the IT

Fixed telecoms may include all the

interactive entertainment, is pervasive.

sector, business and interpersonal skills

infrastructure necessary to run a local

Indeed, the fastest growth is coming from

are becoming more important too.

(LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and

elecommunications is a wide-

delivered over mobile

ranging, competitive and fast-

networks

changing industry, offering an array

By March 2016, 90% of UK premises were able to receive superfast broadband

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

If you’re thinking

capacity of links, increasing global coverage, joining end-users together, and providing more facilities over a greater number of networks.

Mobile telecoms To most people these days, mobile

the next few years, there will be a move

qualifications at level 3 and above while

away from circuit-switched voice networks

serving and for up to five years after you

to a system that works completely through

leave the Services.

the internet. Messages need protocols to ensure

Get qualified!

they get to the right place. They may need

As noted above, you can gain qualifications

to be compressed and then decompressed,

through your employment and personal

and they may be split into tiny fragments,

development while still serving. This is

with each one being sent separately and

likely to be primarily to do with the theory

the whole being reconstituted.

necessary to use equipment, its actual

Skill up while serving Each Service has its ‘expert’ telecoms staff in the specialist communications and electronics branches, although there may be other people serving who have considerable expertise. Some will have appropriate degrees and some

the links between the two. It may provide

other relevant qualifications. You may

business services, telephones, television

have specialised in telecoms and/or

and much more besides, and may be used

electronics as part of your career pattern.

to transmit voice, data, graphics or any

If so, you are likely to have a number of

combination of these. The most common

very transferable and marketable skills,

carriers of fixed telecoms are cables, made

although these may need to be targeted

from both copper and fibre-optics.

in a particular area. Even without the necessary technical background, you can

Networks

still enter the industry, but probably be

Typically, a number of different

at a lower level. Your personal qualities

commercial organisations will both provide

are valued, as are the core skills you may

and share telecoms network facilities.

bring, including map reading, first aid and

Signals pass through switches and links

even an ability to work at heights. And of

owned by many companies and rented by

course, any relevant qualifications and

the service provider. The routing is up to

certifications you can get in the bag while

the owner of the links, and a mobile phone

you’re still serving can only help your

call will be just one message among those

cause, so don’t forget that you can use

of many other phone users. However, over

your ELC – see below – to work towards

THE DAY JOB: TELECOMS TECHNICIAN Telecoms technicians install, repair and maintain broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. They also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre-optic systems. If you have good practical skills, and can track down and solve problems, this could the job for you. You need to be well organised, able to follow technical diagrams, and happy to work as part of a team or on your own. You will need a background and qualifications in a related area, like electronics, electrical servicing or computer networking. As a telecoms technician you would install, test and repair communications and data communications systems, such as: l fixed-line and mobile telephony networks l copper-wire and fibre-optic cabling l VoIP communication systems l analogue and digital satellite systems l wireless radio networks providing internet access via PCs, smartphones and tablets. Your work could vary in scale from setting up a communications network in a large organisation to the installation of a home satellite system. Your work could involve: l laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling l testing and repairing faults in public and private switching exchanges l working with aerial rigging and related equipment l installing mobile and static antennae on buildings or masts l designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment. Source: National Careers Service

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: TELECOMS

The total number of fixed voice lines decreased by 0.3 million (1.0%) to 33.2 million in 2015, while the total number of mobile subscriptions, including handset, dedicated mobile data and machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, increased by 1.6 million (1.8%) to 91.5 million. Source: Ofcom, The Communications Market 2016, pt 4 Telecoms and Networks

use, and how to pass on that knowledge to others. The academic background and the principles of certain equipment use will be highly relevant to future employment, so your aim should be to build up these qualifications. If your career path does not include such courses, look at day release, evening classes, open learning and the internet for opportunities to learn before you leave.

Which course?

to work towards industry qualifications,

branching into many different kinds of

Once you have left the Forces, you will

such as:

workplace):

normally receive training from your

employer, as well as ongoing courses to keep you up to date. You may also be able

level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication Systems

level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Cabling

Systems and Telecoms l

Installations l

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS You need to discover the area of telecoms that is right for you, and for which you can reasonably expect to have the necessary qualifications and background. There is a wide range of resettlement training courses in this sector, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to talk with people already working in the industry to try to establish a reasonable starting point based on your skills and experience. You should then look for the courses and training that suit you. The key is to start early and take suitable training, so that this can be enhanced by self study, academic qualifications and, ideally, an industry placement.

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

and Systems Support l

HND in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (Communication)

BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles, or Networking

level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Rail Engineering Telecoms Installer

Diploma in Engineering Computer

NVQ level 2 Installing Structured Cabling Systems

seven-hour online course for

foundation degree, HND or

employees working in the area of

degree in telecommunications,

Voice Switching (combining telephony,

data communications and digital

telecoms and Voice Over Internet

communications.

Protocol).

A suite of national occupational

As well as these, many other courses

standards has been launched by the

will give you everything from a basic

Tech Partnership. To find out more

introduction/refresher course to a

about these and to get a wider picture

doctorate.

of the qualifications available, visit www.

thetechpartnership.com Below are listed a few more courses

Short (one to five days) courses in, for example, wireless communications, IP networks, traffic engineering or

you might like to consider (although please

managing product development provide

note that this is a hugely diverse area,

basic information that will enhance

and job opportunities are increasing and

your skills in many work environments

or help you to choose a specific skills

take six years or more. Typically,

team leader – £18,000 to £22,000

area before seeking higher levels of

costs range from around £10,000 to

project manager – £22,000 to £40,000

training. These short courses are often

£60,000, but at this level of study

technical trainer – £28,000 to £50,000

privately run and tailor-made, and

there may be funding opportunities.

network engineer – up to £50,000.

costs vary but may typically start at

These qualifications would lead to

Overtime, shift work and benefits can

around £600 for one day, £1,000 for

management and consultancy roles.

increase these rates.

one/two days and £1,400 for four/five l

days.

Finding employment

Use your ELC

Longer part-time or full-time courses

There are various ways in to the industry.

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

are likely to result in, for example,

To become a telecommunications

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms

technician for instance (see panel), you

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

Professional Intermediate or Advanced

may be able to complete an apprenticeship

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Apprenticeship). These courses will

with an electronics, telecommunications or

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

take one year minimum and

IT company. Vacancies in your area

contain an element of

will depend on the local jobs

workplace learning. You may need up to five GCSEs to gain entry on to a course at this level; alternatively, you may need to gain other relevant qualifications

market and the types of

The growth of 4G has been rapid; in Q4 2015, 4G accounted for almost half of all mobile subscriptions (46%). The availability of 4G mobile services increased too, with 97.8% of outdoor premises covered by at least one operator in May 2016. Source: Ofcom, The Communications Market 2016, pt 4 Telecoms and Networks

(such as maths

ensure good progression through your

may be able to get a trainee position with an installation company if you already have experience and/

not, you could take a college course to

KEY CONTACTS

Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd 01923 803030 office@cai.org.uk www.cai.org.uk @CAILtd

gain qualifications in these areas.

chosen industry. l

Alternatively, you

engineering, or servicing. If

training. This level of study will

pages 6–26. Q

from their workers.

electronic or electrical

alongside apprenticeship

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

skills employers need

or qualifications in

and English)

details of how to make the most of your

As data (IT) and telecommunications

Fibre Optic Industry Association

More complex training includes

systems continue to merge, demand

01763 273039

undergraduate degrees such as

is increasing for technicians who have

secretary@fia-online.co.uk

Electronics with Satellite Engineering,

skills in both fields, especially wireless

www.fia-online.co.uk

master’s such as Telecommunication

broadband technologies and VoIP.

