THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC April 2018
OPEN FOR BUSINESS! You could be too page 6
INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
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T
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E
EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR NEW EDITION OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES 4
FORCES. As regular readers will already be aware, it’s the only guide you’ll need to funding, courses, careers and resettlement. And, if you’re a newcomer to these pages – whether you’re still serving or have already started your resettlement journey – we hope you’ll find it indispensable, too. Our opening success story this month is actually a collection of success stories. Turn to page 6 to read about several people who have already benefited from the help of new service Veterans’ Gateway – a first point of contact, not just for careers and employment advice, but for areas such as housing, finance and mental health, too. In the pages that follow, you’ll find all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to make best use of it – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim. As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also delve into distance learning and find out how it can help you in your quest for qualifications, wherever in the world you are. In addition, we highlight higher-level study choices, if that’s where your sights are set, and spotlight several career areas that we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition. This month we check out the training and courses that will help you prepare for a role as an auditor, or in the wide-ranging sector of computing and IT. The latter includes cyber security – a field that is particularly in the spotlight and on the up at the moment. We also find out how Access to HE qualifications could help you follow your dreams and change your life – even if you always thought higher education wasn’t for you. This ‘Your ELC’ section winds up with our one-stop education
and funding planner, which summarises your education and personal development opportunities, offers ideas on improving your career prospects and highlights the funding sources available to help you achieve your aims. Moving on, there’s the usual QUEST mix of practical advice on resettlement issues and inspirational ‘transition tales’. First, we hear how former soldier Alan Parmenter has benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll. After that, we find out more about the invaluable work of Veterans’ Gateway, while regular contributor Steve Bulleyment is here with more self-employment savvy. To further aid your resettlement prep, you’ll also find full CTP course and events listings, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, pulling together in one place useful information from a wide range of sources. At the heart of all this is ‘The Hub’, the home of key information on courses and training options, alongside reader reports and transition news. As ever, drawing together in one place essential training, support and career information, we hope you will find in the pages of this issue plenty of relevant information to support you throughout your Service career and 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 MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge 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
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April 2018
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APRIL 2018 >>
Contents SUCCESS STORIES
06 Inspiration from the civilian workplace. This month, some of the Veterans and spouses already supported by organisations that have united to form Veterans’ Gateway
YOUR ELC 10 ELC 101: the basics 12 Are you eligible for ELC? 14 How to use your ELC funding 16 How to claim if you are still serving 18 How to claim after leaving 20 Avoiding queries or rejection 22 ELC dos and don’ts 24 Higher-level study 26 Distance learning 30 Qualifications to further your Service career 32 On course: Auditing 36 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 38 On course: Computing & IT, including cyber security 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts
THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
54 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Practical advice: seeking support from Veterans’ Gateway 58 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile
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06 56
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SUCCESS STORIES INSPIRATION FROM THE CIVILIAN WORKPLACE FACTFILE
A new benchmark in support for Veterans Service leavers seeking employment on civvy street – as well as assistance in areas such as housing, finance and mental health – can now take advantage of a new service: Veterans’ Gateway. It aims to provide a first point of contact for Veterans and their families who need support with a variety of needs. Here we focus on just a handful of those who have already benefited from its help with careers advice and employment Name: Kevin Bath (former RN) Location: Essex Age: 50 Business: Jim Jams Referral partner: X-Forces (start-up) Kevin served in the Royal Navy for eight years, leaving in 1993. He was based in Gibraltar for two years and served on HMS
Intrepid and HMS Ark Royal. He met his wife Kellie on a night out when they were both working in London. They have now been married for 14 years and, together, set up their business making healthier spreads. Finding a healthier, and just as tasty, solution to eating jams and spreads like Nutella is now much simpler than you think, thanks to the former Royal Navy Leading Hand and his wife. The husband-and-wife business partners were both shocked on
6
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
discovering that a jar of their children’s
Last autumn, Royal Marines military
beloved Nutella contained 57 cubes of
spouse Olivia Smith launched Olivia
sugar, but it was hard to find a healthier
& Pearl, an accessible, luxury pearl
solution. Realising there was a major gap
jewellery brand and online retailer.
in the market for healthy and sugar-free
Providing collectable, classic and
alternatives to their kids’ favourite snacks,
contemporary pearl jewellery designed
Mr and Mrs Bath decided to create their
for a new generation of pearl lovers, her
own. Jim Jams now holds the Great Taste
contemporary take on pearls means they
Award and was featured on an episode of
are high quality and sourced ethically
BBC One’s Inside Out East, which focused
while remaining affordable.
on recognising unhealthy foods and their healthier alternatives. ‘I would never have thought that my
After drawing down a start-up loan from X-Forces, Olivia launched her business, which – through reducing
career in the Royal Navy would eventually
product mark-up and making full use
lead to me owning my own business, but
of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer
it’s proof that, with the right guidance,
sales – can offer luxury products at an
anything can happen to you once you
accessible price point. With the global
leave the military, and you can achieve
pearl market estimated to be worth
your goals. X-Forces, through its support
US$10.7 billion by 2020, Olivia is keen
network, equipped me with everything I
to gain a slice of that market and follow
needed, and Veterans’ Gateway is another
in the footsteps of the likes of Monica
great support in starting that journey, to
Vinader and Pandora in creating an
duties in Northern Ireland, Macedonia,
explore what support is available to you
international brand over the next ten
Bosnia and Kosovo. He left the Army
and how you can reach your potential.’
years. As an avid lover of pearls herself
in 2001 and joined the fitness industry.
when she was younger, Olivia made
However, he began to struggle financially
the decision to be self-employed after
and, in 2015, was given notice to leave his
numerous advertising roles and time
rented accommodation. Duncan became
Name: Olivia Smith (RM spouse)
spent as an actor in both New York and
a resident of Mike Jackson House in
Location: London
London. She ultimately decided she
Aldershot, which provides supported
Age: 36
wanted autonomy over her own career
accommodation to Veterans, although
Business: Olivia & Pearl
and to be in the driving seat.
the loss of his independence took its toll
To find out more about Jim Jams, visit www.jimjams-spreads.co.uk
Referral partner: X-Forces (start-up)
‘It’s great that military spouses like me can get support via Veterans’ Gateway.
VETERANS’ GATEWAY CAN ASSIST YOU WITH ANY CONCERNS YOU MAY HAVE
Duncan Welton
and he openly admits to being reclusive. Since living at Mike Jackson House,
The employment support and start-up
Duncan has received support from
mentoring that X-Forces provided has
Walking With The Wounded’s employment
been invaluable and allowed me to start
advisors to create a CV, have interview
my business. By accessing the support
practice and to secure job opportunities.
available on Veterans’ Gateway you can
He has now been in full-time employment
look to make your own start-up dreams a
in the healthcare industry since February
reality.’
2016, first as part of a successful
To shop Olivia & Pearl’s brand new
marketing team and now the most senior
collection visit www.oliviaandpearl.com
member of his team.
Name: Duncan Welton
get on with getting my life back together.
Location: Aldershot
Mike Jackson House helped put a roof
Age: 46
over my head and supported me until
Employment: Marketing team in the
I got back into work. Any Veteran who
healthcare industry
needs employment support should access
Referral partner: Walking With The
the Veterans’ Gateway. There could be
Wounded
help available similar to what I received
‘I now have the energy to get up and
IT’S GREAT THAT MILITARY SPOUSES LIKE ME CAN GET SUPPORT VIA VETERANS’ GATEWAY Olivia Smith
from Walking With The Wounded; they Duncan joined the Army in 1989, aged
helped me on my career path. For me,
18, and served in the Royal Electrical
it wasn’t just about finding a good job
and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a
but also dealing with my other issues.
vehicle mechanic. During his 12 years’
Veterans’ Gateway can assist you with
service, Duncan undertook operational
any concerns you may have.’
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
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COURSE CHOICES SUCCESS FACTFILE STORIES INSPIRATION FROM THE CIVILIAN WORKPLACE and purpose, and I will be forever grateful. If 2018 is your year for finding a new path, get in touch to see if there’s support available.’
THE SERVICE VETERANS’ GATEWAY OFFERS WILL BE INVALUABLE FOR THOSE BEGINNING OR ALREADY ON THEIR JOURNEY TO A NEW CAREER Jel Bearder
Name: John Geden (former RMP) Location: Hayling Island Age: 52 Business: Sinah Common Honey Referral partner: X-Forces (start-up) Aged just 17, John Geden joined the Army in 1983 as an Officer in the Royal Military Police. After his military service, John joined Hampshire Police and worked in a number of departments over his 22 years of service. In 2014, he was diagnosed with PTSD, and received support from Help for Heroes and Combat Stress before taking early
Name: Jel (Jeremy) Bearder
put him in touch with Civvy Street, the
Location: Essex
RBL’s employment service, which helps
Employment: Park manager, British Military
ex-Service personnel make the transition
Army, he was given the opportunity to take
Fitness
to civilian life. Within a couple of weeks,
a resettlement course in bee keeping. John
Referral partner: Civvy Street (RBL)
Civvy Street confirmed that not only would
completed the ten-week course, where he
it cover the costs of the level 1 NVQ but also
quickly became captivated by the bees. ‘I
the level 2.
feel safe next to an open bee hive – after all,
Former soldier Jel (Jeremy) Bearder served in the Royal Regiment of Artillery from
Jel has been working for BMF for more
Back in 1991, after John retired from the
who is going to come and bother me?’ he
1986–91. He had always loved sport, and
than nine years now and is currently the
says. Ever since he did the course, John has
represented his regiment at football, rugby,
park manager at four London events as well
owned bees on and off, and 14 years later
tennis, cricket and athletics (junior Army
as representing BMF at events across the
his bees became his business.
discus champion 1990), and competed at
country and abroad. He says: ‘Leaving the
Sinah Common Honey is small-scale
swimming (butterfly) within his unit. When
Forces and then having to choose and find
business that produces local, natural honey
he left the Army he missed the comradeship
a new career can be a really challenging
from Hayling Island and in the surrounding
he’d enjoyed with his fellow soldiers.
time. You need support around you and
areas on the southern slopes of the South
Added to this, Jel’s relationship broke
having experts on hand is vital. The service
Downs. The honey is produced locally, is
down in 2008. He left the family home and
Veterans’ Gateway offers will be invaluable
100% natural, and can be found in local
his two boys behind, and became quite low.
for those beginning or already on their
food markets, farm shops and Southern
He realised he needed a decent career and,
journey to a new career. I can’t thank the
Cooperative Stores in Hampshire and
as sport and competing had been such a big
RBL enough for its assistance in providing
Sussex.
part of his life, a friend suggested British
me with a new career and helping me to
Military Fitness (BMF).
build a new life. It’s given me a new direction
On learning more about this organisation, he became very excited about the potential to work for BMF, but found he would need to complete an NVQ level 1 course before he could be considered as a trainer. Not in regular work at the time, the course fees were out of his reach. Shortly afterwards, and just by chance, Jel was passing his local Royal British Legion office, so he popped in for a chat. They quickly
8
retirement.
VETERANS’ GATEWAY ALLOWS INDIVIDUALS TO DEAL WITH MULTIPLE ISSUES THAT MIGHT BE IMPACTING THEIR EMPLOYABILITY John Geden
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
John attended a Help for Heroes and X-Forces six-day business skills course in
order to develop his brand and learn more
keepers. John is also looking into creating
about the ins and outs of running a small
alcohol-infused honey products and his
business. Since the course, John has been
newest endeavour is to produce honey
able to turn his love for bees into a business
cosmetics.
that makes him happy. Although Sinah
His beeswax-based cosmetic idea is
Common Honey does not produce a massive
still in the early stages of development, but
amount of honey on an annual basis, John
he hopes to create a beeswax, honey and
runs approximately 140 colonies at a time
propolis balm for soldiers who have lost
and is proud to guarantee that every pot of
limbs to use where their prosthetics rub
honey is local, fresh and natural.
against their amputated limbs. He hopes
He must have taken notes during his
to partner with other military charities to
business skills course because in 2016 he
make this idea a reality in the near future
was awarded the Service Leaver Business
and to bring the product to the mainstream
Start Up of the year. Former BBC Breakfast
marketplace.
presenter Bill Turnbull – coincidently, a
He also gives his time freely to run
fellow bee keeper – presented John with his
bee-keeping courses for Help for Heroes
award. Says John, ‘After attending the Help
beneficiaries, in order to help other
for Heroes and X-Forces six-day workshop
injured, wounded or sick Veterans. ‘I have
to develop my brand and learn more about
experienced first hand how hard life can
small business development, I’ve been
be and, in particular, the difficulties in
able to turn my fascination for bees into a
holding down a job when you are suffering
business that really makes me happy.’
from PTSD. X-Forces has been there from
In addition to selling honey at local
the start, supporting me every step of
food fairs, farmers’ markets and the local
the way and the service that Veterans’
co-op, Sinah Common Honey also produces
Gateway offers allows individuals to deal
beeswax candles and wedding favours,
with multiple issues that might be impacting
as well as running bee-keeping courses
their employability. It’s a great first point
for beginners and more experienced bee
of contact for any Veteran.’ Q
About Veterans’ Gateway Veterans’ Gateway is a first point of contact for Veterans, their families and carers who are in need of support. The service is delivered by a consortium comprising The Royal British Legion, Poppyscotland, Combat Stress, Connect Assist, the Ministry of Defence and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. Veterans’ Gateway represents a pathway to a full list of services, from housing and recovery to mental health services, financial and employment advice. It aims to reduce confusion for Veterans seeking support within the military charity sector and to ensure it can signpost to the right service for any need a Veteran may present with. For more information, please turn to our feature on page 56, or if you are in need of support, call 0808 802 1212, text 81212 or visit www.veteransgateway.org.uk
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E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
6781
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
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YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
l
ELC 101 The basics
Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March).
l
You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost (the ELC element includes VAT but excludes travel, accommodation, food, books and materials).
l
You must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment.
l
ELC are available for full- or part-time study for a qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF, with an organisation on the approved providers list maintained by ELCAS.
l
You may not claim ELC for:
− – Service training − – civilian accredited Service training (unless at least 30 hours extra work is involved, together with a separate exam, assessment or assignment) − – membership fees − – books and materials − – normal Service sport and adventurous training. l
Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/ Service activities will usually meant that no further claims will be allowed.
l
S
ubject to certain eligibility
compassionate reasons cause your l
ELC may be claimed for the same
withdrawal, you should seek advice
criteria (see page 12), the ELC
learning course if it continues for more
from your Education Staff or Learning
scheme offers currently serving
than a year, or for a different learning
Adviser.Q
or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational
purpose each year. l
equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) first undergraduate degree or equivalent)
If one course combines with others for a single learning purpose these can be
qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a
combined to claim ELC. l
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic
It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,
information you need to know …
which is a single payment of up to
l
The ELC lower tier offers up to three
£3,000 for those with six or more
payments of up to £1,000 in three
years of qualifying service, which will
separate financial years; the higher
count as all three awards.
to £2,000 in three separate financial
Service leavers and Service personnel
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
years.
in their qualifying resettlement phase
From its inception until the end of
The three separate years do not have
with access to a first full level 3 or a
January 2018, 383,292 people had
to run consecutively, and may be a
first HE qualification (a foundation
registered with the ELC scheme and
combination of both higher and lower
degree or a first undergraduate
136,237 claims had been made, to the
levels.
degree or equivalent) with support
value of £216.4 million.
tier offers up to three payments of up
l
l
The PF FE/HE scheme provides
towards tuition fees.
