YOUR HOME FOR EVERYTHING ELC December 2017
£250 PRIZE
WINNER It could be you! page 22
PLUS Access Diplomas Civvy savvy Transition support
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER The benefits of being your own boss page 52
And get on course for these careers: Building trades Renewables Telecoms
A very happy Christmas to all our readers and advertisers!
INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
questonline.co.uk
www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
* XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL 4VF ,JOH .#&
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.
4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
CALL +44(0)1908 587665 Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
www.gastectraining.co.uk
T
H
E
EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR CHRISTMAS EDITION OF QUEST magazine, incorporating
COURSES 4 FORCES. If you’re a regular reader, you’ll already know that it’s the only guide you’ll need to funding, courses, careers and resettlement. And, if you’re a newcomer to these pages, whether you’re still serving or have already started on your resettlement journey, you’ll find that QUEST is the wrapping around two main gifts to you, to help you in your resettlement and education planning in the year ahead … The first section gathers together all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to make the most of it – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim. As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also highlight how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications, wherever you are, and focus on higher-level study choices, if that’s where your sights are set. Talking of high achievements, the subject of our HE success story this month – Macmillan social worker, Ian Hall – tells us how meticulous planning and relevant course choices helped him carve out the civvy career path he wanted. He’s also our latest ‘QUEST questionnaire’ £250 prize winner! Turn to page 46 to find out how you could be next. We check out three career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition: building trades and its close relative renewable energy, as well as telecoms. We also find out how Access to HE qualifications could help you broaden your horizons – even if you thought higher education was out of reach. The section winds up with our one-stop education and funding planner, summarising your education and personal development opportunities, with ideas on
improving your career prospects and highlighting the funding sources available to help you achieve your aims. In part two, there’s our usual mix of practical advice and inspiration. First, regular QUEST contributor Ryan Mansfield – also featured on this month’s cover – tells us why being his own boss offers him the benefits of a better balance at work. After that, we find out how Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll has helped one individual turn her life around, while our regular contributor Steve Higgs is here with more useful suggestions to help make sure you’re civvy savvy. To further aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, pulling together in one place useful information from a wide range of sources. At the heart of all this is ‘The Hub’, where you’ll find key information on courses and training options alongside reader reports and transition news. As ever, drawing together in one place essential training, support and career information, we hope you will find this issue the perfect Christmas present … for your future!
For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk
Lynn Brown Editor
Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of
Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
CONNECT WITH US questonline.co.uk questmagazine
questmagazine Quest Magazine Group: groups/quest Quest Magazine Company: company/quest Quest Magazine Profile: quest-magazine info@questonline.co.uk
December 2017
3
DECEMBER 2017 >>
Contents YOUR ELC
06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding
28
12 How to claim if you are still serving 14 How to claim after leaving 16 Avoiding queries or rejection 18 ELC dos and don’ts 20 Higher-level study 22 HE success story: Ian Hall’s meticulous approach to planning his resettlement paid off – he’s also our latest £250 prize winner! 24 Distance learning 26 Qualifications to further your Service career 28 On course: Building trades 36 On course: Renewables 38 On course: Telecoms 42 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts
THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
52 Success story: inspiration from the civilian workplace. This month, regular QUEST contributor and small business owner, Ryan Mansfield 55 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Trainers in focus: Electrical Courses Ltd 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile
4
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
38
12
22
56
52
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
5
Q
YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
ELC 101 The basics
S
ubject to certain eligibility criteria (see page 8), 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
Service activities will usually meant
combination of both higher and lower
learning of at least 20% of the cost
that no further claims will be allowed.
levels.
(the ELC element includes VAT but
ELC may be claimed for the same
excludes travel, accommodation, food,
compassionate reasons cause your
learning course if it continues for more
books and materials).
withdrawal, you should seek advice
You must discuss your plans with
from your Education Staff or Learning
purpose each year.
your line manager and education
Adviser.Q
If one course combines with others for
adviser before making any financial
combined to claim ELC.
l
l
l
If unexpected Service or
commitment. l
ELC are available for full- or part-time
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
study for a qualification at level 3 or
It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,
above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,
which is a single payment of up to
with an organisation on the approved
£3,000 for those with six or more
providers list maintained by ELCAS.
years of qualifying service, which will
l
count as all three awards.
− – Service training
The PF FE/HE scheme provides
You may not claim ELC for:
− – civilian accredited Service training
Service leavers and Service personnel
(unless at least 30 hours extra work
in their qualifying resettlement phase
is involved, together with a separate
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
exam, assessment or assignment)
From its inception until the end of
with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE qualification (a foundation
− – membership fees
October 2017, 383,255 people had
degree or a first undergraduate
− – books and materials
registered with the ELC scheme and
degree or equivalent) with support
− – normal Service sport and
134,119 claims had been made, to the
towards tuition fees.
6
Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/
l
a single learning purpose these can be l
l
You must make a contribution to your
than a year, or for a different learning l
Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March).
to run consecutively, and may be a
l
l
The three separate years do not have
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
adventurous training.
value of £212.6 million.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Rise above the rest, train with the best and join a team that works .... Train to become a driving instructor with Learner Driving Centre
Successfully training Armed Forces personnel for over 20 years Training available in over 50 locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales Train while you serve, training courses are exible to suit your service commitments Be your own boss, run your own driving school and work the hours you choose High potential earnings, our instructors charge between £20 and £30 per hour Guaranteed position with our driving school upon qualication DIA WINNERS 2016 TRAINING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR OFFICIAL REGISTER OF
ORDIT DRIVING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
visit www.LDCForces.co.uk or call
Ref: 801
* Course fees apply
0800 197 0010 - 01977 691800
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
7
Q
YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Are you eligible for ELC?
Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l
All Regular Service Personnel (SP)
have left the Service or entered your
day of service, you will be eligible to claim
currently in service will be auto-
qualifying resettlement phase on or
ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to
enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will
after 17 July 2008
meeting the other conditions associated
meet UK residency requirements to
with the scheme.
future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l
l
What about if you are medically
both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards
medically discharged from service before
discharged?
increased from four to six years as
achieving the required number of years’
You are eligible to claim ELC at the lower
of 1 April 2017. If you had already
service. If this is the case, please seek
(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier depending
accumulated four years’ qualifying
advice from your unit education staffs.
on your length of service on the date of
In detail …
award and FEHE.
When can you start claiming ELC?
of service, you may be eligible to make
If you left service on or after 1 April
You can start claiming when you have
claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury
2016, you are entitled to post-service
accumulated the necessary qualifying
or illness was caused or significantly
access to ELC and FEHE for five years.
years of service. For example, if you
worsened, wholly or predominantly by
If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31
registered on the ELC scheme and have
service, as defined by the Armed Forces
March 2016 inclusive, you will have
been serving since 1 April 2000, you will
Compensation Scheme (JSP765).
until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or
have been entitled to start claiming at the
FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
What if you are no longer serving?
If you left before 1 April 2011, you
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted
If you have already left the Service or are
will retain ten years of post-Service
above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying
in your resettlement phase, you may be
access.
service for lower-tier awards increased
eligible to claim under the terms of the
from four to six years. However, if you
Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher
accumulated four years’ qualifying service
Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look
before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to
at the feature on page 12 to find out more –
claim your lower-tier awards.
or, for full details and to check the detailed
must:
l
have completed four years of full-time
discharged prior to completing six years
eligibility rules, visit
service or, since 1 April 2017, six years
What happens if you are made redundant?