Engineering, and doctorates such as

Typical employers include telephone and

Institute of Telecommunications

Intelligent Systems and Networks.

broadband network providers, mobile

Professionals (ITP)

Professional doctorates are the more

phone operators, cable, satellite and digital

01932 788861

obvious choice for those wishing to

TV companies, rail signal engineering and

enquiries@theITP.org

go straight into a work environment,

power transmission companies. There may

www.theitp.org

rather than staying in academia or

also be opportunities with the Ministry

@ITPnetwork

research. Although entry requirements

of Defence, the police and emergency

can vary and are sometimes

services.

Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (The Society for Broadband

negotiable, generally you need A-levels

With more experience, you could

to take a degree and you need a degree

progress to network planning and design,

to progress to master’s or PhD study

the research and development of new

01923 815500

(although see our feature on Access

products, and project management.

office@thescte.eu

to HE Diplomas at www.questonline.

Professionals)

www.scte.org.uk

co.uk/news/article/the-access-to-

What can you earn?

higher-education-he-diploma as these

Because pay varies so much from one

can, as their name suggests, help you

company and contract to another, the

access higher education without the

following figures are for guidance only,

020 7963 8920

conventional qualifications in hand).

although the average reported annual

info@thetechpartnership.com

Length of time to complete this level

salary is around £35,000:

www.thetechpartnership.com

of study can vary; part-time, it could

@TechPartnership

engineer – £15,000 to £25,000

@scte_ Tech Partnership

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

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

Rise above the rest, train with the best and join a team that works .... Train to become a driving instructor with Learner Driving Centres

Successfully training Armed Forces personnel for over 20 years Training available in over 50 locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales Train while you serve, training courses are exible to suit your service commitments Be your own boss, run your own driving school and work the hours you choose High potential earnings, our instructors charge between £20 and £30 per hour Guaranteed position with our driving school upon qualication

OFFICIAL REGISTER OF

ORDIT DRIVING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

visit www.LDCForces.co.uk or call

0800 197 0010 - 01977 691800

Ref: 802

* Course fees apply

NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS… Course One

Course Two

Course Three

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management

Course Four

Course Five

Course Six

NEBOSH International Technical Certifcate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety

NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management

NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

SPECIAL OFFER…

Choose any combination of three courses for one ELC claim. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

6781

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com

et u

sa t th

FRS

Car eer s Fa

ir a tC

att eri

-6

ril 2

017

Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI速) Resettlement Program 20 Days = 5 Days Copper Cabling | 5 Days Fibre Cabling | 10 Day Work Placement

The Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI速) is the perfect program to start your new career within the network cable installation industry, it provides two qualifications, official certification and eligibility for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Datacomms Specialist card - a must to allow you to work on-site. The CNCI速 program includes 5 days copper cabling and 5 days fibre cabling, and Service Leavers also gain a 10 day Work Placement, allowing actual on-the-job experience which has the potential to turn into employment. For those more experienced, CNet Training has many other Network Infrastructure and Data Centre education programs that can be funded with ELCs, please contact us to chat through The Global Data Centre and Network Infrastructure Education Framework which shows career progression routes that you could take following your CNCI速 certification.

Call us to find out how you could benefit from joining the Network Infrastructure Sector +44 (0)1284 767100

www.cnet-training.com/resettlement

Everything you need to start a new and successful career u 20 day program u 5 days of copper installation u 5 days of fibre installation u 10 days of work placement u Gain two industry recognised qualifications u Gain official certification

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.

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

Sponsored by

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 April 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.

April 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

NHS Ambulance Services Recruitment Qualifying Courses ELCAS funding approved

FutureQuals Level 4 Diploma Associate Ambulance Practitioner

4 weeks home-based on-line learning, plus 10 weeks classroom based learning (Mon - Fri)

£4,150 LIFESKILLS MEDICAL UK Emergency Medical Services Authority

Clinical Practice Placement Hours (paid) provided. This course is designed to support progression to the Diploma in Paramedic practice.

BIRMINGHAM

Courses in Feb, Jun, & Oct 2017

FutureQuals Level 3 Certificate Emergency Response Ambulance Driving “Blue Light” emergency driving course 4 weeks (Mon - Fri)

0121 515 5205

£2,800

info@lifeskillsmedical.com www.lifeskillsmedical.com

Category C1 on Driving Licence is required. This is the only emergency response ambulance driving qualification recognised by the NHS Ambulance Services.

Courses every month throughout year

These two courses meet the educational requirement for entry to the NHS Ambulance Service Trusts, Independent Ambulance Services, or Independent Medical Services, and are Ofqual regulated through FutureQuals Awarding Organisation. All charges plus VAT

Ambulance Service Institute UK Training Centre

Career Transition Partnership Approved Provider

Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) Approved Courses

BECOME A LEVEL 4 MASTER PERSONAL TRAINER

FULL TIME/ PART TIME

Approved by Future Awards & Qualifications to deliver RQF Courses

FREE COURSE TRANSFERS

YMCA ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS

NATIONWIDE VENUES EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

THE TIME IS NOW

Discovery Learning offers a range of Level 2, 3 + 4 fitness qualifications that can be funded through ELC credits. info@discovery.uk.com 0208 543 1017

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

HUB THE

THE HUB

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

A chance to shine for Armed Forces personnel

cHRysos HR was delighted to be able to support the Forces Resettlement Partnership recently by exhibiting at its first Careers and Training Fair at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland. The Partnership assists Service leavers in their transition to the civilian workplace and employment. While exhibiting at the event, we had the opportunity to speak to a range of Service leavers about our Chartered Management Institute qualifications in Management and Leadership, as well as our CIPD qualifications in HR and Learning and Development. The event brought together a range of employers and training providers, and there was a real buzz about the place, with Service leavers from a range of trades and backgrounds coming along to network and gather information about opportunities for employment and personal development. cHRysos HR is proud to support and work with Armed Forces personnel from all Services and offers discounted fees for a number of its CMI and CIPD qualifications. Our fast-track CIPD Intermediate Certificate/Diploma in HR Management is particularly popular as it provides the opportunity to get a recognised qualification in HR on your CV in a short space of time. Our experience of working with those transitioning from the Armed Forces into the civilian world means we understand the challenges faced by individuals, as well as being able to recognise the transferable skills that Service personnel have. Whether you are a Service leaver or are still serving and want to enhance your knowledge and skills in management and leadership, coaching and mentoring, HR or learning and development, talk to us about our flexible qualification routes, including fast track and work based. We are ELCAS registered, allowing you to use your funding opportunities, and can be contacted at info@chrysos.org.uk or by calling 01302 802128. See the advertisement on page 36