10
If unexpected Service or
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
PGL TRAINING LTD www.pgltraining.com
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Q
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
l
What about if you are medically
both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards
medically discharged from service before
discharged?
increased from four to six years as
achieving the required number of years’
You are eligible to claim ELC at the lower
of 1 April 2017. If you had already
service. If this is the case, please seek
(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier depending
accumulated four years’ qualifying
advice from your unit education staffs.
on your length of service on the date of
In detail …
award and FEHE.
When can you start claiming ELC?
of service, you may be eligible to make
If you left service on or after 1 April
You can start claiming when you have
claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury
2016, you are entitled to post-service
accumulated the necessary qualifying
or illness was caused or significantly
access to ELC and FEHE for five years.
years of service. For example, if you
worsened, wholly or predominantly by
If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31
registered on the ELC scheme and have
service, as defined by the Armed Forces
March 2016 inclusive, you will have
been serving since 1 April 2000, you will
Compensation Scheme (JSP765).
until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or
have been entitled to start claiming at the
FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
What if you are no longer serving?
If you left before 1 April 2011, you
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted
If you have already left the Service or are
will retain ten years of post-Service
above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying
in your resettlement phase, you may be
access.
service for lower-tier awards increased
eligible to claim under the terms of the
from four to six years. However, if you
Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher
accumulated four years’ qualifying service
Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look
before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to
at the feature on page 18 to find out more –
claim your lower-tier awards.
or, for full details and to check the detailed
must:
l
have completed four years of full-time
discharged prior to completing six years
eligibility rules, visit
service or, since 1 April 2017, six years
What happens if you are made redundant?
have joined – or since April 2016
Irrespective of whether or not you applied
been automatically enrolled – on the
to be made redundant, you will cease
Find out more
scheme and completed four years’ or,
to accrue service for ELC eligibility on
Much more detailed information is
from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying
the day you leave service. If you have
available in JSP822, which can be
scheme membership
accrued six or more years’ service since
downloaded from the ELCAS website at
apply only for a first eligible FE/HE
registering on the scheme by your last day
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
qualification at the level for which you
of service, you will still be eligible to claim
are academically qualified to enter
ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have
learning on leaving the Service
accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last
12
discharge. Additionally, if you are medically
your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier
To take advantage of ELC support, you
l
qualify for full state subsidy. Special eligibility criteria apply if you were
In brief … l
l
The qualifying service required for
service before 1 April 2017, you keep
l
l
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
BECOME A LEVEL 4 MASTER PERSONAL TRAINER
FULL TIME/ PART TIME
FREE COURSE TRANSFERS
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NATIONWIDE VENUES EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11
THE TIME IS NOW
Discovery Learning offers a range of Level 2, 3 + 4 fitness qualifications that can funded ELC credits. Readers must consult theirbe Single Service through Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention info@discovery.uk.com 0208 543 1017 Quest
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
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YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS
How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding
E
LC are available for full- or part-
l
professional self-development
time study for a qualification at
l
accreditation of prior learning
level 3 or above, as defined on the
l
vocational training
National Qualifications Framework/
l
registration and accreditation fees
Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/
l
sports qualifications
RQF),* with an organisation
l
overseas qualifications
on the approved providers list held by
l
resettlement training (during last two
ELCAS and viewable at
To find out more about accessing higher-
It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or
level study in particular, take a look at our
equivalent award. You may also use ELC
feature on page 24.
Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l its relevance to your personal development plan l your ability to undertake it l likely disruptions to Service requirements l the flexibility of the study method.
* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is
to fund anything above that, too, like
replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework
university modules or nationally recognised
(QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards.
diplomas. This might include:
14
years of service only).
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
CHOOSING A COURSE
l
foundation degrees
l
postgraduate qualifications
l
other academic qualifications
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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 Certificate Quals 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD
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Resettlement Courses Also Available at Our Training Venues in Edinburgh 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
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
15
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC
Making an application Your step-by-step guide
1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction
and Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future.
8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application
3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning
to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee,
staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online.
so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being
6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they
withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims
are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver
process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822,
publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme
which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at
membership using the information on the ELC website.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
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Open Learning Courses MoD personnel 20% discount
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April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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Y O U TA K E C A R E O F U S . W E TA K E C A R E O F Y O U . T O G E T H E R W E G O F U R T H ER. C U R R E N T O R F O R M E R M I L I TA R Y P E R S O N N E L C A N S A V E U P T O 2 0%* O N A N E W F O R D .
F O R D K U G A S T- L I N E S H O W N A VA I L A B L E W I T H
15%
C U S T O M E R S AV I N G .
TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT FORD.CO.UK/MILITARYSALES Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Kuga ST-Line range: urban 30.1-57.6 (9.4-4.9), extra urban 44.8-67.3 (6.3-4.2), combined 37.7-64.2 (7.5-4.4). Official CO2 emissions 173-115g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *Military Saving programme available to current and ex-Service Personnel. Including veterans and retired members of the UK Armed Forces. Customer savings of 4% to 20% off the Recommended On The Road price available across the Ford range (excluding KA+ and Focus RS) on vehicles contracted between 26th January 2018 and 31st December 2018 and registered between 26th January 2018 and 30th June 2019. Retail customers only. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other manufacturer promotions or incentives. At participating Ford dealers – for terms and conditions, including the eligibility criteria, eligible models and customer savings visit: www.ford.co.uk/militarysales
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING
No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services
A
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
evidence of your last day of Service,
Royal Navy
is to encourage serving personnel
which could be a copy of your discharge
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
to pursue higher-level learning that
document, a copy of your P45
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
benefits both the learner and the Armed
terminating employment or a document
PO2 8BY
Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning
stamped by your regiment confirming
02392 625954
to be pursued during resettlement or for
your leaving date**
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
up to five years after leaving the Services.*
l
The majority of this learning is likely to be vocational (learning new skills or enhancing
address
Army
full information about the course you
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
wish to undertake and including details of
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
benefiting the learner and a future employer
your registration date where applicable.
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
First of all, refer to the eligibility
l
a copy of a utility bill showing your home
existing ones), with the qualification and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
with payment by sending it, along with your
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,
20% minimum contribution, to the training
Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently
download the appropriate form from the
provider.
closed until further notice; during this time
ELCAS website and complete it fully, except
When you have completed your course,
all enquiries are to be made by email elc@detsa.co.uk
for Parts 4 and 5 – your Single Service
you must also complete the evaluation form
Representative (SSR) will complete these
and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it
elements (you will find their contact details in
could jeopardise your next claim. If you have
Royal Air Force
the accompanying box). Send your otherwise
any doubts about any aspect of this process,
Learning Credits Administrator,
fully completed claim form to them at the
contact your single-Service education/
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
relevant address (again, see box), along with:
learning representative for advice before
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
submitting a claim. Q
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
IMPORTANT!
18
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
NG34 8HB
All applications must be submitted to
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
01400 268 183
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk
working days prior to the start of the
for the expiration date of your claims.
course you wish to take. They will
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
then submit approved applications to
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
ELCAS. You should not submit your
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
claim form direct to ELCAS.
personnel can request details of discharge dates from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.
l
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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questonline.co.uk l April 2018
19
Q
YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP
Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly
E
LCAS deals with many claims that
minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the
and research and discuss your learning with
have to be queried or rejected: almost
NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is
your line manager and Service education or
not on the ELCAS approved providers list
learning adviser. This also applies if you are
failure to follow the correct procedure for
a qualifying ex-Service person using your
authorising the claim
ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place
the course not commencing in the
for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead
qualifying financial year
enough you could find yourself significantly
incorrect financial data, such as the
out of pocket as retrospective claims are not
authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS
learner’s contribution being less than
allowed under any circumstances.
learners failing to allow sufficient time
20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated
20% of claims received fail to comply
with the correct procedures. Some of the
l
main reasons for rejection include: l
applicants enrolling on a course – and
l
sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l
l
as exceeding the ELC award
offered by an approved provider are
incomplete details or errors in course title
automatically admissible under the ELC
so any claim submitted within 25 working
or course level (these account for 25% of
scheme. This is a common mistake: one
days of the start of the course will
all rejected/queried claims)
provider may supply many courses, but only
applicants not registered on the ELCAS
those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3
system
or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS
more than one active claim being
website may be considered for ELC purposes.
between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,
automatically be rejected l
form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also
20
l
l
a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation
l
Also, do not assume that all courses
l
processed for an individual in the same l
plan ahead and get it right first time
automatically rejected
To help avoid rejection on grounds such as
l
don’t buck the system or pay upfront
the course does not meet the necessary
those listed above, you should plan ahead,
l
complete your claim with care! Q
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
financial year.
So:
6781
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questonline.co.uk l April 2018
21
Q
YOUR 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
l
enhancedlearningcredits.com
provide evidence that you completed
make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service
l
l
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
l
enhancedlearningcredits.com
level 3 or above
to course providers until you have
consult your education, learning,
received a claim authorisation note
and line managers to discuss your
training and/or resettlement adviser if
(CAN)
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
needing to book a course
strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;
the level 3 requirement
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
CAN from ELCAS
consult your education/learning staff
between submitting a claim and l
(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit
l
l
l
l
l
enrol on a course or commit yourself
enrol on a course with a new provider
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
stated
the ELCAS website for an alternative
complete and return the evaluation
provider. Q
ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking
22
l
automatically assume that approved
Framework (QCF),* and that it directly
two years of serving) l
inform your Education Staff,
l
commit any payment contributions
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk questonline.co.uk l April 2018
23
Q Aim higher! YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
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.
I
f you’re thinking of embarking on a
the subject. It might be a really fascinating
the option of progressing to a degree if you
higher education (HE) qualification
course, which promises to lead to a host of
perform well enough on the early parts of
that’s great – you can use your ELC
career openings, but if it turns out you’re no
the course.
to fund anything above level 3, and that
good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with a
includes university modules and nationally
good qualification at the end of it – and may
through students completing a number
recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open
even fail altogether.
of modules, the distinction between HE
to you for consideration include diplomas,
(generally academic) and further education
bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees
the qualifications you already have and the
(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.
and postgraduate qualifications. The only
subjects/areas you have a flair for. Other
Credits from a selection of courses can often
problem you are likely to have is in deciding
things you might want to think about include
be added together to gain degrees and other
exactly what and how to study!
the course provider’s academic reputation
HE qualifications.
Choosing an HE course
(you can find university league tables and
Both HE and FE courses can be taken via
subject ranking tables online), its graduate
distance learning. The difference between
You may already have a pretty good idea of
employment rates, and links between the
these is not always clear-cut, though, and
what you’d like to study at a higher level but,
university or college and employers.
in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),
if you’re unsure, our advice is to make sure
Having decided what you want to study,
both types are involved. Many qualifications
you understand the nature of the subject you
you will be faced with a variety of ways of
are modular; this means that you complete
are considering, especially if it’s something
studying it.
them in sections (modules), often of your
new to you. So do your research, and ensure
24
It’s a good idea to start by thinking about
With many qualifications being earned
own choosing, and credits gained from a
you know exactly what a course is offering
How do HE courses differ?
you – topic areas, what the modules will
The most basic difference is between the
together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE
cover, etc. Whatever else you take in to
levels of courses. While most HE courses
qualifications.
consideration, it goes without saying that
lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree
you must have a strong interest in the
qualifications such as a Higher National
subject and the course content, as you will be
Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
spending three years or more occupied with
(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,
Which? University is a free and
it, which won’t be much fun if it turns out
such courses will be shorter than a degree
independent website packed with
you’re not that struck with it after all!
selection of such courses can be gathered
course, more vocationally orientated and will
everything you need to find the right
You are also likely to do better at a
have lower entry requirements. Some will be
university course for you. See
course if you already have an aptitude for
linked to degree courses, though, giving you
http://university.which.co.uk
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
usually takes three or four years to complete
SOURCES OF ADVICE
access support under the FEHE scheme to
full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,
Your line manager should be your
commence studies at master’s level but they
can take five or six years).
first point of contact. Each unit has an
Please note that Service leavers cannot
can utilise their ELC for study at this level.
education/learning specialist, and each
Postgraduate qualifications
Service also has a network of educational
popular higher-level course options you
Postgraduate qualifications are HE
and learning centres where advice can be
could choose from …
qualifications that require learners to have
sought and ideas explored.
Here’s a rundown of some of the other
already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most
Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)
types of postgraduate qualification will include
students get together for joint study periods
taught and research elements. They generally
in open learning, with distance learning
fall into one of two categories: postgraduate
generally catering for students who are so
HNCs and HNDs are work-related
certificate or postgraduate diploma.
far away that they study almost entirely by
(vocational) HE qualifications. While
themselves.
on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are
Think you’re missing the necessary basics?
designed to give you the skills to put that
If you aren’t already in possession of the
ELC funding for higher education
knowledge to effective use in a particular
lower-level qualifications you would normally
The good news is that your ELC provides you
job. Highly valued by employers, both in
need to build on in order to secure your
with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE
the UK and overseas, they can also count
place on an HE course, the Access to Higher
qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first
towards membership of professional bodies
Education (HE) Diploma – often referred
undergraduate degree or equivalent) free
and other employer organisations. HNCs
to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma
from tuition fees. This commitment means
can take one year to complete full-time and
– could be for you. You can find out all
that Service leavers who have joined at level
two years part-time (or via, say, distance
you need to know about Access Diplomas
2, say, and have taken the opportunity to
learning). HNDs take two years full-time and
in our feature starting on page 36. It’s a
gain a qualification such as an advanced
can also be taken part-time (which takes
qualification that prepares people for study
apprenticeship, or other accredited learning
longer). (The award of an HND requires more
at university, and is designed for those who
at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to
units to be passed than for an HNC.) They
would like to study in HE but who left school
access their first higher-level qualification.
equate to approximately halfway between
without the usual qualifications, such as
an A-level and a degree, although they are,
A-levels. It is widely accepted by universities
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
as mentioned above, more practically based
and colleges, having been developed with
Training and Education, which can be
than the latter.
their support, and is designed to provide a
accessed and downloaded at www.
good grounding in the knowledge and study
enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus
Full details can be found in JSP822
Foundation degrees
skills needed to succeed in HE. Although
Foundation degrees combine learning with
equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma
work experience if you decide you want
courses are put together with people who
COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses
to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent
haven’t studied for a while in mind – and
l
Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this
most don’t require prior qualifications. Many
Compare official course data from
is a fully flexible qualification that allows
are suitable for study part-time or in the
universities and colleges, including
you to study full- or part-time to fit your
evenings, which adds to their flexibility. Most
student satisfaction and jobs after
lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240
FE colleges in England and Wales offer such
study (you have to apply to the college
‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full
Access courses, and a number are available
or university direct)
account will be taken of any prior learning
through distance learning, so you should
l
UCAS: http://search.ucas.com
and experience you have accrued, too.
be able to find a course that is convenient
Search and apply for full-time courses
Recent developments, including university
for you, and that caters for your interests
by course name, provider name or
partnerships and funding, make these
or career ambitions. You can find out more
location
qualifications increasingly available to people
about Access to HE courses, browse courses
in the Services.
and read success stories on the Access to
l
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
Higher Education homepage at
Degree courses A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
National Careers Service: https://
Search for full- and part-time courses
academic study leading to a qualification
How to learn
such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor
Qualifications can be earned through full-
Postgraduate study
of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known
time courses, part-time courses, day release,
l
as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s
night school, open and distance learning
degree is designed to give learners a
(see the feature on page 26 of this issue).
thorough understanding of a subject, and
There will usually be more times when
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses
l
Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
25
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
Keep your distance! ... and let the classroom come to you
ASK YOURSELF … l
Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?
l
Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential
T
What’s involved?
can study when and where you
Courses delivered through distance
want. There’s no need to be
learning range from those taking as
l
Can I chat to previous learners?
physically on-campus to study or take
little as a few hours, to degrees and
l
Do I have to pass an entry test?