have joined – or since April 2016
Irrespective of whether or not you applied
been automatically enrolled – on the
to be made redundant, you will cease
Find out more
scheme and completed four years’ or,
to accrue service for ELC eligibility on
Much more detailed information is
from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying
the day you leave service. If you have
available in JSP822, which can be
scheme membership
accrued six or more years’ service since
downloaded from the ELCAS website at
apply only for a first eligible FE/HE
registering on the scheme by your last day
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
qualification at the level for which you
of service, you will still be eligible to claim
are academically qualified to enter
ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have
learning on leaving the Service
accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last
8
discharge. Additionally, if you are medically
your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier
To take advantage of ELC support, you
l
qualify for full state subsidy. Special eligibility criteria apply if you were
In brief … l
l
The qualifying service required for
service before 1 April 2017, you keep
l
l
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Call us now on 01
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
30 ELCAS d Transi Course Pr
Transitional Qualifications for your new career
for
Call us now on 01284 76 Leadership &
22 Packages
Multi CourseLevel 3 - 5
Health & Saf
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry
Env. IOSH CIE
Quality & En Health, Safety, Construction IT & HR Traini Fire & Environment 30 ELCAS discou NEBOSH Course Progra Leadership & Management Passout ILM Leadership & Man Project Management Level 3 - 5
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. 15th
guarantee
Passout
Health & Safety - N
Quality & Environment Env. IOSH CIEH Risk Auditor Quality & Environm
Upcoming Dates in 2017 and 2018:
December 2017,
26th
Jan 2018,
IT & HR Training - M
23rd Feb 2018
Help provided w Passout guara Techniques sup available all as guarantee
Passout
Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11 www.thesurveillancegroup.com
Passout guarantee Transitional Qualifi cations Re-sit for FREE for your new career within 12 months
guarantee
Passout
Call us now on 01284 763040 or email mod@oaktree-training.co.uk Help provided with you Techniques support an eMail: steve@oaktree-training.co.uk ELC all as part o must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing available to courses
oaktree-training.co.uk
Readers
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
t: 01284 763040
PROVIDER NUMBER
4687
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
ww
30 ELCAS discounted Internationally recognised Course Programmes and Career counselling MOD_Advert_300315.indd 1 APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC PROVIDER NUMBER
Accredited Centre 896
4687
Leadership & Management - ILM Awards & Certificates Level 3 - 5
Health & Safety - NEBOSH NGS/Construct/Fire/ Env. IOSH CIEH Risk
1 Quality & Environment - QMS - EMS - OSHAS MOD_Advert_300315.indd 18001 Auditor IT & HR Training - MS Office - HR Officer - Train Trainer
guarantee
Passout guarantee - re-sit for FREE within 12 months
Passout
Have us on your radar ... it’s your future Help provided with your: FREE CV Conversion, Interview Techniques support and Independent Financial Advice, available all as part of our service
www.oaktree-training.co.uk APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC PROVIDER NUMBER
4687
MOD_Advert_300315.indd 1
Accredited Centre 896
Partner
30/03/2015 17:15
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
9
Q
Distance learning
Distance How to use your ELC funding YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS
What is distance learning? When your claim’s approved, there’s aallows wide of they istance learning people tochoice study when and where Dwant, rather than on the same site as the institution that is where to spend your funding providing the education (as is the case with ‘traditional’ study). As
E
LC are available for full- or parttime study for a qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the
National Qualifications Framework/ Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/ RQF),* with an organisation on the approved providers list held by ELCAS and viewable at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or equivalent award. You may also use ELC to fund anything above that, too, like university modules or nationally recognised diplomas. This might include:
well as ‘distance learning’, you are likely to come across terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all these types of learning are likely to overlap, but, as a rough rule of thumb, l foundation degrees CHOOSING Aclasses COURSE open learning includes more face�to�face than distance l postgraduate qualifications Before deciding on a course, you learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are l other academic qualifications should consider: tutors and physical material available to help students. l professional self-development its relevance to your personal Distance learninglranges from courses of even as little as a few l accreditation of prior learning development plan hours, to degrees and postgraduate qualifications that may involve l vocational training l your ability to undertake it several years’ study. So�called ‘short courses’ typically last days or l likely disruptions to Service l registration and accreditation fees weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those subjects with a requirements l sports qualifications strong practical element often have modules that are appropriate for l the flexibility of the study method. l overseas qualifications distance learning. l resettlement training (during last two Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days, years of service only). learning materials and support mayQualifications be provided by either(RQF) one or * The Regulated Framework is a replacing the Qualifications Credit Framework To find out more about accessing higher-of the following combination means: books, and telephone, DVD, CD� (QCF) from 1 October onwards.learning, Ofqual expects ROM, email, the internet, podcasts and2015 via mobile where level study in particular, take a look at our the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017. the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or feature on page 20. through a wireless server. Some providers offer course elements via the iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free of charge. Many courses make extensive use of the internet. Others involve tutor groups, which may meet regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’ duration for classroom education on top of regular, directed coursework at a distance.
LEARN TO TEACH GOLF If you have a passion for golf and would like to change your career, then why not enrol on one of our famous accelerated teacher training courses. The EGTF run recognised courses all year round, and our training program is open to anyone with a passion for learning to teach golf.
Convenience is the key
The great thing about distance learning – especially for those in the Armed Forces, who may be posted anywhere in the world – is that it puts you in control of your education. Once you have chosen and enrolled on your course (see below), you are free to study when, where – and, these days, how – you choose, so you can fit your education around your current work and/or family commitments. You might be an early bird, who works best first thing in the morning; or you might be a night owl, who finds the evenings the best time to study successfully – it’s entirely up to you. And of course, in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile learning, Continued on page 10
A career in law without a law degreee
“THE STEPPING STONE TO REALISING YOUR DREAMS AND CHANGING YOUR LIFE.�
Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition into a second ond career b by y stud studying ying MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` SLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` distance learning earning
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 1432
PROVIDER NUMBER
European Golf Teachers Federation
vider no. 1105
Established since 1992 For an Information brochure contact
T: 00 44 (0)1643 706010 E: egtf@mail.com www.egtf.co.uk
10
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
8
cilexlawschool.ac.uk and S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
Winter 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
W Woodward SHE Ltd.
W W Your Training - Your Entitlement - Your Future
5 NEBOSH Certificate Quals 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD
Now taking course bookings for Spring 2018 in Catterick.
NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH International General Certificate Conversion NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety NEBOSH Inter. Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Safety NEBOSH National Diploma in Health & Safety NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management
Resettlement Courses Also Available at Our Training Venues in Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Telephone ~ Sharon on 01228 - 592614 email ~ info@woodwardgroup.co.uk
www.woodwardgroup.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
E LC Logo 4435
PROVIDER NUMBER
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
11
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.
8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the
2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future.
scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application
3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning
to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee,
staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol.
so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their
5. Go to the ELCAS website at
tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online.
10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being
6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they
withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims
are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver
process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822,
publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme
which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at
membership using the information on the ELC website.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
Operations Officer or Flight Dispatcher
Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding
Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
1009
12
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
www.avtech2000.co.uk
01452 722528
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
3 Diploma in Railway NVQ Level Diploma in in Railway NVQ Level 3 Diploma Railway Overhead Line Construction Engineering Line Construction Engineering Overhead Line Construction (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) This Level 33 Qualification includes: This Level Qualification includes: This Level 3 Qualification includes: • • Personal Track Safety DCCR (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) • • Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Safely at Heights, Moving and Handling, Safely at at Heights, Manual Handling, Safely Heights, Manual Handling, Manual Handling, Harness Safety,and Fire Harness Safety, Fire Awareness Harness Safety, Fire Awareness and Awareness and Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 Common Induction (ICI) • Industry Industry Common Induction (ICI) (OLEC 1) • • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 1 Overhead Line Electrification Level Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 (OLEC 1) 1) (OLEC (OLEC 2) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 Overhead Line Electrification Level • Overhead Line Electrification Level 3 2 (OLEC 2) 2) (OLEC (OLEC 3)
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 a wide variety of rail courses and 2014 We offer a wide variety ofof rail courses and ininin 2014 We offer a wide variety rail courses and 2014 opened a brand new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a brand new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a brand new indoor practical rail training centre. Akona Ltd is an NSARE approved provider of Overhead Akona Ltd is is anan NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd NSAR approved provider Overhead line Electrification Training which meets to Network Rail line Construction Training which meets toto Network Rail line Construction Training which meets Network Rail Standards. Standards. Standards.
ContactUs Us Contact
Contact Us Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Email: info@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004
completed in in our indoor The course will be 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.
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 Level 3 Diploma Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ 3 Diploma in Railway Engineering Line Construction (QCF) Line Construction (QCF) Overhead Line Construction (QCF)
NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS… Course One
Course Two
Course Three
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
Course Four
Course Five
Course Six
NEBOSH International Technical Certifcate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety
NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
SPECIAL OFFER…
Choose any combination of three courses for one ELC claim. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
6781
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
13
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING
No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services
A
Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).
lthough the main purpose of ELC
evidence of your last day of Service,
Royal Navy
is to encourage serving personnel
which could be a copy of your discharge
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
to pursue higher-level learning that
document, a copy of your P45
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
benefits both the learner and the Armed
terminating employment or a document
PO2 8BY
Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning
stamped by your regiment confirming
02392 625954
to be pursued during resettlement or for
your leaving date**
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
up to five years after leaving the Services.*
l
The majority of this learning is likely to be vocational (learning new skills or enhancing
address
Army
full information about the course you
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
wish to undertake and including details of
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
benefiting the learner and a future employer
your registration date where applicable.
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
First of all, refer to the eligibility
l
a copy of a utility bill showing your home
existing ones), with the qualification and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
with payment by sending it, along with your
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
criteria listed on page 8. To make a claim,
20% minimum contribution, to the training
Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently
download the appropriate form from the
provider.
closed until further notice; during this time
ELCAS website and complete it fully, except
When you have completed your course,
all enquiries are to be made by email elc@detsa.co.uk
for Parts 4 and 5 – your Single Service
you must also complete the evaluation form
Representative (SSR) will complete these
and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it
elements (you will find their contact details in
could jeopardise your next claim. If you have
Royal Air Force
the accompanying box). Send your otherwise
any doubts about any aspect of this process,
Learning Credits Administrator,
fully completed claim form to them at the
contact your single-Service education/
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
relevant address (again, see box), along with:
learning representative for advice before
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
submitting a claim. Q
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
IMPORTANT!
14
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
NG34 8HB
All applications must be submitted to
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
01400 268 183
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk
working days prior to the start of the
for the expiration date of your claims.
course you wish to take. They will
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
then submit approved applications to
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
ELCAS. You should not submit your
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
claim form direct to ELCAS.
personnel can request details of discharge dates from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.
l
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | Lo 6781 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest PROVIDER NUMBER
THE COLLEGE OF
O S T E O PAT H S
www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk
Ever thought of becoming an Osteopath?
“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.
Flexible study routes - work-based, taught, mixed-mode programme or Supported Distance Learning.
commencing January and May 2018 at our training centre in Doncaster
Contact us today for help and advice:
London: Staffordshire:
020 8905 1937 01782 294 596
BECOME A LEVEL 4 MASTER PERSONAL TRAINER
FULL TIME/ PART TIME
FREE COURSE TRANSFERS
YMCA ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS
NATIONWIDE VENUES EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
THE TIME IS NOW
Discovery Learning offers a range of Level 2, 3 + 4 fitness qualifications that can be funded through ELC credits. info@discovery.uk.com 0208 543 1017
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
15
Q
YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP
Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly
E
LCAS deals with many claims that
minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the
and research and discuss your learning with
have to be queried or rejected: almost
NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is
your line manager and Service education or
not on the ELCAS approved providers list
learning adviser. This also applies if you are
failure to follow the correct procedure for
a qualifying ex-Service person using your
authorising the claim
ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place
the course not commencing in the
for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead
qualifying financial year
enough you could find yourself significantly
incorrect financial data, such as the
out of pocket as retrospective claims are not
authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS
learner’s contribution being less than
allowed under any circumstances.
learners failing to allow sufficient time
20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated
20% of claims received fail to comply
with the correct procedures. Some of the
l
main reasons for rejection include: l
applicants enrolling on a course – and
l
sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l
l
as exceeding the ELC award
offered by an approved provider are
incomplete details or errors in course title
automatically admissible under the ELC
so any claim submitted within 25 working
or course level (these account for 25% of
scheme. This is a common mistake: one
days of the start of the course will
all rejected/queried claims)
provider may supply many courses, but only
applicants not registered on the ELCAS
those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3
system
or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS
more than one active claim being
website may be considered for ELC purposes.
between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,
automatically be rejected l
form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also
16
l
l
a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation
l
Also, do not assume that all courses
l
processed for an individual in the same l
plan ahead and get it right first time
automatically rejected
To help avoid rejection on grounds such as
l
don’t buck the system or pay upfront
the course does not meet the necessary
those listed above, you should plan ahead,
l
complete your claim with care! Q
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
financial year.
