THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC December 2018/January 2019
ON TOP OF THE WORLD! How fortune favoured fitness trainer Roger Bradley
PLUS Careers Civvy savvy Self-employment Transition support
A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our readers and advertisers!
INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
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T
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EDITOR ENDINGS AND NEW BEGINNINGS … as ever that’s the theme of our latest issue. And now, as we approach Christmas and a new year, it’s a particularly appropriate time to consider our next moves and how we can build on what’s gone before. For those of our readers going through their transition from Forces to a new life and career in the civilian world, it’s literally out with the old and in with the new – although, as many of the features in this issue emphasise, you probably have a lot to be thankful for in your ‘old’. The skills and aptitudes you have acquired throughout your years in uniform are sought after by many employers and will stand you in good stead in your new direction. Here at QUEST, we aim to complement your life and work experience with practical guidance on courses, funding, resettlement and careers. We’ve got all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to get the max from it. There’s advice on how distance learning and the Access to HE Diploma could open up new avenues of study for you. We investigate two career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but thinking ahead to their transition – close protection, and project management – while in this issue’s ‘case study extra’, you can find out how to access free training in two key cyber security software products, and read the stories of two people who have already benefited. You’ll also find an in-depth look at careers in the building trades, on our website at www.questonline.co.uk – this month’s online-only feature – while our comprehensive education and funding planner summarises your education and personal development opportunities.
You’ll also, of course, find the usual QUEST mix of practical advice on resettlement issues. Regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has tips on surviving the open seas of self-employment, while Veteran Adam Wilding tells us how he’s benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll. We also have the final instalment of Meet the Reserves, with Army Reservist Kelly Richardson. On the cover, we spotlight the achievements of Roger Bradley: former ‘fastest chef in the RAF’, now a successful fitness trainer and gym owner – and all-round ‘lucky fella’. Who knows, next year, you might be following in his (speedy) footsteps! Slap bang in the middle all this is ‘The Hub’. That’s where you’ll find useful information on courses and training options, alongside reader reports and transition news. We hope you find much of interest in this winter issue, and wish you a very happy Christmas and a new year that sees your full potential realised. Cheers to you!
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 Neil Rust Tom Sheldrick ACCOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com 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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December 2018/January 2019
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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 >>
Contents On this month’s cover: Fit for purpose: ex-RAF gym owner Roger Bradley
ME THE HO
ELC YTHING OF EVER
9
nuary 201
er 2018/Ja
Decemb
6
P OF ON TO LD! OR THEuneW favoured
How fort ner Roger Bradley fitness trai
page 06
PLUS
Careers vy Civvy sav yment plo Self-em support Transition
YOUR ELC
as and a
ry Christm
A very mer
happy new
year to
ders and
all our rea
ES S 4 FORCENT LEM COURSE
!
advertisers
e.co.uk questonlin
ETT G ORATING I CAREERS I RES INCORP DIN ES I FUN COURS
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 Distance learning 28 Higher-level study 32 Qualifications to further your Service career 34 On course: Project management 38 On course: Close protection
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44 Case study extra: Cyber security 46 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 48 Useful contacts 50 Education and funding planner
THE HUB 52 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
56 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 58 Meet the Reserves: Kelly Richardson, Army Reservist 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile 66 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans
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58 56 66
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YOUR RESETTLEMENT: SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE
Lucky fella! From fastest chef in the RAF to gym-owning fitness trainer, Roger Bradley seems to have led a charmed life. ‘How many of us are able to find what we want to do in life and follow our dream?’, asks Laurence Marks, renowned sitcom writer and one of Roger’s select clients. Here he takes up the inspiring story of how Roger did just that …
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join up. ‘On 3 July I got on the train to go
days when I think I’m going to die
to Swinderby, Lincolnshire. I remember
success story took a turn he could never
from an overdose of satisfaction.’
the date because it was my mum’s
have foreseen. ‘I was posted to RAF
Had the surrealist been pumping iron
birthday. I was a quiet young man, and
Lyneham and that presented me with
in a gym in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, then
my mum waved me goodbye and said she
another opportunity.’ Right place, right
he would have been referring to Roger
thought it would be the making of me.’
time. Roger continues: ‘After being there a
Bradley. Next year, Roger will celebrate 20 years of an overdose of satisfaction
She was right.
short time, and knowing I was sporty, the
After six weeks’ basic training, Roger
deputy mess manager suggested I join his
was sent to Aldershot to learn to be a
running club. I always used to do all sports,
chef. When the RAF felt they trusted
but did I realise my own potential? I don’t
Bradley is a lucky fella. How many of us
him in their kitchens he was shipped off
think so.’
are able to find what we want to do in life
to RAF Brize Norton. In any walk of life
and follow our dream? Roger has done
you have to show promise and Roger
was placed in one group, promoted to the
so not once, but twice. At the age of 14 it
certainly did, for after a year he was
next, then the next … and it wasn’t too
occurred to him that he wanted to be a
moved from in-flight catering to the
long before it was clearly established that
chef in the Royal Air Force. And so it was
Officers’ Mess, bypassing all the stages in
he was too good for even the top group
that in 1986, aged 19, Roger left home to
between.
in this club. Soon Roger was asked to run
as a physical fitness trainer. By anybody’s standards Roger
6
It was in 1990, though, that Roger’s
alvador Dali said, ‘There are some
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
At the Swindon Road Runners, Roger
An inspirational environment: Roger's gym
for the RAF Catering Corps. Tall, slim and
lunches for guests in the royal box, and
muscular, Roger wasn’t the usual vision of
then I was asked to go back to RAF Brize
a chef and when he started winning races
Norton to cook for Mikhail Gorbachev and
he was asked to run for his station – and all
Margaret Thatcher, who were attending a
progressed from there.
high-level meeting on the Oxfordshire air
In 1995 Roger became the RAF 800 metres champion. ‘At first I didn’t really
HOW MANY OF US ARE ABLE TO FIND WHAT WE WANT TO DO IN LIFE AND FOLLOW OUR DREAM?
base.’ Roger laughs at the memory of Soviet
It was in 1999 that Roger suddenly had
know what to do on the track, but my idols
security guys patrolling his kitchen. ‘They
an epiphany – he would leave the RAF,
(after Roger Bannister of course) were
were checking everything out, seeing that
though he had no idea to do what. ‘A few
track stars like Seb Coe, Steve Cram and
we weren’t poisoning the food to be served
friends, colleagues, and especially my
Steve Ovett – all 800m runners.’ Following
to their President. We had dogs sniffing
wife, were saying that I was very good at
their lead, Roger became the fastest chef
all around the kitchen, but the security
teaching and communication with sports
in the Royal Air Force.
guys felt more uncomfortable than we did
people, as well as helping with the Witney
because we turned all the cookers up and
and Oxford Hawks Hockey Clubs and the
Islands, and on one of these set up a gym
they were all in thick black suits. We saw
Witney Rugby Club, so why didn’t I go in for
and circuit training for both civilians and
them sweating quite badly. If you can’t
fitness training? I thought it was a great
the military. ‘I loved the Falklands’, Roger
stand the heat …’
idea, but I hadn’t thought of it because it
He did two detachments in the Falkland
tells me as we sit together in his gym – he
So it is reasonable when Roger explains
in his habitual outfit of training shoes,
that at this time in his life he had no
shorts and a T-shirt. I have known Roger
thoughts at all about leaving the RAF.
for more than 20 years and I don’t believe I have ever seen him in trousers. ‘It was great and I loved the quiet, the sea, the
And then a woman entered his life. All ‘I met Jenni when I was running for the Swindon Harriers, and I was asked to teach
the islands were really remote.’
circuit training for the club to get them fit. One of the club members also played
enthused about how ‘I took a weekend
hockey with Jenni so asked her to come
cheffing job and this work, for a private
along. I saw her, I thought she was nice and
catering firm, took me to the Wimbledon
we started going out together. Four years
tennis championships, where I was cooking
later we got married.’ As Roger is relating
IN ANY WALK OF LIFE YOU HAVE TO SHOW PROMISE AND ROGER CERTAINLY DID
Roger with Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes
bets were off.
weather, the views, the wildlife, and that Such was his love of his career, Roger
was so obvious.’
this chapter of his life to me I wonder whether he took Jenni to be his lawful wedded wife while wearing his trainers, shorts and a T-shirt …
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
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COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT: CHOICES SUCCESS STORY a wet day and I was driving through Witney
FOR BETTER, NOT WORSE
when I came to a set of traffic lights that
Regular client Louise tells us how Roger’s training helped prepare her for her wedding – and life in general …
car wouldn’t stop. I went sliding through a
I’ve known Roger for a long time now – 15 years? I used
that there weren’t any police around or
to go to his regular Monday-evening classes at Henry
his career could have been over before it
Box, which are great sessions, and I combined this with
began! He realised he needed more than a
some running through the week. Last year, however, I
small car and that weekend bought himself
decided that I’d like to begin personal training with Roger
a second-hand Nissan van.
had turned red. I hit the brakes and the red light, and was lucky I didn’t hit anyone or another car.’ Roger was also lucky
Roger Bradley Fitness was now up and
as I felt my running routine – while keeping me fit – was not really toning me up or developing my muscles (so
running, with no more sliding through red
I was prone to injury). I also wanted to look good in my
lights. Within a year he was running into
wedding dress the following year! Roger really helped
profit. He acquired his clients by word of
me tone up all over, get fitter and generally have more
mouth, T-shirts and billboard advertising,
energy day to day. I’m now hooked! It’s more about
and before too long Roger was working
training smarter than just harder. Of course, I do have to
Monday to Fridays, from 7 in the morning
put the work in but I’m really pleased with the results!
until 6 at night, as well as teaching on Wednesday evenings, which meant he was not training as hard as he wished to keep
Roger informed the RAF that he
So the day arrived when Roger took
up his own level of fitness. Roger’s first client, one he retains to
wanted to leave their service to become a
the plunge. He was 31. He had written a
fitness trainer, and they had no hesitation
list of ‘things to do’ and gave himself a
this day, was a lady who first came to see
in helping him in his ambition. They sent
year to turn over £22,000. He actually
him because she wanted to lose some
Roger on fitness courses all around the UK,
achieved his goal in seven months, which
weight. Although she was a happy lady, she
as well as on their own in-house courses.
he puts down to being focused and driven,
lacked confidence. With Roger’s help – and
It was at this point that the realisation of
coupled with good luck and good planning.
her own tenacity – she managed to lose
being self-employed struck home, when
But things could so easily have come to
eight stone and keep it off. ‘I encouraged
Jenni – a naturally cautious person – talked
a grinding halt before he even got under
her to start eating healthily,’ says Roger,
through the pitfalls of striking out on your
way.
‘stop eating processed and sweet foods,
own. Roger was confident that he could
‘I couldn’t afford a van, so I used my
and cut out sugary drinks, which she did. I
make a success of it, ‘but I always knew I
car – a Volkswagen Polo – and on my first
drip-fed this advice to her because if you
had cheffing to fall back on’, he says now
day I loaded it up with all the weights I
do it too quickly then people get bored and
with the benefit of hindsight. ‘Luckily I’ve
bought in my first week as a fitness trainer.
eat too much. She got into running, joined
never needed it.’
I packed it all into the car and set off. It was
a local running club and has competed in
Barnstorming: Roger's 'farmyard gymnasium'
8
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
races up and down the country and abroad.
An ex-Royal Marine officer in the gym
Look at her now – she’s incredible and an
Roger used to work out in had told him that
inspiration to others.’
he was working as a carpenter on a farm in
have been they’ve been small and I’ve managed to get over them.’ Over the years Roger has helped train
Clanfield, Oxfordshire, and was renting one
a few celebrity clients, including the lead
spending two hours a day going from
of the outbuildings. The Marine suggested
singer of a rock band. Roger taught him
client to client in his van, which meant he
Roger might look at some of the other
some workouts so he’d be able to warm up
was losing good earning time just driving
outbuildings on the farm, which he did,
before going on stage. ‘I was a hero for a
the roads of Oxfordshire – and, what with
and at last he had found just the space he
while,’ says Roger. ‘I would go out running
petrol and other expenses, he felt the
had been looking for, which would push his
with him and people would come up to me
solution was to find his own gym.
business to the next level.
and ask “Is that who I think it is?” I suppose
Roger came to realise that he was
I ALWAYS KNEW I HAD CHEFFING TO FALL BACK ON. LUCKILY I’VE NEVER NEEDED IT
The business progressed and today,
he drew people to me: “If he’s training a
in the farmyard gymnasium I have been
celebrity then he’s got to be really good!”
attending since it opened, Roger trains
Oh, and then there’s you. You’re famous.’
clients all day and every day, Monday to
The business is thriving. Roger is
Friday. They are diligent, very focused,
as happy as any man can be, and next
really want to do well but also have a lot of
September he will celebrate 20 years in the
fun. Roger tells me, ‘I think when you are
fitness business. Will there be a party, I ask.
at school and you have to do PE you do
(No alcohol, of course.) ‘Yes,’ he replies,
looking for a venue. You know, asking
it because you have to not because want
‘I’ll be with my clients at a sports camp
around, saying I was looking for a space.
to. But when you are older, become more
in Lanzarote, celebrating my business
I came across a couple of possibilities in
health conscious and you’re paying for
success and wondering “Where did it all go
Witney but they were too expensive. I had
it, you have the focus that is required to
right?”’
set myself a budget. I had to kit out a gym
become fitter.’
‘I started putting a few feelers out
and that was going to set me back £20,000
Roger’s is a real success story. There
To find out about Roger’s gym and the
just for the basics. What I wanted to do
haven’t been any significant obstacles
services he offers, visit
with my gym would cost me a lot more.’
along the way, and Roger says, ‘If there
www.rogerbradley.co.uk Q
Have You Ever Considered a Career in the Media? Maybe Now is the Time Service leavers and veterans can apply for a free, full-time one-year Higher National Certificate (HNC) Creative Media Production Course, at the Forces Media Academy. Part of military charity SSVC, who also provide the BFBS media services overseas and in the UK, the Forces Media Academy offers ex-service men and women the training, experience and qualifications they need to forge successful careers in videography, digital, TV, radio and
Matt’s Story Military background: l Left the Royal Navy in 2017 after serving for 6.5 years in the Commando Helicopter Force as an Aircraft Handler. l Whilst serving Matt visited over 60 countries and discovered a new passion for photography and filmmaking, he made creative films of his visits just using his iPhone! The transition: Matt enthusiastically embraced all aspects of the course and used the academic support network to great effect to ease his transition into civilian life.
l
marketing. The Academy is supported by its principal charity partner, The Royal British Legion, which provides each student with a bursary of up to £18,000 to help with living costs. Work experience and practical skills feature heavily in the course, which includes modules such as: Camera and Lighting Skills, Film and Video Editing and Promo Video Production.