(some) training courses. And that, of
postgraduate qualifications that may
l
How much support is available? And in
course, is a considerable benefit to those
involve several years’ study. So-called
of you posted to far-flung locations,
‘short courses’ typically last days or
meaning that you can continue your
weeks as opposed to months or years.
distance, or is it necessary to attend
studies wherever in the world you may
Even those subjects with a strong
training sessions at specific times?
be. Nothing need come between you and your preparations for life in the civilian world. As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’.
practical element often have modules
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.
Can I view the training materials first, before committing?
what form? l
l
Can the whole course be done at a
How much time will I need to set aside for study?
l
How much does the course cost?
Thanks to the
l
Will there be an exam at the end?
wide availability of
l
Is the provider inspected or accredited
useful technology
by an independent body? l
If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three years?
these days, learning
In truth, all of these
materials and support
types of learning are
may be provided by either
rough guide, open learning includes
l
that are suited to distance learning.
likely to overlap, but, as a
26
employer)?
hanks to distance learning, you
one or a combination of the following means: books, phone, DVD,
l
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of operational duties?
l
Is the course available via learning tools that I will be able to access? (For
more face-to-face classes than distance
CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts
example, if you are in an environment
learning, while the word ‘supported’
and via mobile learning; the latter is
where IT availability is limited, you
usually indicates that there are tutors
where the student accesses course
should select a course where it is
and physical material available to help
content stored on a mobile device or
possible to use paper and telephone,
students.
through a wireless server. Some providers
at least for a limited period.)
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
nt or assignment) es rials sport and adventurous
From its inception until the end of September 2015, 367,632 people had registered withReaders the ELC scheme and must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses 111,094 claims had been made, to the When responding to advertisements please mention Quest value of ÂŁ162.6 million.
VISIT OUR TRAINING SCHOOL OR CALL TO SPEAK TO EX-MILITARY INSTRUCTORS
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RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING Gain exemptions using your previous professional qualifications and experience SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Policies and procedures that will support you in case of unforeseen circumstances that could impact on your study
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ELCAS Use your enhanced learning credits towards your course fees
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To find out more E. ask@solent.ac.uk T. +44 (0)23 8201 3039 www.solent.ac.uk
CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTSReaders must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
www.courses4forces.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
27
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
offer course elements via the iTunes
depth later), or you might be looking to
and learning centres with tutor support,
Store, which can be downloaded free of
focus on something very specific – such as
where students can undertake online
charge. Many courses make extensive
the entrance examinations of a particular
learning, and that use ICT systems to
use of the internet. Others involve tutor
professional body.
enable users to access learning.
groups, which may meet regularly,
Both higher education (HE) and
or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’
further education (FE) courses can
direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’
duration to provide classroom education
be taken via distance learning. The
(somebody who has first-hand experience
that complements regular, directed
difference between these is not always
of a course or a training provider),
coursework at a distance.
clear-cut though, and in some cases
written prospectuses and, of course, the
(e.g. foundation degrees), both types
internet. The website of the Open and
are involved. Many qualifications are
Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL
The great thing about distance learning –
modular; this means that you complete
QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key
especially for those, like you, in the Armed
them in sections (modules), often of
contacts’).
Forces – is that it puts you in control of
your own choosing, and credits gained
your education. Once you have chosen
from a selection of such courses can be
and enrolled on your course (see below),
added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and
Who are the learning providers?
you are free to study when, where – and,
other HE qualifications. It is not always
Many learning providers are neither HE
these days, how – you choose, so you can
necessary to have an undergraduate
nor FE institutions, although they may
fit your education around your current
degree to gain a master’s; neither is it
have links of varying strengths with
work and/or family commitments. It’s
necessary to have one in order to achieve
one or more colleges or universities.
entirely up to you.
many professional qualifications.
Many companies run large training
At your convenience
And, of course, in these days of laptops,
Increasingly, Service people like you
departments, and there are also many
notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
are taking distance learning modules
commercial organisations that provide
you can set up and study at a location of
as part of the training that contributes
training to paying clients. Much of the
your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even
to career progression. So, you could
training such providers deliver is of
while travelling. Importantly, too, you can
be studying with a view to gaining
excellent quality and targeted carefully
work at your own pace – there are no term
qualifications that will help you while in
at the needs of civilian employers in a
times to be rigidly stuck to (although you
the Forces or when you leave, or just for
specific market sector. Many commercial
may have to sit exams, which may take
personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a
businesses offering training use the
place only at specific times).
particular subject.
premises of academic institutions to
To sum up, distance study enables you
But how do you know who is a good
deliver courses, and may have contracts
take responsibility for your own learning.
provider and who is not? And exactly
with employment agencies to help their
However, although you will be in control,
which course do you need? All this choice
students find work.
a good provider will offer support – so you
can prove confusing! In the accompanying
will certainly not be alone, left completely
‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist
some of the bigger distance learning
to your own devices, but will have back-up
that should help you.
organisations, however – as mentioned
and assistance as and when you require it.
You are likely to have heard of
above – there are many other providers
There are also likely to be self-checks and
Finding out more
interim tests to help ensure that you are
Service education and training staff,
of courses, some with discounts for
on target, and tutor-marked assessments
both within your unit and specialists, can
Service people (ask your education
to provide valuable feedback, as well as a
often provide the best advice about
telephone helpline to call or someone to
what you might want and what
email for advice if you get stuck.
it is actually possible for you to
How do I choose a course and provider?
achieve. They can also provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and
out there too, also offering a wide range
Q
and training adviser for further information). Q
KEY CONTACTS
Although necessarily influenced by
recommend the subjects that you should
demand from learners, there are loads
be encouraged to pursue – particularly
0800 101 901
of courses available in distance learning
with a view to a second career when
www.learndirect.co.uk
form. And because the choice of provider
leaving the Services. Increasing numbers
@learndirect
is huge, too, you are more than likely to
of Forces learning and education centres
be able to track down the course you
and personal learning advisers also have
Open and Distance Learning Quality
are looking for. This may be something
access to e-learning opportunities.
Council (ODL QC)
that will give you a general grounding
28
Other information sources include
Information about courses is also
or background in a particular subject or
available from learndirect (see ‘Key
area (that you may go on to study in more
contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
learndirect
020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Tel: 01380 609313 Email: barrie@inspired2learn.co.uk
Are you ready to boost your career prospects with a qualification? ILM Coaching & Mentoring (levels 3,5 & 7) CMI Management & Leadership (levels 3 to 7) Help your next career move by achieving a reputable and nationally recognised qualification by distance learning. Contact us now for advice, and to find out how our great value package will provide you with unlimited, prompt and expert tutorial support every step of the way.
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Courses available in Gatwick, Warrington, Leeds and Central London | Specialist ELC Advisors
...Fantastic company,
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s Leed New re Cent ay D Open 2018 y a 9th M
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
29
Q
YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER
Boost your prospects while serving How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service
A
s noted elsewhere in this
include accountancy and management
publication, the main purpose
qualifications, or courses related to
of ELC is to encourage serving
health and safety, and facilities or project
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
management. Depending on your Service
that benefits both the learner and the
role, you could find yourself in a position to
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
embark on a range of studies that will turn
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
out to have a very useful crossover into
which state that any money provided for
the civilian workplace when the time comes
your personal development has to be of
for you to make the transition.
immediate benefit to both the Armed
For example, thinking of IT training
Forces and the individual – if not, the
as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
network of employers working to creating
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
accompanying box for more tax-related
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
of study undertaken by individuals still
information.)
been involved in putting together a
serving are exempt from taxation, either
The best of both worlds is offered by
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
those courses that will benefit your own
qualifications, which in these high-tech
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
career and promotion prospects in the
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
Services – and ultimately help you find
as they are while you remain in Service.
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
employment on leaving – as well as offering
Similar work has taken place with Summit
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
a benefit to the Service while you remain
Skills with regard to building services
This means that the Service leaver (or
in uniform.
engineering-related courses. A great many
their surviving spouse, civil partner or
other areas are likely to serve you well in
eligible partner, where appropriate) will
that your Service role might require,
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
not be required to pay income tax on
but that are also highly likely to prove
your Service branch now, of course! Q
payments received under the ELC and
Some of the areas of education
useful once you leave the Forces, could
FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
30
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Flexible programmes for busy military personnel Build on your existing knowledge and skills to help you perform at higher management levels in the Service or help improve your employment prospects when joining civilian life. We offer the following courses: • BA (Hons) Organisational Capability Development • BA (Hons) Security Consultancy • MSc Organisational Resilience Course entry requirements vary for each course and we offer a flexible learning programme to fit around your professional commitments. For more details on each course, please visit bucks.ac.uk or contact advice@bucks.ac.uk, 0330 123 2023.
NVQ Level 33 Diploma Diploma Railway in Railway NVQ Level Diploma inin Railway NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Railway Overhead Line Construction Engineering Line Construction Engineering Technician Competence Engineering Overhead Line Construction (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) (RQF) Akona Ltd Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd isis a aTraining Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd is aTraining Training Solutions Company specialising the delivery various vocational training packages. inin the delivery ofof various vocational training packages. in the delivery of various vocational training packages. We offer variety rail courses and 2014 We offer a awide variety ofof rail courses and ininin 2014 We offer awide wide variety of rail courses and 2014 opened new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a abrand new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a brand brand new indoor practical rail training centre. Akona Ltd is an NSARE approved provider of Overhead Akona Ltd is is anan NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd NSAR approved provider Overhead line Electrification Training which meets to Network Rail line Construction Training which meets toto Network Rail line Construction Training which meets Network Rail Standards. Standards. Standards.
ContactUs Us Contact
Contact Us Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Email: info@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Rail Course List: Rail Course Rail Course List: AC Personal Track List: Safety Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety DCCR OLEC 1 11 OLEC OLEC OLEC 2 22 OLEC OLEC OLEC 3 33 OLEC OLEC NVQ Level 3Level Diploma in in Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ Diploma in Railway Railway Engineering NVQ Level 3Level Diploma Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ 3 3Diploma in Engineering Line Construction (QCF) Line Construction (QCF) Technician Competence (RQF) Overhead Line Construction (QCF)
This Level 33 Qualification includes: This Level Qualification includes: This Level 3 Qualification includes: • • Personal Track Safety DCCR (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) • • Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Safely at Heights, Moving and Handling, Safely at at Heights, Manual Handling, Safely Heights, Manual Handling, Manual Handling, Harness Safety,and Fire Harness Safety, Fire Awareness Harness Safety, Fire Awareness and Awareness and Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 Common Induction (ICI) • Industry Industry Common Induction (ICI) (OLEC 1) • • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 1 Overhead Line Electrification Level Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 (OLEC 1) 1) (OLEC (OLEC 2) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 Overhead Line Electrification Level • Overhead Line Electrification Level 3 2 (OLEC 2) (OLEC (OLEC 3) 2)
The course will be completed in in our indoor The course will completed our indoor The course will bebe completed in our brand practical rail training centre and includes practical rail training centre and includes new indoor practical rail training centre practical training sessions, classroom practical training sessions, classroom and includes practical training sessions, sessions and assessments. sessions and assessments. classroom sessions and assessments. For this qualification we can offer you a rail AsAs Akona is is anan ELCAS approved Akona Ltd ELCAS approved sponsor andLtd employment opportunities. training provider this qualification can bebe training provider this qualification can funded byby Enhanced Learning Credits. funded Enhanced Learning Credits. As Akona Ltd is an ELCAS approved training provider this qualification can be funded by Enhanced Learning Credits.
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
31
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AUDITING
Why take the auditing option? As you finish your service and consider what to do next, the choices can feel overwhelming. What about auditor training? It could be the perfect option for the next stage in your working life, says Anne Seymour-Durkin, training manager at Exova BM TRADA
an organisation l
able to accurately translate observations into a report and effectively communicate the audit findings to the auditee organisation
l
self-disciplined and well prepared
l
punctual and polite.
What’s involved?
in the fields of quality, health and safety,
Get qualified!
Auditing is the on-site verification of
environment or data security.
l
an activity, such as the inspection or
Step 1: Decide on whether the employed or self-employed route
examination of a process or quality
Skill up while serving
system, to ensure compliance with
There are many qualities that equate to
requirements. An audit can apply to an
a good auditor, but the key competencies
entire organisation, or it might be specific
employers are looking for are the ability
auditor course; these usually take
to a function, process or production step.
to be:
five days and will include a written
Auditors are responsible for impartially
l
observant, analytical and enquiring by
examination. The most common
nature
accredited course for potential lead auditors is the CQI/IRCA 9001: 2015
carrying out the audit, either internally,
is best for you, and then approach certification bodies (CBs) accordingly. l
Step 2: Attend a recognised lead
within an organisation, or on behalf of a
l
impartial in decision making
third-party certification body.
l
resilient to external pressures
Service leavers returning to the civilian
l
diplomatic in resolving conflicting
Employed auditors will usually have
opinions
this element funded by the CB, but self-
workforce may find that numerous military
32
communicate effectively at all levels of
Lead Auditor Course.
occupational specialisations equate to the
l
articulate
employed auditors will fund the course
duties and responsibilities of an auditor.
l
a good listener
themselves.
These can typically, but not exclusively, be
l
able to question information and
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
would be able to advise further on your own personal route to qualification based on your experience and the schemes you wish to qualify against.