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

>> CHARITY FUNDRAISING

Marathon effort

Two military veterans from Cardiff are calling for the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support to achieve a vast charity fundraising target as they embark on their final few weeks of training for the Marathon des Sables, otherwise known as the Toughest Footrace on Earth. Huw Lewis MBE and Brian Edwards will be running the gruelling race in early April, when they will run a total of 156 miles across the tough terrain of the Sahara Desert. The pair are taking on the Marathon des Sables to raise money for the Motivation & Learning Trust (MLT), a charity that helps young people to improve their employability and reach their full potential in life. They are hoping to raise a total of ÂŁ10,000. The Marathon des Sables has been running for 31 years and attracts around 1,000 competitors each year. To sponsor the pair, visit their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/m-a-l-t/ huwandbrianmds

Top award for Oak Tree’s David Aston Oak Tree Management & Training Ltd’s candidate, David Aston PGDip Tech IOSH MSyI, has secured a NEBOSH top performing award. David, currently employed as the HSSE Officer at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank in London, also completed a successful and active career in the British Army for eight years. He received the award from NEBOSH at the Graduation and Awards Ceremony at the University of Warwick for being the top-performing UK candidate for the National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management during 2016. David’s distinction result, with 240 points overall, also secured him a silver salver, marking his significant achievement. Oak Tree provides multi-skilled course packages as part of the resettlement training programme and ELC scheme, including the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety,

NEBOSH Fire Safety & Risk Management, NEBOSH Certificate in Environment Management, NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health & Safety, QMS/ EMS Internal Auditing, ILM (Institute in Leadership & Management Awards and Certificates levels 3 and 5) and project management courses with ELC approval for funding. Pre-employment interview techniques, CV guidance and career guidance are available free of charge, as part of the learning relationship while training with Oak Tree. Please email steve@aktree-training. co.uk or call 01284 763040 to discuss a tailored training package to support your future career. The course packages, discounted fees and dates are also available on our website: www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod ELC provider number 4687 See the advertisement on page 25

New apprenticeships from Train2Train The Armed Forces are one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the UK, and the team at Train2Train has worked hard to become involved in helping Service leavers start new challenges and professions through apprenticeship programmes. With the government’s focus on sustainable jobs and fewer learners now choosing to go to university, apprenticeships are recognised as one of the key areas for employers to invest in, both in their existing and future workforce; because of this, apprenticeships continue to grow in both popularity and success. Apprenticeships are made up of nationally recognised qualification components that are increasingly being viewed as real alternatives to further and higher education qualifications. Apprenticeships provide learners with high-quality, industry-specific training that can launch careers in a wide range of industries. Some of the UK’s most senior business people started their careers as apprentices. Apprenticeships are also a great way for you to learn while gaining valuable workplace experience. They are open to all learners above 16 years of age, whether they are just leaving school, seeking to start a new career or are moving into a new role with an existing employer that requires new skills. Employers often find that apprenticeships not only give learners the knowledge and skills they need to perform a specific role, but also serve to motivate learners and enable them to take on more tasks and responsibilities. Train2Train currently offers apprenticeships in the following areas: • level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship • level 3 Team Leader/Supervisor Apprenticeship • level 2 Diploma in Customer Service • level 2 Retailer Apprenticeship • levels 1 and 2 Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics • levels 1 and 2 Functional Skills Qualification in English. For more information, please contact a member of the Train2Train team by emailing info@train2train.org or calling 01302 363136. Alternatively, please visit our website at www.train2train.org

>> BUSINESS START-UP

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces Part 8: Identify the profit or loss By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces Many businesses do not have adequate systems for identifying the profitability of different products and services, or even the business as a whole, yet this information is absolutely essential if a business is to grow. It is also important to know the costs of different areas of administration, to control overheads. To keep track of profits and costs, a business needs to have a management information system that can provide all the essential facts quickly and accurately. Obtain timely information Annual accounts are not enough to control a business. It must monitor profitability on a regular basis. Most businesses need to produce operating statements at quarterly or, better still, monthly intervals. Some businesses keep financial information in real time. Set financial objectives Businesses need to prepare annual budgets and update them with forecasts so that they can set realistic financial targets, control finances and account to key stakeholders for variances from plan. Key performance indicators (KPIs) KPIs are the information you decide you must have to monitor progress and to run your business. The usual KPIs are as follows. • Sales: monitor trends in sales on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, in as much detail as possible. • Costs: the business’s gross margin is a key sector comparator. There are ways to establish the sector figures to check progress against that of competitors. Overheads (such as rent, heat and light, and insurance) are usually fixed, so monitoring them presents fewer problems. • Working capital: trade debtors (money owed by customers) should be closely monitored. The aged debtor analysis should be kept up to date. • Cash flow: cash in and out should be monitored. The advent of telephone and internet banking means a business should know its bank balance every day and keep the cash flow forecast updated. Accounting software There are many accounting software packages that can provide regular information. Many will extend beyond management accounts to analysis of debtors and can provide KPIs at the push of a button. 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

See the advertisement on page 7

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

THE HUB

Shaping the future of the network infrastructure industry

First choice for fire safety training

The need for standardisation of education within the network cable infrastructure industry is more essential than ever and it is an issue that global industry education experts CNet Training has successfully addressed by launching an industry-endorsed certification that is shaping the future of the industry. The certification, supported by the industry and end users, and fully embraced and approved by major industry organisations, is being specified as the ‘must have’ official certification for the industry. CNet Training is offering it to Service leavers who are looking to start a new and rewarding career within network cable infrastructure.

Vulcan Fire Training was accepted into the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme in 2009, and in the past seven years has successfully trained many candidates on its five-day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma courses. Craig Parker – now a trainee consultant at ACE Ltd – took the five-day Fire Risk Assessor (Part 1 of the Fire Manager Certificate) in September this year and provided the following account of his experience … ‘While on work placement during my resettlement and termination leave, prior to discharge from the Army, I was advised to undertake a fire risk assessment course by my employer, and Vulcan Fire Training was the company recommended by them. ‘With very helpful staff I enrolled on to the five-day Fire Risk Assessor course. Feeling a little apprehensive, I attended the course, which took place in Warrington. The trainer was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable, making it much easier to learn given the fact that everything done on the course was based around real situations that were experienced by the training team. ‘The course itself was broken down into two parts, theory and practical, and the way in which it was taught made it very easy to take in, so by the time it came to do the exam it seemed like second nature, and everything fell into place. ‘I would most definitely recommend this course to anyone wishing to undertake fire training. Any queries I had were answered very quickly, the trainer drew upon their own experience, which proved very useful during the learning process, showing you why things are done the way they are done. ‘Overall a very good and cost-effective course, which I utilised as soon as I returned to work.’ To find out more about the fire safety training courses offered by Vulcan through the ELC scheme, and how to use your credits, visit www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc

What is the certification? The certification is the Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) programme. It provides everything you need (the knowledge, skills and practical hands-on experience) to confidently and accurately prepare, install, test and certify copper and fibre cabling systems, specifically for those wishing to demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills and expertise in network infrastructure. Successful completion provides two level 3 BTEC Advanced Award qualifications plus official industryrecognised CNCI® certification. Blending a perfect mix of theoretical study and practical exercises the CNCI® also certifies individuals’ ability to work to the correct cabling standards and follows the recommended codes of practice when undertaking cable installation projects. Plus, it incorporates many of the See the advertisement on page 9 manufacturers’ own certifications, such as the Fluke Versiv™ CCTT programme. The Resettlement CNCI® programme is 20 days in duration as it includes the addition of a valuable work placement, where Service leavers are provided with an opportunity to put their new skills to the test in a ten-day placement with an installation company, which could lead to employment as there is a known skills shortage within the installation sector. Resettlement poses many challenges, not least The CNCI® programme represents level 3 on the Global in making sure it doesn’t disrupt your children’s Data Centre and Network Infrastructure Education Framework, education. While boarding is an attractive the only framework in the world that maps professional learning, option, promising high educational standards education, qualifications and official certifications with roles as well as some very welcome stability at a time and career progression within the industries, from level 3 right of great upheaval, many through to a level seven master’s degree. Many of the programs Service leavers find the in the Framework are also eligible for ELC, allowing Service leavers that extra help to progress their knowledge and boost ongoing cost of boarding their career to the next level. in the independent sector The Framework is recognised and trusted by many of the prohibitive. world’s leading organisations, and provides confidence and This is where state assurance that employees receive the right level of knowledge, boarding, with its fees of skills and official certification in line with their particular career.

Will I still be able to afford boarding?

What does CNCI® certification mean to Service leavers? The 20-day Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) Resettlement Programme proves the quality of an individual’s copper and fibre cable installation workmanship, and demonstrates the highest level of knowledge, skills and expertise. Successful completion provides: • level 3 BTEC Advanced Award (Copper) • level 3 BTEC Advanced Award (Fibre) • official CNCI® certification • use of the CNCI logo as proof of your knowledge • use of the CNCI post-nominal letters, i.e. Martin Smith CNCI • eligibility for a ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) card for both Communications Installer Team Leader and the Communications Installer (Infrastructure). For further details on the CNCI® call Ken Hillyer at CNet Training on +44 (0)1284 767100 or email khillyer@cnet-training.com See the advertisement on page 43

Value doesn’t, however, come at the cost of quality as state boarding facilities are now indistinguishable from those in the independent sector following a £20 million programme of investment in boarding accommodation. Fully equipped health centres and modern home comforts have replaced the outmoded concepts of a ‘visit to matron’ and the school dorm. Top-quality sports and arts 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 9 children.

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 27 April 2017, Edinburgh CTP Employment Fair 23 May 2017, Newark 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

April 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 15

From drilling commands to drilling rigs, prevent accidents and save lives with British Engineering Services Join us as an engineer surveyor and you will make the most of your engineering knowledge and expertise, build relationships with clients, and take responsibility for making big decisions on the condition and future safety of plant and equipment. Your challenge will be to inspect and assess the condition of all kinds of plant, equipment and installations – you name it, we’ll work with it – and all with the support of one of the most forward thinking, and career-focused engineering companies on the planet. Don’t just take our word for it, see what some of our people say here: bit.ly/briteng Some of our best engineer surveyors have joined us from the military. Here’s Mario’s story: I served as a vehicle mechanic in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 14 years. I met an engineer surveyor on site and, after speaking with him, was attracted to the variety and flexibility the job offered. I had a young family and didn’t want to risk missing key events in their life because I had been deployed. I feel more in control of my life now and the company has a reasonable number of ex-military employees, so it was an easy transition. One challenge has been the lone working side of the job, but as I’m at home most nights and weekends now I get to socialise with my old friends from home. Sound good? You’ll need to have a level 4 engineering qualification and a good level of practical experience. You’re flexible enough to work from home, you’re a great communicator, you’ve got a full driving licence and you’re looking for your next big challenge. In return, you’ll discover a company with an unrivalled heritage – an exciting business with huge vision and energy … and a fully UK-owned organisation that puts best practice first. With a competitive salary, pension contributions up to 10%, a company car ownership scheme and best-in-class training, you’ve just found a career that will stand up to any test!

>> RESEARCH NEWS

Rehab through motorsport

Team BRIT – a motor racing team of injured military troops – is assisting with ongoing work exploring how motorsport can help in the rehabilitation of injured Veterans. The team is a branch of the charity KartForce, set up to inspire, challenge and motivate injured extroops through motorsport. Military Veterans are invited to take part in karting events across the country and some are selected to join Team BRIT – a competitive racing team. Last month, the first in a series of interviews to take place over the next three years was carried out with the drivers as part of the second phase of a clinical study. In 2014 Dr Nigel Hunt, an Associated Professor in the School of Medicine at Nottingham University, carried out a clinical study into the effects of karting on Armed Forces Veterans. He interviewed 15 drivers, including professional racers Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert and Eddie Irvine, along with KartForce and Team BRIT drivers, and concluded that karting had contributed significantly to their recovery. He found benefits to include the sense of comradeship in karting, which is similar to that of the Armed Forces, the adrenaline buzz, the focus, the competitiveness and the discipline – all qualities that Veterans described said an Armed Forces experience provided, and which they had lost since being injured. Drivers also reported that karting enabled them to compete on equal terms with able-bodied racers. Dr Hunt is now carrying out a further three-year PhD study into the subject, and his student, Danai Serfioti, a PhD researcher in Applied Psychology at the University of Nottingham, spent time with Team BRIT drivers Andy Searle, Jimmy Hill, Warren McKinlay and Tony Williams, as well as KartForce drivers at their recent rack day. The interviews will support her study and she will spend more time with the drivers over the course of the project. Says team founder Dave Player, ‘KartForce is the only Forces motorsport organisation to have undertaken a clinical study of this nature. It’s such a unique sport that can provide a focus and an adrenaline rush like no other, and KartForce looks to show Veterans that they can participate, even with disabilities. We look forward to further supporting Nigel and Danai in their studies and to hearing about their findings.’ Team BRIT aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to enter Le Mans in 2020. Their seasons starts with the first race of the Fun Cup Championship on 8 April.

See the advertisement on page 66

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE

Fit for purpose! With a host of transferable skills from his Forces training, a burning desire to break out on his own and the support of some very valuable mentors, ex-RAF Aerosystems Engineering Officer David Smith found himself well equipped to step out into civvy street as the owner of his own gym, CrossFit Spitfire

employment, and creating something special and new, but never brave enough to take the plunge having always enjoyed the reliability of secure employment and working for others. However, when I checked out the government website portal for start-up loans, I discovered X-Forces, gave them a call and sought their advice. After that, I decided to take the plunge! ‘Once I started to write my business plan it quickly became obvious that it was indeed the right thing to do, and

avid Smith, 37, joined the

that David developed a passion for fitness,

had to be seized with both hands. The

Royal Air Force in 2002, was

functional movement, and strength and

opportunity to work for yourself, and also

commissioned in February

conditioning training/programming.

to help others through your product, was

2003 and qualified as an Aerosystems

presented an amazing opportunity that

much too good to pass up.’