New skills gained: Confidence in his ability to progress and achieve his goals, as well as enhancing his already excellent interpersonal skills. l Professional technical digital and film making skills, including Photoshop, After Effects and Premier Pro. l Ability to plan, produce and edit high end video productions using the latest state-of-the-art technology. l
Career opportunities: Undertook three work placements during the course working with The Times (UK), SKY and NEP on Sports Outside Broadcasts. He also spent a week with RBL where he filmed the Invictus launch with the Prime Minister and athletes on Horse Guard’s Parade. l Matt has secured a full-time role at SSVC as a Digital Video Producer in the Social Media Department and hopes to run his own production company in the future. l
After a very successful inaugural year with a 100% pass rate, and over 70% of the course achieving at least a Merit or Distinction, 80% of leavers went on to media roles as reporters, digital producers and independent film makers.
Freddie Wright-Jones’ Story Military background: l Combat Medic in the Royal Navy for 9 years. Left February 2017. l Served in Afghanistan giving medical treatment and support to the front line. The Transition: The course was a very positive catalyst for Freddie to cope with aspects of PTSD after his time in Afghanistan. l He found the academy’s in-house life coach particularly helpful. l
New Skills Gained: Creating and producing digital content. l Research techniques/case study creation. l Marketing and advertising knowledge. l
Career: Freddie’s work experience was varied: from a week at a local community radio station creating and working within small production teams, to planning, filming and producing social media content for Combat Stress. l After graduation Freddie worked on a paid for placement at SSVC as a LBGT digital content producer and is now is a full-time Marketing Co-ordinator at SGS. l
The Forces Media Academy is currently recruiting for Sept 2019. For more information and to apply for the course go online to www.forcesacademy.com (Applications close 31st Jan 2019).
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
9
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YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
ELC 101 The basics
S
ubject to certain eligibility criteria (see page 12), 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. Here’s the basic information you need to know …
l
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.
l
The three separate years do not have to run consecutively, and may be a combination of both higher and lower levels.
l
l
l
l
Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/
learning course if it continues for more
(the ELC element includes VAT but
Service activities will usually meant
than a year, or for a different learning
excludes travel, accommodation, food,
purpose each year.
books and materials).
that no further claims will be allowed. l
If unexpected Service or
You must discuss your plans with
compassionate reasons cause your
a single learning purpose these can be
your line manager and education
withdrawal, you should seek advice
combined to claim ELC.
adviser before making any financial
from your Education Staff or Learning
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
commitment.
Adviser.Q
If one course combines with others for
l
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ELC are available for full- or part-time
which is a single payment of up to
study for a qualification at level 3 or
£3,000 for those with six or more
above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,
years of qualifying service, which will
with an organisation on the approved
count as all three awards.
providers list maintained by ELCAS.
The PF FE/HE scheme provides
l
Service leavers and Service personnel
− – Service training
in their qualifying resettlement phase
You may not claim ELC for:
− – civilian accredited Service training
with access to a first full level 3 or a
(unless at least 30 hours extra work
first HE qualification (a foundation
is involved, together with a separate
degree or a first undergraduate
l
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learning of at least 20% of the cost
It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,
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You must make a contribution to your
ELC may be claimed for the same
exam, assessment or assignment)
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
degree or equivalent) with support
− – membership fees
towards tuition fees.
− – books and materials
From its inception until the end of
Only one ELC claim can be made in
− – normal Service sport and
October 2018, a total of 389,788 people
any one financial year (April to March).
adventurous training.
had registered with the ELC scheme and 143,638 claims had been made, to the value of £235.8 million.
10
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Q
YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Are you eligible for ELC?
Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l
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.
All Regular Service Personnel (SP)
future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l
l
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
discharged prior to completing six years
eligibility rules, visit
have completed four years of full-time 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
must:
l
What about if you are medically
both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards
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
December 2018/January 2019 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
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2019:
PLEASE CONTACT LEE ON 01905 767 879 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 11 0800 5870170 or visit ourPage website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 2990
PROVIDER NUMBER
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
13
Q
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
years of service only).
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
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 28.
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
CHOOSING A COURSE
l
foundation degrees
l
postgraduate qualifications
l
other academic qualifications December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Purpose Built Training Academy On-Going Business Support Locksmith Work Available*
Keytek Academy - Accredited Locksmith Courses ÂŽ
KeytekÂŽ locksmiths have been in the locksmith industry for over 20 years. By training to be a locksmith within our purpose built Academy you will be starting off your career with the leading locksmith training provider in the country. You will be taught by highly skilled industry experts in our state of the art facilities, with tailored courses to suit all abilities. The Academy is an NCFE approved training provider offering Level 3 and Level 4 approved courses. Classes are limited to 5 students per course and each student is provided with extensive tool kits and their own full sized doors to use throughout the course, helping to provide the best possible facilities to train prior to embarking on a new career. *upon successful completion of the course and availabilty in your area.
www.locksmiths-training.co.uk
Bespoke & tailored courses State of the art training facilities 24hr onsite technical help Potential of locksmith work offered ELCAS Approved NCFE Approved Training Provider Level 3 & 4 Courses Continued business support Discounted stock and tools Locksmith Training Loans now available!
01202 711195
academy@keytek.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
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
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
your future. 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
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
application form online. 6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they
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
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
Operations Officer or Flight Dispatcher
Open Learning Courses MoD personnel 20% discount
Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations www.avtech2000.co.uk
16
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
01452 883249
Become a Personal Trainer Become a Personal Trainer Leaving Leaving the the service? service? Personal training be Leaving thecould service? Personal training could be your next career. your nexttraining career. could be Personal your next career.
Get Get your your Diploma Diploma in in Personal Personal Training Training for for
ONLY £1250 ONLY £1250 Get your Diploma in Personal Training for ONLY Quote SERVICEFREE to get get a a free free CPD CPD Quote£1250 SERVICEFREE to course worth up to £259.
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PLAN PLAN YOUR YOUR FUTURE FUTURE TODAY TODAY PLAN03339209325 YOUR FUTURE TODAY 03339209325 military@premierglobal.co.uk military@premierglobal.co.uk 03339209325
Train Train at at times times and and locations locations convenient convenient to to you you with with this this unique unique digital digital course course that that is is Train at times and locations convenient to accessible worldwide. accessible worldwide. you with this unique digital course that is Learn fitness Learn the the latest latest fitness knowledge. knowledge. built built accessible worldwide. on on science. science. Learn the latest fitness knowledge. built Master the Master the exclusive exclusive Optimum Optimum on science. Performance Performance Training™ Training™ (OPT™) (OPT™) Model Model Master the exclusive Optimum that enables you to produce consistent, that enables you to produce consistent, Performance Training™ (OPT™) Model remarkable for clients. remarkable results results for your your clients. that enables you to produce consistent, Success and tutors provide Success coaches coaches provide you you remarkable resultsand fortutors your clients. help every step of the way. help every step of the way. Success coaches and tutors provide you help every step of the way. You You could could be be fully fully qualified qualified by by the the time time you you leave the forces to enter the industry leave the forces to enter the industry with with the the You could be fully qualified by the time you skills, knowledge and techniques needed to skills, knowledge and techniques needed to leave forces to enter industry with the change lives including your own. changethe lives including yourthe own. skills, knowledge and techniques needed to change lives including your own.
military@premierglobal.co.uk
ELCAS ELCAS Provider Provider ID: ID: 1358 1358 ELCAS Provider ID: 1358
P P RE RE MI MI ERGLO ERGLO BAL.CO BAL.CO .UK .UK
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
lthough the main purpose of ELC
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).
l
evidence of your last day of Service,
is to encourage serving personnel
which could be a copy of your discharge
Royal Navy
to pursue higher-level learning that
document, a copy of your P45
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
benefits both the learner and the Armed
terminating employment or a document
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning
stamped by your regiment confirming
PO2 8BY
to be pursued during resettlement or for up to five years after leaving the Services.*
l
The majority of this learning is likely to be
your leaving date**
02392 625954
a copy of a utility bill showing your home
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
address full information about the course you
Army
existing ones), with the qualification
wish to undertake and including details of
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
benefiting the learner and a future employer
your registration date where applicable.
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
vocational (learning new skills or enhancing
and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.
l
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
with payment by sending it, along with your
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,
20% minimum contribution, to the training
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
download the appropriate form from the
provider.
Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently
First of all, refer to the eligibility
ELCAS website and complete it fully, except
18
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
When you have completed your course,
closed until further notice; during this time
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
the accompanying box). Send your otherwise
any doubts about any aspect of this process,
Royal Air Force
fully completed claim form to them at the
contact your single-Service education/
Learning Credits Administrator,
relevant address (again, see box), along with:
learning representative for advice before
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
submitting a claim. Q
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
all enquiries are to be made by email Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
IMPORTANT!
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
All applications must be submitted to
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
01400 268 183
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear
for the expiration date of your claims.
Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk
working days prior to the start of the
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
course you wish to take. They will
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
then submit approved applications to
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
ELCAS. You should not submit your
personnel can request details of discharge dates from
claim form direct to ELCAS.
the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
NG34 8HB
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Develop Your Future Career with ®
Bookings now being taken for 2019
Crownship
New Entrants or Technical Upgrades Qualifications at Level 2,3 & 4 • Unvented Hot Water L3 • Legionella Operative & Management L3 • Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 • Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 • Gas New Entrant Managed Programme • Domestic Electrician L2 & L3 • Industrial Electrician L3 • Air-conditioning New Entrant 10 day Course L3 • NEBOSH General Certificate Experienced Worker Distance Learning NVQ Qualification L2 & 3 • Processing Hydrocarbons • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration • Electro Technical Electrician • Engineering Maintenance - Mechanical and Electrical For expert advice contact us:
01652 658151
enquiries@crownship.com www.crownship.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 1060
PROVIDER NUMBER
Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%
7th Jan, 18th Feb, 29th April, 1st July
Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC) Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from junction 23 of the M5
Building, Installation and Property Maintenance 5 week skills course This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Rendering, Plumbing and Tiling. This qualification gives learners the ability to complete building, installation and property maintenance tasks and is ideal if you are looking to develop or maintain properties where you would require several skills. If you are doing domestic electrics too - why not add on the 5 day C&G electrical awareness and 18th Edition to compliment your course? Use ELC, IRTC and SLC grants to enrol on courses in:
Brick
Carpentry Plumbing & Heating Electrical Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling
If you are not eligible for ELCAS funding and in your last 3 months of service, give us a ring to discuss funding options available
For advice and guidance and to reserve your place Call: 01458 274043 or Email: bookings@train4all.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
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
between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,
automatically admissible under the ELC 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.
l
a second or third ELC claim being form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also
20
offered by an approved provider are
incomplete details or errors in course title or course level (these account for 25% of
submitted before the course evaluation
l
as exceeding the ELC award
so any claim submitted within 25 working automatically be rejected l
l
Also, do not assume that all courses
l
So:
processed for an individual in the same financial year.
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
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
THE COLLEGE OF
O S T E O PAT H S
www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk
In a property or construction-related role in the Armed Forces? Why not study a Built Environment degree programme with UCEM?
Ever thought of becoming an Osteopath?
UCEM is a leading, supported online provider of accessible, flexible and cost-effective education producing leading talent for a better Built Environment.
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
“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’
“I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers. There is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the students.”
Major Phil Waddell, Royal Signals .
The College of Osteopaths offers courses which allow you to develop your career whilst carrying on with your current life: • Change your future • Train part-time • Be part of a supportive learning community • Gain a valuable profession. Contact us today for help and advice:
London: Staffordshire:
020 8905 1937 01782 294 596
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 8609
PROVIDER NUMBER
DOG BEHAVIOUR, ANIMAL HYDROTHERAPY AND CAT CARE QUALIFICATIONS Animal Jobs Direct (ELC Provider No: 8609) was established in 2005 and is approved to deliver the following 6 Elcas funded qualifications: Aim Awards Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare
This qualification meets the Higher Standard star rating in line with updated Animal Activities Licensing legislation and is suitable for anyone wanting to set up their own dog kennels, dog home boarding or dog day care business.
The Level 3 Diploma in Feline Care, Behaviour and Welfare
This qualification meets the Higher Standard star rating in line with updated Animal Activities Licensing legislation and is suitable for anyone wanting to set up their own cattery business.
ABC Awards Level 3 Certificate course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals AIM Awards Level 4 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy These Small Animal Hydrotherapy qualifications are Ofqual regulated qualifications designed for learners preparing for a career working as an Animal Hydrotherapist, including those wanting to set up their own Animal Hydrotherapy Business.
Level 4 Diploma in Canine Training and Behaviour Management
This qualification is a progression from the Level 3 Canine Care Behaviour and Welfare Qualification. The course is relevant for those wishing to expand their knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology, training and behaviour, the role of exercise and nutrition and how to run dog training classes.
Contact Animal Jobs Direct for more information
T: 0208 626 9646 E: admin@animal-job.co.uk W: www.animal-job.co.uk questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
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
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
regulations – see Joint Service
l
l
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
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE & PUBLIC POLICY SCHOOL OF SECURITY STUDIES
Department of Defence Studies Providing education to military and national security professionals Explore courses at kcl.ac.uk/dsd
GIVE ME FLEXIBLE STUDY THAT FITS AROUND WORK OUR LEARNING AT WORK PROGRAMMES GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO ACHIEVE A UNIVERSITY DEGREE WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR JOB.
Choose from a range of courses – from business to engineering. Progress at your own pace by studying online, at work or home. With no standardised entry requirements, your learning and experience to date could act as credit. ‘The Learning at Work model is flexible enough to be compatible with my busy job, and gave me the academic rigour necessary to help me raise my game. My tutor was invaluable, and I’m certain my employer has benefitted as I now approach old challenges with a new approach’. Will Hairsine MSc Engineering Management
top 25
UNIVERSITY IN THE UK GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2018
★★★★★ for Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, Facilities, and Innovation. (QS Top Universities 2018)
Find out more at port.ac.uk/flexibledegreestudy
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
23
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
practical element often have modules
and your preparations for life As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’.
learning.
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.
In truth, all of these
Thanks to the wide availability of useful
what form? l
l
How much does the course cost?
l
Will there be an exam at the end?
l
Is the provider inspected or accredited by an independent body?
l
provided by either one
email, the internet, podcasts
If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three years?
l
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of
phone, DVD, CD-ROM,
likely to overlap, but, as a
How much time will I need to set aside for study?
and support may be or a combination of the
Can the whole course be done at a
l
technology these days, learning materials
Can I view the training materials first, before committing?
following means: books,
types of learning are rough guide, open learning includes
l
that are suited to distance
in the civilian world.