Benefits of becoming an auditor The key benefit of becoming an auditor is that you are transported into a new and interesting career that matches your
SERVICE LEAVERS MAY FIND THAT NUMEROUS MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALISATIONS EQUATE TO THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN AUDITOR
skill set. More benefits you might like to consider include:
suite of CQI/IRCA three-day auditor
l
certification bodies are always looking
conversions are available at £845 +
for good auditors with strong sector
VAT non-residential or £1,145 + VAT
experience and backgrounds
residential per course.
l
l
l
opportunities exist to be either employed or self-employed
Using your ELC
standards are internationally
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range
recognised, which means there are
of learning can be taken, provided it
auditing opportunities across the global
is offered by an approved provider
market
listed on the ELCAS website at www.
salary and daily rates
enhancedlearningcredits.com and
are competitive and
is at level 3 or above. For full
commensurate with an individual’s levels of expertise and specialism
TRANSFER YOUR SKILLS Many of the core personal skills required to be a good auditor are comparable with those found within a successful military career: l accuracy l attention to detail l discipline l resilience – combined with excellent communication skills.
l
auditing work can permit you to
AUDIT & RISK
For up-to-date information from the world of auditing, job vacancies, etc., visit: https://auditandrisk. org.uk
access employment
Step 3: Observe and participate in a
our in-depth features on pages 10–30.
Find out more I hope I have successfully
overall process for becoming an
organisations, sectors,
auditor here. If you would like to find out
markets and countries.
more, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email at anne.seymour-durkin@exova.
… but you must:
com quoting ‘QUEST18’ to receive 10% off
l
be prepared to travel
non-residential courses. Q
l
maintain your currency of experience by taking personal
Q
KEY CONTACTS
Step 4: Witness audit; the trainee
What does it cost to qualify?
auditor is ‘witnessed’ by an experienced
As an employed auditor most, if not all,
lead auditor preparing, conducting and
costs are absorbed by the CB. As a self-
reporting the full audit cycle.
employed auditor you would need to fund:
020 7498 0101
l
(qualifications info): studentsupport@iia.org.uk www.iia.org.uk
minimum of ten days of auditing. l
most of your ELC, refer to
explained the key benefits and
in many varied
responsibility for your CPD. l
details of how to make the
a five-day lead auditor course – the
Further steps
Exova BM TRADA CQI/IRCA 9001: 2015
A three-day auditor conversion course
lead auditor course fee costs £1,195 +
exists for most ISO schemes. Once a lead
VAT non-residential or £1,695 + VAT residential
auditor course has been attended and passed, trainee auditors can add further
l
audits as you will not be paid for this
ISO schemes to their portfolio by attending auditor conversion courses. Often the
your participation in training/witness
l
any further schemes added to your
training audits and witness audits for these
portfolio via a three-day auditor
schemes can be combined and your CB
conversion – the Exova BM TRADA
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors
@CharteredIIA Exova BM TRADA 01494 569 750 anne.seymour-durkin@exova.com www.exovabmtrada.com/en-gb @ExovaBMTRADA
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
33
Simply a Life Changing Education
LINCOLN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL
The Business School offers Degree Programmes in:
Logistics Business Human Resource Management Engineering and Communication
Our programmes are specific and relevant to both military service and civilian employment. We also offer Degree Apprenticeships alongside our traditional Degree Programmes for military personnel. Contact us and quote "QLIBS" for information:
askWBDL@lincoln.ac.uk 01522 835514 lincoln.ac.uk/lbs/militaryprogrammes/courses
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Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Access your HE dreams
Even without the necessary qualifications, the Access to Higher Education Diploma could offer you the chance to reawaken your educational aspirations
Service leavers registered for ELC can use the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the
Do any of the following sound familiar?
IAN WEBBER
immediately after the Access to HE course)
Fast food restaurant manager to primary school teacher …
or an Advanced Learner Loan to fund their
the importance of education and the
Ian was a fast-food
are written off for QAA-recognised Access
empowerment it bestows’
restaurant manager
to HE courses on completion of higher
before he enrolled on
education studies, and repayments don’t
an Access to HE course.
start until you start to earn more than
He’d always meant to
£21,000 per annum.
‘In my teens I didn’t understand
‘I left school at 15 years old with no qualifications’ ‘I’d always planned to go on to further study but, what with one thing
study, but somehow life
and another, life somehow just took
got in the way.
over’
studies. Advanced Learner Loan balances
It is important to look into your funding options carefully to ensure you make the best choice for you. Access to
‘As a teenager I was convinced that people like me couldn’t go to university’ If so, an Access to HE course could be for
‘I’d always planned
HE providers, your education officer or
to go on to further study but, what
transition staff should be able to help you
with one thing and another, life
choose the best route.
somehow just took over’
you.
Tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas vary. However, if you take out an
When you ask young children what
When he was younger he’d always wanted
Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your
they want to be when they grow up, they
to be a teacher. He was a volunteer
studies, the fees will be around £3,350.
are often very clear: ‘I’m going to be an
basketball coach and enjoyed seeing the
The government-backed scheme makes
astronaut/a princess/a soldier/a doctor.’
young people he coached achieve, and
Advanced Learner Loans available to
Not everyone can become an astronaut
decided he’d follow his dream.
eligible students aged 19 and over. More
or a princess, of course, but for some the
Ian gave up his full-time job and
information is available from the .gov
dream comes true. Many of you will have
enrolled on an Access to HE course in
website: www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-
fulfilled the dreams of many – travelling
healthcare. With a young family to support
loan
the world in the service of your country.
and no financial support, he worked three
Maybe it’s time to dream a new dream, or
part-time jobs around his studies. He
to follow your childhood dream.
completed his Access to HE course and
Read on to find out how QAA-
36
higher education (HE) course must be done
went to University of Birmingham where he
recognised Access to HE qualifications
completed a degree in physical education,
have helped others follow their dreams and
joining his passion for sport with his new-
change their lives – some of whom thought
found love for learning. He became a
education wasn’t really for them …
primary school teacher.
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Example repayment amounts Annual income Monthly income before tax
Monthly repayment
Up to £21,000 £1,750 £0 £22,000 £1,833 £7 £25,000 £2,083 £30 £30,000 £2,500 £67 £35,000 £2,916 £105 £40,000 £3,333 £142
NNEKA AKUDOLA
education providers. Each year, around
location, subject, provider or type of
25,000 students successfully complete
study).
Waitress to criminal barrister …
an Access to HE course and are accepted on to higher education courses; around
(find out about doing maths and English
Nneka Akudola became a criminal barrister
half of them are aged 25-plus. Since QAA
GCSEs before you start if you don’t
after completing an Access to HE course
started collecting data in 1999, more than
already have them).
in legal studies. With only four GCSEs, she
330,000 of the mature students who
was working long hours
gained an Access to HE Diploma have gone
Could you get an Advanced Learner
as a waitress, for very
on to university and started a graduate
Loan? (QAA-recognised Access to HE
little reward, when she
profession or moved up the career
Diplomas are eligible for Advanced
decided to try Access
ladder; many of them left school with few
Learner Loans and the balance of
to HE.
qualifications.
the loan will be cancelled when you
3. Talk to your education advisors …
4. Check your funding options …
complete your HE studies.) Could you
‘I definitely couldn’t
SUE LONG
have taken a
At the age of 45, mother
degree without first
of two, Sue Long, was
completing the Access to HE
unable to progress in
information … When does the course
course’
her job without a degree.
start? Where will you be taught? How
use learning credits? Could you use the publicly funded FE/HE scheme? 5. Contact providers to get more
She felt she had missed
much teaching time is there? How
Nneka didn’t have any firm career ideas
out and decided to do
much time will you need to spend
when she started her studies, she just
something about it.
studying on your own? What support
wanted a degree. She was accepted for
can you expect? When and how do
a place to study law at Cardiff University
‘I left school at 15 with no
and was accepted to the bar a year after
qualifications. I thought you had to
you sign up? (Do you need to have an
graduating.
be super-brainy and super-rich to
interview or test before you enrol?) 6. Look at UCAS and university websites/speak to higher education
go to university’
admission staff … What are the entry
Education plays an important role in individual personal development and, for
Sue completed her Access to HE course in
requirements? (What qualifications do
many Access to HE students, the Diploma
a year and went on to study history at the
you need to get on the degree course?)
has changed their lives and helped them
University of Cambridge. She took a job at
Does the Access to HE Diploma you
to pursue a graduate profession or gain
the university after graduation.
want to do meet these needs?
promotion.
College-based full- and part-time courses
Course tutors provide a supportive,
‘If you are thinking about Access to
usually start in September; distance
encouraging, yet challenging environment
HE, don’t let “what might be” stop
learning courses tend to have different
to help adults make the transition to higher
you – let “what could be” drive you!
start dates throughout the year; some
education. Students also use their life
The course will provide all the skills
Diplomas are available for January starts.
experiences to support their studies and
you need to engage and be who you
one another, developing strong support
really want to be’
networks to help them through the challenges of the course, and beyond. Says former bricklayer Richard Deacon, ‘The other students were all of the same
Alan Searle, self-employed Access to HE student
atmosphere of mutual support and to this day I am still in contact with many of
1. Take the first step … Think about
their career pathways. There was a good
l
business psychologist and former
Follow your dreams and get on course to higher success
mind-set – they were there to change
On the course: use your existing skills and learn new ones l
develop a new support network and make new friends
l
make your university applications (midNovember)
l
receive your university offers (around February/March)
my classmates.’ Richard is now studying
what subject area you would like to
l
graduate from college (July)
towards a PhD and has almost succeeded
study. Do you want to progress in
l
start university (September). Q
in his dream to become a research
your current career? Do
scientist.
you want to change
The Access to Higher Education (HE)
direction and try
USEFUL WEBSITES
Diploma qualification prepares adults to
something new?
Access to HE website Real-life stories Diploma database Advanced Learner Loans ELCAS UCAS
succeed in higher education by giving
2. Find out more …
them the skills, subject knowledge and
Look on the Access to
confidence they need in a supportive and
HE website, read the
encouraging environment. It is equivalent
real-life stories and
to A-levels and is recognised by UK higher
search for Diplomas (by
https://goo.gl/0ySdsp https://goo.gl/xMXAu3 https://goo.gl/ckoSY1 https://goo.gl/mdQ5ER https://goo.gl/973Yxa https://goo.gl/827SfF
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
37
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING & IT, INCLUDING CYBER SECURITY
IT’s for you! ‘The strong growth of tech employment in the UK sends a clear message to anyone considering career opportunities: there are a multitude of exciting openings for you,’ says a recent report from IT industry networking body the Tech Partnership. Are you ready to unlock them?
What’s involved?
experts to counteract more advanced cyber attacks. There has also been an increase in opportunities for information security officers and information risk managers, who manage threats posed to businesses. Large organisations, the government and social media companies, such as Facebook and
I
of just some of the jobs in this sector, take
Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber experts.
information in its various forms (business
using technology or supporting people who
to be able to solve real business issues. There
data, voice conversations, still images,
use it. IT is an important part of pretty much
is also a demand for numerate and IT-literate
motion pictures, multimedia presentations
all industries these days, from marketing, HR
people to work in analytics and solve
… the list is pretty much endless). It is a
and finance to retail, manufacturing and the
business problems.
convenient ‘umbrella’ term that is often
public sector.
nformation technology (IT) is a term that
a look at the accompanying ‘Typical IT jobs’
encompasses all forms of technology
box. You could be creating technological
who can combine technical skills with an
used to create, store, exchange and use
applications or systems, solving problems
understanding of broader business objectives
used to encompass both the telecoms and
Employers are looking for those
Skill up while serving
computing/IT sectors. IT is the technology
Skills shortages
that is driving what is often referred to as
There is currently demand for higher-level
that’s you, you are likely to know exactly
the ‘information revolution’. It deals with the
technical skills, in particular to develop
where your particular skill set might lead.
use of computers and computer software to
products and services to meet the needs of
Such experts are generally found in the
convert, store, protect, process, transmit and
the fast-moving nature of the industry. This
specialist communications, administrative
retrieve information, securely.
includes knowledge of the most up-to-date
and electronics branches, although some
programming languages and systems such
serving outside those areas may also have
with a significant presence in almost all
as cloud computing (see below to find out
considerable expertise. Others will have
industries and businesses, computing and
more).
specialised in computing and/or electronics
At the centre of everyday life and
IT together provide employment for an enormous number of people. To get an idea
38
40). Currently there are not enough
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff – if
Cyber security is a growing field that
as part of their career pattern; they are still
merits special attention (see panel, page
likely to have a number of very transferable
Cyber Security Challenge UK
and marketable skills, but these may need to
Career changers
be targeted in a particular area, or improved
will have to learn
or widened in the period before leaving.
to use specific
There is a great deal of computing and IT
applications or
A series of competitions to test your cyber security skills, created below). ELC and by some of the largest security SLC cannot be companies in the country, who are used together but, looking for the next generation of cyber defenders if you’re looking www.cybersecurity to use your SLC challenge.org.uk for training that is
training available through the resettlement
languages (see below).
system. Preferred suppliers and other
How much formal
training providers offer a wide variety of
training you need will
courses in this field.
depend on your new career
Get qualified!
below the ELC level 3 threshold, you might
path, as well as your individual
want to consider such a
experience and aptitudes. Options available
course. Some employers may not be
Industry advice is to gain as much academic
range from conversion courses to work
very familiar with these, however, so you
knowledge as possible while you are still
placements. Some companies recruit only
might find other qualifications more useful.
serving, which can then be enhanced by
those who have already been working in the
Vocational A-levels may also be taken –
practical training during your resettlement
industry, but most will take on new entrants.
usually through colleges – and these can
period. Knowledge can be developed through
Many will take new recruits with little or
provide a job-orientated qualification with
self study, and academic qualifications via
no technical knowledge and offer training,
a strong academic element. The experience
a college and an industry placement nearer
provided they have other valued skills, and
gained in acquiring these qualifications will
discharge.
show they are enthusiastic and capable
be valuable in finding employment.
of learning. To increase your chances of getting a good job, you should aim to
Which course?
demonstrate these attributes through work
There are many courses available that
Many jobs in this sector, particularly
experience connected to ICT (information
will give you everything from a basic
those that involve working with
and communication technology), or a course
introduction to a doctorate.
customers, require good interpersonal
or qualification in an ICT- or business-related
l
skills, as well as team-working and
subject; and you should develop – and
example, wireless communications,
problem-solving abilities. All have
be able to demonstrate – skills such as
IP networks, traffic engineering or
technical content, ranging from the
communications and problem solving.
managing product development provide
TYPICAL IT JOBS
in-depth skills of a software developer
Short (one to five days) courses in, for
basic information that will enhance your
through to roles that may need much
Computing and IT qualifications
skills in many work environments or
less detailed knowledge. Some typical
Academic qualifications provide a thorough
help you to choose a specific skills area
roles are:
grounding in the principles that will be
before seeking higher levels of training.
l
business analyst
highly relevant for future training, although
These short courses are often privately
l
helpdesk operator
a lot of the detail will soon be out of date.
run and tailor-made, and costs vary but
l
trainer
There are also both generic and vendor-
may typically start at around £600 for
l
software developer
specific qualifications. The generic ones
one day, £1,000 for one/two days and
l
technical author
certify achievements in the general field
l
technician
of computing and IT, while vendor-specific
l
engineer
ones demonstrate a level of expertise in a
part-time further education courses
l
computer forensics
particular manufacturer’s products. Many
(taking from one to three terms)
l
content management
people hold both, and even a portfolio of
resulting in recognised qualifications
l
cyber security and risk
qualifications in the products of different
such as the CCNA certificate and IT
£1,400 for four/five days. l
Next comes a range of relatively short
management (see panel)
manufacturers, as it is often important to be
User Qualification (ITQ), a nationally
l
data analysis and analytics
able to operate across both boundaries and
recognised qualification for those who
l
games development
equipment.
need digital skills as users of technology
l
geographical information systems
Generic qualifications include academic
– at work, in education and when looking
(GIS)
courses. Degrees (foundation or higher),
for work. Also on offer are NVQs and City
l
hardware engineering
HNDs and HNCs are all highly valued, with
& Guilds courses. These generally start
l
information management
the theoretical knowledge involved always
at about £350–£400 for one term and
l
IT consultancy (business and
being relevant. Degrees tend to be in
may require additional input of around
technical)
computer science, with HNDs and HNCs in
ten hours per week for students to
l
IT sales
software engineering. An A-level or GCSE in
meet course requirements. Courses are
l
software engineering (designing,
computer studies might be your academic
diverse, (often) do not require previous
building, developing, testing)
starting point if you are a beginner.
qualifications and cover, for instance,
l
systems/network management
l
technical support
are available, based on sector-approved
NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships
website design, software programming, information technology, and public space
l
web design.
national occupational standards (NOS) (see
surveillance (CCTV). A qualification at
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
39
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING & IT, INCLUDING CYBER SECURITY
BE A CYBER INSIDER!
this level would be recognised within the telecoms and computing/IT industries, and would allow you to progress to higher-level study. l
Longer part-time or full-time courses are likely to result in, for example, BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms Professional Intermediate or Advanced Apprenticeship). These courses will take one year minimum and contain an element of 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 (such as maths and English) alongside apprenticeship training. This level of study will ensure good progression through your chosen industry.
l
More complex training includes undergraduate
With cyber crime on the rise, ensuring
experience and transferable skills
degrees such as: Electronics with Satellite
the UK has the cyber security
needed for dealing with cyber security
Engineering, and Computer Science; master’s such
workforce it needs is vital to keeping
incidents.
as Telecommunication Engineering, and Computing
both businesses and citizens safe.