Engineering Officer in October of that

Finding his fit

same year. He had joined the RAF as

Having left the Services in 2008, David

the result of a childhood passion for

spent some time working as a test and

Is entrepreneurship for you?

military aviation, and as an engineer this

development engineer at Lotus Cars in

We asked David what advice he would give

also presented him with the opportunity

Norfolk before embarking upon CrossFit

to other people thinking about becoming

to work at the pinnacle of aviation

Spitfire. ‘The decision to start my own

an entrepreneur like him? His response:

technology. It also allowed him to push

business was inspired by my close friend

‘Absolutely do it! It is 100% worth the

himself and develop on a daily basis

and training partner, who is also a gym

time, stress, investment and sleepless

– both physically and mentally – with

owner based in Colchester, Carl Saville

nights while you’re creating it. Provided

continual training that was second to

(Carl is owner of CrossFit Colchester).

that you’re willing to commit fully and put

none. It was during his time in the RAF

I had always been intrigued by self-

the hard work in, you will be rewarded. I

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

PROVIDED THAT YOU’RE WILLING TO COMMIT FULLY AND PUT THE HARD WORK IN, YOU WILL BE REWARDED

feel especially proud to have been able to do it with the support and mentorship provided by X-Forces, who have been so easy to work with and very supportive. There is no doubt that their help made the transition easier to cope with.’

Meeting the challenge ‘The main challenge I have faced so far,’ continues David, ‘especially in the set-up stage of the business, has been having to engage and manage a number

business plan, while ensuring the books

external organisations, such as estate

balance too. Having a good, well-thought-

proud of my team and all of my members.

agents, landlords, solicitors, local councils,

through business plan has helped me with

I have been overwhelmed by the level of

equipment suppliers, tradesmen, clients

this significantly, as has maintaining the

support received from everyone, including

and so on, and to tie everyone down, all

belief and confidence that it will work.

local businesses, authorities and of course

together, to a timescale that meets the

‘Without the support and guidance of X-Forces this whole venture simply

‘Needless to say, I am also incredibly

X-Forces.’

would not have been possible. Sharda (my

Up and running

business adviser) has been there to guide

‘CrossFit Spitfire was launched in July

me through the creation of my business

2016,’ says David, ‘and since then we

CrossFit Spitfire is a premier strength

plan from day one – all the way to the

signed up more than 200 members. That

and conditioning facility and CrossFit

point of securing the funding required to

was our business plan target for the end

affiliate in Norwich, providing CrossFit

make the business become a reality. It is

of Year 2, so I have been overwhelmed

classes, speciality weightlifting

especially gratifying to know that help and

at the fantastic response. In that time we

and gymnastics classes, as well as

advice are only a phone call away should

have also grown our coaching team to

workshops, including circus training,

further support be needed at any time,

include four part-time coaches and three

providing unique and exciting classes to

and to have the network of other business

apprentice coaches. We have extended

the local community.

start-ups to reach out to.

our opening hours and provided additional

ABOUT CROSSFIT SPITFIRE

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY

classes to meet the increased demand from our membership. We have also expanded the offering from our on-site massage clinic to include osteopathy, acupuncture and traditional massage services alongside sports massage. ‘On top of all that, we have also launched the incredibly exciting CrossFit Spitfire Kids, which has been a huge hit so far, with more than 40 children between the ages of 4 and 15 years old attending our exciting open day back in January of this year. We now have a regular kids’ members. And there’s much more planned to come! ‘We had our very first in-house competition for our members at Christmas, which saw more than 60 people taking part in a number of team-based workouts over one very exciting day ... all done in crazy fancy dress! It was an epic day and thoroughly enjoyed by all, including me dressed in a Santa/reindeer combo.’

David’s advice for budding entrepreneurs ‘If you’re thinking of starting your own business, my advice is to ensure you always have a business mentor, or at least access to one. It can be very lonely starting a new venture, and having someone there to call upon for reliable advice is an extremely valuable asset.’

If, like David, you are considering a career in sport and fitness, read our in-depth online feature at www.questonline.co.uk/ careers/career/sport-and-fitness Q

THE X-FORCES FACTOR Since its launch in July 2013, X-Forces – the MoD’s official training partner for

class timetable for each age group, with more planned to expand the programme further. ‘Since the launch, I have also

self-employment, delivering training

reinvested heavily back into the business

through the CTP – has nurtured and

to cement its success. This has included

www.crossfitspitfire.com

guided 853 new businesses, and

a variety of equipment, ranging from

www.facebook.com/crossfitspitfire

facilitated £9.3 million in seed funding.

additional new rowers and bikes, to a peg

https://twitter.com/CFSpitfire

It supports Service leavers, veterans,

board, strongman equipment, weighted

www.instagram.com/crossfitspitfire

spouses, reservists, cadets and

vests, dumbbells, mobility equipment,

dependants.

barbells and bumper plates, and rig

To find out more about running your

upgrades. We have also adjusted the

own business and the support available

floor area to increase the gym space as

from X-Forces, visit www.x-forces.com

much as possible, in addition to proving an online streaming mobility/yoga service and competition programming free to our

KEY CONTACTS

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

CrossFit Spitfire

X-Forces 0800 307 7545 info@x-forces.com www.x-forces.com www.facebook.com/XForces https://twitter.com/OfficialXforces

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT

Making tomorrow independence day 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 – is there for the most vulnerable. Looking for work in civvy street after serving in the RAF, Nicola Stokes found herself in need of their help. Here’s her story …

3. Online application forms: if you are applying for a job role online, it’s a good idea to keep a hard copy of what you write and also save it in Word, just in case your application times out. Make sure you have included everything you need before clicking send to complete the process. 4. Prepare for success: preparation is

icola Stokes (pictured top) began

up at Stoll as part of its Health and Wellbeing

her career in the TA when she was

programme for residents and ex-Service

key! You may be asked competency-

17, before moving to the Royal Air

personnel in the community.

based questions in your interview, so

Force, where she stayed for ten years. As

Speaking about Stoll, Nicola says: ‘Not

it’s a good idea to have two or three

part of the Supply and Logistics team, Nicola

enough people know about the incredible

specific examples of when you have done

had the crucial role of being responsible for

service this charity provides. I had no idea

something and the outcome, to back

issuing and checking kit for pilots before they

this help was available to me at a time when I

up your answers. Practise being in the

went out on missions or training exercises.

was at my lowest. I’m now settled in my home

interview situation with friends, family,

She spent around half of her career with the

with a fresh start ahead of me, and that’s

RAF in the UK, and the other half serving on

ultimately because I took the step to go to the

tours and training exercises in the Falklands,

drop-in and ask for help.’

the Grand Canyon and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, at around the age of

mentors or colleagues. 5. Know the finer details: know your travel route, timings and interview address well

Ed Tytherleigh, CEO at Stoll, adds:

before the day of the interview. Print a

‘Nicola’s story highlights the importance

copy of your CV to take with you, and

32 Nicola developed post-traumatic stress

of our personalised approach. Most people

make sure you have contact details of the

disorder (PTSD). Looking back, she now

manage the transition from the Armed Forces

company you will be interviewing with,

realises that she probably had it for most

to civilian life successfully, but not everyone

of her life, however things came to a head

does and Stoll is here to support vulnerable

after she left the Forces. She felt unbearably

Service leavers – those who need our help the

impression will communicate your

low and depressed, and contacted Veterans’

most. Arranging accommodation is vital so

dedication to the role. Clean shoes, an

mental health charity Combat Stress.

that people like Nicola have a place they can

ironed and smart outfit will all help to

call home. It is great to see that Nicola has

ensure you come across as professional.

drop-in at Stoll in Fulham. Stoll is a leading

now also found work. That means she can live

The organisation Suited and Booted (see

Veterans’ charity and housing association

independently.’