24
employer)?
hanks to distance learning, you
operational duties? l
Is the course available via learning
and via mobile learning; the latter
tools that I will be able to access? (For
more face-to-face classes than distance
is where the student accesses course
example, if you are in an environment
learning, while the word ‘supported’
content stored on a mobile device or
where IT availability is limited, you
usually indicates that there are tutors
through a wireless server. Some providers
should select a course where it is
and physical material available to help
offer course elements via the iTunes
possible to use paper and telephone,
students.
Store, which can be downloaded free of
at least for a limited period.)
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
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UWTSD offers a wide range of degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
We pride ourselves on our excellent links with industry with many courses delivering dual awards - One example is our Computer Networks course which carries CISCO accreditation.
R
rankeecently in d 7th
t
for Ache UK adem E ic
xperie
nce
Tim Studees Higher Ed nt Exp erienc ucation e Sur vey
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/bsc-computer-networks We offer bursaries of up to £1000 to armed forces personnel, recognition of prior learning as well as excellent support from specialist staff. Get in touch today and take the first step back into education.
The difference that makes the difference...
Ltd
i2i is the first choice for Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching training. Our holistic approach ensures that your training and development needs are at the heart of what we do,which allows you to give your new career the start you are looking for.
We specialise in: • NLP Practitioner Training • NLP Master Practitioner Training
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 3836
PROVIDER NUMBER
• Presentation Training skills with NLP • ILM Accredited coaching and management programs up to level 7
NLP courses can be done in conjunction with ILM qualifications, i2i are also a ELCAS Approved Provider.
info@uwtsd.ac.uk | www.uwtsd.ac.uk ELCAS number 1763
Tel: 0845 121 0475 www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com
YOU CAN BE STUDYING FOR YOUR DEGREE IN 2019 Use your ELC and experience to enrol on our courses.
We have many courses currently listed on ELCAS including: • • • •
Biomedical Science Psychology with Counselling Occupational Therapy Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring • Physical Education & Sports Coaching • Sport & Exercise Therapy • Sport & Exercise Science
• • • • • • • • •
Physiotherapy Sociology Police Studies Criminology Business Management Marketing Management Sports Management Primary Education 3-7 Primary Education 5-11
Don’t see what you’re interested in? Get in touch with our Admissions Team and we’ll support you to the next step in your career. E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk | T: 01904 876598 Quest ad_Oct.indd 1
26/09/2018 13:29:05
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
25
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
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.
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, both
of courses, some with discounts for
on target, and tutor-marked assessments
within your unit and specialists, can often
Service people (ask your education
to provide valuable feedback, as well as a
provide the best advice about what you
and training adviser for further
telephone helpline to call or someone to
might want and what it is actually possible
information). Q
email for advice if you get stuck.
for you to achieve. They can also
How do I choose a course and provider?
provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and recommend
out there too, also offering a wide range
Q
KEY CONTACTS
Although necessarily influenced by
the subjects that you should be
demand from learners, there are loads
encouraged to pursue – particularly
of courses available in distance learning
with a view to a second career when
form. And because the choice of provider
leaving the Services. Increasing numbers
0800 101 901
is huge, too, you are more than likely to
of Forces learning and education centres
www.learndirect.co.uk
be able to track down the course you
and personal learning advisers also have
@learndirect
are looking for. This may be something
access to e-learning opportunities.
that will give you a general grounding
26
Other information sources include
groups, which may meet regularly,
Information about courses is also
learndirect
Open and Distance Learning Quality
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
020 8658 8337
depth later), or you might be looking to
and learning centres with tutor support,
www.odlqc.org.uk
focus on something very specific – such as
where students can undertake online
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Council (ODL QC)
P ROUD SUP PORTERS OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT
RESETTLEMENT ON YOUR DOORSTEP Delivering accredited qualifications and employability skills for service personnel and their families. Use your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to start your training programme two years before your intended leaving date and for up to five years after leaving. Combine it with Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) and get more for your money! Health & Safety NEBOSH, IOSH, HABC Leadership and Management ILM Licensed Hospitality HABC Tree Felling LANTRA, NPTC, NPORS Pesticides C&G, NPTC
For more information Phone: 08453 452235 Email: resettlement@wiltshire.ac.uk Website: wiltshire.ac.uk/training/military
ELC 1217
PROVIDER NUMBER
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Aim ! r e h g i h
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
28
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
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
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
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
December 2018/January 2019 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 46. 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
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
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
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:
of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this
most don’t require prior qualifications. Many
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:
and experience you have accrued, too.
be able to find a course that is convenient
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
A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
http://search.ucas.com
Search and apply for full-time courses
National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
Higher Education homepage at
Degree courses
http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
Compare official course data from
advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
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 Prospects:
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 24 of this issue).
thorough understanding of a subject, and
There will usually be more times when
www.prospects.ac.uk/
postgraduate-courses l
Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
29
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
ELC Q&A
with former Royal Engineer Daniel Partridge Enlisted: April 2008 Exit date: September 2018 Service branch: Army Final rank: Corporal Specialisation/trade: Royal Engineers Age: 28
Hello Daniel! Please tell us when and why
THE COURSE
you registered for ELC. I have always wanted to be a
What qualification do you hope to receive
physiotherapist, so when I decided I wanted
as a result of using ELC?
to study physiotherapy, I spoke to my local
I am currently studying BSc (Hons)
education officer, who explained the ELC
Physiotherapy at York St John University. How did you think the course would help
process in detail.
RESETTLEMENT
YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE, BUT CHOOSE WISELY AND FIND COURSES YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT
Is the course well run and relevant?
your military career and any subsequent
I am only in the first semester of year 1, but
civilian career?
I absolutely love it here!
I want to re-join the Army after attaining
Why did you decide to leave the Army?
my degree as a physiotherapist, to
I was looking for a new career, with
Will the course build on Service/civilian
support injured soldiers. There are huge
aspirations to re-join after study.
qualifications you have already achieved
employment opportunities in terms of
while serving?
civilian careers within the profession.
Did you attend a Career Transition
As a PTI I had a good base of
Workshop (CTW)?
understanding towards anatomy and
Yes, in Colchester. I found it very useful as
physiology, however the skills I learned
I joined the Army straight from school. The
in self-discipline and organisation/
What advice would you like to give to
CTW broke everything down and set me up
management help me to study effectively.
other Service leavers going through
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
resettlement and career transition?
perfectly for approaching employers and CV writing, as well as understanding the
How much study is involved?
Don’t feel limited by your existing
strengths I had developed in the Army.
It’s full-time as my degree is very intense.
qualifications. If you have a course you want to study, go and speak to your
What other training courses did you
Did you attend any other related
education officer. I was informed on a
undertake during resettlement?
courses?
best route to take to obtain the university
Sports Massage Therapy level 3 (Sports
I did a sports massage therapy course
entry requirements as I had no A-levels (I
Therapy UK), which was extremely relevant
to enhance my anatomy and physiology
completed an Access course* by distance
to physiotherapy.
knowledge, as well as patient assessment
learning while still serving).
and treatment experience.
THE SKILLS I LEARNED IN SELF-DISCIPLINE AND ORGANISATION/ MANAGEMENT HELP ME TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY
30
You have nothing to lose, but choose wisely and find courses you are passionate
Before you started, what did you hope
about.
that the course would give you? A new profession and career – and I am on
To find out more, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk
track!
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
* To find out all about the Access to Higher Education Diploma, take a look at our feature on page 46.
Courses Readers must consult their available: Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Building on Existing Skills Raising your knowledge and performance as a trainer and operator
Building on Existing Skills Courses available:
Raising your knowledge and performance Skills Building on Existing Building on Existing Skills as a trainer and operator
Raising your knowledge and performance as a trainer and operator Courses available: Raising your knowledge and performance Courses available: further information as a trainer For and operator
• Level 3 & Level 4 Award in Education & Training (RQF) • Level 3 Assessor Awards (RQF) CoursesAwards available: • Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance (RQF) • Level 3 Conflict Management Trainers Award (RQF)
• Level 3 Physical Intervention Trainers award (RQF) • Level 3 First Aid at Work (RQF) • Level 2 Activity First Aid (RQF) • Level 2 and 3 Security and SIA Training (RQF)
For further information For further information
T: 0333 200 1676 M: 07860 438856 E: info@hzlgroup.com W: www.hzlgroup.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
For further information 2017
E LC 1527
PROVIDER NUMBER
YOU SERVED US, LET US SERVE YOU...
ACCOUNTANCY ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION ART & DESIGN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & YOUTH WORK/STUDIES COMPUTING CONSTRUCTION CREATIVE WRITING CRIME & CRIMINAL JUSTICE DENTAL SCIENCES EARLY YEARS & CHILDHOOD STUDIES EDUCATION & LEARNING ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING ENGLISH FASHION FILM & MEDIA FINE ART GAMES GRAPHIC DESIGN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE LAW LIVE EVENTS, STAGE MANAGEMENT & VISUAL PRODUCTION LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MATHEMATICS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MEDICAL BIOLOGY MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING NURSING PERSONAL TRAINER, SPORT SCIENCE & DEVELOPMENT PHOTOGRAPHY PROFESSIONAL & COMMERCIAL DANCE PSYCHOLOGY RETAIL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SPECIAL & VISUAL EFFECTS SPECIAL MAKE UP EFFECTS, MODELMAKING & COSTUME SOUND ENGINEERING & DESIGN SPORT REHABILITATION TEXTILES & SURFACE DESIGN THEATRE & PERFORMANCE
Is it time for a new challenge in civi world?
Join the 82% of former UK armed force members that find employment, with the help of Greater Manchester’s No.1 university. The University of Bolton has a diverse range of courses to choose from, whether you are looking for career or personal development, we’re here to help. Our smaller than average class sizes allow lecturers to offer personal support throughout your studies within recently invested £55m facilities. We are proud to provide a positive student experience, come and explore the opportunities available.
01204 900 600
IN THE UK FOR TEACHing QUALITY TIMES & SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019
bolton.ac.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
ac &
31
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
but that are also highly likely to prove
other areas are likely to serve you well in
publication, the main purpose
useful once you leave the Forces, could
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
of ELC is to encourage serving
include accountancy and management
your Service branch now, of course! Q
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
qualifications, or courses related to
that benefits both the learner and the
health and safety, and facilities or project
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
management. Depending on your Service
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
role, you could find yourself in a position to
which state that any money provided for
embark on a range of studies that will turn
your personal development has to be of
out to have a very useful crossover into
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
immediate benefit to both the Armed
the civilian workplace when the time comes
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
Forces and the individual – if not, the
for you to make the transition.
of study undertaken by individuals still
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
For example, thinking of IT training
serving are exempt from taxation, either
accompanying box for more tax-related
as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
information.)
network of employers working to creating
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
those courses that will benefit your own
been involved in putting together a
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
career and promotion prospects in the
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
Services – and ultimately help you find
qualifications, which in these high-tech
This means that the Service leaver (or
employment on leaving – as well as offering
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
their surviving spouse, civil partner or
a benefit to the Service while you remain
as they are while you remain in Service.
eligible partner, where appropriate) will
in uniform.
Similar work has taken place with Summit
not be required to pay income tax on
Skills with regard to building services
payments received under the ELC and
engineering-related courses. A great many
FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw
The best of both worlds is offered by
Some of the areas of education that your Service role might require,
maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
32
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
INTENSIVE LEVEL 3 COURSES IN
BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS KITCHEN INSTALLATIONS BUILDING, INSTALLATION AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE PLASTERING
TILING PLUMBING KITCHEN FITTING CARPENTRY BRICKLAYING
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 4436
PROVIDER NUMBER
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project
yourself! Are you organised, methodical, good at keeping work on track, confident about meeting deadlines and happy to take on responsibility? A career in project management will require you to deliver tasks on time and within budget by planning and organising resources and people. If you recognise your own skill set here, PM could be the perfect match for you What’s involved?
M
Effective PM will ensure that the result of a project process
odern project management (PM) started in civil
is measured before it even starts – and that it covers the precise
engineering, where proper management was essential
amount of change that was envisaged at the outset.
simply because the costs of not having it were too
high! At first, other industries did not share civil engineering’s
Skill up while serving
recognition of the importance of PM, so there were a number of
Whatever your rank or specialisation, you are very likely to have
hugely expensive disasters because:
delivered projects of varying complexity, although it is vital to
people did not know what they were trying to achieve
distinguish between planning and carrying out relatively simple
the business benefits of the change were not understood
routine activities and specific projects like the refit of a warship
customers kept changing their minds
or the design of a cockpit. However, experience gained by, say,
change was not adequately controlled
moving a unit to a new base or running an NCOs’ course would
late technological changes were incorporated into projects at
certainly be relevant.
disproportionate cost. … which is why the role of the project manager is now so vitally important. These days, the project manager is the person on the ground delivering the customer’s wishes and dealing with suppliers, although any contractual relationship is usually between customer and supplier. It is essential that top management understand exactly what a project means for the way the whole business is conducted.
34
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
PM TO THE POWER OF THREE To sum up PM, three factors make up every project: 1. time 2. cost 3. performance. These are interdependent, so any changes made to one will impact on one or both of the others.
THE METHODOLOGIES YOU NEED TO KNOW l
PRINCE2 l Atern l Managing Successful Programmes l Management of Risk
PRINCE2 PRINCE2 is a processed-based approach; each element is defined with its key inputs and outputs, together with the specific objectives to be achieved and activities to be carried out. The project is split into manageable stages, enabling efficient control of resources and regular monitoring of progress. The process is product based; plans focus on delivering results and are not simply a set of timelines by which various actions must have occurred. The project is driven by the business case, describing the organisation’s
Have you got what it takes?
justification, commitment and rationale for the deliverable (or outcome).
PM knowledge and experience are crucial skills
This case is reviewed regularly to ensure that the business objectives (which
in many civilian jobs. With this in mind, consider
may change) are being met. PRINCE2 enables projects to have an organised
enhancing your project-related skills, particularly
and controlled start, middle and end, with a series of processes that cover all
leadership, team building and risk management. PM
necessary activities.
is an increasingly useful discipline – good project managers are in great demand, both within the Services and outside. It is also an industry that is
Project team does the work
User will use its outcome
expanding into new areas every year. The basic skills
Project manager organises and controls
required to manage a project are: l
recognising what it is that needs to be delivered
l
planning how to deliver it
l
using the resources available
l
organising the project from start to finish.
Get qualified!