According to Cyber Security
for Commerce and Industry; and doctorates such as
There’s a huge demand for cyber
Challenge UK, a career in cyber
Intelligent Systems and Networks; and Distributed
security professionals, and a worrying
security can be incredibly fulfilling
Computing. Professional doctorates are the more
shortage of talent. In fact, recent
and is ideally suited to those who
obvious choice for those wishing to go straight into a
research revealed that Europe will
have a flair for problem solving, are
work environment, rather than staying in academia
face a shortfall of 350,000 cyber
good communicators and passionate
or research. Although entry requirements can vary
security professionals by 2022. So
about new technologies. It’s an
and are sometimes negotiable, generally you need
how do we solve this problem – and
exciting industry, with an increasing
A-levels to take a degree, and you need a degree to
fast? Perhaps you have the answer …
number of companies looking for help
progress to master’s or PhD study. Length of time
to defend themselves or others from
to complete this level of study can vary; part-time,
the core attributes and skills that
cyber attacks. Some typical roles and
it could take six years or more. Typically, costs
employers are looking for in cyber
career areas are:
range from around £10,000 to £60,000, but at this
security professionals:
l
education, training and awareness
level of study there may be funding opportunities.
l
Explorer
l
engineering, architecture and
These qualifications would lead to management and
l
Problem Solver
design
consultancy roles.
l
Student
l
internet crime and data protection
l
Guardian
l
operations and security
What’s out there?
l
Consultant.
management
Here are a few more courses you might like to consider
A recent IBM report highlighted
These can of course be found in a
l
policy makers and strategists
(although please note that this is a hugely diverse area,
multitude of other sectors beyond
l
research
and job opportunities are increasing and blending into
cyber security – and one such is the
l
risk analytics and management
many workplaces):
military. One of the core attributes
l
threat management and forensics.
l
seen time and again in Service leavers
Read about these in detail on the
is the ‘Guardian’ attribute. This means
Cyber Security Challenge UK website
they are highly ethical, reliable and
at www.cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk
motivated to protect their customers.
For IBM, it makes perfect business
Diploma in Engineering Computer Systems and Telecoms
l
BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT Systems and Principles, or Networking and Systems Support
l
NVQ level 2 Installing Structured Cabling Systems
l
seven-hour online course for employees working in
In terms of specific cyber security
sense to up-skill and train Veterans
roles, IBM has found that Veterans
with a proven skill-set that is difficult
are particularly suited to ‘operator’
to interview for. With the right
and ‘communicator’ positions.
training and investment, the company
Looking specifically at operators,
hopes to start closing the cyber
courses in Basic Computing (getting started
this might include threat-monitoring
security skills gap.
with, e.g., internet, email and various application
analysts, penetration testers, security
the area of Voice Switching (combining telephony, telecoms and Voice Over Internet Protocol) l
To find out more about the
various beginner-level part-time and weekend
programs)
operations centre analyst and cyber
growing importance of cyber security
l
operations manager roles. Anybody
skills, and how you can get qualified
Foundation Degree/level 4 in Business Information
who has worked in the operations
to become part of the solution, visit
l
centre in a warship, in a military unit
www.thetechpartnership.com/about/
Also, although it’s not exactly a course, the Open
or in an RAF station will have the
our-priorities/cyber-security-skills
University has linked with iTunes to provide a range of
Technology four-day course in Database Administration.
free learning materials, computing and ICT included. This
40
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
is a great way of getting background details and exploring whether you would like to further your current studies in the area.
Inside Cyber magazine
on the ability to design
Download here: www.cybersecurity challenge.org.uk/insidecyber-magazine
To find out more, visit
and build technology
our in-depth features on pages 10–30.
solutions, which may include integrating
Finding employment
multiple technology
Securing employment is inevitably a
products and span
www.open.edu/itunes/getting-
combination of:
multiple versions of a single
started
of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to
technology, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The Microsoft Certified
l
qualifications
l
experience
l
networking
Professional vendor qualifications
Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification
l
work placements
Professional vendor qualifications
is also available and is a prerequisite to
l
the right CV
are training and exams in a specific
Microsoft’s MCSE expert-level certifications
l
going for the right job.
manufacturer’s products. The manufacturer
for experienced IT professionals. It focuses
Those entering similar employment to that
should be a major supplier in the industry for
on the ability to design and build technology
they had in the Forces may well start at the
its qualifications to have value, but do bear in
solutions. Microsoft, of course, offers a host of
same level; those going into an unrelated
mind that a qualification that is very valuable
differently targeted certifications and exams
field will probably start further down the
today may have less value tomorrow if a
– for full details, check out the ‘Learning’ area
ladder. Once into a company the employment
manufacturer goes out of business or there is
of its website: www.microsoft.com/en-us/
possibilities are enormous in this expanding
a major change in technology.
learning/default.aspx
and changing industry. ‘Permanent’
Microsoft qualifications are perhaps the
Microsoft is not, of course, the only
employment is often regarded as lasting three
best known, with Microsoft Certified Solutions
manufacturer on the market, and other big
to five years, and people commonly change
Expert (MCSE) seen as the globally recognised
players, like Novell (Certified Novell Engineer
employer every two years or so. In-house
standard for IT professionals. This focuses
and Certified Novell Administrator) and Cisco
training is often provided, and good people
Systems, also have their own qualifications.
can achieve rapid promotion. Q
THE ECDL The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s number one IT user qualification. Seen around the world as the benchmark for digital literacy, the ECDL equips learners with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing knowledge and motivating further learning. No prior computing skills or knowledge of IT are required to study for the ECDL – it is designed for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enhance their career prospects or for personal development. The ECDL is composed of a range of modules – each provides a practical programme of up-to-date skills and knowledge areas, which are validated by a test. This enables you to develop and certify your computer skills in the subject areas of your choice and to the level you need. Through the combination of modules you choose, you can create your own individual ECDL Profile. Choosing the combination that is right for you will depend on your current skills and experience, as well as on what you want from your qualification. To find out more, visit the BCS website: www.bcs.org The ECDL Foundation website is at www.ecdl.org
Professional bodies The CompTIA runs a series of certifications, which are credentials achieved through a testing process to validate knowledge within a
Q
specific IT support function. Its exams are developed by subject matter experts and the certifications are recognised throughout the industry as foundation-level skill sets. Its qualifications are widely recognised and may also form modules in other ICT awards and programmes. The British Computer Society (BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT) is a qualifying body for chartered IT professionals. It offers a range of qualifications and certifications, such as the European Computer Driving
KEY CONTACTS
Computing and IT British Computer Society 01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417 (lo-call rate) www.bcs.org @bcs CompTIA UK 020 7330 6060 info_uk@comptia.org www.comptia.org @CompTIA Tech Partnership
Licence (ECDL) (see box) and other user
020 7963 8920
qualifications, as well as BCS professional exams, which at their highest level take
info@thetechpartnership.com www.thetechpartnership.com
students to the academic level of an honours
@TechPartnership
degree, and acknowledge practical experience and academic ability. To see the full range, you’ll need to visit the BCS website (see ‘Key
Cyber security Cyber Security Challenge UK
contacts’).
01908 363432
Use your ELC
queries@cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk www.cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
@Cyberchallenge
learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com and is at level 3 or above. For full details
National Cyber Security Centre www.ncsc.gov.uk @ncsc
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
41
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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CYBER SECURITY AND IT RESETTLEMENT TRAINING ELC FUNDED COURSES
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April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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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
Q
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
Q
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 26.
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College Courses
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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)
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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
Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits
Q
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
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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 Costs grant
Q
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 (CF) training. These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of their £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 to up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the student, but other allowances may be available to help with these. The CTP also offers a range of courses that are not within the MoD contract. These are known as Non-Contract Funded courses and you can use your IRTC grant or ELC to pay for these.
Professional and Career Development Loans 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. You can also check online to see if you are eligible – visit www.gov.uk/career-development-loans
QUEST questonline.co.uk
Key: Q Service personnel
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Q
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
Q
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 Finding a job
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
Q
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.)
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YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE
Useful contacts
Need to know more? Here’s who can help …
F
or general enquiries about
Education and Resettlement Staff
RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk
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
l
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
l
l
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.
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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/ pages/the-quest-questionnaire 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
QUEST RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY Ricky Burt left the army in 2014 after 7 years of service... like many, he didn’t easily find his feet in civilian life... then he discovered the “key” was to become a locksmith!
Just 3 years on Ricky is earning £4000 a month running his own Lockforce business. Here’s Ricky’s resettlement story in his own words: I read about Lockforce in an issue of QUEST that was given to me during my resettlement. I joined Lockforce because I wanted to be my own boss. I’m doing a job I love, but have a network of colleagues who are there to help – as well as head office, just a phone call away. I have had someone to teach me about running a business, and to provide me with the training I needed. The training worked very well - it started in a classroom and then we would go out doing jobs with real customers, so I actually got hands-on training while doing live jobs, which is how I like to learn. Running the business is great! I work the hours I want to and I am earning more than I ever could have running a business alone.
I have children so I get to spend time with them now, which I didn’t while I was in the forces, so now I get to make up for that. When they finish school I can be there to pick them up – I can make my work revolve around my life now, which I couldn’t in the past. I feel confident that my future with Lockforce will be exciting and lucrative. If you’re thinking of starting your own business and want some help, support and camaraderie along the way then becoming a Lockforce franchisee like Ricky could be the answer Get on task quickly and start earning from week one with help from our expert team.
My business is still growing and I get directly rewarded according to how hard I work.
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HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
Business start-up basics The UK is a great place to start your own business, says Sean Taylor, MD of Lockforce Ltd, and with so many new business start-ups waving the entrepreneurial flag, you’re not alone in your thinking. But could it become a reality? To make your dreams a reality is a risk because so many new businesses fail in their first year. The good news is that there is a way to start your own business that significantly reduces the risk of failure … Buying a franchise provides you with so many of the benefits of running your own business and is proven to reduce the risk of failure. So, if you are thinking, or dreaming, of running your own business (franchise or not) here are three key things to factor in to your considerations: 1. your love and passion – if you don’t love the business you are in then it will be like a prison sentence hanging over you 2. your income/earnings – when it comes to numbers, understand what you need to earn; that’s your starting point when it comes to business planning and will help in your assessment of your new business 3. your time – running your own business provides flexibility and choice, but if you are serious about being successful it is likely to consume a lot of time, particularly in the early days. Running your own business is not for everyone and not without risks. Speak to anyone who has done it and they’ll tell you the highs and lows – it’s like a business rollercoaster … but they will also tell you they will never go back to being an employee. Get in touch 0333 567 8920 www.lockforce.co.uk See the advertisement on page 47
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>> DRONE NEWS
New drone standards set to revolutionise UK and global economies
New drone standards are to be unveiled, which are expected to lead to strengthened public confidence in safety, security and compliance within an industry that is set to be one of the fastest growth sectors in the world. These standards are set to release the true potential of this industry, which will revolutionise the way we live, and transform business sectors from transport to infrastructure, agriculture to medicine – across air, land, sea and space. The announcement was made at a recent event at the House of Lords attended by BSI Chairman Sir David Brown, politicians including Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg, and other senior stakeholders in the drone industry, including manufacturers, users, service providers, economists, academics and media. Robert Garbett of Drone Major Group, in his role as Chairman of the BSI Committee on Drone Standards, commented: ‘The development and adoption of the first quality and safety standards for the drone industry will make 2018 a pivotal year for an industry that is set to become a global phenomenon. It is the year when British and world standards will be crystallised, energising the industry and enabling it to meet its full potential to the benefit of UK plc, and indeed economies worldwide.’ Drone Major Group brings together services dedicated to the drone industry and to increasing connectivity globally. To find out more, visit: www.dronemajor.net
>> TRAINERS IN FOCUS >> NEXT STEP
Retiring Armed Forces and emergency services Veterans offered help with their next step A new online service has been launched to bring professionally skilled Veterans and potential customers together. The platform enables Veterans of the Armed Forces and emergency services to offer their professional skills and trades to the public. The full launch will take place later this spring, when the public and local businesses will be able to search for the skilled people and services they need. Darren Melia, founder and operations director, explains: ‘So many of Britain’s Darren Melia fabulous Armed Forces and emergency services personnel learn skills that amount to more than just a job. For them it’s a vocation, a career with training to the very highest standards, and with experience gained under the most demanding circumstances. ‘When they leave the Services, often with a long working life ahead of them, the next step for many is to set up their own businesses and offer their wealth of skills, knowledge and experience to the communities in which they settle. Veterans Next Step provides a great opportunity for them to showcase what they offer, and for their future customers to find them.’ Veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Fire & Rescue are invited to pitch their offers across more than 60 business sectors, whether they trade as, for example, builders, electricians or mechanics, or offer such services as computer repairs, book-keeping or physiotherapy, to name just a few. An example profile – of former Colour Sergeant Ste Talbot, who now runs Lock Smart, a mobile locksmith business in Liverpool, and was part of the inspiration for Veterans Next Step – may be seen at www.veteransnextstep.co.uk/example-profile-page/ Continues Darren, ‘Veterans Next Step is a far cry from the standard local trades directory. We’re entirely free to customers and our Veterans don’t pay any connection fees or commission. We simply put them in touch with one another. And we aren’t just there to find a plumber or joiner, but cover a very wide range of skills, trades and services, locally and nationwide.’ Veterans are invited to register here: www.veteransnextstep.co.uk/ registration/ where a profile takes about ten minutes to complete. If you register before 1 May you will pay nothing for your first year apart from a £5 registration fee to cover admin costs.