So:
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses Readers must consult their Single to Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
NHS Ambulance Services Recruitment Qualifying Courses ELCAS funding approved
FutureQuals Level 4 Diploma Associate Ambulance Practitioner
4 weeks home-based on-line learning, plus 10 weeks classroom based learning (Mon - Fri)
£4,150
Clinical Practice Placement Hours (paid) provided. This course is designed to support progression to the Diploma in Paramedic practice.
LIFESKILLS MEDICAL UK Emergency Medical Services Authority
BIRMINGHAM
Courses in Feb, Jun, & Oct 2017
FutureQuals Level 3 Certificate Emergency Response Ambulance Driving “Blue Light” emergency driving course 4 weeks (Mon - Fri)
£2,800
Category C1 on Driving Licence is required. This is the only emergency response ambulance driving qualification recognised by the NHS Ambulance Services.
0121 515 5205 info@lifeskillsmedical.com www.lifeskillsmedical.com contact us for course dates and full details
Courses every month throughout year
These two courses meet the educational requirement for entry to the NHS Ambulance Service Trusts, Independent Ambulance Services, or Independent Medical Services, and are Ofqual regulated through FutureQuals Awarding Organisation. All charges plus VAT
Ambulance Service Institute UK Training Centre
Career Transition Partnership Approved Provider
Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) Approved Courses
Approved by Future Awards & Qualifications to deliver RQF Courses
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk
11
17
Q
YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS
ELC dos and don’ts Do: l
it out on the ELCAS website at www.
your studies; if you don’t, and can’t
enhancedlearningcredits.com
provide evidence that you completed
ensure the training is delivered by an
the course, your future claims will be
Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction
approved ELC provider if using your
denied.
and Guidance for Training and
Individual Resettlement Training Cost
Education, which can be downloaded
(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a
Don’t:
from the ELCAS website at www.
nationally recognised qualification at
l
enhancedlearningcredits.com
level 3 or above
to course providers until you have
consult your education, learning,
received a claim authorisation note
make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service
l
l
consult your education/learning staff
l
training and/or resettlement adviser if
personal development plan
you aren’t sure of the best way to use
plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days
funding for your resettlement training
provider status means that the entire
remember that the scheme operates a
portfolio of a provider’s courses meets
l
(CAN) l
automatically assume that approved
needing to book a course
strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;
be prepared to provide evidence that
if you are eligible and have used the
the course you would like to do is at
Aggregated Lower Tier award you will
financially without having first obtained
least level 3 (or equivalent) on the
not be able to use it again, so think
approval from your own Service and a
National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit
l
commit any payment contributions
and line managers to discuss your
between submitting a claim and l
l
the level 3 requirement l
carefully before submitting a claim l
inform your Education Staff,
enrol on a course or commit yourself
CAN from ELCAS l
enrol on a course with a new provider
Framework (QCF),* and that it directly
Learning Adviser or Single Service
who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;
benefits the Service (unless your claim
representative if your last day in
wait until this has definitely been
is resettlement-related during your last
service alters from that originally
achieved – if this takes too long, look on
two years of serving)
stated
the ELCAS website for an alternative
complete and return the evaluation
provider. Q
ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.
18
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 3368
PROVIDER NUMBER
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
19
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Aim higher! 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
no good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with
(generally academic) and further education
higher education (HE) qualification
a good qualification at the end of it – and
(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.
that’s great – you can use your ELC
may even fail altogether.
Credits from a selection of courses can
to fund anything above level 3, and that
often be added together to gain degrees
about the qualifications you already have
recognised diplomas. Other HE courses
and the subjects/areas you have a flair for.
open to you for consideration include
Other things you might want to think about
via distance learning. The difference
diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, foundation
include the course provider’s academic
between these is not always clear-cut,
degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
reputation (you can find university league
though, and in some cases (e.g. foundation
The only problem you are likely to have is
tables and subject ranking tables online),
degrees), both types are involved. Many
in deciding exactly what and how to study!
its graduate employment rates, and links
qualifications are modular; this means that
between the university or college and
you complete them in sections (modules),
employers.
often of your own choosing, and credits
Choosing an HE course You may already have a pretty good idea
Having decided what you want to study,
and other HE qualifications. Both HE and FE courses can be taken
gained from a selection of such courses
of what you’d like to study at a higher
you will be faced with a variety of ways of
can be gathered together to ‘add up’ to
level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to
studying it.
degrees and other HE qualifications.
the subject you are considering, especially
How do HE courses differ?
access support under the FEHE scheme to
if it’s something new to you. So do your
The most basic difference is between the
commence studies at master’s level but
research, and ensure you know exactly
levels of courses. While most HE courses
they can utilise their ELC for study at this
what a course is offering you – topic areas,
lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree
level.
what the modules will cover, etc. Whatever
qualifications such as a Higher National
else you take in to consideration, it goes
Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma
popular higher-level course options you
without saying that you must have a strong
(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,
could choose from …
interest in the subject and the course
such courses will be shorter than a degree
content, as you will be spending three
course, more vocationally orientated and
years or more occupied with it, which won’t
will have lower entry requirements. Some
be much fun if it turns out you’re not that
will be linked to degree courses, though,
struck with it after all!
giving you the option of progressing to a
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
degree if you perform well enough on the
Which? University is a free and
early parts of the course.
independent website packed with
make sure you understand the nature of
You are also likely to do better at a course if you already have an aptitude for the subject. It might be a really fascinating
20
It’s a good idea to start by thinking
includes university modules and nationally
With many qualifications being earned
Please note that Service leavers cannot
Here’s a rundown of some of the other
everything you need to find the right
course, which promises to lead to a host of
through students completing a number
university course for you. See
career openings, but if it turns out you’re
of modules, the distinction between HE
http://university.which.co.uk
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)
already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most types of postgraduate qualification
SOURCES OF ADVICE
will include taught and research elements.
Your line manager should be your
HNCs and HNDs are work-related
They generally fall into one of two
first point of contact. Each unit has
(vocational) HE qualifications. While
categories: postgraduate certificate or
an education/learning specialist, and
bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to
postgraduate diploma.
each Service also has a network of
focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and
educational and learning centres
to put that knowledge to effective use in a
Think you’re missing the necessary basics?
particular job. Highly valued by employers,
If you aren’t already in possession of
both in the UK and overseas, they can also
the lower-level qualifications you would
count towards membership of professional
normally need to build on in order to
bodies and other employer organisations.
secure your place on an HE course, the
ELC funding for higher education
HNCs can take one year to complete full-
Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
The good news is that your ELC provides
time and two years part-time (or via, say,
– often referred to by its shorthand form,
you with access to a first full level 3 or
distance learning). HNDs take two years
Access Diploma – could be for you. You
a first HE qualification (e.g. foundation
full-time and can also be taken part-time
can find out all you need to know about
degree, first undergraduate degree
(which takes longer). (The award of an HND
Access Diplomas in our feature starting
or equivalent) free from tuition fees.
requires more units to be passed than for
on page 42. It’s a qualification that
This commitment means that Service
an HNC.) They equate to approximately
prepares people for study at university,
leavers who have joined at level 2, say,
halfway between an A-level and a degree,
and is designed for those who would like
and have taken the opportunity to gain
although they are, as mentioned above,
to study in HE but who left school without
a qualification such as an advanced
more practically based than the latter.
the usual qualifications, such as A-levels.
apprenticeship, or other accredited
It is widely accepted by universities and
learning at level 3 or equivalent, may now
Foundation degrees
colleges, having been developed with their
be able to access their first higher-level
Foundation degrees combine learning with
support, and is designed to provide a good
qualification.
work experience if you decide you want
grounding in the knowledge and study
to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent
skills needed to succeed in HE. Although
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
of two-thirds of a full honours degree,
equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma
Training and Education, which can be
this is a fully flexible qualification that
courses are put together with people who
accessed and downloaded at www.
allows you to study full- or part-time to
haven’t studied for a while in mind – and
enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
fit your lifestyle. On passing, you will gain
most don’t require prior qualifications.
240 ‘points’ towards a full degree course,
Many are suitable for study part-time or in
and full account will be taken of any prior
the evenings, which adds to their flexibility.
learning and experience you have accrued,
Most FE colleges in England and Wales
COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses
too. Recent developments, including
offer such Access courses, and a number
l
Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
university partnerships and funding, make
are available through distance learning,
Compare official course data from
these qualifications increasingly available
so you should be able to find a course that
universities and colleges, including
to people in the Services.
is convenient for you, and that caters for
student satisfaction and jobs after
your interests or career ambitions. You
study (you have to apply to the college
Degree courses
can find out more about Access to HE
or university direct)
A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
courses, browse courses and read success
l
UCAS: http://search.ucas.com
academic study leading to a qualification
stories on the Access to Higher Education
Search and apply for full-time courses
such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor
homepage at www.accesstohe.ac.uk
HNDs are designed to give you the skills
of Science (BSc). They are sometimes
where advice can be sought and ideas explored.
Full details can be found in JSP822
by course name, provider name or location
known as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees.