Customer pays for the project
Suppliers have the expertise to carry it out
All will be represented on the project board to ensure that the right
PM is a field in which there are specific qualifications
outcome is delivered within budget, on time and to the appropriate quality.
as well as general ones that include an element of
Project assurance provides an independent view of how the project is
PM within them. Many degrees, for example, have
progressing.
modules on PM and yet more test students by requiring them to carry out a project as part of the
There are two qualification levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation exam must be taken before the Practitioner exam.
qualification. Foundation exam
Practitioner exam
management. Some of the most important are
1 hour allowed
2.5 hours allowed (no reading
Atern, Management of Risk and Managing Successful
Multiple-choice format
Programmes, but the most common generic
60 questions per paper
Objective testing format
methodology is PRINCE2 (see separate panel). It is
33 marks required (out of 60
68 questions per paper
Several methodologies are used for project
not cheap, though, and you may have to meet some of the costs yourself. The Practitioner certificate is
time added)
available) to pass = 55%
38 marks or more required to pass (out of 68 available) = approx. 55%
Closed book
mandatory for civilian project managers employed in
Open-book exam (official PRINCE2
the MoD.
manual only)
Another source of advice is the Association for Project Management (APM). It publishes a Body of
You can sit both exams in the same week or even day, or you can split them
Knowledge that provides basic information on the
and sit them months (or even years) apart. You do not have to take a course
competences required by a project manager. There
to sit the examinations – it’s up to you!
are also training courses and education programmes
Foundation level will provide enough knowledge to enable you to act as an
for those who want to advance their knowledge
informed member of a project management team – it indicates understanding
in this field. It has aligned its qualifications with
of the principles and terminology. Practitioner, though, is necessary for
the standards set by the International Project
those who need the competence to run and manage specific projects. APMG-
Management Association (IPMA). Visit the relevant
International administers the exams, and also accredits training providers
websites to find out more (see ‘Key contacts’).
to teach PRINCE2 and conduct the exams. (APMG-International also offers a
Short courses in PM are run regularly throughout the UK, and the APM can provide a list of approved training providers (again, see ‘Key contacts’). Many
number of other qualifications relevant to this sector.) PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners must take a re-registration exam every three years, to maintain their certification.
British universities and institutes offer a range of PM courses and programmes. Some are specialist, while others are aimed at the general project manager.
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
35
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
CONTROL PANEL The crux of PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE), now in version 2 (PRINCE2, see below), is embodied in the phrase ‘Controlled Environments’,
with many projects to choose from.
which means:
This has the benefit of immediate skills
l
tight, agreed specifications
transferability, possibly working on
l
quality control of the product and
familiar equipment but from a different
the process
perspective. But it’s true to say that PM
Q
l reliability
skills are of great value and in high demand
l
in every conceivable occupation.
full participation of the customer throughout
l
l
employed on the basis of their technical
requirements are understood
skills and expertise, while if you have been
no surprises on delivery
in a managerial role in the Services, your management – and specifically PM – skills
APMG-International 01494 452450 www.apmg-international.com @APMG_Inter Association for Project Management 0845 458 1944 www.apm.org.uk @APMProjectMgmt
will be attractive to prospective employers. If you are thinking of working freelance,
Best Practice User Group (BPUG) 020 8144 5909
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
there are agencies, magazines and other
training can be taken, provided it is offered
intermediaries that can help you; if you
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
want to find an employer, the job-finding
admin@usergroup.org.uk www.bpug.co.uk
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
process is much the same as for other
@BPUG_UK
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
kinds of employment. Q
pages 11–32.
CPD IS KEY
International Project Management Association (IPMA) (Swiss) www.ipma.ch
Finding employment
Continuing professional development is required to keep abreast of changes in the PM world
Project Management Institute (PMI) (US) www.pmi.org
details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to our in-depth features on
One obvious employment area Service leavers is the defence industrial sector,
36
PRINCE2 (official) www.prince-officialsite.com
The more junior ranks will tend to be
involvement of suppliers so
Use your ELC
KEY CONTACTS
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
@IPMAFamily
@PMInstitute
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
4435
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37
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION
Close call! The various sectors of the security industry offer a huge range of employment opportunities – none more so than close protection. Could CP be your calling?
that owns the item needs to ensure that it is secure and returned safely afterwards. This type of role can range from half a day to several consecutive days’ work.
Lifestyle management Lifestyle management companies offer busy
W
Roles and requirements
traditionally been associated with
Bodyguarding, private security detail (PSD),
extra pair of hands in their daily business
reducing risk to an individual or
executive protection, residence security
activities, to more permanent lifestyle
family who are considered to be under threat
team and personal protection officers are
support, security and concierge services.
of attack or kidnap, the CP role can also
just some of the terms associated with
Some business people travel extensively in
extend to many other tasks, as discussed in
the CP role, but the range of different
their work and personal lives, and have little
detail in this feature.
opportunities available go way beyond these.
time themselves. Well-trained CPOs with
We take a look at just some of the many and
good organisational and negotiation skills
varied options here …
can alleviate many minor burdens, leaving
Depending on the level of risk, a CP team can vary in size from one or two members
needs: from people who may just need an
business people to concentrate on the
to a fully equipped team who can provide
38
people a service that meets their individual
hile close protection (CP) work has
residential/hotel security, security advance
Asset protection
parties (SAP) and protection during moves
An asset could be anything from a high-value
by vehicle or on foot. It is important that
necklace to an aircraft, or even a horse! Close
professionals with good communication and
the team leader or operator can assess the
protection operatives (CPOs) are often used
interpersonal skills who are presentable
risk and be able to recommend the required
to protect high-value items such as jewellery,
and used to solving everyday problems. For
level of security, commensurate with the
or the person wearing the jewellery – for
some clients, personal security and safety
perceived threat.
example, in the case of a photo shoot where
when travelling abroad is often their last
a piece of jewellery is on loan. The company
thought, as their primary concern is the
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
important things. Opportunities exist for well-trained
management of the travel and transport
have gone on to work for overseas
Surveillance
arrangements.
government agencies managing teams
While being a qualified and/or experienced
These matters are second nature to
of court security officers, and to provide
CPO does not mean you are a trained
trained CP personnel, and go hand in hand
realistic training in legislation and conflict
surveillance operator, many companies will
with personal security needs. In short, many
management, acting as technical advisers
look to trained CP individuals to provide
people are not looking for a CPO, but a
to individuals working with CCTV and access
aspects of or join surveillance teams.
concierge or personal assistant. However,
systems, and running practical exercises
Although these roles often go to those with
it is highly advantageous if this person can
in threat and surveillance awareness.
specific training and experience working
also take care of their security and safety
Furthermore, CPOs have also been involved
in surveillance, opportunities to work in
needs at the same time without them
as advisers in the security design of
surveillance and investigative roles cannot be
appearing to have a protection officer.
buildings, structure and strategy.
ruled out. By gaining additional qualifications
Remember, you might not be employed as a
in surveillance and/or professional
security operator, but you may be expected
Expedition security/safety
investigations, an individual will be able to
to take on the role of one as well as that
There are various reasons for expeditions,
look at other employment openings.
of a PA, concierge, chauffeur, etc. Being
ranging from media crews and television
a qualified CPO can give that extra added
companies through to oil expeditionary
Management
value to someone who initially may not have
search teams. Some multinational retail
Some CPOs go on to more managerial
given personal security a second thought.
organisations travel around the world looking
roles within security, their qualification in
for exclusive products for their outlets, which
CP proving attractive to employers who,
Household management
can take representatives to more remote,
although not specifically looking for a CPO,
Many companies offer complete household
hostile and hazardous environments as part
recognise that the skills and knowledge
management services, providing everything
of their work activities, prompting a need for
that come with this level of training are
from chauffeurs and gardeners to security
a certain level of security. Not all roles will
invaluable.
and butler services. Approaching these
involve large-scale teams and, depending
companies with a good, diverse CV, showing
on risk level, the job could be undertaken by
Other roles
a range of skills, can open up a range of
either an individual or small team.
Other more unusual roles include working
different opportunities for CP trained
for the NHS providing protective security to
personnel. It may lead to a position as
Media protection
those with mental health-related disorders or
personal safety and security manager,
Media crews often have a level of security
learning difficulties, whereby operators act
or even as a member of a permanent or
both for their own protection and the
as a protection officer in a discreet manner
temporary residential security team.
protection of the high-value equipment
in order to safeguard individuals from harm
they carry, which can be worth tens of
while going about their daily business.
Security chauffeuring
thousands of pounds. Ranging from fly-on-
Chauffeuring companies, like many other
the-wall documentaries and news crews to
Skill up while serving
businesses, have recognised a need to
major sporting events, these roles can see
The CPOs most in demand are generally
expand their services. In a growing market,
operators employed on short- or long-term
those from a Special Forces or military
many now offer security chauffeuring
contracts around the UK and the world
background where experience has been
coupled with a personal protection service,
in a multitude of potentially hazardous
gained over a number of years. As well as
sometimes referred to as the individual
environments. In addition, operators may
those contracts that require operators to
bodyguard (IBG). Gaining advanced driving
also (depending on their level of training and
carry firearms, overseas contracts in the
qualifications, such as RoSPA’s Occupational
skill) be required to provide an element of
more high-risk countries generally require
Advanced Driving and Security and
medical support and liaison.
operators to have local knowledge and the
Protective Advanced Driving, can open
ability to operate on their own. It is possible
another route to employment for CPOs in
Residential security
for someone without this background to
both hostile and executive markets.
Many companies employ security guards to
progress to this level, but they will need to
protect property and premises if they are
establish their reputation as part of a team in
Venue-based security
vacant, however those individuals with a CP
the UK, often on a more mundane contract,
Because of the diverse environments
licence are more attractive to employers.
but where they can prove their skills,
CPOs need to be capable of working in,
Some roles have seen newly trained CPOs
reliability and professionalism. It is generally
opportunities can open up within sporting
earn upwards of £150–£200 per day. Some
during such contracts that the opportunity to
venues, large hotels and even national
have retained a long-term contract for 18
network can lead to more interesting tasks.
infrastructure. Linked with security
months based on a six-day week, which
management and/or supervisory roles,
provides excellent income and stability, not
Get qualified!
additional qualifications, such as project
to mention excellent experience to add to
An SIA CP licence is required for those
management, may enhance an individual’s
their CV.
‘guarding one or more individuals against
employability. Some with a CP background
assault or against injuries that might be questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
39
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS
developed beyond the general baseline of
events, will give you a good background
industry requirements.
knowledge before you progress to more in-depth and specific training.
Threat assessment, forward planning
Choosing a course
Alternatively, these courses can be seen
and anticipation of the unexpected are
For anyone wishing to enter the industry,
as professional development for an
important aspects of all planning, and
the quality of the instructors and the training
employment role you already hold. Some
administration and logistics are among
they deliver is important. Reputation is
courses, such as health and safety, can
the most critical aspects of the task
everything in the CP industry and being
be undertaken online, and may require
once the aim has been established.
trained by a recognised expert helps
just a few hours of study (including an
The principles of prior preparation
students. However, the downside of this is
assessment of your understanding).
and planning practised in the military
that reputable trainers will not automatically
Costs can vary, as many of the courses
provide a sound background for all
pass everyone who attends a course –
are privately run, but can start from
CP tasks. The ability to communicate
something that should be considered before
about £50.
easily with the client, sound general
paying for expensive courses.
knowledge and an awareness of
Next comes a range of relatively short part-time further education courses,
current affairs are invaluable assets, as
content. A good example of this is whether
giving you a recognised qualification,
is a quiet sense of humour.
firearms training is necessary or not. In the
which would then allow you to progress
majority of CP tasks, firearms will not be
to a higher level of study. FE courses
suffered in consequence of the unlawful
carried and there are very few countries
include, for example, an NVQ level 2
conduct of others. This applies if your
that allow the carriage of firearms by non-
in Spectator Safety, which would take
services are supplied for the purposes of
military/police personnel. Generally, only
between 8 and 12 months to complete,
or in connection with any contract to a
men and women with operational experience
or an NVQ level 3 in providing security,
consumer.’ Licensing will include a criminal
of weapon handling will be engaged on a
emergency and alarm systems, which
records check; operating without the correct
contract where the use of a weapon might be
could take between six months and
licence is a criminal offence. You can find
necessary to protect a client. If the carriage
two years. Many of these courses have
full details of licence types, and licensable
of firearms is necessary, even the more
flexible study options, so you could, if
roles and activities (including CP) on the SIA
experienced operators will require refresher
you prefer, study them intensively, full-
website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk This is
training with the weapon they’ll carry before
time, over a period of four or five weeks.
the best source of in-depth and up-to-date
an operational deployment.
For some courses at this level, you may
The majority of work that a newly
information on the qualifications, licensing
be expected to have undertaken a First
qualified CP operator can expect is relatively
Aid at Work course and/or have an SIA
These days, the role of CPO extends
low-risk tasks in the UK or in more benign
licence (see earlier). Costs typically start
past the perceived impression of simply
environments. It is therefore important to
at around £250.
providing protection from attackers, with
consider course content carefully before
many roles now looking for a range of
spending hard-earned money, and to seek
this sector and may typically cover
additional qualifications and experience a
advice on the training that will suit your
areas such as static guarding, patrol
close protection grounding can bring. Gaining
background and expectations. There are also
guarding, reception duties, retail
additional qualifications in health and safety,
online networking and forum sites available
security and operating/studying CCTV.
enhanced medical qualifications such as the
via which you can seek advice from others in
Apprenticeships are also likely to
Medicine in Remote Areas (MiRA), which is
the sector, an example of which is CP World:
incorporate how to handle key data, such
endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons,
www.closeprotectionworld.com
as hard-copy documents, and how to
and training required to work in this industry.
l
There are many courses on offer that will
and the Responding to Emergency Medical
Apprenticeships are growing in
keep accurate records. As a workplace
Incidents and Trauma (REMIT) will make you
give you directly applicable training; there
apprentice, you are likely to find it easier
more attractive to employers and the client.
are also courses that give you invaluable
to progress to a much higher (perhaps
background/supporting information and
managerial) role within the company.
Consider enhancing your skills and
40
l
It is also important to consider the course
knowledge in other areas too, such as project
skills, which will be viewed by potential
management (PRINCE2 or equivalent), risk
employers as worthy knowledge in this area.