£1m electrical training centre set to open in Yorkshire Market leading electrical training course provider Trade Skills 4U (TS4U) is celebrating the launch of its new state-of-the-art training facility in Leeds, as it looks to target aspiring electricians in the Yorkshire and north-east. TS4U will be holding a launch day on 9 May at Phoenix House, Hawthorn Park, Coal Road, Leeds LS14 1PQ, where potential students can register for free taster sessions, as well as a tour of the facility. TS4U specialises in electrical training, delivering courses to more than 3,000 students per annum. It currently boasts some of the highest pass rates in the UK, and is the first electrical training organisation to be accepted into the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Centre of Excellence. The new 16,000 sq ft Leeds premises will be TS4U’s fourth training centre following its success in Gatwick, Central London and Warrington. The facility will house advanced training classrooms built to the highest of specifications and will be equipped with the latest technology. TS4U aims to develop individuals with no previous electrical experience by offering the widest range of electrician courses in the UK for new entrants. It also facilitates courses for qualified electricians looking to move into new areas of electrical work. The first courses at the Leeds site are now live to book online, starting from 14 May. Sean McDowell completed a course with TS4U having applied through the resettlement scheme. He says: ‘After 30 years in the RAF, I wanted to move into something I enjoy doing and, as I’ve always had an interest in DIY,
I thought I’d take the plunge and get properly qualified in a trade. Trade Skills 4U provide excellent facilities and training, and I would encourage anyone who is thinking of entering the electrical profession to apply. The courses are really interesting; made all the better by the course tutors who have extensive knowledge of the trade and its intricacies.’ Carl Bennett, CEO of TS4U (pictured), says, ‘We recruit only the best and most experienced people, to ensure our students receive first-class knowledge and advice from professional tutors who have a passion for what they do. We hope that anyone looking to enter the profession will come and visit our incredible new facility on 9 May and see why we are the leading provider of electrical training courses.’ For more information on the courses available at the Leeds centre, please visit: www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/ leeds-sheffield-bradford-electricalcourses To register for the free taster sessions, please visit: www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/ leeds-open-days See the advertisement on page 29
>> SECURITY LICENSING CHECKS
Explaining the licensing process When the SIA assesses your suitability for a licence, it does so against a published set of criteria. These are explained fully in its Get Licensed booklet and on its website here: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/ Pages/licensing-before.aspx In summary, this explains that the SIA checks your: l age (you must be 18 or older to hold an SIA licence) l identity
l
competency (qualifications) criminal record l mental health l right to work in the UK. Also, although it doesn’t specifically check for this, it may also take into account certain other information – e.g. County Court Judgments, SIA warnings or any information about you that has been provided. l
Please remember that you have a legal obligation to provide the SIA with information that is ‘true and complete’. It cannot be held responsible for any delays that may be caused by applicants giving it incorrect or incomplete information, even if that information is submitted by accident. For full information, click on the web link above.
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THE HUB
>> ARMED FORCES COVENANT
Specialist training consultancy proud to receive Bronze Award
Transition to a career in technology
AWS RE:START TASTER DAY
Since the launch of AWS re:Start last year, numerous participants have completed the training programme, successfully transitioning into a career in technology
Dr Andrew Murrison MP handing the official Bronze Award certificate to Rich Cleverley of FIDES Enterprise Solutions Ltd at the FIDES head office
FIDES Enterprise Solutions (FIDES) has been awarded a Bronze certificate by the Armed Forces Covenant for the Employer Recognition Scheme and was delighted to welcome local MP Dr Andrew Murrison to officially present the certificate at the company’s HQ in Warminster, Wiltshire. FIDES is a specialist training consultancy delivering to clients across a wide spread of private and public sectors, including defence. As Warminster has a strong association with the military, and numerous Service families and Veterans choose to settle in the area, FIDES was honoured for Dr Andrew Murrison MP to present the official certificate. Dr Murrison is MP for South West Wiltshire, supports the many military units based there and has himself served as a Medical Officer in the Royal Navy. On presenting the award, Dr Murrison said, ‘I was delighted to present FIDES with its well-deserved award, which marks it out as a strong supporter of our military community, standing shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of our Armed Forces, their families and Veterans.’ The award publicly recognises the efforts of employers that actively support defence personnel issues and generally give support to the Armed Forces community. FIDES CEO Rich Cleverley commented on receiving the award: ‘We are extremely proud to receive this award and FIDES will continue to align its values with the Armed Forces Covenant, encourage others to do the same and promote being an Armed Forces-friendly organisation. Having served with the Army for 30 years, I fully recognise that the expertise and skills learned during a military career, combined with a strong working ethic, are directly transferable and enhance any business.’ All the FIDES management team are exServices, and many employees and associates include Armed Forces Veterans, current Reservists and military spouses. FIDES is also keen to support the military community by sponsoring local sports teams, which helps give something back to the many Services families who live in this area.
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Stephen Davies, one of AWS re:Start’s most recent recruits, is currently on a three-month placement as a cloud administrator with leading cloud YOU provider DO NOT NEED TO HAVE ALREADY LEFT THEStephen MILITARY Rackspace. served in TO ATTEND THIS TASTER DAY the RAF for 18 years as a logistics driver before an injury led to medical discharge. After discovering AWS re:Start at the Newark Career Fair, Stephen signed up for the four-week course, where he was first put in contact with Rackspace during a morning of employment presentations. ‘I found the training challenging at first – it was a lot to take in,’ explains Stephen. ‘I had no experience, was coming out of the military and found it daunting but the instructors were great. They were extremely supportive and dedicated one-to-one time with anyone, any time they needed it.’ Stephen had only ever viewed his interest in computers as a hobby and had never considered a career in technology before. The AWS re:Start initiative gave him the boost he needed, along with practical skills that will enable him to secure a full-time position once his placement is complete. ‘The most important takeaway from the programme was a new sense of positivity in myself,’ says Stephen. ‘I was at a low point in my life when I was discharged. I thought I couldn’t do anything else. I didn’t know how I was going to support myself and my family. When I look back at this opportunity, now that I am at Rackspace, I believe in myself. The programme gave that to me and showed me that there are opportunities for people like me.’ Not only does the programme benefit the participants, it also offers prominent UK firms access to the most promising workers to fill the digital skills gap. ‘Technology sits at the heart of the British economy,’ says Dan Cox, General Manager at Rackspace. ‘At a time when the country is facing a serious skills gap in this sector, Rackspace is proud to support the AWS re:Start initiative. We believe that the programme offers up an opportunity to some of the most determined people in society to hone
new digital skills, so they can shape the country’s future. We have been fortunate to work with some of these people and look forward to welcoming many more in years to come.’ Not only is the programme aimed at military Veterans, members of the military Reserve and those leaving the Armed Forces, it also encourages Service spouses to take part in order to retrain. One of those who recently completed the training programme is Jenny Pattinson, currently working as an information security, risk and governance manager with the newly renamed Hive (formerly Centrica). Jenny has a legal background, having worked as a company secretary in the legal field for 15 years. But when her husband, who served more than 16 years as a marine engineer, was diagnosed with a serious health condition she found that she was no longer able to work such long hours. ‘It was emotionally draining and it took me a couple of years to figure out what I was going to do. I started with recruitment but after working in that sector for a while it became clear to me that I was not going to be fulfilled. I was involved in a military charity where I supported finding suitable jobs for Service leavers. It was there that I found out about the AWS re:Start programme and became really interested in the programme for myself.’ Jenny says she went in with an open mind, not knowing what to expect. ‘There were 22 people in the programme. It was a real mixture of people, all military – some were still serving, some had since left. A few individuals had IT backgrounds. There were four other women, who were all serving. I was the only spouse.’ A major part of Jenny’s current role involves looking at the incoming GDPR (general data protection regulation), where she makes use of her extensive legal skills. On the technology side, there’s lots of new information and IT jargon to get to grips with, but Jenny says that the process of learning new things is exciting and that her colleagues have been patient and supportive. ‘Being a woman and a spouse in the programme was significant. If there are any women, either serving or spouses out there looking to explore opportunities, I would tell them not to worry about what you think you do or don’t understand. As long as you are open minded and prepared to work hard this is a very rewarding experience. The support from AWS has been great. They are genuinely interested in what happens to people after the programme wraps.’ To register contact the AWS re.Start team on awsre-start@amazon.com
IT training for the real world For more than 14 years Bluescreen IT Ltd (BIT) has been providing cyber security and professional digital training, including Digital Apprenticeships, for a variety of vendors including Microsoft, Cisco, CompTIA, ISC2, Checkpoint and many more. During this time we have trained and worked with many Service leavers. As an authorised ELC and CTP provider we have a vast and proven experience in helping those from the Forces. We offer a range of packages that are tailored according to where you want to head in the IT industry. Our links with cyber security are strong and we hold Government Communications HQ (GCHQ) accreditation for delivery of our CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner courses, which were externally verified by APMG. Many of our trainers have ‘real world’ experience within global companies. Our training ethos is about hands-on instruction, with high-end equipment investment that ensures practical reallife exposure. All training is full-time and instructor led by industry-experienced and cross-certified instructors. All of our trainers have a vast industry knowledge, with a wealth of training expertise, and hold either the Microsoft Certified Trainer or Certified Technical Trainer Qualifications. We offer distance learning, remote learning and mixed learning options. All course packages include a 12-month course re-sit from when your training commences – free of charge. BluescreenIT is also a Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprise)
>> TOUR DE TROOPS
examination centre, which allows us to deliver vendor examinations on-site, so you can leave us fully qualified. Our Digital Apprenticeship standards start at levels 3 and 4, which incorporate internationally recognised qualifications that are highly recognised by the industry experts. Our apprenticeships include Infrastructure Technician, Network Engineer, Cyber Security Technologist, Cyber Intrusion Analyst, Software Developer and Unified Communications Trouble-shooter.
Some feedback from clients who have experienced our training … ‘I really enjoyed the course. All of the instructors were highly knowledgeable and were able to help with any questions. I came on this course with prior knowledge, even so I feel I learned a substantial amount and would feel confident for future employment.’ ‘A company that welcomes you from the start and sets a comfortable atmosphere for learning before you even begin. With knowledgeable instructors across the board, it added to the technical knowledge put across with real-world experiences. With the whole package geared around the individual, this is a company you will come back to for many courses.’ If you would like to discuss your training options, please contact our team on 01752 724 000 or email info@bluescreenit.co.uk See the advertisement on page 42
L3 TRL Technology named as official sponsor of Tour de Troops
Defence and cyber security company L3 TRL Technology is proud to be the official sponsor of Tour de Troops, the endurance cycling challenge that’s part of the Captain James Wadsworth Challenge, in aid of military charity the Felix Fund. The Tour de Troops is a five-day Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle event that will take place from 7–11 June. Founded by Captain James Wadsworth CGC, the Captain James Wadsworth Challenge combines the Tour de Troops, which ran previously in 2017, with the newly launched Soldier’s Pass Run. These challenges will test fitness and endurance to the limit. All events are in aid of the Felix Fund, which raises money and awareness to support the Explosive Ordnance Disposal community. If you’d like to get involved, it costs £150 to enter. Accommodation, meals and nutrition are included. Whether you’d like to cycle in the Tour de Troops or become a sponsor, this a great opportunity to show your support and take part in something truly amazing. You can register here: https://origintickets.co.uk/store/?event=1066 or make a donation to the Felix Fund here: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/tourdetroops
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 19 April 2018, Newark CTP Employment Fair 10 May 2018, Edinburgh 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 l 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 opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! In addition, the full list of Employment Fair dates for 2018 are now available and ready to book (see right). If you wish to book on to any of these dates, call the CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit https://www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
Event Date East Midlands/East Employment Fair
19 April 2018
Scotland Employment Fair
10 May 2018
South West Employment Fair
6 June 2018
South East/East Employment Fair
5 July 2018
North East Employment Fair
27 September 2018
South Coast Employment Fair
11 October 2018
West Midlands Employment Fair
29 November 2018
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
51
Assistant Rail Signalling Installer Training program Based in Ipswich (Suffolk), our training services have been fundamentally recognised as being pro-active, effective and, above all, technically competent. This program gives the candidate the required competencies to become a railway Signalling Installer. The training is an intensive 6 week course, filled with all the safety critical, signalling, technical and electrical knowledge needed to pursue a career within the rail industry. All attendees of this program will be given employment interviews. Consisting of 9 qualifications, this program is delivered in accordance with the IRSE (Institute of Rail Signal Engineers) licensing scheme conditions. As such, the program satisfies the knowledge requirements that enable delegates to apply for licensing after the appropriate experience criteria has been met. This program is mapped towards achieving IRSE category 1.2.110 (Installation). It is also mapped towards category 1.4.100 and includes the competences required for registration with the Engineering council at the grade of EngTech. (The Engineering Council stipulates a minimum education requirement Equivalent to BTEC L3 or NVQ L3).
For further info please call (01473)242344 or email: info@rttsolutions.co.uk RT Training solutions Ltd registered in England and Wales: 8171597
The UK’s market leader in providing Construction training courses for www.ableskills.co.uk v ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION v PLUMBING v GAS v PLUS MANY MORE
Visit our City & Guilds approved Centre ANY day of the week. Full time? YES! Part Time? YES! Flexible payments? YES! 0808 100 3245 7
www.ableskills.co.uk
Q
FACTFILE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
A change for the better AFTER LIVING A LIFE IN THE MILITARY AND BEING TOLD WHAT TO DO, THE TROUBLE CAME WHEN I HAD TO MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS touch with Stoll, Alan moved into his own flat in 2010. ‘I am so grateful to Stoll. It’s a total life changer. I now have my own home and I feel secure. I was able to get support to furnish my flat, and my work colleagues clubbed together to buy me a television, too. I volunteer with Stoll and run a lot of the health and well-being activities for residents, including darts, archery and curling. I’ve also reconciled my relationship
Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not everyone does. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans – helps the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
A
got back together. ‘I’d say to any Veteran who experiences homelessness that there are lots of services available that can help – there is a way to move forward.’
Find out more Stoll has been providing support to
lan Parmenter grew up in a
and for a few months I lived out under
the Veteran community for more than
military household and aspired
Putney Bridge. I was working at the same
100 years and is here to support the
to join the Armed Forces after
time. I used to cycle in to work and, when
next generation of Veterans. For more
seeing his father work in what was then the
I stopped cycling in, the guys at work
information about finding a home with Stoll
Special Boat Squadron. ‘I used to march to
noticed. They asked why I didn’t have my
or accessing support, please visit
school! I thought it looked like an exciting
bike any more. Well, it was a lot more
way of life and it’s what I wanted to do.’
than just my bike …
In 1971, at 15 years old, Alan joined the
‘I would work all the night shifts
3rd Battalion Royal Green Jackets and,
I could and stayed in temporary
during his career, went on tour to Northern
accommodation here and there.