‘Key contacts’) can help with supplying a

She was advised to go to the Veterans’

that has been helping ex-Service personnel

suit.

Wednesday of the month, where ex-Service

Top tips for getting back into work or training

men and women who are in need of support

Employment adviser Jenny Evans works with

can go in and speak to staff and other

Stoll and Walking With The Wounded to

Veterans about their options – whether to do

help get Veterans back into training

with housing, their mental health, developing

or work. Since November 2015 she

new skills or just for someone to talk to.

has worked with 51 beneficiaries,

since 1916. It runs a drop-in every second

It took considerable courage for Nicola

supporting 26 into employment. Here are

7. Be grateful: remember to thank your interviewers for the opportunity and their

to attend the drop-in, but once she had

Jenny’s tips for you if you are looking to find

spoken to Stoll, they acted quickly to find her

work …

accommodation and, within two weeks, they had found her a flat in West London. The Civil

1. Get networking: widen your horizons –

Service Benevolent Fund helped to furnish the

talk to family, friends and other people

flat, and she now feels at home and settled.

you know to explore alternative options

She also secured a customer services role at a

about where work might be available.

local cinema. Dress making is where Nicola’s heart

just in case there is a delay. 6. Look the part: making a positive first

2. Do your research: make sure you find as much information as possible on the

really lies, though, and she is currently

company, its values, culture and the job

looking at college courses to pursue this

role before you go to an interview. It

dream. She already makes cloth dogs for

is important to know if it’s the right fit

different charities each year, which are always

for you – and you’ll come across as well

immensely popular. She is also now part of the

informed in the interview.

time. No matter what happens, every interview is a learning experience. Q

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 Suited and Booted www.suitedbootedcentre.org.uk

Combat Veteran Players, a theatre group set

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

SARAH DAVIS

How to win in the workplace

he military equips you with an impressive array of skills from

which civilian employers rightly know they can get real value. You have been inherently programmed to

again and in a completely new environment where you are the junior; where before there was obvious, organisational hierarchy, now credibility and reputation are paramount and

turn up everywhere on time, to

they are in your hands – no one

take immaculate pride in your

else is going to take the fall for

appearance, to have more than

you; where before you might

a firm handshake, to deliver

have been expected to lead

results at all costs, to work

from the front, now you may be

long hours to get the job done,

expected to wait, to watch and

and to build enduring working

learn.

relationships – executing

With so much to adjust

today, planning tomorrow and

to in your life in one go on

multitasking in the meantime.

leaving the Forces, the first

With challenging operational

few months in that new job

tours and significant

can feel daunting and even

responsibility already under

uncomfortable. You may feel

your belt, you are likely to

less confident than you are

thrive in the civilian workplace

used to, more vulnerable,

– but you will definitely need to be ready to adapt. Think about those transferable skills – in order to really succeed, you have to make sure you do exactly that: transfer those skills. Once you have accepted your exciting new job offer and

Planning on hanging up your rank and uniform on Friday and sliding effortlessly into your new civilian career Monday? Think again! There is serious competition out there, says Sarah Davies, director of I Am Strong Coaching, and you need to be flexible, focused and fully ready to adapt to the demands of your new role

exposed and less sure of your environment, your colleagues and your role. There is also a tendency for ex-military people to feel as though they are under-delivering or underachieving on transitioning, placing undue pressure on themselves from the outset. So stick to the following

SIX STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION

signed your contract, take the

and value, you may find

new career path as you mean

time to think and prepare, to

yourself learning the hard

to go on. You do have what it

1. Know why this is the job

guidance and set out on your

research your new working

way. So, be prepared,

takes, now take your time to

for you and it will soon

environment, the ways of

understand in advance that

get to know your new company,

become clear to others.

working, the expectations

where, before, you might

your new colleagues, your new

and the management styles,

have had responsibility and

working rhythm. Take the time

the culture and

observe the interactions, the

little accountability, now the

to settle, adjust, accept and

dynamics of your new

meeting formats, the client

responsibility may be less but

be accepted, and you will be

company.

relationships. Think about how

the accountability greater;

investing in an exciting future

you might need to adjust your

where before you may have

that in turn invests in you.Q

and your eyes wide

working style to make your

held rank, you may now be

open; your time will

transition into this environment

come. Learn first, lead

as seamless and as impressive

next.

as possible. Add value and

2. Take time to understand

3. Keep your head down

4. Don’t translate, transfer; add value in everything

transfer – don’t simply translate.

you do. 5. Seek out a mentor to support your transition. 6. Be you and enjoy it. You can do this!

starting back on that first rung

If you attempt to simply

translate the skills and experience you have gained from the military, without adding a layer of reflection

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

BE STRONGER

Sarah Davies (herself ex-Army) is Director of I Am Strong Coaching, a coaching and mentoring practice that focuses on supporting military personnel in their transition to the civilian workplace. If you feel you would benefit from her support, then please get in touch: sarah@strongcoaching.co.uk www.iamstrongcoaching.co.uk

Technical Training Solutions Providing Practical Engineering Skills Training For Industry

✆ 0800 3800 007

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR The Role: Our Technical Instructors design and deliver short training courses to small groups of engineers at our base in Rochester and throughout the UK. This involves ordering parts, briefing and dealing with sub-contractors, building training rigs, researching technical issues, writing course notes and delivering the actual training courses. The Person: Electrical engineering knowledge, relevant qualifications, experience and an ability to communicate are the technical instructor’s most important assets. Previous experience of training is not required in the role, as help and support is given, although an engaging aptitude to present technical subjects to an audience is crucial. The candidate must live within 1 hours commute from Rochester Transport: Instructors use their own transport, which must be fit for purpose (most instructors use estate cars). A valid driving licence is required. Hours: Mainly office hours but a flexible approach is required Remuneration: Salary is currently circa £37k with 25 days holiday.

T: 01634 731470 E: tech.training@zen.co.uk ELECTRICAL

Fancy yourself as a Civil Aviation Authority Accredited Commercial Drone Pilot? Join the rapidly growing market at the right time. Use your IRTC and accommodation credits towards a short residential training course that will enable you to earn money using your drone commercially. All MOD resettlement forms available on request. Residential Course includes: • Theory Training and Examination • Practical Flying Training - using our fleet of drones • Flight Assessment - at no additional cost • No re-sit fees • Operations Manual writing workshop and proofing • Membership of the ‘Drone Pilot Academy - Certified Operators’ database

Discounted rate for service personnel (quote QSTMR17) £895 plus VAT (Usually £1095) Starter bundles available including training and equipment – details on request Contact the Drone Pilot Academy

0800 3800 007 or visit us online

INSTRUMENTATION

MECHANICAL

www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk

MOT

Train to become an Automotive Technician and MOT Tester with the UK’s Leading Independent Automotive Training Provider Automotive Inspection Technician - MOT Tester - MOT Manager Air-Con Refrigerant Handling - Electric/Hybrid - CAN Bus Diagnostics ELC Application Pending

See our website for our Automotive Courses

www.atatraining.co.uk 01206 793399 questonline.co.uk l April 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY

RALPH STRAW Part of the union

‘Is there anything going

working with people, you’re very

on between the Platoon

likely to be doing something

Commander and the Platoon

useful.