BTEC level 4 courses begin to encompass
management or even training qualifications,
l
Short (one day to two weeks) courses
some of the management roles within
such as the new level 3 Award in Education
in, e.g., health and safety, fire risk
the sector. For example, a BTEC in
& Training and Certificate for Deliverers
assessment, fire safety, search training,
Security Management is likely to provide
of Conflict Management. All of these will
physical intervention, substance
a comprehensive insight into topics such
go towards promoting you as a highly
awareness, handcuffing, survival
as the role of the manager, current/
skilled, diverse and employable security
training, hostile environment awareness
key legislation, security technology,
professional, enabling you to demonstrate to
training, travel awareness and defence
crime management and prevention, and
potential employers that you have more than
techniques, detecting deceit, and
instigating crime reduction initiatives.
an SIA licence, have invested in yourself and
understanding stewarding at spectator
A course like this would typically cost
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
l
Moving further towards higher education,
around £2,000 and could be undertaken intensively over several days of full-time study. l
A foundation degree within a related security/close protection topic (e.g. Security Risk Management) may count towards a BA or master’s. That said, if you can prove that you gained relevant experience in the military, you may be able to move straight on to studying at master’s level. It’s always worth checking and making your Service experience explicit when you are seeking courses.
Look around and compare what the different courses have to offer. Most importantly, seek advice from anyone you know who is already working in the sector and find out who are the most respected training providers. Try to attend security seminars and briefings where you can meet others already working in the sector and the companies who are likely to employ or subcontract to you when you have
difficult to assess the ability of an individual
relate to and liaise with people on different
qualified.
until they have been seen and tested on
levels, from those lower down in the
a course. So beware of companies that
security industry to the movers, shakers and
promise too much and be wary of those
decision-makers high up, not afraid to offer
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
that offer too little. There is currently a
well-thought-out and structured answers or
training can be taken, provided it is offered
shortage of female CP operatives, who
acting as that ‘voice of reason’ and sense
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
are in particular demand for guarding
at all levels. Finally, CPOs are some of the
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
female principals, family members and
few who are able to fill the gap between the
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
children, especially in some cultures and
operational aspects of the industry and the
details of how to make the most of your
environments.
Use your ELC
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages 11–32.
Finding employment
Q
theoretical professionals. Q
In conclusion … A CP qualification, and subsequent good practice and valuable
Most CP operators are self-employed
experience in its application, can open
and contracted to security and risk
many doors. Many CPOs will openly state
management companies. Commercial
that having this background has developed
contracts can run from days to months,
them personally, and the qualities and
and are agreed between the client and the
varied opportunities that come with it
security company. The CP operator will
have made them more employable. It
sign his own contract with the company.
has led to employment with government
Networking is vital, and an individual’s
departments, commercial companies and
reputation for reliability and experience
individuals in a variety of roles, such as
are critical to his or her chance of getting
risk management, threat awareness, crisis
further work and progressing to the more
management, design consultancy, project
lucrative, longer-term contracts. Local
management, management and oversight
knowledge, both for tasks in the UK and
of individuals and teams providing security,
overseas, is essential for many contracts,
to name but a few.
where orientation and familiarity is necessary. Very few training providers can
Furthermore, on a personal level it
KEY CONTACTS
British Security Industry Association 0845 389 3889 info@bsia.co.uk www.bsia.co.uk @thebsia
Security Industry Authority 0844 892 1025 www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk @SIAuk Security Institute 0845 370 7717 info@security-institute.org www.security-institute.org @SyInstitute
provides self-confidence, diplomacy and interpersonal skills, improves organisational
guarantee work in the CP sector because the
and planning abilities, and instils an ability
industry simply isn’t geared to permanent
to see the bigger picture and understand
payroll employment, and even subcontract
strategic viewpoints. In addition, experienced
work can be ‘feast or famine’. It is also
CPOs will openly state that they are able to
Skills for Security 01905 744000 info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk @Skills4Security
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
41
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Assistant Rail Signalling Installer Training Program Based in Ipswich (Suffolk), our training services have been fundamentally recognised as being pro-active, efficient and, above all, technically competant. This program gives the candidate the required competancies 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 railway 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 competance 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).
(01473)242344 Info@rttsolutions.co.uk
RT Training Solutions LTD registered in England and Wales: 8171597
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 an NSARE approved provider Overhead Akona Ltd isisis an NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd an NSAR approved provider of Overhead lineConstruction Training whichmeets NetworkRail line Training which toto Network lineElectrification Construction Training which meets meets to NetworkRail 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)
42
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
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.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS…
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
6781
Course One
Course Two
Course Three
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
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Course Four
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You can still combine a number of these courses to make the best use of your Enhanced Learning Credits. Please contact us . at the details below to discuss your personal requirements.
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 3368
PROVIDER NUMBER
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
43
Q
YOUR ELC CASE STUDY EXTRA: CYBER SECURITY
ON COURSE FOR CYBER CAREERS
Thanks to a partnership with IBM and the Corsham Institute, SaluteMyJob is able to offer Veterans and Reservists free training in two of IBM’s key cyber security software products. Read on for the story of two people who have already benefited from these courses … Jasmine Eyers
Ambitious Army communications systems specialist set to make her mark in cyber security
Before Jasmine started resettlement
background on various systems. Also it is
she had two plans: to look at both project
about the diversity of working with people.
management and cyber – in particular,
I get to work with different people from
information assurance roles. She has and is
different organisations, different sectors,
in the process of completing management
different levels and different backgrounds.
qualifications – as well as a range of
I have learned quite a lot through
cyber certifications – but feels cyber is
diversity.’
the industry she really wants to focus her attention on. She explains: ‘Being in the IT sector within the Royal Signals, I already have some of the skill set needed for an information assurance role but now it’s about developing those skills and learning “civilian” qualifications in that area. It’s just something that personally I am really keen on going into.’ Jasmine says she has been finding resettlement ‘quite easy’ as she has
ONCE YOU’VE SEEN A ROLE THAT APPEALS TO YOU, START NETWORKING, SPEAK TO PEOPLE WITHIN THAT INDUSTRY AND GET THE QUALIFICATIONS YOU NEED
been incredibly organised from the start.
J
‘I think being organised is a big part of it.
Jasmine heard about SaluteMyJob,
asmine Eyers is currently
Knowing what I wanted to go into, looking
IBM and the Corsham Institute’s i2 training
serving in the British Army as a
at the different areas within that field, as
course through word of mouth. Individuals
communications systems specialist
well as thinking about future promotion.’
who successfully pass the course will be
currently going through resettlement
made herself a 12-month planner and
She was full of praise for the course and
and is due to leave the military next
looked at all the courses she wanted to do
would recommend it to other Service
summer after 13 distinguished years.
to get into the sector she was aiming for.
leavers. ‘It was really, really good! I highly
She has completed a number of cyber-
She applied for courses that are relevant
recommend to anyone. The instructor
related courses, including IBM’s i2 training
to what she needs – and her planner is
was amazing. She made it really down to
course through SaluteMyJob, which she
now full up. Some of the courses Jasmine
earth, really enjoyable to learn. The content
describes as ‘the best yet’. She is incredibly
has completed, or is in the process of
and the whole course itself was pitched
ambitious and has firmly set her sights
completing, include Cyber Network
amazingly. It was just really interesting and
on making her mark in the cyber security
Foundation and Practitioner, Crucial
was the best course I have done so far.’
industry.
Academy Information Assurance Course,
in the 21 Signal Regiment. Jasmine is
Jasmine recalls one of her biggest achievements being early on in her career when she was a Lance
44
Before Jasmine even signed off, she
accredited by IBM as a certified i2 Analyst.
With just under nine months to go until
Certificate in Management of Risk and
Jasmine’s official last day in the Army, she
AGILE.
is busy trying to gain as many qualifications
Jasmine believes she has gained a
as she can, as well as focusing on
Corporal and was sent to Morocco as a
huge number of valuable skills, as well
networking and trying to gain commercial
detachment commander, where as part
as experience, that will help her gain
experience. She says: ‘Half my time is about
of a team of five, she was in charge of all
successful employment in the cyber
doing qualifications and the other half is
communications. It was huge achievement
industry. ‘Working within IT and security
working on networking, speaking to the
for Jasmine as it was her first experience
in my role at the moment, I work with
right people within that environment, as well
of leadership with external agencies. The
cryptomaterial and have to make sure
as organising work placements and insight
communications specialist says she is
everything is secure. And it’s not just
days.’ She recommends attending Barclays
going to miss being in the military as it has
technical skills, it’s also the diversity of my
Military Insight Day to Service leavers
been such a huge part of her life – but she
skills. In the Signals we get trained on a lot
– she found it incredibly interesting and
knows it is time to move on.
of different equipment – so I have a diverse
insightful. She offers this advice to other
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Service leavers going through resettlement
The former intelligence analyst left the
accredited by IBM as a certified i2 Analyst.
who want to forge a career in cyber: ‘Look
Army at the end of last year and has since
‘I was so surprised that there were free
into cyber itself as there are various roles
found her transition into civilian employment
courses out there of such high calibre. The
within that sector. Once you’ve seen a
a struggle, unable to have the full confidence
instructor’s method of teaching was brilliant.
role that appeals to you, start networking,
to pursue a fulfilling career after the military.
There was a lot to take in, but it was really
speak to people within that industry and
Rebecca explains: ‘During my resettlement,
good. It massively reignited my ambitions to
get the qualifications you need. Also, create
it was quite a dark time to be honest. I was
go down the cyber security route. I just know
a 12-month plan. I’m networking through
suffering with an ankle injury, which had a
I would enjoy that line of work and having
people I know who have left the Army and
knock on effect on my mental health. So
the opportunity to get into a company to
have gone into that industry. I’ve also been
I volunteered at my old primary school,
really show off my skills is what I want to do.’
on Project Fortis [see https://projectfortis.
trying to gain a bit more confidence. In the
Rebecca is poised to go on the next QRadar
co.uk ] and noticed some really good links
end, I distanced myself from the military so
course, run by the same trio of companies,
there, and have done a lot through LinkedIn
I didn’t receive much of a resettlement or
and is looking to do further certifications to
as well. It’s all about being proactive. Even
career assistance from the Career Transition
help her employment prospects.
though you have 12 months it’s not a long
Partnership and found my own path, which
time really.’
was into teaching.’
Finally, when asked what value Service
Although Rebecca says she finds it difficult to sell herself in interview – and also translate her skills into commercial language,
Rebecca has faced a number of
leavers add to businesses, Jasmine says:
challenges throughout her military transition
she believes she has the experience to gain
‘They are always striving for more. Not only
as she ‘felt like she didn’t have much of a
successful employment in the cyber industry.
looking to do what their job tells them to
support network’. She continued: ‘I didn’t feel
‘The Intelligence Corps is huge and I did
do, they are so much more proactive – they
like I could access the support I was entitled
specialise in human intelligence, but in my
will seek out more opportunities to make an
to as not everything was on my doorstep
time I also did counter-intelligence, security
impact. We are adaptable and always trying
and because of my injury I couldn’t travel
and imagery intelligence. I also did some
to improve.’
far, which is why I started volunteering at
psyops courses. I really believe I have utilised
my old primary school. I didn’t know I was
the skills during my years in the military
Rebecca Thomas
going to go into education at the time but
and it sounds extreme but the work I have
Ambition for career in cyber security reignited for former intelligence analyst in the Army thanks to SaluteMyJob training course
the head teacher planted a seed and that
done has actually prevented the loss of lives,
is why I applied to university and did my
which is not something everyone can say.’
PGCE Primary (QTS) with PE specialism. I’ve
Rebecca is looking for work as a threat
previously done some teaching and I also did
risk analyst, but a job role where you train
some training in the military, so it wasn’t a
people to utilise intelligence has also piqued
R
huge change for me to go down that route.’
her interest. Finally, when asked what value
ebecca
Teaching isn’t a world away from
she thinks Service leavers add to businesses,
Thomas
some of the skills Rebecca gained while in
Rebecca replies: ‘Our work ethic. Teamwork
had a
the military. ‘I think the main thing I took
skills. Can-do attitude. Our communication
distinguished
from the Army that I am using today is my
skills. The military really did give me a huge
10-year career
interpersonal and communication skills, the
amount of confidence. Once you do your job
in the Army. She
ability to build rapport with pretty much
and you do it well, you can pretty much lend
served in the
anyone, which is good for the role I am doing
your skills to any job role.’ Q
Intelligence Corps,
at the moment. But the intelligence stuff, I
deploying to
pretty much spent my whole career doing.
Afghanistan three
I’m not really using any of my analytical
times during her career. On deployment in
skills at the moment, which is why
Afghanistan, Rebecca’s main role was as an
I applied to go on the i2 course. I
intelligence analyst and de-briefer, working
want to try to get back into that
within the Intelligence Exploitation Facility
field because I know I can do well in
directly supporting UK Special Forces, as
that environment,’ she says.
well as supporting the International Security
Rebecca wants to pursue a career
Q
Assistance Force Human Intelligence
in cyber security as she believes she has
mission. Rebecca left the Army in November
the skills to be successful in the industry,
2016 and has since found the resettlement
adding: ‘Once you have learned those skills,
period challenging. She is currently teaching,
they can’t be taken away from you.’ Rebecca
but thanks to a course run by SaluteMyJob,
found out about the IBM i2 training course,
IBM and the Corsham Institute, her ambition
which is designed to train Veterans on IBM’s
to forge a career in cyber security has been
Analyst Notebook tool, on Indeed. Individuals
reignited.
who successfully pass the course will be
FIND OUT MORE
If, like Rebecca and Jasmine, you are interested in our FREE cyber courses, you can find out more at www.salutemyjob.com/training To watch video interviews with Rebecca and Jasmine about their experiences on the course, their background and why they want to work in cyber, visit https://play.buto.tv/WF2fL (for Rebecca’s story) and https://play.buto.tv/PQZyB (for Jasmine’s).
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
45
Q
YOUR ELC THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA
New year, new possibilities
A new year often brings the chance to think about our potential. With this in mind, find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma opens up study opportunities for those with a Services background …
I
n the past few months the UK media
‘I wanted to get back to
part-time, two evenings a week, over two
has published stories about the support
work but I just
years. During this time he continued to work
being put in place for Services personnel
couldn’t face going back to
full-time as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal
and Veterans. We have been told how the
the same type of
Navy.