Ireland, Cyprus, Rwanda and Germany.
My boss couldn’t understand how I
‘After leaving regular service in 1998,
Q
www.stoll.org.uk or call the Outreach Team on 020 7385 2110. Q
KEY CONTACT
would always come into work so early, and
Stoll
I went on to be an Army Cadet Force
eventually rumbled that I was homeless.
instructor in Wandsworth. I did that for
Things came to a real low when I tried to
446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT
nine years and worked in security, too. I
take my own life in the Thames. I was so
was proud to train the first ever female
wound up in my thoughts.’
cadet Sergeant Major. I really enjoyed
Alan worked in the Fulham area and a
staying connected to the military as it had
colleague told him about the support and
been a part of my life for so long.’
housing that Stoll offers to Veterans. ‘We
Unfortunately, Alan’s relationship
54
with my partner and, three years ago, we
are a stubborn breed, us soldiers. After
began to struggle and eventually broke
living a life in the military and being told
down, leaving him with nowhere to live.
what to do, the trouble came when I had to
‘I was homeless for 18 months in total
make my own decisions.’ After getting in
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
020 7385 2110 outreach@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
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
Veterans’
Every second Wednesday of each month 4pm - 7pm
Drop-In Come along for information, advice & support
100% Guaranteed Work Placements
Housing advice
Training and employment
VNS: finding Veterans a home
Debt,
money and service pensions advice
Health
and addiction advice including PTSD
Hot food and refreshments will be available Stoll Mansions, 446 Fulham Road, London SW6 1DT
Tel: 020 7385 2110 www.stoll.org.uk Organisations working together to support you
STOLL_Poster_V4.indd 1
13/04/2017 09:30
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questonline.co.uk l April 2018
55
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
On hand to help and ready to listen Established to be the first point of contact for support, Veterans’ Gateway is a new service that can connect Veterans, their families and their carers to organisations that can help them with a range of issues, including those related to housing, finance, mental health and employment
S
new issues and underlying problems come to light as we are chatting to Veterans. We are here to help and give them the
till in its first year, this new
transitioning from Service life to civvy
best options available, and many find it
24-hour service for the UK’s
street to help others …
very reassuring to speak to someone who
military Veterans comprises an
expert network of organisations that support the Armed Forces community.
Callee Andrew (team supervisor)
Led by a consortium of military charities, including The Royal British Legion,
knows about Forces life and the places they have served in.’
Paul Mathias (helpline adviser)
Poppyscotland, SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity, Combat Stress and its service provider Connect Assist, Veterans’ Gateway brings together more than 30 charities, both military and non-military, as referral partners. Independent research* commissioned by the consortium revealed that more than half (54%) of Veterans found the sheer number of charity providers confusing – there are now more than 2,000 registered Armed Forces charities. The resulting confusion left 45% unsure where to turn, while 41% said the number of military charities made it ‘harder and slower’ to get the
Aged 17, Callee joined the Royal Navy
right help.
as the last class of Operator Mechanic.
Paul joined the Army in 1986 as a Gunner
During her time serving on-board HMS
in the Royal Artillery. He worked on Light
the £2 million project from an office
Manchester, Callee went on many
Guns before moving into Air Defence.
just outside Cardiff. Their role is to be
operational deployments, including time
Paul did five tours of Northern Ireland,
the initial voice to those needing help
spent in the Gulf on anti-piracy/anti-
and also served in Germany, Cyprus,
and support. They’re the first point of
narcotic operations and in the Falklands
Norway, Belize, Iraq and various other
contact, directing housing, financial and
on a petrol vessel maintaining sovereign
countries while on exercises. He left the
welfare issues to specialist charities and
presence. Callee’s husband is still
Army in 2005 and joined the MoD Police
organisations.
currently serving in the Royal Navy as a
as a security officer. Paul then joined a
Petty Officer, so she can maintains a high
Super League rugby team as a coach and
24-hour online chat, phone and text
level of knowledge and understanding of
also worked behind the scenes with Wales
service. Among the specially trained
that particular service branch.
Rugby League. He was diagnosed with
A team from Connect Assist run
Veterans can get in touch via a
operators providing help and guidance
Says Callee, ‘We are geared to help
are a number of Veterans who are
the Veteran community with any issues
drawing on their own knowledge of
and direct them to the right place. Often,
PTSD and has received treatment through NHS Wales and Combat Stress.
Commissioned by The Royal British Legion in its capacity as consortium-lead for the launch of Veterans’ Gateway. The survey of 1,000 individuals from the British Armed Forces community aged 18+ was conducted between 8 and 26 May 2017.
56
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Says Paul, ‘I have been through the transition process myself and relied on the support of Combat Stress. I
Contact Veterans’ Gateway Tel: 0808 802 1212 Web: www.veterans gateway.org.uk Text: 81212
Says Craig, ‘When
Says Stacey, ‘In the beginning I wasn’t
I was told I was leaving, I had to think “what
aware of what help was out there and how I could go about getting that help. To be
wanted to work with Veterans’ Gateway to
next” and, after being in the
honest it was “grin and bear it” for a long
give back to others some of the help I had.
Army so long, it was a shock to the system.
time because I didn’t know where to turn.’
There are so many Veterans out there that
I didn’t know what I could do or wanted
need our support. Making that initial call is
to do, or where I could turn for advice. A
to talk, type or even text questions, the
the hardest thing you have to do, as your
service like Veterans’ Gateway would have
operators do the rest, so accessing the
pride deters you from showing weakness
been hugely helpful because I had no idea
right help isn’t as overwhelming. Stacey
or vulnerability. You feel you are letting
how to find out what support was available
continues: ‘Veterans’ Gateway means
your comrades down, but things get a lot
to me. I will definitely use it because I’m
that people like me won’t be alone; all
better when you acknowledge the issues.’
still struggling financially, just getting
the answers will be there for people with
used to being paid weekly is a challenge
problems. It’s just the perfect scenario for
and trying to balance the bills, and I’m still
people who need help. Veterans’ Gateway
looking for a job that suits my skills.’
is worth its weight in gold. A lot of people
Veterans’ Gateway is there for you Craig Slicker, a 43-year-old former Lance
Because the service enables people
Stacey Hodnett grew up in a Forces
in the Forces are clueless about what help
Corporal in the Army, left the Infantry in
family and loved the camaraderie of
is out there – it’s a fantastic idea.’
2013 having been made redundant. After
military life, so joined up and spent
17 years’ service he found the transition
19 years in the British Army. She was
whether you’re on day one of your new life
to civvy street incredibly difficult but,
diagnosed with PTSD in 2014 and was
on civvy street, or if weeks, months or even
unaware of what support services were out
medically discharged the following year. It
years down the line you find yourself in
there, did not reach out to any charities for
was only when she was talking to a friend
need of help and advice. Whether there is a
guidance. He believes Veterans’ Gateway
that getting help was suggested to her and
simple question you need answering or you
will be a great help for others like him,
that made her realise she needed to seek
have a case that may need specialist help,
struggling to adapt to life outside the
support.
contact the service and our experts will do
Veterans’ Gateway is available to you
the rest. Q
military.
In a property or construction-related role in the Armed Forces? Why not study a Built Environment degree programme with UCEM? UCEM is a leading, supported online provider of accessible, flexible and cost-effective education producing leading talent for a better Built Environment.
“Flexibility and support was key for me as being in the Army I get deployed regularly… During these deployments I could not have wished for better support from the tutors and support staff.”
Andrew Dodson, BSc (Hons)
Construction Management student, WO2 – Deputy Facilities Manager, British Army’
1/4 page.indd 1
All our programmes are delivered via supported online education and we are an approved provider (1322) for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all our programmes are available under this scheme. See www.ucem.ac.uk for more information
19/12/2017 16:39 questonline.co.uk l April 2018
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT
STEVE BULLEYMENT
Your other boss his article isn’t for most
T
We all know plenty of big
of you. It’s aimed only at
department stores that had lots
those of you thinking of
of customers and lots of cash
putting your hard-earned money,
coming in (BHS and Woolworth,
or gratuity, into a business. If
for example). However, even
you’re happy as an employee,
they didn’t have enough cash
or have no interest in running a
to buy the things they needed
business, good stuff – this isn’t
to sell; they ran out of available
for you.
credit. This caused them to fail, and small business owners face
What is a boss?
exactly the same challenge.
A boss is simply the person, or
So the most important thing
persons, that dictate(s) what
is, do you have available funds
you do everyday. I like the online
that will allow you to trade and
definition from www.dictionary.
pay yourself? This, after all, is
com …
the purpose of work.
‘a person who makes
‘Lots of people will tell you how great it is not to have a boss. This is utter rubbish,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘You’ll always have a boss until you’re financially independent – meaning you can sit at home and get paid to do nothing. If that’s you, well done. Respect. You did it right. If not, read on …
decisions, exercises authority, dominates, etc.’ As a self-employed person you’ll have several ‘bosses’. They will make your worst-ever boss look like a pussycat. This is simply because you can’t just tell the boss you’ve had enough and walk out. If you’re self-employed, you can’t get away from certain bosses. This month we’ll look at one of your toughest bosses …
The bank balance
the rules this boss has set, you’ll be in trouble. There’s no bad
employed means
appraisal or formal warning – if
that you don’t
you upset the bank (the boss),
have the security
In business, as the old saying
you’ll pay money …
of a regular pay
goes, cash is king. The amount of
l
cash you have in the bank allows you pay your bills, your tax, your staff and, most importantly, yourself. The aim of the bank is to make money, be in no doubt
58
Being self-
l
How much cash do you need in the bank when you start? This depends on so many things. However, the dominant factor is how much money needs to be taken out of the account. This sounds obvious, but think about it for a moment. For every pound you
Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/ TheCarKeyMan
spend, you need to earn one to replace it. In my experience, cash is easy to spend but hard to replace.
Having a bad month? Pay me
packet. It also means
my money.
that whether or not you get
Let down by someone who
paid can sometimes depend on
office furniture and mobile works
owes you money? Pay me
things outside your control.
against you in the early days.
my money. l Overdrawn?
There’s a difference between
Pay me my
money.
The urge to go out and buy a new laptop,
Sometimes your lack of cash
coming up with an idea that
might feel like it’s outside of
makes a profit and running a
your control. (This isn’t correct
about that! If you need money
You have a boss that is in control
business that creates more cash
because you are responsible
– and the bank feels sure it will
because you are working and the
than it spends. Making a paper
for everything in your business,
make money on you – it’ll lend
money you make goes straight
profit in your business is simply
but that’s another subject
you it. However, if you break
to the boss.
not enough.
altogether.)
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
To understand how you
l
On 30 June, let’s say you
l
In July you again spend
l
You may need more. At any
can quickly end up in financial
have to pay yourself some
£500 on fuel plus
time we hold at least £8,000
difficulty, let’s have a look at the
wages for the month.
incidentals. Your bank
in stock. We’ll never get
example that follows.
Fortunately, your partner
balance is now -£2,000 O/D.
this money back, unless we
Then, on 25 July, you pay
choose not to hold anything
Imagine you’re a self-
works, so you pay yourself
employed plumber and you’ve
just £1,000 for the month.
the merchants £2,000. After
in stock, or we sell the
picked up a contract to install
You’ve also spent £400
that, your bank balance is
business. (If you do sell the
and fit out a new house. The
in the month on fuel and
-£4,000 O/D.
stock, be prepared to get a
agreement is that you supply
£100 on incidentals. Your
Now you need to pay
fraction of what you paid for
all the parts and labour, then
bank balance after all this is
yourself £1,000. You’re now
wait before you are paid. The
£3,000.
£5,000 O/D, and you’ve still
So the important thing here is
question is, how long can you
l
l
l
it.)
In July you again spend £500
not been paid! This is despite
that you don’t get yourself ‘half
wait to get paid? How will this
on fuel plus incidentals. Your
making a good profit on the
pregnant’. It’s easy to make a
affect your life?
bank balance is £2,500.
job.
start and then underestimate
Now let’s guess (I’m not
Then you pay the merchants
l
Again remember, this is
a plumber) that the parts will
£2,000 on 25 July. After that,
from one job that
cost you £2,000 at your local
your bank balance is £500.
went well.
Now you need to pay
There were
a credit account that allows
yourself £1,000. You’re
no delays,
you to settle up 25 days after
£500 overdrawn.
extra costs
Remember this is all based
or snags.
merchants. Hopefully you’ll have
the month of purchase. This is
l
l
on the best possible scenario:
standard practice. So let’s get some numbers together and compare two
getting paid immediately at
Of course, you’ll
the end of the job.
have other jobs
possible situations … l
because it’s what I did. We ended
that will help you top up
a contractor. This means they
the bank balance. But this means
busy on the job during the
don’t pay you straight away, but
your parts bill at the merchants
first two weeks of June
once they’ve been paid. In this
will also be higher.
doing the labour. When you
case the following happens.
This is how self-
finish the job, you give your
l
You start with a bank
employed people very
balance of zero.
quickly get into debt.
You give your invoice to your
So, back to the question …
customer on 15 June, but
day rate of £150. So, for two
don’t get paid.
out at £1,500. You can add
have to pay yourself some
How much money do you need to set up a business?
weeks’ labour, that works
l
On 30 June, let’s say you
because our mortgage every month, and
Now imagine you are working for
we’ll say that’s based on a
downsizing
completely strapped
at the merchants and are
l
the house,
was increasing
On 1 June you spend £2,000
total of parts and labour –
up selling
Read Steve’s regularly updated blog at: http://steveoncivvystreet. co.uk/
that pay immediately,
customer an invoice for the
l
what you need. I know this
for cash.
Three tips before you spend a penny! 1. What do you need to earn out of the business? Will the business support this? 2. How much is the equipment you need to start the business? We needed £50,000, despite believing we only needed £20,000.
£1,000 on to the parts bill.
wages for the month.
It’s a tricky one to answer. I
On 15 June, when the job
Fortunately, your partner
would suggest that you need
3. Can you afford to lose the money? Some 80% of new
is finished, you submit an
works, so you pay yourself
spare cash. You need a cushion
businesses fail within five
invoice for £3,000 parts and
just £1,000 for the month.
that will fund you while you get
years and everything is lost.
£1,500 labour – £4,500 in
You’ve also spent £400
established, get up to speed and
This isn’t meant to discourage
total. There’s a good £2,500
in the month on fuel and
get to learn the rules for getting
you, it’s just an honest opinion of
profit in here, which is great.
£100 on incidentals. Your
paid quickly.
what to expect.
Most importantly, they pay
bank balance after all this is
you immediately. Bonus!
-£1,500 overdrawn (O/D).
So if you decide to put
You will always have a
£10,000 in the bank, maybe
boss, even if it’s just your bank
out of your gratuity, you must
balance, so do your homework,
KEY SKILLS
remember the following:
make a realistic plan and good
Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist auto locksmith company covering Lincolnshire. Launching in 2004, Steve spotted an opportunity to solve the problem of replacing lost and stolen car keys. The company now offers workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. Recognising the needs of concerned vehicle owners, it offers free consultations to find an affordable solution to the growing number of car key problems.
l
You may not get it back.
luck!