How to learn
A bachelor’s degree is designed to give
Qualifications can be earned through
learners a thorough understanding of a
full-time courses, part-time courses, day
subject, and usually takes three or four
release, night school, open and distance
years to complete full-time (some degrees,
learning (see the feature on page 24 of this
such as medicine, can take five or six
issue). There will usually be more times
years).
when students get together for joint study
Postgraduate study
periods in open learning, with distance
l
Postgraduate qualifications
learning generally catering for students
Postgraduate qualifications are HE
who are so far away that they study almost
qualifications that require learners to have
entirely by themselves.
l
National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
Search for full- and part-time courses
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses
l
Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
21
Q Social security YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
To be sure of securing the future career in social work he wanted, former Chief Petty Officer Ian Hall was careful to complement his Forces training and experience with an impressive set of relevant qualifications – and intends to use his ELC towards more. Now successfully ensconced as a Macmillan social worker, Ian can add to his list of achievements that he is this quarter’s QUEST £250 prize winner!
£250 PRIZE WINNER!
When asked when and why he registered for ELC, Ian says, ‘I can’t remember exactly when I registered for ELC. However, I do remember my boss at the time stressing to me how important it was, which I admit didn’t really mean a lot to me as a young sailor. On reflection, though, I am so glad I listened to him! My education advisor also had the following great advice: “Two years will go by in the blink of an eye, so be selfish and dedicate this time to yourself.”
point where this no longer worked for me
‘When choosing how to use my
and I wanted to be home full-time. I also
ELC, I knew that I would be looking for
wanted to begin a new social work career
employment as a social worker on leaving,
while I was still relatively young.
and having already completed lots of
During his Service career, Ian secured
counselling training when I qualified as a
a host of civilian qualifications, with a
case worker within what is now the Royal
view to the career he intended to embark
Navy Welfare specialisation, I wanted to do
on post-Forces. These are listed in the
something that could improve these skills
accompanying box, ‘Ian’s achievements’.
even further. This training gave me a good
In addition, he attended his CTW in Rosyth,
grounding for the mediation course I took
Scotland, which he says ‘was by far the
and I now have a solid qualification to show
best course I have ever done while serving.
for it.
The most useful parts were those that
‘I am now a qualified interpersonal
helped me to translate what I had achieved
mediator and am considering using my
in the Royal Navy into “civvyspeak” in
ELC to undertake my master’s degree in
support of future job applications and interviews. Also useful was the focus on social media and the powerful tool that is LinkedIn.’ During resettlement, Ian also obtained a level 3 Certificate in Education
IAN’S ACHIEVEMENTS
and Training and attended the course,
F
22
Charity Management Awareness (both ormer Chief Petty Officer Ian
provided by CTP).
Hall, 43, served for 25 years in
‘The level 3 Certificate in Education
the Royal Navy. Of his time in
and Training gave me a sound basis on how
uniform, he says: ‘I joined the RN when
to deliver training and how to ascertain if I
I left school and met my wife when I
had achieved the required learning goals,’
was 18. At the time of leaving [October
he says, ‘while the Charity Management
2016] I was already three years into
Awareness course gave me an excellent
my extended career and was offered
insight into how charities are run and how
another five years on top. I had always
they go about their daily business. I was
been a traveller during my time in the
interested in working in the third sector
RN and, during my final post, was based
and this course gave some good tips on
in Scotland while my wife and daughters
how to approach that area of the job
were in Newcastle, but I had reached the
market.’
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
During his Service career, Ian gained the following civilian qualifications: l BA (Hons) Social Work 2:1 l Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management l Level 4 Diploma in Interpersonal Mediation l Level 3 Certificate in Education and Training (formerly known as Preparing To Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector, PTTLS) l GCSE Maths l British Sign Language level 1
it was – and is – impossible to do my job alone. ‘My current job can be emotionally taxing and I am lucky that, within my team, there are a couple of other ex-Service people, who are always on hand with a word of support or some appropriate Forces humour if required. I experienced some incredibly challenging times during my time in the RN, none more so than Gulf War 2 or preparing myself to walk up the garden path of a wife or mother who had only just been informed their loved one had been killed. During my current role, when I start to feel overwhelmed I draw on these experiences and the tools I used to get through them.’
Ian with his wife, Amanda, and daughters Lauren and Millie
Asked if he misses anything about social work. I am only just coming up to
do my job without constant supervision. I
Service life, Ian responds, ‘Being able to
my first year in full employment and have
also feel incredibly privileged to be allowed
go to the gym at lunchtime, and the free
not yet considered further education,
into the lives of those with a palliative
dental and medical treatment. I also miss
however I am determined to use my remaining ELC before the end of the five-year period. ‘Mediation is massive now, especially within workplaces where disputes are best settled internally if possible and I wanted employers to know I was willing to offer
diagnosis, and for them to share
TOP TIP: LISTEN!
having a little bit of “me time”, which I
their life stories with me and
don’t get any more as a result of a busy
their worries and hopes for
family life. I do, however, now get flexi-
‘I remember my boss Ian finds he is also stressing the importance able to draw on the of ELC, which I admit training and experience didn’t really mean a lot to he gained while in me as a young sailor. On uniform: ‘During my reflection, I am so glad I time within Royal Navy listened to him!’
this service free of charge if needed. There is now a huge
the future.’
time, which is great, and I no longer need to listen to the “you get paid 24 hours a day seven days a week” mantra that was often trotted out by previous bosses in the RN. ‘I don’t miss the travelling, though, and I certainly don’t miss being in uniform.
Welfare I was employed as a
But I do miss the craic with the lads and
Visiting Officer for the families of
lasses from my time in the RN – no civvy
emphasis placed on relationship-based
Royal Navy and Royal Marines
practice and therapeutic intervention
personnel during the
within social work, with a focus on “doing
conflict in Afghanistan.
with” rather than “doing to” people. My
This primarily
training has given me a really good insight
involved providing
into managing conflict, especially when
emotional
working with families where relationships
and practical
are strained – and I already know from
support
speaking to some of my work colleagues
to serving
that my additional qualifications are unique
personnel with
to my current employer.’
life-changing
workplace is able to replicate that. I took a significant pay cut when I left the
TOP TIP: PLAN!
‘The exit door approaches really quickly and, before you know it, you will be handing your ID card in. Don’t leave it until your last few weeks/months to decide what you want to do when you leave – start planning this years in advance. I did, and it made my resettlement process much easier.’
Royal Navy, however my Armed Forces pension more than makes up for that.’ Asked if there is anything he wishes he had known
Now employed as a Macmillan social
injuries, or to
worker – a role he has been in since leaving
the families of
the Services – Ian says of his day-to-day
those killed in action
work, ‘I am a palliative care Macmillan
or on duty. In my role, I
social worker, currently based within a
learned the importance of the
local authority adult social work team. I
relationships we build, both with the people
no-brainer – free education … what’s not to
provide specialist social work support to
we support and external agencies, and how
like?!’ Q
people who are deemed to be at end of
before beginning his transition, Ian
responds: ‘How quickly your resettlement time goes! Also, registering for ELC is a total
life (with around 12 months to live) and
IT COULD BE YOU!
their families, during what is an incredibly
Could you be our next quarterly £250 prize winner? To find out how to follow in Ian’s footsteps, turn to page 46 or visit www.questonline.co.uk/pages/the-questquestionnaire where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST Questionnaire. We look forward to hearing from you …
difficult time for them. ‘I love the autonomy I am given and the trust placed in me by my employer to
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
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 and your preparations for life in the civilian world. As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all of these
practical element often have modules
To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc. org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.
likely to overlap, but, as a rough guide, open learning includes
l
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
If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three
provided by either one
years? l
following means: books,
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of
phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts
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?
that are suited to distance learning.
types of learning are
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 2017 l questonline.co.uk
charge. Many courses make extensive
the entrance examinations of a particular
learning, and that use ICT systems to
use of the internet. Others involve tutor
professional body.
enable users to access learning.
groups, which may meet regularly,
Both higher education (HE) and
or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’
further education (FE) courses can
direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’
duration to provide classroom education
be taken via distance learning. The
(somebody who has first-hand experience
that complements regular, directed
difference between these is not always
of a course or a training provider),
coursework at a distance.
clear-cut though, and in some cases
written prospectuses and, of course, the
(e.g. foundation degrees), both types
internet. The website of the Open and
are involved. Many qualifications are
Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL
The great thing about distance learning –
modular; this means that you complete
QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key
especially for those, like you, in the Armed
them in sections (modules), often of
contacts’).
Forces – is that it puts you in control of
your own choosing, and credits gained
your education. Once you have chosen
from a selection of such courses can be
and enrolled on your course (see below),
added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and
Who are the learning providers?
you are free to study when, where – and,
other HE qualifications. It is not always
Many learning providers are neither HE
these days, how – you choose, so you can
necessary to have an undergraduate
nor FE institutions, although they may
fit your education around your current
degree to gain a master’s; neither is it
have links of varying strengths with
work and/or family commitments. It’s
necessary to have one in order to achieve
one or more colleges or universities.
entirely up to you.
many professional qualifications.
Many companies run large training
At your convenience
And, of course, in these days of laptops,
Other information sources include
Increasingly, Service people like you
departments, and there are also many
notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
are taking distance learning modules
commercial organisations that provide
you can set up and study at a location of
as part of the training that contributes
training to paying clients. Much of the
your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even
to career progression. So, you could
training such providers deliver is of
while travelling. Importantly, too, you can
be studying with a view to gaining
excellent quality and targeted carefully
work at your own pace – there are no term
qualifications that will help you while in
at the needs of civilian employers in a
times to be rigidly stuck to (although you
the Forces or when you leave, or just for
specific market sector. Many commercial
may have to sit exams, which may take
personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a
businesses offering training use the
place only at specific times).
particular subject.
premises of academic institutions to
To sum up, distance study enables you
But how do you know who is a good
deliver courses, and may have contracts
take responsibility for your own learning.
provider and who is not? And exactly
with employment agencies to help their
However, although you will be in control,
which course do you need? All this choice
students find work.
a good provider will offer support – so you
can prove confusing! In the accompanying
will certainly not be alone, left completely
‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist
some of the bigger distance learning
to your own devices, but will have back-up
that should help you.
organisations, however – as mentioned
and assistance as and when you require it.