Veterans’ Gateway offers a first point of
office work I’d done previously. I felt a strong
contact for Veterans seeking support, and it
desire to push myself to something new, to
renewed confidence in
out what you need easily and quickly is really
achieve something. The Access to HE course
my ability to learn. There
important. In his book Joys of War, John-Paul
introduced me to the concept of organised
are probably a lot of
Jordan, ex-Special Forces, channelled his own
study.’
people who, like me, didn’t
Gabrielle Holmes, midwife
experiences with PTSD to support others in potential inside you.’
have a wholly positive experience of school, and
similar situations.* He says: ‘You have the Around 13% of all Access to HE students
as a result spent years
identify themselves as having a disability.
assuming that academic study wasn’t for
about our potential. For many people the
This includes mental health issues and
them. For me, undertaking an Access to HE
start of a new year is an exciting time as
learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Access
course changed that view. With the help
they think about what the coming year will
to HE Diplomas are taught by people who
of supportive, good-humoured and patient
bring (and work through their new year’s
understand what it’s like to be an adult going
tutors, it provided me with the tools – and,
resolutions). For others it’s a less exciting
back into the classroom after a long time
above all, the self-belief – to undertake a
time. Whatever the new year means to you,
away. They are able to support students
higher education course.’
it’s a chance to think about ways to make life
to manage the challenges a changed daily
easier and maybe set new goals.
routine can bring, as well as helping with
A new year is often a chance to think
An Access to Higher Education Diploma
course queries. The students also develop
Dr Mark Field Mark was a little nervous about starting
could be your first step towards a new career.
strong support networks, helping one
the course as he hadn’t particularly enjoyed
Access to HE Diplomas are qualifications for
another deal with the pressures of balancing
school and had few formal qualifications.
adults, designed to prepare them for study
study and life.
To his surprise, he found he really enjoyed
at university. There are more than 1,200
In the Services, your ‘Service family’ is
studying and sharing ideas with other
courses – most available to study at local
always there, it understands you. It’s similar
students. He recalls moving to the local pub
colleges, although the number of courses
for Access to HE students. They’re all there
to continue discussions over a pint when a
available to study online is increasing. Access
because they want to change something
study group was thrown out of college by the
to HE students are studying courses that
or challenge themselves, and they want
caretaker securing the college.
prepare them for graduate professions in
everyone in the group to succeed. Joining an
areas like engineering, health, education and
Access to HE Diploma course may be a way
had been to train as a teacher. However,
social work. And, as a member of the Armed
to build additional support networks outside
he enjoyed the course so much that he
Services, if you have a British Forces Post
the patch – just one element of transition.
decided to continue studying and returned
Office address you may study a Diploma when overseas.
Access to HE students have a common
Before starting his degree, his plan
to university to complete a master’s degree
bond: the desire to achieve. They may not be
in public administration. While studying for
Students on the courses are all looking
leaving the military, but they are leaving one
this he was awarded a studentship to cover
to change their lives. They have had different
life behind them as they work to change their
his tuition fees and living expenses, allowing
life experiences, and many didn’t think they
lives. Some have left jobs, and many had bad
him to carry out three years of doctoral
would be able to go to university. Yet each
experiences at school.
research. He received his PhD in European
year around 23,000 adults go on to study
Dr Mark Field, a former Chief Petty
Politics in 2015, and around the same time
a degree after finishing an Access to HE
Officer in the Royal Navy, was one of these
was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Politics
Diploma.
people. Mark did his Access to HE course
and Public Policy at the university.
* To read John-Paul’s story, visit: www.forces.net/news/ex-special-forces-opens-about-struggle-ptsd
46
‘Access to HE gave me
goes without saying that being able to find
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the
Let’s get started …
end up as part of the university’s academic
higher education course must be done
Once you’ve got your funding in place, you’re
community, but study changes us. That I
immediately after the Access to HE
ready for that new start and need to enrol.
did is entirely thanks to the friendly and
courses)
(You might be interviewed to make sure
Advanced Learner Loan.
the course is right for you.) Find out about
Says Mark: ‘I never imagined that I would
supportive atmosphere that the Access to
l
l
HE course provided.’
courses on our website at www.accesstohe.
Throughout your Service career you
ac.uk and check the ELCAS website too, at
have supported and protected others, your
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Also,
country, your Services family and your blood
think carefully about how you like to work.
family. That need to protect and serve stays with you, making some decisions about your
Classroom based
future very difficult.
Online or distance learning
‘Most people in the military, myself included, want a quick solution. They want
like working team?
to earn the most amount of money possible
in a
straight away and may not know that there y need to stud e? m ho to e clos
are other options that may take a little longer but may be more fulfilling in the long run,’ says Tommy Sharpe, former Royal Marine and currently studying for a social
The publicly funded FE and HE scheme pays
work degree after medical discharge.
for your Access to HE Diploma and degree,
ed?
self-motivat
y need to stud odd hours?
pport prefer a su network?
as long as the Diploma is in a subject leading to degree and is done immediately before your degree studies. Your education officer will have more information. You may prefer
Classroom based
Online or distance learning
to use learning credits (ELC or SLC) to pay for your course and many Access to HE
happy working alone?
providers are on the ELCAS website. Advanced Learner Loan repayments Dr Peter Sloane (pictured above),
don’t start until you start to earn more
lecturer in English at the University of
than £25,000 per year. And if you
Lincoln, says: ‘I didn’t do very well at
successfully complete a QAA-recognised
school and I didn’t really enjoy school.
Access to HE course, the balance of the
I didn’t leave with any qualifications. I
loan will be cancelled when you complete
think I got a GCSE in Art. Universities
your higher education course. For more
were absolutely exclusive. There was a
information about advanced learner loans
particular kind of person that went to
visit the gov.uk website.
university, and then they had a career
like working in a team?
self-motivated?
prefer a support network?
need to study odd hours?
Are you happiest working as part of a team? If so, perhaps learning that involves
You may also receive a childcare
some classroom activity is best for you.
and then ran the country. There are other
allowance grant that doesn’t need to
Online learning might be best if you can’t
people who worked in factories, drove
be repaid. You can see if you get help
get to college regularly, or you prefer to
taxis, and delivered milk and newspapers …
for childcare using the calculator here:
work as an individual, although nowadays
I don’t know if the doors were intentionally
www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Many
most courses have some parts that are
closed before, but they were certainly
universities also offer funds to help
completed online.
very difficult for someone like me to open.
with the cost of going to university. It
Access courses essentially just offer you a
is important to look in to your funding
Find out more
new life, don’t they? It offers you a chance
options carefully to make sure you make
You may find the following websites helpful.
to be the kind of person you want yourself
the best choice for you and your family.
Access to HE website: www.accesstohe.ac.uk
to be. To meet your aspirations. That’s
Access to HE providers, your education
Real-life stories:
what it’s done for me.’
officer or transition staff should be able to
www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/RealLife
help you choose the best route.
Diploma database: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/
Funding options
Higher education is not for everyone,
SubSites/PublicSearch/
Service leavers have several options to fund
but it could be your route through
Advanced Learner Loans:
their studies:
transition.
www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
l
Enhanced Learning Credits (if you’re
Enhanced Learning Credits:
registered)
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com UCAS: www.ucas.com questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
47
Q
o claim them
YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE
y detailed guidance from ingle�Service education
Next steps
Read JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills. urposes â—? Register for the scheme in accordance e for fullâ€?time or partâ€?time with published guidelines. â—? Think about what fits your personal fication at level 3 or above, development plan and your future. e NQF or SCQF, with an â—? Check that the course you wish to enrol the approved providers list on is allowable under the rules. This might include: degrees â—? Get the necessary approval to enrol. e qualifications â—? Talk with your line manager and mic qualifications education/learning staff. selfâ€?development or general enquiries â—? Start about learning, make the most of the to scheme, eligibility and n of prior learning qualifications, seek youradvice life. from the following singleraining Service education and resettlement staff in the first and accreditation fees instance, not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer applications, ications not provide advice and guidance on eligibility or education/ IMPORTANT REMINDER! alifications learning or resettlement needs. Policy helpline details are as t training (during last two If you left the Armed Forces in 2006 and have ice only). follows. yet to use your ELC, time is running out. You and Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval claimed for:l RN: RN/RM Education have ten years after leaving Service to make Education and Training Support ning your claim, so act Officers now. Use(NETSOs) it or lose it!and Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning edited Service training ast 30 hours extra work is Centres. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further SCHEME: LATEST STATS gether with a separate clarification of sSELC instructions should contact SO3 EL3R, at DII: From its inception until the end of ment or assignment) ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET SO3C’ ( Mil: 93832 5954 September 2015, 367,632 people had p fees Civ: 02392 625954) registered with the ELC scheme and materials l Army: Individual 111,094 Education and Resettlement Officers claims had been made, to the(IERO), ice sport and adventurous value of ÂŁ162.6 at Army Education Centres, whichmillion. must be used by Service â—?
Useful contacts
Need to know more? Here’s who can help ‌
F
leavers on resettlement. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further clarification of sS instructions should contact the relevant SO2 Retention and Resettlement in Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-PersETS-S-RetResSO2 or Civ: ( l
Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk
Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264 381580)
RAF: Personal Learning Advisors (PLAs), and Resettlement and Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF Learning Centres. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further clarification of sS instructions should contact SO2 Accreditation at DII: ’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (
Mil: 95751 6888 Civ: 01400
266888) In addition, advice on any aspect of the ELC and FEHE schemes is available from: People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q
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49 11
Q Plan ahead! Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
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Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
CALL +44(0)1908 Personal development and587665 education opportunities Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
What is Personal Development (PD)?
www.gastectraining.co.uk
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 24.
50
College Courses
Q
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.
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Q
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
Q
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.)
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
51
Q
HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports >> British Ex-Forces in Business Awards
BEAT THE DEADLINE!
>> SECURITY LICENSING
How long does the SIA criminal record check take?
When you apply for or renew a Security Industry
Authority (SIA) licence, we check to see if you have a criminal record. We do this by submitting something called a ‘disclosure request’ to one of the UK‘s three disclosure bodies. There are some things you can do to speed up this check … l
We may send you a disclosure request form for you to complete and return to us. If we do, please make sure that you follow the instructions we enclose with
At last year's inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards
Nominations for the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards are closing very soon. Don’t miss out on nominating a deserving Veteran …
the form. If you don’t and you complete the form incorrectly it will delay your application. l
We may ask you to submit a disclosure request through the Access NI website. If we do, please make sure you ask for a standard disclosure. If you ask for
The deadline to nominate for the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the largest recognition of military Veterans in the UK workforce, is approaching. QUEST is delighted to be a partner of this high-profile event, which shines a light on the post-military achievements of Veterans in order to increase the visibility of business role models for Service leavers. The inaugural awards gathered together more than 500 business and military leaders earlier this year and the 2019 awards, due to be held on 9 May in the Grand Ballroom at the London Hilton on Park Lane, are set to be even bigger. By highlighting how military-gained skills can enable business success, and showcasing the strong synergies between military virtues and business excellence, the awards promote the huge value that Service leavers and Veterans can add to the UK economy if better utilised across the workforce. So let’s identify more business role models for Service leavers – nominate a Veteran at exforcesinbusiness.co.uk by 21 December.
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December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
a basic disclosure or an enhanced disclosure we will not be able to accept it. Also, if you ask for the wrong type of disclosure you will be charged the fee that Access NI would normally charge us. l
If you live overseas or you have spent six continuous months or more outside the UK within the past five years, visit the ‘Overseas Criminal Record Checks’ page of our website before you apply. You will need to provide evidence of a criminal record check from the relevant country or countries and this can take time, so it’s better to get this started before you apply.
To find out more about getting licensed to work in a security role, visit the SIA website at www.sia. homeoffice.gov.uk
>> CHARITIES NEWS
COACHING CAREERS
Dignitaries attend new phase for boxing charity The Bulldogs
I did it! Name: Chris Oakes Final Rank: Captain, Master At Arms (MAA), Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) Courses completed: ACT Master Practitioner Coach, NLP Practitioner Coach, SBO Business Coach, ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring with Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) ‘I joined the Army in 1986 and, after ten years with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, transferred into the Army Physical Training Corps. Here I enjoyed a full career helping Service men and women from all three Services develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retiring as a Captain last year to start my own coaching business – “unlocking people potential and maximising people performance” – and turn my life passion into profit. ‘I’d been fortunate to receive quality experience and training in fitness and sports, adventurous training and leadership coaching while serving, but I also knew that, to be considered credible in a largely unregulated industry, I’d best seek a professional qualification. To this end, I employed my ELC to attend ACT and NLP practitioner certification courses, alongside the ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, with Performance People. Aside from being experts within their field, as ex-Service people themselves they have a true understanding of the military mind-set, a great respect for the military ethos and a real passion for helping military people get the very best from themselves. ‘The courses were outstanding: ACT providing the hard science, NLP the soft skills, and ILM assessment enabling me to put theory into practice and demonstrate my return on investment. I’m now looking to attend an SBO (Small Business Owner) Business Coach course, again with Performance People, to provide me with the additional knowledge and skills not only to “do” the business of coaching, but also to run my own life coaching business better.’ If you want to use your ELC to develop yourself along similar lines, contact Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) on +44 (0)7976 821 333, email office@performancepeople.org or visit www.performancepeople.org See the advertisement on page 49
A host of dignitaries – including Byron Lewis, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Dennis Keogh, the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot – were on hand to open a new assault course and playground built by boxing charity The Bulldogs in Port Talbot. The Bulldogs is a partnership between Bulldogs Boxing & Communities Activities, a registered charity, and Port Talbot Amateur Boxing Club. As well as being a boxing club, it works with young people, to encourage them to make better life decisions, and SSAFA, the charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and Veterans from the British Armed Forces. The new assault course in the grounds of the club will be used by all members to improve fitness and engender team spirit. It was funded by the Armed Forces Covenant, which works with businesses, local authorities, charities and community organisations to support the Armed Forces. Says Stuart Phillips, trustee and head coach of The Bulldogs, ‘I am so proud of what we have achieved since this place was first opened in 2008. We have helped more than a thousand people and this assault course represents the next chapter in our journey. Everyone has a background and a story, and we have helped many people, from young people to Veterans, turn their lives around by starting to come here.’ To find out more, visit https://bulldogsboxingcommunity.wales/
>>TRANSITION SUPPORT NEWS
Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE announced as new Stoll Chair Stoll, the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, has appointed Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE as the organisation’s next Chair. A retired Royal Air Force pilot and commander, Ray has a Service history spanning 35 years. As well as flying fighter jets in the first Gulf War, he coordinated the establishment of the Air Field in Basra, Iraq, for operational use in the second Gulf War. Ray was appointed head of the RAF station at Lyneham and was then in charge of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, the
training establishment for senior officers across the tri-Services. Ray is Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), established with the aim of providing an evidence base to influence and underpin policy making and service delivery in order to enable ex-Service personnel and their families to lead successful and sustainable civilian lives. Talking about his new role, Ray says: ‘I have collaborated with Stoll on a number of projects around Veterans’ housing in the past few years, with some impressive
outcomes, so I am delighted to now be able to take on the role of Chair. I am passionate about ensuring Veterans, particularly those who may be vulnerable, have a safe place to call home. I look forward to working with the senior leaders, the Trustees and Stoll’s dedicated team of staff to ensure that our beneficiaries continue to receive the help and support they need.’ For more information, please visit www.stoll.org.uk and www.fim-trust.org
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
53
Q
THE HUB
>> RESEARCH
Beating cyber aggressors at their own game
>> RECRUITMENT NEWS
Ex-military recruitment specialists to merge
Nick Everard
Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have developed a cyber card game that helps staff identify and learn about some of the key open source techniques a cyber aggressor might use to gain insight, access and control over industrial and commercial infrastructures. The UK government and commercial sectors face a growing challenge in the form of cyber attacks and information warfare from criminals and state actors. Such attacks take various forms and are often very sophisticated, meaning they may go unnoticed. Training staff to recognise and counter common information warfare attack strategies can be difficult, time consuming and expensive. The key benefits of Dstl’s cyber card game are that it: l provides a rapid upskilling in understanding high-level, open-source cyber-attack techniques, and enhances learning on possible defensive strategies l offers a more enjoyable approach to cyber training – staff have the option to continue playing in their own time l is adaptable across a range of audiences and knowledge levels – the game can be tailored to various scenarios, ranging from a rapid two-hour session for corporate management through to an extended campaign for cyber professionals l avoids using classified information, and therefore does not need security clearance to play. The lead scientist who developed the game at Dstl says, ‘It is exciting to see the cyber card game being developed externally for the benefit of both security and commercial environments.’ To find out how to access free training in key cyber security software products, turn to our feature on page 44.