Sergeant? …’

This was the first time that I’d been up this close to the

the obvious ones being the

Regimental Sergeant Major.

police, NHS staff, prison staff and

‘Well, Sir … the thing is …’

the fire service. Whenever you

‘Yes or no, Corporal Straw?’

are dealing with members of the

he replied.

public you’re at risk – physically

So here I was, the man

and otherwise. More so if you’re

wanted an answer from me and

dealing with vulnerable people

after 20-odd years in the Army

or young people. Great care

he had heard his fair share of

is taken to ensure that public-

bluffing.

sector staff don’t put themselves

‘Yes, Sir, there is.’

in compromising positions.

That one phrase ended

However, sometimes it doesn’t

my career. Less than a month

matter how much care you take,

later I had signed off from

you find yourself blindsided on

the regular Army. In that

a Tuesday morning, as I did in

month I was suspended from duty as a training instructor, investigated by the chain of command, arrested by the Special Investigation Branch for mistreating a subordinate and found that Jaffa Cakes are an excellent comfort food. All because my boss fancied a little dalliance with the Platoon Sergeant. The story ends well, though.

Regular QUEST contributor Ralph Straw reports once more from the resettlement frontline, this time with some sound advice – learned the hard way, through personal experience – about why you really should consider joining a trades union when you make your own transition to a civilian career. Not doing so could cost you more than your job’s worth …

I was proved to be innocent.

the Regimental Sergeant Major’s office. This is where being a member of a trades union is useful and reassuring. If you find yourself accused of anything or in bother, you have access to a representative. If you are interviewed, then your union will provide a legal adviser at no cost to you. Since leaving I have had cause to summon the help of my union. However, on that occasion

But it could have all ended quite

I wrote a letter to my local

union would have been really

it was completely my own fault …

badly for me. Several people in

MP, Anna Soubry, then Under-

useful during that time. So, when

the chain of command (including

Secretary of State and Minister

I left the Forces, one of the first

I have to say that I would

Officers and Senior NCOs) made

for Defence Personnel, who was

things I did was to join Unison,

have preferred not to. All the

false statements and coerced

a huge help and authoritative

the largest public-sector union in

prisoners had been taken to the

junior soldiers to do the same. As

voice. Having a mental

the UK.

wing for lunch and I was just

my delightful Company Sergeant

breakdown proved to be a good

Major said at the time, ‘People

method of coping with the

makes you an ideal person to

are going to close ranks and

institutional insanity that I was

work in the public sector – from

protect their own interests here,

suffering. I also tried to sue my

one honourable profession

Ralph.’

accusing subsequent saviours,

to another. It is what I have

but even a top London law firm

done since leaving. I wanted to

You’ll need to bring all your

knew I was on my own.

continue working with people

personal belongings with you.’

Which is exactly what happened. I wrote letters to my Commanding Officer, pointing

Public-sector work is not without its own risks of course,

I had no one acting on my

Being a Service leaver

and helping them to grow, rather

‘Ralph, can I have a word?’

tucking into my jar of peanut butter. ‘Yeah … What’s up?’ I replied with a mouthful. ‘We just need to have a chat.

My friend looked across at

out my obvious innocence, and

behalf or representing me.

than growing profits in the

me with a knowing gaze. I was

the shameful lies of a Captain

You may remember that big

private sector. Not that there is

to become one of the ‘walked

caught in the act and trying to

document that you signed years

anything wrong with that, I just

out’ – where a member of staff is

protect her career. I was a small

ago when you joined, where

know I would be rubbish at it.

escorted from the prison, flanked

fish and I was going to be diced

you waived your right to join a

Working in the public

by two officers. I had heard tales

and used to keep the sharks

trades union? I can remember

sector brings rewarding and

of this myself – with regard to

away.

thinking that being in a trades

real benefits. Whenever you’re

staff who had brought in drugs

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

or mobile phones, or assaulted prisoners. I

meant to find the owner this morning. He

to work at HMP Leicester but only if you

racked my brain trying to remember what

was illegally parked anyway, one inch from

understand the seriousness of this matter.

serious criminal act I had committed that had

my bumper. He blocked me in.’

I didn’t understand the seriousness, but I

led to my being summoned to the Governor’s

‘It’s out of my hands.’

had accepted a fantastic opportunity to work

office. I looked through the bars of my

And apparently, so was I, as I was

elsewhere anyway. So, dear QUEST reader, I hope that you

classroom window while gathering my things,

whisked away from the prison by two

and imagined that barred view of the outside

officers. This was my income, my livelihood.

find some useful advice in this piece …

world for 23 hours a day.

What would I do now? There was a van

‘The police are investigating and, until

Join a trades union. The cost of Unison

bringing a prisoner in as I was being taken

membership is reasonable, ranging from

that is concluded, you’re suspended without

out. He gave me an understanding nod,

£1.30 to £22.50 a month, depending on

prejudice until further notice.’

which I returned, both of us wishing to swap

your salary. It’s like a mess bill, but you

direction.

get more than tea and toast for your

‘I’m a supply teacher. I won’t get paid if I don’t work. You can’t be more prejudiced,’

I returned home early. My wife thought

money.

I said, sitting in a chair, now surrounded

I had come back to share the news that I

by three men in suits and two uniformed

had signed the contract for the permanent

managerialism. Being a former Service

officers.

lecturer position offered to me …

person, you are likely to have a low

‘I’ll need your prison ID.’ ‘I am a supply teacher … I’ve just told you

‘No, I’ve been sacked.’

tolerance for nonsense. However, some

Here I was again, but now I had the

people have made careers on it.

that … I’ve only got my agency ID. What have

support of the largest public-sector trades

I done anyway?’

union in the UK. I contacted them right away

‘I can’t tell you that,’ he replied, handing me a letter that told me anyway.

It is alleged that at **** hrs yesterday, your vehicle, namely a silver Nissan Primera, collided with a green Mini Metro, causing damage to the handbrake. ‘Ah … I had forgotten all about that. I had

Watch out for office politics and

Don’t panic.

and, within a few days, I was working in two

Be well,

other prisons. They did all the work for me.