You are likely to have heard of
above – there are many other providers
There are also likely to be self-checks and
Finding out more
interim tests to help ensure that you are
Service education and training staff,
of courses, some with discounts for
on target, and tutor-marked assessments
both within your unit and specialists, can
Service people (ask your education
to provide valuable feedback, as well as a
often provide the best advice about what
and training adviser for further
telephone helpline to call or someone to
you might want and what it is actually
information). Q
email for advice if you get stuck.
possible 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
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
is huge, too, you are more than likely to
of Forces learning and education centres
be able to track down the course you
and personal learning advisers also have
are looking for. This may be something
access to e-learning opportunities.
that will give you a general grounding
Information about courses is also
or background in a particular subject or
available from learndirect (see ‘Key
area (that you may go on to study in more
contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses
depth later), or you might be looking to
and learning centres with tutor support,
focus on something very specific – such as
where students can undertake online
KEY CONTACTS
learndirect 0800 101 901 www.learndirect.co.uk @learndirect
Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) 020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
25
Q
YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER
Boost your prospects while serving
How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service publication, the main purpose
A
that your Service role might require,
Skills with regard to building services
of ELC is to encourage serving
but that are also highly likely to prove
engineering-related courses. A great many
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
useful once you leave the Forces, could
other areas are likely to serve you well in
that benefits both the learner and the
include accountancy and management
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
qualifications, or courses related to
your Service branch now, of course! Q
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
health and safety, and facilities or project
which state that any money provided for
management. Depending on your Service
your personal development has to be of
role, you could find yourself in a position to
immediate benefit to both the Armed
embark on a range of studies that will turn
Forces and the individual – if not, the
out to have a very useful crossover into
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
the civilian workplace when the time comes
accompanying box for more tax-related
for you to make the transition.
s noted elsewhere in this
Some of the areas of education
Similar work has taken place with Summit
For example, thinking of IT training
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
those courses that will benefit your own
network of employers working to creating
of study undertaken by individuals still
career and promotion prospects in the
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
serving are exempt from taxation, either
Services – and ultimately help you find
been involved in putting together a
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
employment on leaving – as well as offering
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
a benefit to the Service while you remain
qualifications, which in these high-tech
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
in uniform.
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
as they are while you remain in Service.
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
information.) The best of both worlds is offered by
This means that the Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
26
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Want to get into engineering or product design?
MSc Global Military Veteran and Family Studies Advance your career with a globalised perspective of veteran care.
Study one of our degrees: • Brand new facilities opening 2018 • Creative and practical approach • Close to South Downs, London, Brighton, Portsmouth
Starting January 2018
Subject areas include: Mechanical Engineering Electronics & Electrical Engineering Biomedical Materials Engineering Sports Engineering Product Design Creative Science
Ideally suited to those who are working, or who wish to work with military or civilian veterans and their families, at home and across national borders.
Find out more at www.chi.ac.uk/engineering
01245 68 35 81
For further information contact
lyndsay.baines@anglia.ac.uk twitter.com/angliaruskin facebook.com/angliaruskin
Advance your career with the experts in distance learning Whether you want the knowledge and skills to enhance your existing role or you’re planning for the future – let Anglia Ruskin help you reach your potential.
Our ELCAS accredited online degrees • • • • • •
Global Military Veteran and Family Studies Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care Healthcare Management Project Management Master of Business Administration (MBA) Management
Find out more
01245 686707 anglia.ac.uk/military distancelearning@anglia.ac.uk
Apply now for January 2018 /degreesathome
/angliaruskinDL
© UK MOD Crown Copyright (2015)
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
27
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
IT IS BECOMING NECESSARY TO HOLD REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCE TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT IN THE INDUSTRY
Trade secrets Want to know how to turn your talents to a practical career on leaving? There’s a huge variety of roles to choose from in the building trades – one of Britain’s widest-ranging industry sectors
What’s involved?
Electrical engineers deal with power generation and supply. Modern manufacturing techniques tend to make replacement of a faulty component more cost-effective
C
of the main roles that make up this busy and
for the consumer than mending it in situ.
diverse sector.
This means much of the traditional role of
and commercial requirements in particular,
Building trades careers in brief
are expected to continue to be the main
Some of the major skills in which people
basic requirement is 17th Edition Wiring
drivers for the sector over the next few
who work in the building trades are trained
Regulations, which shows that you know
years.
include:
the necessary regulations and how to
l
electrical installation and maintenance
use them – it is virtually impossible to
variety of roles – so, if you are a practical
l
plumbing
start in the industry without it. The next
person, interested in how things work and
l
bricklaying
step may be the Inspection and Testing
are put together, why not consider the
l
plastering
of Electrical Installation award and, after
building trades as a possible way to construct
l
carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
that, further qualifications to level 4 and
your ideal next career? Well-trained,
l
gas installation and maintenance
beyond through Energy & Utility Skills (the
competent trades people are always in
l
air conditioning and refrigeration.
UK authority on professional development
demand. Read on to get an idea of just some
We will look at each of these in turn.
onstruction is Britain’s biggest industry and looks set to stay that way: private housing, and industrial
Work in this field covers an enormous
28
Electrical installation and maintenance
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
the maintenance engineer has changed, with removal and reinstallation now the norm. For electrical engineering, the
and employment in the energy and utilities
ELECTRICIANS EARN THE MOST!
According to the 2018 Trades Salary Survey, electricians’ salaries are still higher than those of other trades, with the average electrician earning £30,784 Source: Trade Skills 4U blog, 14 November 2017
Plumbing Plumbers install central heating systems, controls and pipework; sanitary systems;
drainage systems; guttering and rainwater systems. Heating
industries, focusing in particular
systems may be powered using
on for power, gas, waste
electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel.
management, water and
Sometimes refrigeration and water
renewables) and other bodies.
purification systems are also fitted
CITB (the industry training
(but see ‘Air conditioning and
board for the construction industry
refrigeration’, below). Maintenance
and a partner in ConstructionSkills)
work includes routine servicing and
predicts that there will be a
emergency repairs. Repair work
growing need for qualified
involves finding faults, replacing
electricians over the next couple of
or repairing damaged parts,
years, so the prospects are good.
carrying out tests and making sure
However, if you want to qualify
everything works properly. A range
as a civilian electrician you will
of hand and power tools are used
find that this involves a significant
to cut, bend and join metal and
amount of study/training (even if,
plastic pipes.
while serving, you have been an
Most plumbers in the UK
electrical fitter or mechanic, or
work directly for a plumbing or
even an electrical artificer). Would-
maintenance firm, while others,
be electricians must pass the
particularly in the domestic sector,
Electrotechnical Services NVQ at
are self-employed. Plumbers
level 3, so you might want to think
work in a team or alone, and, on
about allocating your ELC funding
domestic repair and maintenance,
to this. You may be able to qualify
tend to deal with clients direct.
through an apprenticeship scheme with an electrical contractor,
Bricklaying
but the range of apprenticeships
This is the job
available will depend on the local
most likely to
jobs market and the types of
spring to mind
skills employers need from their
in connection
workers. If you are not eligible for
with the building
such a scheme, you could learn the
trades. And though not the
theory and some of the practical
be-all-and-end-all, it’s still has a
skills needed for the NVQ by
significant part to play. Bricklayers
taking the City & Guilds Technical
use many different types of
Certificate in Electrotechnical
material to create different effects
Technology, levels 2 and 3, at a
(such as ornamental walls and
college. However, to become fully
vaulted archways). They also use a
qualified you must complete the
variety of specialist tools to spread
work-based NVQ. Industry bodies
mortar, cut bricks or blocks to
strongly recommend that you
size, and to check that walls are
gain a placement or employment
perfect. If you’re considering this
with an electrical contractor as
role, you should enjoy working
soon as possible after you start
outdoors and be happy at heights.
the Certificate, so that you can
You should also be physically
complete the NVQ.
fit, careful, accurate and able to follow detailed instructions from
ELECTRICAL SAFETY, PART P AND DOMESTIC INSTALLER SCHEMES Part P of the Building Regulations states that certain types of household electrical work (classed as major works) must, by law, be approved by a certified contractor or building inspector. This means any new circuits, changes of consumer units, works in special locations such as bathrooms and anything that involves a new supply must be notified to building control. However, if an electrician is registered on a Domestic Installer scheme they are able to self-certify their work, saving time and money. This is what many people refer to as being officially ‘Part P’ registered. To start out in the industry, you must learn to rewire a house, pass your 2382 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and, ideally, City & Guilds 2392-10 Testing and Inspection. Awareness of a qualification covering Part P building regulations is also recommended. These courses will enable you to operate on a self-employed basis and, where necessary (for any major installations), you will need to certify your work via building control. Once the level of major installations has increased, you might look to register on a domestic installer scheme in order to save time and money. To register on a scheme you will be required to complete the level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings – or, simply put, a ‘Qualified Supervisors’ course. This course will take four to six weeks, and is suitable for selfemployed electricians or those looking to supervise a small team of installers. In order to become registered, you need to apply to a scheme provider by completing and returning an application form (companies that run such schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA and BSi). On receipt of the completed form, the scheme provider will arrange to send an inspector to your place of work to assess your compliance with BS7671, and visit a selection of recently completed installations. On passing this assessment and being registered as a domestic installer, you are permitted to certify your own work (selfcertify). Thereafter, the scheme provider is notified following each completed installation and keeps records of completed work, which it can provide as required to local authorities and customers. You pay an annual fee to the provider to remain registered on the Qualified Supervisor (Part P) scheme. Due to recent changes in the regulations, it advisable to check with the scheme provider exactly which courses they recommend you have before making your registration. This will ensure that you do not waste time or money on the wrong course(s). It is also worth ensuring that you train with a reputable course provider – most of these will be ELC registered. If you would like to find out more, a good source of information is the Trade Skills 4U blog at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/tradeskills4u-blog
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
29
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
Why choose the National Construction College?