>> SECURITY EVENTS
Security events website
Find out key information about events that may be of interest to you if you are considering a career in the security industry by visiting the All Security Events website at http://allsecurityevents.com
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December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Andrew Jackson (left)
Employers looking to capitalise on ex-military talent are set to benefit from the merger of two specialist recruitment consultancies. SaluteMyJob and J1 Consulting recently announced their merger, joining forces to provide a more comprehensive set of integrated Veterans-focused advisory, recruitment and training services that will better serve employers and ex-military jobseekers alike. On merging, a new company will be formed, known as SMJ Consulting Services Ltd (SMJ), focusing exclusively on helping employers benefit from ex-military and reservist talent. SaluteMyJob will still continue to help former Service personnel and reservists with expert career guidance and support in their job search. The new consultancy will help employers to plan and implement Armed Forces programmes and build pipelines of talent, particularly those roles where employers have skills gaps. Employers will benefit from the wider range of services available and having access to a larger pool of ex-military talent. Ex-military jobseekers will benefit from the merger in terms of access to more job opportunities from a broader range of employers looking for ex-military talent. With more than 16,000 highly trained men and women leaving the Armed Forces every year, thousands more serving in the Reserves and a wider community of around one million working-age Veterans, the pool of ex-military talent is large and skilled enough to add value to any organisation. The new SMJ will make it easier for employers to source talent from a source many find hard to access. Says managing director Brigadier (Retd) Andrew Jackson, ‘There is a clear strategic fit with J1, which specialises in a different sector of the ex-military market to us, and brings with it an excellent and well-established reputation. The merger will enable us to provide a wider and more coherent range of services to employers, and improved employment support to transitioning and former Service men and women.’ Managing director Lt Col (Retd) Nick Everard adds: ‘I have known Andrew Jackson for a long time, both during our time in the Army and since. I admire what he is achieving with SaluteMyJob and look forward to being a part of that, providing the firm with a new executive search capability under the J1 brand, as well as assisting with its growing consultancy offerings.’ To find out more about the work of SaluteMyJob, visit www.salutemyjob.com Employers who would like to find about more about how SMJ Consulting Services can help them can email Andrew Jackson at andrew@smjconsultingservices.co.uk or Nick Everard at nick@smjconsultingservices.co.uk
>> DEVELOP YOUR NURSING PORTFOLIO
Battlefield to bedside Paediatric nursing at Great Ormond Street Hospital Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London is a globally renowned children’s hospital, championing innovation and providing ground-breaking treatments for the rarest and most complex conditions. It is a tertiary service within the NHS, where advanced medical investigations and treatments are delivered. As a specialised consultative healthcare centre, GOSH has the largest range of children’s specialties in one institution in the UK. We believe that transferring advanced clinical skills from ‘battlefield to bedside’ will offer a unique and exciting opportunity to enhance and develop your nursing portfolio. The International and Private Patient Service at GOSH is looking for extraordinary nurses from HM Forces who are able to help drive our vision, to deliver world-class clinical care to the children we treat with their unique skill set. The service is one of eight directorates within the hospital, and provides life-saving care to more than 5,000 children from all over the world every year. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of specialties. The International and Private Patient Service incorporates every aspect of GOSH under one directorate, delivering mixed speciality care over four ward areas, in both inpatient and outpatient environments. This offers our nurses a unique opportunity to experience the broad spectrum of GOSH services in one area.
As an experienced nurse you will bring essential and transferable skills to our team. Access to our world-leading nurse education programme and purpose-built simulation centre will ensure you develop any additional skills you need to help treat the extraordinary children in our care. Our friendly team will be there to support you, every step of the way. When you join our team, you will also have access to a series of bespoke educational opportunities to increase your knowledge. In partnership with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, a series of cultural study days are available to improve your understanding of working with overseas patients. We also offer a range of leadership courses to build upon the skills you already have so that you can successfully apply them in a slightly different context. As well as permanent positions, we can offer work experience placements during resettlement with a working pattern flexible to you. For an informal discussion or to find out more, please contact Kate Rivett, Head of Nursing for the International and Private Patient Service, on 0207 829 7966 or email kate.rivett@gosh.nhs.uk Alternatively, find out more about what we do, or apply for a position at www.gosh.com.kw/nursing See the advertisement on page 67
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 14 February 2019, Salford CTP Employment Fair 7 March 2019, Epsom 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
l
l
Check the events calendar on the CTP website for the most up-to-date
the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and
information on which companies are exhibiting. To confirm your place, call the
experience Service leavers can offer
CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or
presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and
visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
vacancies l
All Employment Fair dates for 2019 are now available and ready to book: (see below).
a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large
Event Date
multinationals, across a host of industry sectors
North West: Salford 14 February 2019
the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and
South Central: Epsom 7 March 2019
other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. Each Employment Fair will have up to 90 national and local companies in attendance, which will be offering a wide range of employment opportunities
East Midlands/East: Newark 27 March 2019 Scotland: Edinburgh 25 April 2019
for those leaving the Armed Forces. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet
South West: Bristol 13 June 2019
employers with current and future job vacancies. This is a great networking
South East/East: Chelmsford 4 July 2019
opportunity.
North East: Newcastle upon Tyne 19 September 2019
The fairs are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP (see oppsite for details).
South Coast: Southampton 17 October 2019 West Midlands: Telford 7 November 2019
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
55
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT
STEVE BULLEYMENT
A
t the age of 45, I
THERE’S SO MUCH GOOD ADVICE OUT THERE NOW, START MAKING PLANS AS SOON AS YOU CAN
discovered sailing. I’d never tried it before,
partly because I swim like a fridge! However, as soon as I tried it, I fell in love with being alone on the open water. It’s given me my sanity back. No phones, no social media, no
You have these resources
demands from my business.
at hand with resettlement
It’s the closest to flying I’ve
courses and the internet.
felt since leaving the RAF.
There’s so much good advice out there now, start
Why do I tell you this?
making plans as soon as you can.
Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean. You’re part of a crew, all working hard together, on a non-stop journey. But eventually, when your time’s up, it’s your turn to leave the ship – and you won’t be pulling in to port to do so. The only way to leave is to be lowered down the side into open ocean. Then you’ll be alone in your rowing boat, and you’ll watch your friends and colleagues steam off into the distance without you. Leaving the Forces to
l
What’s the best wood
Boat building for beginners ‘Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘You’re part of a crew, all working hard together, but eventually you’ll be alone in your own rowing boat.’ What happens next is up to you …
to make a boat from? Softwood? Hardwood? How thick do the beams and hull need to be? Likewise, how much money do you need to make your new business work? What equipment will you need? Mine needed around £50,000 of investment, and how I spent that money was important. l
How do you fix it together? Maybe you’ve bought a ready-made kit that just needs fixing
start a business takes it one
together, such as a
step further. You’ll need to
franchise. Great stuff.
build your own rowing boat,
steel could stay afloat in such
and have it finished, before
a rough sea.
they lower you down into the water.
But what do you know about boat building?
Most of us have never
But is it screwed, glued,
been shown how to build a
nailed, or both? Your
boat, so you’ll need to learn
business is kept together
start your business, you’ll not
fast, otherwise you’ll be
by systems, your skills
be building something massive
getting wet feet!
and the processes that
Fortunately, when you
To stay afloat, you’ll need
and heavy. Your single-person
you put in place. Dealing
business will compare to a 15ft
a few basic things …
with enquiries, getting
wooden boat, hand crafted
l
Instructions: Unless you’re
out quotes to prospects,
If you’re thinking of starting
in your spare time before
incredibly creative and
and talking to customers
a business, you need to build
leaving the Forces, using tools
experienced, you’ll need
and suppliers. These are
a boat, from scratch, that’s
and skills you’ve researched
drawings, with dimensions
your glue, screws or nails
going to stay afloat. But what
and studied.
and assembly instructions.
that will keep everything together.
do you know boat building? In my flying career we’d recce massive container ships, fully laden, in rough seas, yet somehow staying afloat. This always amazed me. How something made of heavy
56
The correct material:
Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/TheCarKeyMan
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
l
How are you going to waterproof it? What’s going to stop the water coming in through the gaps? Even the smallest leak will sink the largest
Read Steve’s regularly updated blog at: http://steveoncivvystreet.co.uk/
There’s no doubt that if you market yourself
of boats. It’s just a matter
However, it takes time
correctly, using Google
of time. How do you
for a website to work,
AdWords, leaflet drops,
make sure you’ll stay leak
just as it can take time
Facebook ads and
However, things will go
free? Bailing out water is
for you to learn how to
radio, to name a few,
wrong. Things you won’t
exhausting! If you spring
use the sail correctly
it will get you moving
a leak, you’ll need to start
and get some speed.
fast.
The financial crash of 2008 is
the perfect example, as is the
bailing out. This works for a while. However, you can bail out only for so long. If all you’re doing is trying to stay afloat, you’ll not have the time or the energy to
THINGS WILL GO WRONG. THINGS YOU WON’T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER
sail your boat or enjoy the l
THE REWARDS ARE AMAZING, SO WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?
paid advertising.
But it’s expensive.
Think of your total
current turmoil around Brexit.
budget as the fuel
When the sea picks up, you
in the tank of your
need to know the waters won’t
outboard engine. The
overcome your tiny boat.
faster and longer you
Maybe this will mean putting
run it, the quicker
extra insurance in place,
you’ll use up your
having a reserve of money,
view.
How are you going to
sailing, in a light wind
budget. Then you’ll
or having friends and family
move the boat? Oars,
I’d go nowhere, while
need to spend more
to call on to help bail you out
a sail or an outboard
more experienced
on fuel. Having a
with time or money. Whatever
engine? I compare this to
sailors around me
heavy motor on the
it is, making plans for bad
advertising.
would manage a good
boat, which you can’t
weather is vital. I didn’t, and
o Using oars is like
speed by carefully
afford to run, becomes
it wasn’t fun to be out in a
word of mouth. Slow
setting the sail
nothing more than
storm, with a boat half-filled
and steady, you can
correctly. This is the
ballast, slowing you
with water, trust me.
trust oars to get you
same as your website.
down. So, before you
where you need to
Getting leads from
sign up to anything,
business. Choosing the
be. However, if you’re
your site depends on
consider your long-
correct materials, making sure
going any distance,
your visitors calling
term budget.
they’re a good fit, that they
it’s going to take a
you. It’s tricky to learn,
Navigation. Where are you
all work together. Sometimes,
long time. Perfect for
but essential. My site
going? Do you have a plan,
the thought of setting sail will
a Sunday splash on
now gets 25,000
other than just staying
be overwhelming. Other times,
the boating lake, but
visits a month and is
afloat? If you’ve read my
it will feel like most natural
will they move your
growing, but in the
story,* you’ll know I had
thing ever.
new business quickly
early days it was a tiny
no idea what I was doing
enough?
number.
and can’t remember even
the helm, steering your
thinking about navigation.
own course and racing in
o A sail is your website.
In my early days of
have any control over.
l
o Lastly an outboard
This is building your
Good luck. Being at
Hoisting it means
motor. As big as the
It was enough for me to
strong winds is exhilarating,
you’re in business.
boat can handle, it
just keep my feet out of all
rewarding and will push you
Once you get some
will speed you along,
the water that was coming
to the limits. The rewards are
traffic to the site, it
cutting past other
in. I was in deep debt.
amazing, so what’s stopping
will give you leads and
sailors without any
Think about it before you
you? Q
hopefully customers.
problem. This is like
cast off, because when you’re out at sea, you
need to know where you’re
KEY SKILLS 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.
heading, otherwise you’ll go around in circles. l
Lastly, what have you got in preparation for rough seas? It’s going to happen. I didn’t
Get in touch 07832 147601 or 01522 514141
believe anything could
Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com
go wrong for me. I’m
thecarkeyman.com
the eternal optimist.
* Read all of Steve’s previous articles on our website. Go to www.questonline.co.uk and search ‘Steve Bulleyment’.
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT MEET THE RESERVES
KELLY RICHARDSON, RAF RESERVIST
Scaling new heights
During 2018, the Royal Air Force has, of course, been celebrating its 100th birthday. A mountaineering expedition to Nepal (Himalayan Venture 2018) has been organised in honour of the RAF celebrations, which will bring all of the RAF family together, with Air Cadets, University Air Squadrons, Regulars and Reserves all heading to the Himalayas for the month of September. ‘I am thrilled to have made it on to one of the teams,’ says Kelly. ‘It has been quite an extensive selection process, with superbly organised training along the way. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I really feel like I am part of something much bigger than myself, which I would not have gained access to in the civilian world.’ With such a busy lifestyle, the inevitable question looms. How is it possible to
The Reserve Forces are an integral part of the nation’s Armed Forces. With the government’s plans to increase the size of the Reserves to create a more balanced Armed Forces structure, their contribution will be more important than ever. In the third and final part of our series, read about some of those who’ve already joined up – and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.
personal commitments? ‘It’s not always easy, but provided you manage your time correctly and communicate well with everyone involved, it is very achievable. The Reservist Phase 1 and 2 training is planned and split so that it is spread out over a number of months, so that you can fit work, life and holiday commitments around it. It feels comprehensive, without
Reservist with 3 Tactical Police
K
brilliant work–life balance, which I was really
really complement each other, and there is
Squadron based at RAF Honington
craving. My employer now has an extremely
plenty of opportunity for your family to get
in Suffolk for the past year. She doesn’t
happy and motivated member of staff as
involved with events taking place.’
have a typical 9-to-5 desk job: working
a result. I am gaining skills and experience
for Collett’s Mountain Holidays, a Saffron
that I am, without doubt, applying and using
Kelly’s heart. Her father was a long-term
Walden-based company specialising in
in my civilian job.’