Ralph

After six weeks I received a letter from the governor:

To find out more about Unison, visit www.unison.org.uk Q

After a very in-depth managerial investigation we have decided not to take the matter any further. You are free to return

Want to Work with Animals? Animal Jobs Direct offer over 150 training courses! Want to work with animals but don’t know which is the right animal care career for you? Choosing a relevant animal care training course will give you the best chance to find a job working with animals. We have information on all kinds of jobs and careers with dogs, cats, horses, plus wildlife and veterinary careers, animal charity, marine, zoo & safari park careers. Contact us and talk to our Careers and Course Adviser to get started today!

www.animal-job.co.uk Tel: 0208 626 9646 or email admin@animal-job.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l April 2017

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from May to July 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

08 May 2017 05 June 2017 03 July 2017

10 May 2017 07 June 2017 05 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 May 2017 13 June 2017 12 July 2017

16 May 2017 13 June 2017 12 July 2017

FAR All Ranks 27 June 2017

27 June 2017

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 16 May 2017 18 May 2017 13 June 2017 15 June 2017 25 July 2017 27 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

15 May 2017 17 May 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 12 June 2017 14 June 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)

09 May 2017

11 May 2017

23 May 2017 18 July 2017

25 May 2017 20 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 03 May 2017 03 July 2017

09 May 2017 11 May 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 09 May 2017 11 May 2017 (Course location Preston)

CTW Officer/SNCO 09 May 2017 11 May 2017 23 May 2017 25 May 2017 20 June 2017 22 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 18 July 2017 20 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

08 May 2017 08 May 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 15 June 2017 15 June 2017 25 June 2017 25 June 2017 29 June 2017 29 June 2017 13 July 2017 13 July 2017 06 June 2017

06 June 2017

03 July 2017

RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

14 June 2017

Housing

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

Self Employment Awareness 24 May 2017 20 June 2017

08 May 2017 10 May 2017 05 June 2017 07 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 09 May 2017 15 May 2017 16 May 2017 23 May 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

11 May 2017 17 May 2017 18 May 2017 25 May 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

02 May 2017 30 May 2017 04 July 2017 31 July 2017

04 May 2017 01 June 2017 06 July 2017 02 August 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

Employment Support Programme Wksp

08 May 2017 08 May 2017 12 June 2017 12 June 2017 17 July 2017 17 July 2017

FAR All Ranks

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

Self Employment Awareness 29 June 2017

29 June 2017

RC Germany

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

START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class

FAR All Ranks

24 May 2017 20 June 2017

CTW Mixed Class

Self Employment Awareness

CTW SNCO

14 June 2017

04 May 2017 17 May 2017 18 May 2017 07 June 2017 15 June 2017 21 June 2017 29 June 2017 06 July 2017 12 July 2017

FAR All Ranks

CTW Officer

03 May 2017 03 July 2017

02 May 2017 15 May 2017 16 May 2017 05 June 2017 13 June 2017 19 June 2017 27 June 2017 04 July 2017 10 July 2017

RRC Cottesmore Central London

08 May 2017 10 May 2017 22 May 2017 24 May 2017 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 25 May 2017 15 June 2017 20 July 2017

26 May 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

08 June 2017 22 June 2017 27 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

April 2017 l questonline.co.uk

11 May 2017 15 June 2017 27 July 2017

03 May 2017 17 July 2017

RC Northolt

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

08 May 2017 10 May 2017 22 May 2017 24 May 2017 12 June 2017 14 June 2017 26 June 2017 28 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 24 July 2017 26 July 2017

CTW Officer

15 May 2017 17 May 2017 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

Housing

13 July 2017

27 July 2017 12 July 2017 13 July 2017

Self Employment Awareness 25 May 2017 06 July 2017

25 May 2017 06 July 2017

RC Plymouth

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE

11 July 2017 13 July 2017 (Course location Cyprus)

CTW Junior Ranks

16 May 2017 04 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Officer/SNCO

18 May 2017 06 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

22 May 2017 22 May 2017 26 June 2017 26 June 2017 10 July 2017 10 July 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 31 July 2017 31 July 2017

German CV Writing 17 July 2017

17 July 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

09 May 2017 13 June 2017 25 July 2017

12 June 2017 14 June 2017 10 July 2017 12 July 2017 02 May 2017 04 May 2017 22 May 2017 24 May 2017 23 May 2017 25 May 2017 (Course location Culdrose) 05 June 2017 07 June 2017 26 June 2017 28 June 2017 03 July 2017 05 July 2017 11 July 2017 13 July 2017 24 July 2017 26 July 2017 31 July 2017 02 August 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO 15 May 2017 19 June 2017 17 July 2017

17 May 2017 21 June 2017 19 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

10 May 2017 06 July 2017

18 May 2017 20 July 2017

Self Employment Awareness

RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 08 May 2017 05 June 2017 03 July 2017

10 May 2017 07 June 2017 05 July 2017

CTW Mixed Class

30 May 2017 01 June 2017 19 June 2017 21 June 2017 10 July 2017 12 July 2017 31 July 2017 02 August 2017

CTW Officer

22 May 2017 24 May 2017 26 June 2017 28 June 2017 24 July 2017 26 July 2017

CTW SNCO 15 May 2017 12 June 2017 17 July 2017

25 May 2017 29 June 2017 27 July 2017

FAR All Ranks

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

FAR All Ranks

Employment Support Programme Wksp

17 May 2017 14 June 2017 19 July 2017

25 May 2017 29 June 2017 27 July 2017

11 May 2017 04 July 2017

19 May 2017 16 June 2017 05 July 2017

Self Employment Awareness

RRC Rosyth

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

08 May 2017 10 May 2017 16 May 2017 18 May 2017 (Course location Faslane) 22 May 2017 24 May 2017 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

CTW Officer/SNCO 02 May 2017 31 July 2017

04 May 2017 02 August 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

CTW Officer

09 May 2017 09 May 2017 (Course location Faslane) 18 May 2017 18 May 2017 23 May 2017 23 May 2017 (Course location Kinloss) 13 June 2017 13 June 2017 (Course location Faslane) 15 June 2017 15 June 2017 13 July 2017 13 July 2017 25 July 2017 25 July 2017 (Course location Faslane) 01 June 2017

01 June 2017 26 July 2017

03 May 2017 16 May 2017 06 June 2017 04 July 2017 18 July 2017

05 May 2017 18 May 2017 08 June 2017 06 July 2017 20 July 2017

09 May 2017 18 May 2017 23 May 2017 06 June 2017 15 June 2017 20 June 2017 04 July 2017 18 July 2017 27 July 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks

04 May 2017 10 May 2017 17 May 2017 24 May 2017 07 June 2017 14 June 2017 21 June 2017 05 July 2017 12 July 2017 19 July 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

CTW Mixed Class 30 May 2017 26 June 2017

31 May 2017 24 July 2017

CTW SNCO

RRC Tidworth

02 May 2017 08 May 2017 15 May 2017 22 May 2017 05 June 2017 12 June 2017 19 June 2017 03 July 2017 10 July 2017 17 July 2017

11 May 2017 25 May 2017 15 June 2017 13 July 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

Self Employment Awareness 01 June 2017

09 May 2017 23 May 2017 13 June 2017 11 July 2017

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

01 June 2017 28 June 2017

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

30 May 2017 26 June 2017 31 July 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RECRUITING.

B e the

www.thedevelopmentinitiative.com/job-opportunities

boss

Explore our ethical, organic food delivery opportunities

riverford.co.uk/franchising 01803 227380

TDI provides a number of services to organisations in both humanitarian and commercial sectors including landmine clearance, UXO disposal, CIED training, IEDD and Search Training and remote logistics solutions. To date, with 11 years of operations, TDI has successfully undertaken over 65 projects in 16 countries and often have contract positions available for Project Managers, APPLY HERE: CIED and IEDD Trainers and Mentors, info@thedevelopmentinitiative.com Technical Field Managers, EOD Qualified twitter.com/TDI18 staff, Medics and all associated support www.thedevelopmentinitiative.com staff.

questonline.co.uk l April 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

April 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