It’s CITB’s network of colleges, training and assessing construction skills UK-wide www.citb.co.uk/trainingcourses/why-choose-nationalconstruction-college
architects. Bricklayers often travel around
might see on decorative ceilings. Plasterers
and joiners sometimes move into other
the country, and sometimes abroad.
have to be prepared to work at heights, and
allied occupations, including formworking,
will spend most of their time indoors. Again,
shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance
wage rates are set annually by BATJIC.
work and interior systems installation; some
Wage rates are set annually by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC). Overtime and incentives
Currently, demand for skilled
are often available, and some bricklayers
labour outstrips supply so overtime and
progress to technical, supervisory and
incentives are often available. Payment
managerial roles.
to subcontracted labour tends to be at an
Gas installation and maintenance
agreed price per linear metre of partition
Anyone working on gas
Plastering
installed, so speed and accuracy can be
appliances or fittings
Most people know about
important. The work provides a high level
must be competent and
plasterers applying wet
of job satisfaction, with plasterers often
registered with the Gas
finishes to walls, ceilings
progressing to higher roles or even owning
Safe Register (GSR).
and floors; this is known
their own companies.
Competence can continue to
as solid plastering. Fibrous plastering involves making ornamental plasterwork in a workshop – the kind you
THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME The CSCS was set up to help the construction industry improve quality and reduce accidents. CSCS cards are increasingly demanded as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover hundreds of building trades-related occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles (for example, ‘Craft and Operative’ cards include those for bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, formworkers and plasterers). To find out more, visit: www.cscs.uk.com
30
move into management or run their own
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
businesses.
be proven under the Accredited Certification
Carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
Scheme (ACS) through a distance learning
Carpenters and joiners
domestic gas safety assessment and a
prepare and put in place
number of appliance assessments that take
most of the wooden parts of
half a day each. A competent student should
buildings – from floorboards
take five days to pass the full domestic suite
and roof trusses to expertly
of qualifications.
crafted windows and doors. They use very
programme. ACS has a two-day core
Energy & Utility Skills has developed a set
specialised woodworking tools and work
of occupational standards and qualifications
with many different kinds of wood. They
at levels 1 to 4. The objective is that the
often work in teams and have to be able to
resulting qualifications will be as common as
calculate angles and dimensions to make
possible across industries to enable workers
sure everything fits. They need mathematical
freedom of employment in the entire sector.
aptitude and generally have to be just as good with their heads as
Air conditioning and refrigeration
their hands.
The refrigeration and air
Wage rates are set
conditioning (RAC) industry
annually by BATJIC,
is growing in importance:
with overtime and
ensuring that the air in
incentives often
particular environments
available. Carpenters
is neither too hot nor too
cold calls for specialist skills. This is an
qualifications that you can build up over time
described here while working, and develop
environmentally friendly and highly technical
to develop expertise in a particular area.
their skills through technical training,
industry – part of the RAC engineer’s job is
While one person might start by learning
perhaps gaining certificates or diplomas,
to ensure people and businesses are using
the basics of a trade, and go on to become
eventually becoming fully professionally
energy as efficiently as possible, by working
an expert in a particular part of it, another
qualified, perhaps even with a degree.
with renewable technology (special types
might build a portfolio in a number of skills
of gas that don’t damage the ozone layer)
to qualify them for a supervisory role then
Use your ELC
and seeing how consumers can reduce their
general management.
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
energy consumption.
It is becoming increasingly necessary
Careers in this industry may be roughly
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
to hold registration or certification of
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
divided into two areas. Refrigeration
competence and/or training in particular
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
engineers install, service and maintain
aspects of building skills to secure
com and is at level 3 or above. For full details
refrigeration systems in establishments like
employment in the industry. Ambitious
of how to make the most of your ELC, refer
Q
supermarkets, hospitals and food-processing plants. Air conditioning engineers install, service and maintain the systems that control and preserve air quality, temperature and humidity in locations such as schools and offices. Both may also work on construction sites, depending
on the type of work in which they specialise. To start out in this sector, you will need an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3, so you could
people can start by gaining vocational
to our in-depth features on pages 6–26. Q
qualifications in any of the trades
KEY CONTACTS
General
Joint Industry Board
Find out more about the Building and Allied
03333 218230
Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), via:
administration@jib.org.uk
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
www.jib.org.uk
plan to use your ELC for the latter. After
0330 333 7777
that, there is additional training you will
reception@fmb.org.uk
need to complete in order to become fully
www.fmb.org.uk
Semta (the Science, Engineering,
qualified. Although most people start out as
@fmbuilders
Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance)
an apprentice straight from school or college
@JIBelectrical
0845 643 9001
and train on the job, if you are 25-plus you
Chartered Institution of Building Services
customerservices@semta.org.uk
can still take an NVQ/SVQ without doing
Engineers (CIBSE)
www.semta.org.uk
an apprenticeship – however, to gain this
020 8675 5211
qualification, you must be in a position to
membership@cibse.org
be assessed on site, carrying out work on
www.cibse.org
Plumbing, bricklaying, plastering,
real installations. As with an apprenticeship,
@CIBSE
woodworking
you should be prepared to achieve the qualification over a number of years, not
@SemtaSkills
CITB CSCS Ltd
0344 994 4400
weeks or months – there is no quick fix to
0344 994 4777
www.citb.co.uk
gaining the right qualifications and it is likely
customerservice@cscs.gb.com
@CITB_UK
to take around four years.
www.cscs.uk.com
You can find more information about
@CSCS
training providers, on the websites of
Gas installation and maintenance Energy & Utility Skills Limited
working in this sector, and about relevant SummitSkills
0845 077 9922
the Chartered Institution of Building
020 7313 4890
www.euskills.co.uk
Services Engineers, the Air Conditioning
enquiries@summitskills.org.uk
@EUSkills
and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)
www.summitskills.org.uk
and SummitSkills (the standard-setting
@SummitSkills
Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500
organisation for the building services engineering sector) (for details of all of
Electrical installation and maintenance
enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
these, see ‘Key contacts’).
City & Guilds
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
0844 543 0000
@GasSafeRegister
Get qualified!
centresupport@cityandguilds.com
Many of the trades discussed above are
www.cityandguilds.com
Air conditioning and refrigeration
learned on the job, but the construction
@cityandguilds
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
industry also has training schemes that combine working and education to produce
Industry Board (ACRIB) 020 8254 7842 www.acrib.org.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
31
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
Building trades Q&A
… with Army dog handler turned electrician, Adrian Thompson Enlisted: April 1993 Years served: 22 Exit date: April 2015 Final rank: SSgt Service branch: Army Specialisation/trade: Dog trainer/handler
(www.enhancedlearningcredits.com) to find courses and providers. It prevents a lot of time wasting. Have you received any advice you would like to share with fellow readers? My education centre was brilliant! They signposted me to the resettlement centre and said to make sure I got in there early and make full use of the facilities. Before I began my transition, I made sure that I kept well informed about what was available to me – and I told all those around me so they would be clued up.
IN THE CIVILIAN WORKPLACE Hello Adrian! Please tell us when and why you registered for ELC. As soon as they came out. I knew ELC would be essential when planning my resettlement on completion of my career.
COURSES
What qualifications have you gained as a result of using ELC? I already have my NEBOSH Oil and Gas Certificate, a level 5 Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport, and level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures). In future, I’m aiming for Solar PV Installer and Maintenance, Electrical Inspection and Testing, and Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installer (all at level 3). Who were your training providers? I did my NEBOSH Oil and Gas, and level 5 Logistics Certificate via my resettlement centre, while Trade Skills 4U provides the electrical qualifications. How did you select your courses? I wanted a change of direction and trade, so I investigated avenues that offered the potential for me to gain employment, and then I chose a variety. Tell us more about them … Both courses run by the resettlement centre providers were brilliant. Obviously, all being military, the humour was always there – and the different cap badges and experiences were good to hear and learn from. Trade Skills 4U were great, too. Their qualifications are recognised within the electrical trade, and their delivery and training facilities are excellent. I’d heard some very good reviews, which influenced my decision to train with them. All of my courses have been a mix of academic and vocational, and practical elements were required.