RAF Reservist as a gliding instructor, and
elly Richardson has been an RAF
mountain holidays, she spends most of
‘In the last 12 months, I’ve enjoyed a
Having joined the RAF Mountaineering
being overwhelming. They can also all
In many ways, the RAF is close to
her fiancé is an RAF regular and officer
her time managing European resorts, and
Association (RAFMA), Kelly has already
with the Regiment. ‘My advice to anybody
developing new and exciting locations for
attended a number of their meetings in
considering becoming a Reservist is, go
the business.
parts of the Lake District, Scotland and
for it! It can seem like quite an intimidating
Wales. ‘I am currently working towards my
process at the beginning, with a whole new
I had become quite settled and a bit too
Mountain Leader qualification, which I am
military language to learn (and a lot of
comfortable, and really needed a new
gaining through the RAF – an incredible
acronyms!). My biggest fear was not that
challenge. I wanted to spend my weekends
opportunity and something that I hope to
the training process would be too intense
doing something more meaningful. I was
give back in the form of sharing the skills
for me, but that I was going to do something
also craving being surrounded by similar
I’ve learned with new members in the
wrong or salute the wrong person. This
and likeminded people.
future.’
seems very daft now of course. Everyone
‘I love my civilian job,’ she says, ‘but
58
balance Reservist life with work and
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
has been through exactly the same process in one way or another, and every person I have met in my journey so far has been incredibly approachable, open and encouraging.’
Thinking of joining? In the past 15 years, Reservists have been called out to serve on
100% Guaranteed Work Placements
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to name just a few, resulting in many employers experiencing the mobilisation of one or more employees. Research suggests that 87% of Reservist employers who have experienced mobilisation were very supportive. This is good news, as Reservists could not carry out their important role, and train to the high standards of professionalism required, without the cooperation of their employers. Working in pressurised conditions during training or periods of mobilisation inevitably develops Reservists’ self-confidence, but it also helps them develop skills that many organisations in the civilian world don’t have the time or money to develop. In fact, research has found that the average employer would have to pay over £8,000 a year to purchase the same training in civilian skills as their employees receive from their Reservist training. Skills gained include soft skills such as leadership, initiative, decision making and working as a team – all important attributes for people working in many different sectors. The government wants to make joining the Reserves more attractive to ex-Regulars and, to this end, has simplified the Regular-to-Reserve transfer process, reinforcing it with financial incentives such as the Commitment Bonus. Introduced in 2013, this provides a payment of £5,000 over three years for ex-Regular transfers. In addition, Service leavers will be able to retain their rank on transfer to the Reserves and receive access to higher rates of Training Bounty on account of prior regular service. Throughout history, Reservists have provided the capacity to expand the Regular Forces to face new challenges when needed, and it would be impossible for the UK to mount a major military operation without the support of the Reserves.
Q
To find out more about joining the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, like Kelly, visit www.earfca.org.uk Q
KEY CONTACTS Defence Relationship Management (DRM) is the single point of contact that links employers with the MoD. To discover more, visit www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-relationshipmanagement Find out more about the benefits of being a Reservist here: l Army Reserve www.army.mod.uk/reserve/31781.aspx l Royal Naval Reserve www.royalnavy.mod.uk/rnr l Royal Marines Reserve www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/ skills-and-specialisations/royal-marines-reserve l RAF Reserve www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/lifestylebenefits/life-as-a-reserve/
Brookhouse Training Centre is the UK’s Number One gas, plumbing and electrical training and assessment specialist. We offer full and part time training courses with Level 3 Qualifications. So, if your next move is a career in gas engineering or domestic electrical contracting, you need to speak to us first. Call today for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to one of our open mornings
0844 415 2700
Go to www.brookhousetraining.com/MOD
questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019
59
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from January 2019 to March 2019 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
RRC Cottesmore
German CV Writing
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Mixed Class
Central London
07 January 2019 09 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019
07 January 2019 09 January 2019 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019 26 March 2019 28 March 2019 CTW Mixed Class 11 February 2019 14 February 2019 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019
07 January 2019 09 January 2019 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 12 February 2019 14 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 26 February 2019 28 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 05 March 2019 07 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019 19 March 2019 21 March 2019
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019
24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 05 February 2019 07 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019
CTW Mixed Class
21 January 2019 23 January 2019 (Course location Brize Norton) 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 (Course location Brize Norton) 18 March 2019 20 March 2019 (Course location Brize Norton)
CTW Officer 12 February 2019
14 February 2019
CTW Officer/SNCO 29 January 2019 26 March 2019
31 January 2019 28 March 2019
rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 07 February 2019
07 February 2019
FAR All Ranks 27 March 2019
27 March 2019
17 January 2019 14 March 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019
08 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019
FAR All Ranks 07 February 2019
07 February 2019
Final Approach 05 February 2019
05 February 2019
New Horizons in Retirement 26 February 2019
26 February 2019
25 January 2019 08 March 2019
15 January 2019 17 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 12 March 2019 14 March 2019
FAR All Ranks 24 January 2019 24 January 2019 (Course location External Venue) 07 March 2019 07 March 2019 (Course location External Venue)
New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement
29 January 2019 21 March 2019
11 March 2019 11 March 2019
29 January 2019 21 March 2019
RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 05 February 2019 07 February 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 14 February 2019 14 March 2019
25 January 2019 15 February 2019 15 March 2019
Self Employment Awareness 21 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019
21 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019
RC Germany
resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Senior Officer 08 January 2019 05 February 2019 19 February 2019 19 March 2019
10 January 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019
FAR Senior Officers 28 February 2019 28 February 2019 (Course location RC Northolt)
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 21 January 2019 04 March 2019
21 January 2019 04 March 2019
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 07 January 2019 09 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019
CTW Officer
14 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019
16 January 2019 13 February 2019 20 March 2019
30 January 2019
30 January 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp
START DATE END DATE
Self Employment Awareness
CTW Junior Ranks
24 January 2019 28 March 2019
28 January 2019 30 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019
CTW Officer/SNCO 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019
21 January 2019 25 February 2019 14 March 2019
21 February 2019
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
17 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 March 2019
FAR All Ranks
21 January 2019 25 February 2019 14 March 2019
FAR All Ranks
60
17 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 March 2019
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp
Self Employment Awareness 25 January 2019 08 March 2019
CTW Officer/SNCO
Self Employment Awareness
CTW SNCO 15 January 2019q 12 March 2019
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
21 February 2019
07 February 2019
07 February 2019
24 January 2019 28 March 2019
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019
CTW Mixed Class
07 January 2019 09 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 (Course location Culdrose) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019
12 March 2019 14 March 2019 (Course location Culdrose)
CTW Officer/SNCO 21 January 2019 25 February 2019 25 March 2019
23 January 2019 27 February 2019 27 March 2019
07 February 2019
07 February 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp
21 January 2019 23 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019
24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019
19 February 2019 19 February 2019
Self Employment Awareness
31 January 2019 07 March 2019
RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk
26 March 2019 28 March 2019 (Course location Faslane)
CTW Officer/SNCO 28 January 2019
30 January 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp
24 January 2019 24 January 2019 28 February 2019 28 February 2019 21 March 2019 21 March 2019
FAR All Ranks
FAR All Ranks
FAR All Ranks
31 January 2019 07 March 2019
CTW SNCO
17 January 2019 14 March 2019
17 January 2019 14 March 2019
27 February 2019
Self Employment Awareness
20 March 2019
14 January 2019 14 February 2019
14 January 2019 14 February 2019
RRC Tidworth
RRC Rosyth
27 February 2019
Self Employment Awareness 20 March 2019
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Mixed Class
04 February 2019
06 February 2019
CTW Mixed Class 07 January 2019 09 January 2019 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019
CTW Officer
28 January 2019 25 February 2019 25 March 2019
30 January 2019 27 February 2019 27 March 2019
07 January 2019 09 January 2019 15 January 2019 17 January 2019 (Course location Faslane) 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 (Course location Kinloss) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 (Course location Lossiemouth) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 (Course location Faslane) 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 (Course location Kinloss) 18 March 2019 20 March 2019
07 January 2019 14 January 2019 21 January 2019 04 February 2019 11 February 2019 18 February 2019 04 March 2019 11 March 2019 18 March 2019
09 January 2019 16 January 2019 23 January 2019 06 February 2019 13 February 2019 20 February 2019 06 March 2019 13 March 2019 20 March 2019
CTW Mixed Class 25 February 2019 27 February 2019
CTW Officer 15 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019
17 January 2019 14 February 2019 14 March 2019
CTW Officer/SNCO 28 January 2019 25 March 2019
30 January 2019 27 March 2019
CTW SNCO 08 January 2019 22 January 2019 05 February 2019 19 February 2019 05 March 2019 19 March 2019
10 January 2019 24 January 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 07 March 2019 21 March 2019
Employment Support Programme Wksp 10 January 2019 10 January 2019 24 January 2019 24 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 21 February 2019 07 March 2019 07 March 2019 21 March 2019 21 March 2019
FAR All Ranks
31 January 2019 31 January 2019 (Course location External Venue)
New Horizons in Retirement 11 February 2019
11 February 2019
Self Employment Awareness 16 January 2019 16 January 2019 13 February 2019 13 February 2019 11 March 2019 11 March 2019
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
#RECRUITING Interested in a career in property investing? Ex forces members just like you are making life changing money whilst enjoying a career path which gives them time and freedom. Hi I’m Steven Green founder of the property investment academy an ex forces guy myself. I’ve built up a portfolio of 5.5 million pounds from scratch. Straight talking approach teaching tried tested and proven strategies for huge success. •No experience needed •You Can start with a small amount of money
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Since 2005, TDI has effec�vely provided mine ac�on services to humanitarian and commercial organisa�ons, offering landmine and unexploded ordnance clearance, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), risk educa�on, EOD and IEDD training, fleet maintenance, and remote logis�cs solu�ons in 18 countries across Africa and the Middle East. 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.
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61
Q
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
62
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 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
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www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l 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
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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)
Outflow
<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
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.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
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
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 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
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01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
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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
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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 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
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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 December 2018/January 2019
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FACTFILE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
Reach out, we’ll be there How one man benefited from Stoll’s Veterans’ Outreach Service
to the UK because of family troubles, but I knew it was the best thing to do.’ After moving back, Adam began to think of the future and what was next. He put his analytical mind and building skills into practice and secured a role as a medical technician with St John Ambulance, working for the London Ambulance Service. ‘I had a major flashback to the Gulf when I saw a burns patient at work. It
SINCE WORKING WITH STOLL, MY MENTAL PERCEPTION HAS CHANGED; I FEEL HAPPIER AND HAVE SOME OF MY INDEPENDENCE BACK could be – they went above and beyond, and I am so grateful.’
took me by surprise really. I was living in
A
Acton at the time and felt unsafe in my
If you have ever served in the British
area so decided to move to West London.
Armed Forces, the Veterans’ Outreach
A few days before I moved, I helped my
Service is here to support you and your
neighbour, who had been stabbed. That
dependents. This service is available to
confirmed my move for me. It wasn’t the
Veterans within the M25.
right area for me to be in, especially in such
The support provided covers a wide
an intense job and coping with my health.
range of areas, including housing
dam Wilding followed in his
I was struggling to manage financially and
advice and support to access suitable
biological father’s footsteps,
pay off debt that was accumulating. I was
accommodation, advice on welfare
joining the RAF in 1988 and
in an emotionally low place.
benefits, debt and money management,
serving for six years. During his time
mental and/or physical health,
in the Forces, he was deployed in the
I sometimes regret joining the RAF. The
employment advice, and access to social
first Gulf War, went on to be based on
only thing that really made it worth it was
and community activities.
Ascension Island and then to work on
the friends I made.’
the NATO operation in Norway. Adam
In 2017, Adam gave blood in the
Find out more
finished his career at RAF Benson,
community hall at Stoll Mansions and
Stoll has been providing support to
working for the Air Vice Marshal. Before
happened to donate next to a member of
the Veteran community for more than
needing knee surgery, Adam also used
Stoll’s Outreach Service. ‘It was by chance
100 years and is here to support the
to run for the RAF and was Cornish
that I came across Stoll and heard about
next generation of Veterans. For more
champion.
what they do – while I was donating blood!
information about finding a home with Stoll
I started working with their Outreach
or accessing support, please visit
was ironic that I was posted to the Gulf.
Service and focused on managing my
www.stoll.org.uk or call the Outreach Team
I realised shortly after I came back that
money and accessing my medical war
on 020 7385 2110. Q
something wasn’t quite right and I was told
pension so I have security for the future.
it would pass. I got on with my job and sort
The service also directed to me to the
of tried to laugh it off and carry on. I could
right medical help and I received a post-
tell I felt different.’
traumatic stress diagnosis earlier this year.
‘I didn’t really want to go to war, so it
Due to defence cuts, Adam left the
I’m looking to perhaps take an AAP course
RAF in 1994 and began working on the
in the future to enhance my qualifications,
Queen Elizabeth II cruise liner for three
but for now I want to focus on starting
years. He continued for the next 17 years
from scratch.
to work on private yachts and in houses,
66
‘Thinking about what’s happened to me,
’I was on the carpet at that time in
as a butler, chief steward and purser,
my life and now I’m off the carpet. It all
travelling the world. In 2009, Adam took on
hit me like a shovel. Since working with
the incredible challenge of building a 95m
Stoll, my mental perception has changed;
yacht in Hamburg.
I feel happier and have some of my
‘In 2013, my physical health started
independence back. The Stoll Outreach
to deteriorate. I didn’t want to move back
Service helped me see a snippet of what
December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk
KEY CONTACT Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 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
EXTRAORDINARY CHILDREN. AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER. TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR NURSING CAREER. Our International and Private Patients Service is looking for nurses from a range of backgrounds including HM forces. You’ll work across a range of specialties, developing a broad and transferable set of skills. You don’t need to have extensive paediatric experience. Our world-class training programme will ensure you develop the skills you need, and our friendly team will be there to support you, every day.
Visit gosh.com.kw/nursing Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered Charity no. 1160024.
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Step into Health is open to all service leavers, veterans, spouses/partners and dependants. It is an incredible opportunity for you to explore the extensive career options available. Whether you are interested in catering, maintenance, administration, finance, communications, management, or a role in one of the clinical services, this programme will benefit you. The NHS is keen to invite you to explore your transferable skills and the potential training and career opportunities available.
www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk
#StepintoHealth