This working capital will be in the system and allow you to trade. The only way you’ll get it back is to make so much profit that you can pay yourself a bonus.
Get in touch 07832 147601 or 01522 514141 Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com thecarkeyman.com Q
questonline.co.uk l April 2018
59
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from May 2018 to July 2018
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
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Senior Officer
15 May 2018 18 June 2018 09 July 2018
01 May 2018 03 May 2018 08 May 2018 10 May 2018 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 04 June 2018 06 June 2018 25 June 2018 27 June 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 30 July 2018 01 August 2018
08 May 2018 12 June 2018 10 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO
CTW Mixed Class
START DATE END DATE
08 May 2018 10 May 2018 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 04 June 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 30 July 2018 01 August 2018 CTW Mixed Class 23 July 2018 26 July 2018 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 09 May 2018 11 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 11 June 2018 13 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018
CTW Junior Ranks
Employment Support Programme Wksp
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
17 May 2018 20 June 2018 11 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 May 2018 26 June 2018 26 July 2018
24 May 2018 26 June 2018 26 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 28 June 2018
28 June 2018
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
08 May 2018 10 May 2018 22 May 2018 24 May 2018 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 10 July 2018 12 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class
22 May 2018 17 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 05 June 2018
05 June 2018
05 June 2018 07 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 31 July 2018 02 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 18 June 2018 18 June 2018
FAR All Ranks 07 June 2018
07 June 2018
21 May 2018 23 May 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 (Course location Brize Norton)
Self Employment Awareness
Self Employment Awareness
13 June 2018
14 May 2018 19 June 2018 09 July 2018
START DATE END DATE
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk
CTW Officer
CTW Mixed Class
START DATE END DATE
01 May 2018 03 July 2018
03 May 2018 05 July 2018
CTW SNCO 15 May 2018 12 June 2018 17 July 2018
15 May 2018 14 June 2018 19 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 May 2018 19 June 2018 10 July 2018
15 May 2018 19 June 2018 10 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 14 June 2018 14 June 2018 (The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
19 June 2018
rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
14 May 2018 16 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 04 June 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 May 2018 28 June 2018 26 July 2018
25 May 2018 29 June 2018 27 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness 19 June 2018 19 June 2018
19 June 2018
Self Employment Awareness 08 June 2018
13 June 2018
RRC Colchester
New Horizons in Retirement
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22 May 2018 17 July 2018
RRC Cottesmore Central London
08 June 2018
April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
14 May 2018 19 June 2018 09 July 2018
RC Germany
CTW Junior Ranks 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 12 June 2018 14 June 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 10 July 2018 12 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 14 May 2018 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
14 May 2018 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
10 May 2018 14 June 2018 12 July 2018
Interview techniques (Snr Officer) 21 May 2018 23 July 2018
21 May 2018 23 July 2018
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE 01 May 2018 14 May 2018 04 June 2018 25 June 2018 09 July 2018 23 July 2018 30 July 2018
03 May 2018 16 May 2018 06 June 2018 27 June 2018 11 July 2018 25 July 2018 01 August 2018
29 May 2018 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
31 May 2018 20 June 2018 18 July 2018
CTW Officer
Self Employment Awareness 24 May 2018 12 July 2018
24 May 2018 12 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 21 May 2018
21 May 2018
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 11 June 2018 09 July 2018
13 June 2018 11 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 22 May 2018 24 May 2018 (Course location Culdrose) 25 June 2018 27 June 2018 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 24 July 2018 26 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 21 May 2018 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
23 May 2018 20 June 2018 18 July 2018
14 June 2018 05 July 2018
14 June 2018 05 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
FAR All Ranks 05 July 2018
05 July 2018
17 May 2018 11 July 2018
17 May 2018 11 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness
05 July 2018
14 June 2018
05 July 2018
RRC Rosyth
Self Employment Awareness
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk
RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 04 June 2018 02 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness
06 June 2018 04 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class 08 May 2018 10 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 25 June 2018 27 June 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
A career in law 16 May 2018 20 June 2018 e without a18law degree July 2018
CTW Officer 14 May 2018 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 02 July 2018
CTW SNCO
13 June 2018 into 11 July 2018
24 May 2018 28 June 2018
24 May 2018 28 June 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
FAR All Ranks 10 May 2018 10 July 2018
04 July 2018
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10 May 2018 10 July 2018
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
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19 July 2018
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12 July 2018 26 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
RRC Tidworth
START DATE END DATE 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 (Course location Faslane) 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 (Course location Faslane) 11 June 2018 13 June 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 (Course location Faslane) 16 July 2018 18 July 2018
10 July 2018 24 July 2018
14 June 2018
10 May 2018 10 May 2018 (Course location Chepstow) 24 May 2018 24 May 2018 14 June 2018 14 June 2018 21 June 2018 21 June 2018 28 June 2018 28 June 2018 12 July 2018 12 July 2018 26 July 2018 26 July 2018
23 May 2018 14 June 2018 20 June 2018 27 June 2018 04 July 2018 11 July 2018 18 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 31 May 2018 31 May 2018 (Course location External Venue) 19 July 2018 19 July 2018 (Course location External Venue)
CTW Mixed Class
New Horizons in Retirement
08 May 2018 10 May 2018 (Course location Chepstow) 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 CTW Officer 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 19 June 2018 21 June 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 17 July 2018 19 July 2018
25 June 2018
25 June 2018
23 May 2018 26 June 2018 30 July 2018
23 May 2018 26 June 2018 30 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness
CTW Officer/SNCO 29 May 2018 31 July 2018
31 May 2018 02 August 2018
01 May 2018 22 May 2018 12 June 2018 26 June 2018
03 May 2018 24 May 2018 14 June 2018 28 June 2018
CTW SNCO
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
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March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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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
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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 555834 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
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
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OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) * 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
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training Gastec Training has for many years worked courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement closely with Britain’s armed forces as 4VF ,JOH .#& they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we provision. recognise the commitment you have made
Transition services and entitlements
while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as
you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION Entitlement Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS discharged All Service Leavers, other than those asinteresting Earlyand lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST utility sector. Call now for a special reduced E XJUIresettlement TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF to receive UIF pricing offer on this course. Service Leavers, are entitled the support QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG detailed in the table below. 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
Principle COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF resettlement time. All Medically Discharged ServiceTVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO Leavers BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF automatically qualify for the maximum DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH entitlement. Entitlement 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
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<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
CTP GRT(1) IRTC CTP GRT(1) IRTC Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ No 0 No FRP 10 Yes enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk www.gastectraining.co.uk No 0 No FRP 30 Yes ESP 0 No FRP 30 Yes FRP 20 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 25 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 35 Yes FRP 35 Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Training Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
â&#x20AC;¢ Vulnerability Assessment â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Gateway to 3rd Sector: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Housing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Social Benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Employment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ Job-Finding Service â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Consultant Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ IRTC Grant (£534) â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Career Transition Workshop (3 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Other Workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Self-Employment Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Small Business Start-Up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CV Writing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interview Skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Networking â&#x20AC;¢ Career Consultancy â&#x20AC;¢ Travel Warrants (up to 7) â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant Officers with 9 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service up to £15,505 Other Ranks with 12 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,596 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 05 up to £10,883 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no rate currently available
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Please always contact the Forces Pension Society for the most up-to-date information Tel: 020 7820 9988 Web: www.forcespensionsociety.org
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YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE
Resettlement Training
Service Leaver Support Teams (SLSTs)
Training provided by the CTP
Can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some regional brigades. They provide Service leavers with information and help on a wide variety of subjects, including employment, housing, schooling, finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close cooperation with other agencies, including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and the CTP.
Skills training takes place at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot and at a selection of Resettlement Centres. The RTC has bespoke workshops within its Building and Engineering Departments, and also offers Management and IT courses. Many of those on offer result in civilian-recognised qualifications. To find out more about the wide range of courses available, and to search for dates and locations, visit our website at www.ctp.org.uk For all other enquiries, to check availability, or to make a booking or payment, contact our Course Booking & Information Centre (CBIC): Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
Training provided by Preferred Suppliers ThePreferred Suppliers List (PSL) identifies a range of local training providers offering some of the most common vocational training that Service leavers undertake. In order to qualify for the PSL, the training organisation is obliged to demonstrate financial reliability, appropriate insurance cover, past performance, future plans, training facilities, accreditation levels and quality standards. The PSL is published at www.ctp.org.uk and is also held in each of the Resettlement Centres. Preferred Supplier status is subject to continuous evaluation, on each course by the Service Leaver, by the CTP and by annual review.
Overseas Resettlement Training Resettlement training should, wherever possible, be undertaken either in-house (given the value for money and quality assurance available on those courses) or locally in recognition of the local training first policy. Authorisation for overseas resettlement training can only be made by HQ SDE staff on a case-by-case basis and through the intelligent application of the following conditions. >> The training outcome is not available under the local training first policy, either within the UK for those serving in UK or within their normal theatre of operations for those serving overseas. >> The total costs of the training overseas to the MOD, including eligible subsistence allowances and travel costs, which will be claimed under current regulations, are less than those that would be incurred if undertaking the training in the UK, i.e. the value for money consideration. >> SDE staff have reasonable assurance of the quality of the training and its recognition by UK employers. Any request for overseas training must arrive with SDE HQ staff at least eight weeks in advance of the intended departure date, to enable the necessary political clearances for successful applications to be made.
CTP RightJob CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service leavers from local, national and international employers. The CTP works with hundreds of organisations that recognise the benefits of recruiting from the ex-military talent pool, and value the experience and strong working ethos Service leavers bring with them. The site is accessed via the CTP website and the login required is issued during CTWs. Call the Central Employment Team for more information, on 0121 236 0058.
Useful CTP Contacts TO BOOK A CTP WORKSHOP OR BRIEFING…
Call 0203 162 4410 For booking your Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or any other workshop or briefing. (This is a not a premium rate number and you should only be charged at the normal national rate, dependent on the phone provider) Alternatively, if you are calling from a military line, contact the Resettlement Centre running the workshop which is normally the Resettlement Centre that you are registered with for your resettlement. Contact details can be found in the list of Resettlement Centres provided earlier in Factfile. CALL OUR COURSE BOOKING & INFORMATION CENTRE (CBIC) Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 or Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
FOR RIGHTJOB ASSISTANCE…
CALL OUR CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT TEAM (CET) Tel: 0121 236 0058 If you have forgotten your RightJob password, have been locked out of your account or require support using RightJob.
CTP Employment Events
CTP Future Horizons
Our events can be of great benefit and provide an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and discuss the job market in general, as well as within specific industry sectors. The main types that we hold are: >> Employment Fairs – attended by a wide range of national and local employers, seeking the skills, quality and experience that Service leavers have >> Live Online Chat Events – enable Service leavers to chat one-to-one with employers during dedicated time slots, about their company, current vacancies and any training needs >> Company Presentations – these focus on one particular company, which is normally actively recruiting for a number of vacancies. >> Search for upcoming CTP events on our website at www.ctp.org.uk
CTP Future Horizons understands that leaving the Armed Forces is a key point in the lives of all Service leavers, and believes that everyone who has served, even for a short period of time, is entitled to support in transitioning from the military into civilian life. The programme will provide support and assistance to enable you to find suitable employment upon leaving the Armed Forces. Through its network of partners, it will link you in to the most appropriate level of support you need to help with the transition. CTP Future Horizons has been developed in response to the recognition and commitment from the MoD to improve resettlement provision to Early Service Leavers (ESLs). It is open to ESLs across all Services, regardless of how long you have served or the reasons you have for leaving. The programme has been designed and is delivered by the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity. To discuss any aspect of CTP Future Horizons, please call Richard Jones, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 872949/2922 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 798614 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and Veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. We are the leading provider of job opportunities and employment advice for ex-Forces men and women. We have thousands of job opportunities with employers who value military experience. We advise you on careers suited to you and we know which employers are recruiting in your area. We work with you so that you have a good CV, and support you through the application and interview process. To register with us … Tel: 0121 2360 058 Website: www.rfea.org.uk
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CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Making the transition OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
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!
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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
Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armedrecognise Forces, you are still the commitment you have madestrongly while serving and welcome the opportunity advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), with other to ensure you havealong a prosperous futureany as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION that you will find of benefit,COURSE such as CV Writing or Interview The Entrant GasTechniques. Course will prepare you for anpurpose EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS interesting and lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST sector. Call now foroptions a special reduced of these workshops is to help you to recognise and utility assess your and learn
skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION products and services to meet case, are 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS customers needs. In this %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ you the EFE NBproduct, OZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ customer OPX B WFSZ that the the customer is your next employer. the OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF Your task is to persuade TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF range of benefits, which you bring, DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH match his or her needs. 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
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pricing offer on this course.
Define the product >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ Demonstrate yourenquiries@gastectraining.co.uk value to the employer www.gastectraining.co.uk List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your USP >> major achievements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichĂŠs, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
Understand the world of work >> >> >> >> >> >>
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
Proactive networking >> >> >> >>
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
Research the market
Networking advice
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk questonline.co.uk l April 2018
65
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
CLEARING THE WAY FOR BUSINESS AND PEOPLE
TDI have contract posi�ons available for Project Managers, EOD and IEDD Trainers and Mentors, Technical Field Managers, EOD qualified staff, Mechanics, Engineers, Medics and all associated support personnel.
Is your future with Turners?
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Class 1 drivers required Nationally
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Please phone or email for an application form or for more information on the following
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turners-distribution.com
The Dog House Dog Grooming Training
A Career in Dog Grooming? Start your own business from home, mobile or find employment... City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 dog grooming training & qualifications cover both the theory & practical skills required to groom all dog breed & coat types to enable you to work as a professionally qualified dog groomer. Bathing, drying, handling, breed lines, head shapes. Canine health & first aid are studied along with animal welfare, industry regulations & legislations.
Norfolk
Level 2 & 3 Dog Grooming
At The Dog House we also offer inclusive business advice including branding, marketing & customer service to help your transition into this new exciting industry.
Norfolk 01328 853373
www.thedoghouse-protrain.co.uk
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April 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Interested? Please contact us at: twi�er.com/TDI18 www.thedevelopmen�ni�a�ve.com info@thedevelopmen�ni�a�ve.com
We provide a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. Each year, we support a wide range of front line charities and specialist organisations, such as SSAFA, Combat Stress, Royal Star & Garter and the NSPCC, which deliver help on our behalf. We also make direct grants to thousands of individuals, ranging in age from 9 months to 105 years old. Through our network of support, our work touches the lives of around 75,000 people worldwide, every year. It is because of the generosity of people like you that we are able to do this vital work – today and in the future.
Donate online or get involved in fundraising at
www.soldierscharity.org
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189) Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB Tel: 020 7901 8900, Email: fundraising@soldierscharity.org
Left to right: Siobhan Weller, Les Fryatt, Kenneth Kwogyenga – Charity beneficiaries
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