32
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
The level 3 Installation course was two weeks at the training centre near Gatwick Airport, then I spent two weeks with my employer ‘on the tools’. This went on for a year, while I completed both levels 2 and 3 of C&G 2365. Also at the end, I did the PAT course, Part P, level 2 Inspection and Testing course (initial verification) and 17th edition. The practical elements were brilliant – from carrying out installation, to fault-finding, and then the subsequent inspection and testing of your work. This was done using test instruments and what you had learned as you progressed through the course. Did the courses build on Service/civilian qualifications you had already obtained? I chose to follow the electrical trade, and both my Service and civilian qualifications have already come into use (e.g. my H&S/fire course and PAT – and my civilian-gained qualifications too). How much study was involved in classes, at home, using e-learning? Large amounts of study were called for, both while on the courses and at night. I made sure I had a quiet room and managed my time effectively – another skill I learned while serving! Before you started, what did you hope the courses would give you? Not only a greater insight to the electrical field but also a foot in the door. My courses were recognised and respected within the trade. I found a job while still on my Trade Skills 4U course and have been employed ever since … touch wood! What advice do you have for other Service people registering for or using ELC? Make sure you register for ELC! It is invaluable for resettlement when you leave … and, eventually, everyone leaves! Make sure you use the ELCAS website
Tell us about your jobs since leaving the Services. My first civilian job after leaving was for Process, Control & Installations (Commercial Electrical Contractors) in Melton Mowbray. I now work within the Inspection and Testing Department at Electract, based in Coalville. Having just completed my AM2 and level 3 NVQ I am now an electrician, a role I have been in since August 2016. What does this job involve on a day-to-day basis? Carrying out the initial verification, and periodic inspection and testing of domestic, commercial and industrial installations. With this we also do installation work within these fields. I love the fact that I manage my own day and hours. I am given my jobs and then liaise with the customer to do hours during the day that suit them and me (within an eight-hour period). There is weekend work if I want it and it’s a very friendly environment. Self-motivation is essential, but I can say that I haven’t once missed being in the Army! What skills or experience from your Service career are you now finding useful? All the health and safety training has come in useful, and the portable appliance testing (PAT) course.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
What advice would you like to give to others going through resettlement and career transition? As soon as you get permission to start do so. DO NOT WAIT! Time goes by very fast. Make sure you use every opportunity available to you. To find out more, visit www.tradeskills4u.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Availability: 19th Feb, 30th April, 2nd 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
Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Sustainable Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings. We recommend that you book at least 16 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability. L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a L3 Diploma in Brick or Carpentry
L3/4 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person Short Skills Courses - Use your SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, or Level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training
“Cannot believe the array of trade skills I've gained!” Army Oct17 For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Rache Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk
Electrical Courses Ltd Train to become an Electrician! We offer the following industry recognised courses for aspiring and already qualified Electricians; •
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365)
•
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365)
•
Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Systems (5357)
•
Level 3 17th Edition Regulations (2382)
•
Level 3 Inspection and testing courses (2391)
For more information call 01223 834062 or email info@electricalcoursesuk.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 6414
PROVIDER NUMBER
www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk questonline.co.uk l December 2017
33
From its inception until the end of exam, assessment or assignment) and an extra ELC authorised. All cases will December 2015, 371,405 people had � membership fees be judged on their merits. The cancellation registered with the ELC scheme and Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses � books and materials and reinstatement process is published in 113,564 claims had been made, to the When responding to advertisements please mention Quest � normal Service sport and adventurous JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance value of £167.2 million. training. on Training, Education and Skills. It is
Develop Your Future Career with ÂŽ 8089
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
PROVIDER NUMBER
Crownship
New Entrants or Technical Upgrades QualiďŹ cations at Level 2,3 & 4 • Property Management Services L3 • Energy Performance CertiďŹ cate • Legionella Operative & Management • Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 • Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 • Electrical - Domestic & Industrial L2 & 3 • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration L2 & 3 • NEBOSH General CertiďŹ cate
THIS IS WHERE
I prepare for my future with an NVQ QualiďŹ cation L2 & 3 ELCAS approved learning provider • Processing Hydrocarbons
• Air-conditioning & Refrigeration • Electro Technical Electrician This is distance learning at Leicester, with over • Engineering Maintenance 25 years’ experience delivering quality courses - Mechanical and Electrical • Design and VeriďŹ cation of Electrical Systems L4
Our expertise, wherever you are
Fortoexpert If you’re looking retrain,advice upskillcontact or start aus: new career, choose from over 50 varied and practical distance learning courses at the University of Leicester, including our internationally renowned MSc Risk, Crisiswww.crownship.com and Disaster Management.
01652 658151
Start your journey e: dladvisers@le.ac.uk www.le.ac.uk/thisiselcas
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 1060
PROVIDER NUMBER
Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%
6
34
VISIT OUR TRAINING SCHOOL OR CALL TO SPEAK TO EX-MILITARY INSTRUCTORS
Spring 2016 / COURSES4FORCES
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
SPECIALIST DOG HANDLER TRAINING G4S Canine Training School provides specialist canine security qualiďŹ cations and a route to employment with G4S.
JUSTICE & DETENTION
HABC Level 4 Full Explosive Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 4 Explosive Vehicle Search Dog Handler (ELCAS approved)
AVIATION & CARGO
HABC Level 3 Passive Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 3 Proactive Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) HABC Level 3 Dual Purpose Drugs Detection Dog Handler (ELCAS approved)
VIP & SPECIAL EVENTS
HABC Level 3 General Purpose Security Dog Handler (ELCAS approved) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROPERLY QUALIFIED DOG HANDLERS.
UK CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Tel: +44 (0)1582 458 355 • ,EE $EIGHTON UK G S COM
CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS
www.courses4forces.co.uk
PGL TRAINING LTD www.pgltraining.com
WORK PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE
New 5 week City and Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded package in Property Maintenance including, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling Work Experience with MJ Stevens
PLUMBING
ELECTRICAL
GAS
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
2181
CONSTRUCTION
An exciting opportunity for work experience and placements for Plumbing / Electrical students with our partners Clearvac Group in Marine Engineering, two week trips worldwide on board Cruise Ships and Super Yachts.
Situated 4 miles from Lympstone training camp.
For more information, contact us on
01392 437373 Clyst Works, Clyst Road, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0DB
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RENEWABLES
Ready for renewables? Proof that you have some current
The renewable energy sector offers a wide range of rewarding careers – particularly for those who want to do something challenging and worthwhile. Prepare to renew your direction …
knowledge of the renewables area will definitely be of interest to an employer. There are many basic short (one-, two- or three-day courses) that raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of the sector. These have often been designed with marketing, administrative staff and sales
What’s involved?
out more, about RenewableUK, the industry
people in mind. Project management and
Renewable energy is destined to become
in general and how you could benefit from
managerial roles may also require a degree
one of the fastest-growing sectors of the
membership, visit www.renewableuk.com
in a relevant area, and if you are planning
economy in the coming years, needing
this kind of further study there are specific
to attract an array of talented people –
Courses for installers
degree or postgraduate courses available in
perhaps as many as 50,000 over the next
For most installation and maintenance
renewable energy.
two decades. This diverse career sector,
work, you will need to be an electrician or
which works closely with more conventional
plumber holding recognised qualifications
Use your ELC
building trades such as electrician or
before you can undertake further training.
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
plumber (see our feature on page 28),
That said, there is a huge range of courses
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
also has government backing thanks to its
available that will give you practical
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
desire to improve the UK’s energy efficiency
training experience and further recognised
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
and be at the forefront of renewable
qualifications that are specific to renewable
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
technologies and skills.
energy systems. Courses commonly include
details of how to make the most of your
solar PV installation and maintenance for
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages
both domestic and larger buildings, solar PV
6–26. Q
Get qualified! Whether you are seeking an administrative
roofer courses, relevant health and safety
role aligned to the building trades (again,
certification, unvented hot water courses
see page 28), or decide that you would like
(essential for plumbers moving into solar
to be an installer working in or alongside the
thermal hot water installations), domestic
construction industry, there are courses you
wind turbine installations, installation of
RENEWABLE ENERGY DEFINED
can attend on which no previous knowledge
biomass boilers and installation of ground
l
is assumed or required. If you wish to be
source heat pumps.
an installer, you will start at the beginning,
panel electricity system that uses
Rainwater harvesting installation is the
energy from the sun, which is then
training to be an electrician or plumber
one area that doesn’t require you to be
directly converted into an electricity
with a view to specialising in fitting solar PV
a qualified plumber/electrician (although
supply large enough to run household
panels or solar thermal systems. For non-
you will need to work alongside a qualified
installers, training will give a good overview
plumber for the final connection). Training
of renewables in general.
for this type of installation will give you a thorough background in the area, including
RenewableUK
lighting and appliances. l
Solar thermal – also uses the sun, but turns its energy into heat.
l
how to collect, store and use the rainwater.
Wind turbines – work by using a turbine to convert the wind from
RenewableUK is the UK’s leading not-for-
36
Solar PV (photovoltaic) – a solar
kinetic energy into mechanical power.
profit renewable energy trade association.
Courses for non-installers
Its vision is for renewable energy to play
Throughout each of the renewable sources
capturing and storing rainwater,
a leading role in powering the UK. As an
sectors in the building arena there is a need
which then has a variety of uses
island the UK has some of the best natural
for project managers, designers, engineers,
resources in the world for wind, wave and
office managers and other administrative
tidal energy technologies, and RenewableUK
staff, sales people, advisers and procurers.
heat from the ground by using buried
believes that deploying them can generate
All of these roles give Service leavers an
pipes. It is used in all kinds of heating,
significant power and benefit for the UK.
ideal opportunity to use the core skills they
l
Rainwater harvesting – literally
domestically and on a larger scale. l
Ground source heating – extracts
including underfloor systems.
gained in the Forces, such as teamwork,
point of information, as well as conducting
initiative, meeting targets, organisational
materials such as wood, crops and so
research, finding solutions, organising
ability, working under pressure, drive and
on (either alive or recently living) to
events and facilitating networking. To find
clear communication skills.
produce heat through combustion.
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
l
Biomass heating – uses organic
RenewableUK also acts as a central
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Tel: 01380 609313 Email: barrie@inspired2learn.co.uk
Are you ready to boost your career prospects with a qualification? ILM Coaching & Mentoring (levels 3,5 & 7) CMI Management & Leadership (levels 3 to 7) Help your next career move by achieving a reputable and nationally recognised qualification by distance learning. Contact us now for advice, and to find out how our great value package will provide you with unlimited, prompt and expert tutorial support every step of the way.
Find out more about us at: www.inspired2learn.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
37
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: TELECOMS
Smart move! If you’re thinking of a future career that involves you with technology at the cutting edge and where constant change is on the menu, why not connect with a fast-moving career in the telecoms industry? What’s involved?
T
based data applications, such as broadband
an array of career options. Driven by
added) services delivered over mobile
advances in communications technology,
networks.
elecommunications is a wide-
information services and interactive
ranging, competitive and fast-
entertainment, is pervasive. Indeed, the
changing industry, offering
fastest growth is coming from (value-
notably mobile phones, the internet and
INDUSTRY PLACEMENT www.questonline.co.uk/careers/career/
broadband, telecoms is fast becoming
in telecoms when you hang up your
computing-and-it Also as with the IT sector,
indistinguishable from IT. Many of the new
uniform, you need to be familiar with the
business and interpersonal skills are
technologies use broadband data networks
term ‘information and communication
becoming more important too.
carrying high volumes of multimedia
technology (ICT)’. Indeed, the convergence
traffic, which is reflected in the skills
between the IT and telecoms industries
IT industries means that voice and data
required and the job roles available.
mentioned above is demanding upskilling
communications, which used to be two
Traditional phone calls continue to be
38
If you’re thinking ahead to a career
THE KEY IS TO START EARLY AND TAKE RESETTLEMENT TRAINING, SO THAT IT CAN BE ENHANCED BY SELF STUDY, ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND AN
The convergence of the telecoms and
in telecoms to a profile more similar to
separate areas, are now coming together
the industry’s biggest revenue generator,
that of the IT industry, with skills that
and using the same communications
but thanks to advances in network
were traditionally regarded as being IT-
channels. Modern developments involve
technology, telecoms today is less about
rather than telecoms-based now being
enlarging the capacity of links, increasing
voice and more about text (messaging,
required. To find out more about this, you
global coverage, joining end-users
email) and images (e.g. video streaming).
might want to take a look online at our
together, and providing more facilities over
High-speed internet access for computer-
‘Computing and IT’ feature at
a greater number of networks.
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
‘The telecom sector continues to be at
the links between the two. It may provide
the epicenter for growth, innovation,
business services, telephones, television
and disruption for virtually any industry.
and much more besides, and may be used
Mobile devices and related broadband
to transmit voice, data, graphics or any
connectivity continue to be more and more
combination of these. The most common
embedded in the fabric of society today
carriers of fixed telecoms are cables, made
and they are key in driving the momentum
from both copper and fibre-optics.
around some key trends such as video streaming, Internet of Things (IoT), and
Networks
mobile payments.’
Typically, a number of different Deloitte
commercial organisations will both provide and share telecoms network facilities.
Mobile telecoms
Signals pass through switches and links
To most people these days, mobile
owned by many companies and rented by
telecoms means mobile or smartphones,
the service provider. The routing is up to
linked using radio and microwaves, and
the owner of the links, and a mobile phone
masts and dishes seen all around. Satellites
call will be just one message among those
may also be used in both mobile and static
of many other phone users. However, over
telecoms networks. Digital TV uses both
the next few years, there will be a move
cable and satellite services, while 3G and
away from circuit-switched voice networks
4G technology, smartphones, tablets,
to a system that works completely through
personal digital assistants (PDAs) and
the internet.
quad-band devices are commonplace.
Messages need protocols to ensure they get to the right place. They may need
Fixed telecoms
to be compressed and then decompressed,
Fixed telecoms may include all the
and they may be split into tiny fragments,
infrastructure necessary to run a local
with each one being sent separately and
(LAN) or wide area network (WAN), and
the whole being reconstituted.
THE DAY JOB: TELECOMS TECHNICIAN Telecoms technicians install, repair and maintain broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. They also work on satellite, digital TV and fibreoptic systems. If you have good practical skills, and can track down and solve problems, this could the job for you. You need to be well organised, able to follow technical diagrams, and happy to work as part of a team or on your own. You will need a background and qualifications in a related area, like electronics, electrical servicing or computer networking. As a telecoms technician you would install, test and repair communications and data communications systems, such as: l fixed-line and mobile telephony networks l copper-wire and fibre-optic cabling l VoIP communication systems l analogue and digital satellite systems l wireless radio networks providing internet access via PCs, smartphones and tablets. Your work could vary in scale from setting up a communications network in a large organisation to the installation of a home satellite system. Your work could involve: l laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling l testing and repairing faults in public and private switching exchanges l working with aerial rigging and related equipment l installing mobile and static antennae on buildings or masts l designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment. Source: National Careers Service
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
39
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: TELECOMS
THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF RESETTLEMENT TRAINING COURSES IN THIS SECTOR
Skill up while serving
l
l
l
l
Each Service has its ‘expert’ telecoms staff in the specialist communications and
level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication
need up to five GCSEs to gain entry on
Systems
to a course at this level; alternatively,
level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Cabling
you may need to gain other relevant
Installations
qualifications (such as maths and
level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Rail
English) alongside apprenticeship
Engineering Telecoms Installer
training. This level of study will ensure
HND in Electrical or Electronic
good progression through your chosen
Engineering (Communication) l
foundation degree, HND or
More complex training includes
electronics branches, although there may be
degree in telecommunications,
undergraduate degrees such as
other people serving who have considerable
data communications and digital
Electronics with Satellite Engineering,
expertise. Some will have appropriate
communications.
master’s such as Telecommunication
degrees and some other relevant
A suite of national occupational standards
Engineering, and doctorates such as
qualifications. You may have specialised in
has been launched by the Tech Partnership.
Intelligent Systems and Networks.
telecoms and/or electronics as part of your
To find out more about these and to get a
Professional doctorates are the more
career pattern. If so, you are likely to have a
wider picture of the qualifications available,
obvious choice for those wishing to
number of very transferable and marketable
visit www.thetechpartnership.com
go straight into a work environment,
skills, although these may need to be
Below are listed a few more courses you
rather than staying in academia or
targeted in a particular area. Even without
might like to consider (although please note
research. Although entry requirements
the necessary technical background, you
that this is a hugely diverse area, and job
can vary and are sometimes negotiable,
can still enter the industry, but probably be
opportunities are increasing and branching
generally you need A-levels to take
at a lower level. Your personal qualities are
into many different kinds of workplace):
a degree and you need a degree to
valued, as are the core skills you may bring,
l
Diploma in Engineering Computer
progress to master’s or PhD study
Systems and Telecoms
(although see our feature on Access
BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT
to HE Diplomas on page 42 as these
Systems and Principles, or Networking
can, as their name suggests, help you
and Systems Support
access higher education without the
NVQ level 2 Installing Structured
conventional qualifications in hand).
Cabling Systems
Length of time to complete this level
seven-hour online course for employees
of study can vary; part-time, it could
above while serving and for up to five years
working in the area of Voice Switching
take six years or more. Typically,
after you leave the Services.
(combining telephony, telecoms and
costs range from around £10,000 to
Voice Over Internet Protocol).
£60,000, but at this level of study
including map reading, first aid and even an ability to work at heights. And of course, any
l
relevant qualifications and certifications you can get in the bag while you’re still serving can only help your cause, so don’t forget
l
that you can use your ELC – see below – to work towards qualifications at level 3 and
l
Get qualified!
As well as these, many other courses
there may be funding opportunities.
As noted above, you can gain qualifications
will give you everything from a basic
These qualifications would lead to
through your employment and personal
introduction/refresher course to a
management and consultancy roles.
development while still serving. This is
doctorate.
likely to be primarily to do with the theory
l
Short (one to five days) courses in, for
Finding employment
necessary to use equipment, its actual
example, wireless communications,
There are various ways in to the industry.
use, and how to pass on that knowledge
IP networks, traffic engineering or
To become a telecommunications
to others. The academic background and
managing product development provide
the principles of certain equipment use will
basic information that will enhance your
be highly relevant to future employment,
skills in many work environments or
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS
so your aim should be to build up these
help you to choose a specific skills area
qualifications. If your career path does not
before seeking higher levels of training.
include such courses, look at day release,
These short courses are often privately
evening classes, open learning and the
run and tailor-made, and costs vary but
internet for opportunities to learn before
may typically start at around £600 for
you leave.
one day, £1,000 for one/two days and
You need to discover the area of telecoms that is right for you, and for which you can reasonably expect to have the necessary qualifications and background. There is a wide range of resettlement training courses in this sector, but it’s a good idea to talk with people already working in the industry to try to establish a reasonable starting point based on your skills and experience. You should then look for the courses and training that suit you. The key is to start early and take suitable training, so that this can be enhanced by self study, academic qualifications and, ideally, an industry placement.
£1,400 for four/five days.
Which course?
40
industry. l
l
Longer part-time or full-time courses
Once you have left the Forces, you will
are likely to result in, for example,
normally receive training from your
BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms
employer, as well as ongoing courses to
Professional Intermediate or Advanced
keep you up to date. You may also be able
Apprenticeship). These courses will
to work towards industry qualifications,
take one year minimum and contain an
such as:
element of workplace learning. You may
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
technician for instance (see panel), you
the research and development of new
it is offered by an approved provider
may be able to complete an apprenticeship
products, and project management.
listed on the ELC website at www.
with an electronics, telecommunications or IT company. Vacancies in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. Alternatively, you may be able to get a trainee position with an installation company if you already have experience and/or qualifications in
Q
electronic or electrical engineering, or servicing. If not, you could take a college course to gain qualifications in these areas. As data (IT) and telecommunications systems continue to merge, demand is increasing for technicians who have skills in both fields, especially wireless broadband technologies and VoIP. Typical employers include telephone and broadband network providers, mobile phone operators, cable, satellite and digital TV companies, rail signal engineering and power transmission companies. There may also be opportunities with the Ministry of Defence, the police and emergency services.
enhancedlearningcredits.com and is at level
Use your ELC
3 or above. For full details of how to make
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided
the most of your ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages 6–26. Q
KEY CONTACTS
Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd 01923 803030 office@cai.org.uk www.cai.org.uk @CAILtd Fibre Optic Industry Association 01763 273039 secretary@fia-online.co.uk www.fia-online.co.uk Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP) 01932 788861 enquiries@theITP.org www.theitp.org @ITPnetwork
Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (The Society for Broadband Professionals) 01923 815500 office@thescte.eu www.scte.org.uk @scte_ Tech Partnership 020 7963 8920 info@thetechpartnership.com www.thetechpartnership.com @TechPartnership
With more experience, you could progress to network planning and design,
Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) Resettlement Program
www.cnet-training.com/resettlement
20 Days = 5 Days Copper Cabling | 5 Days Fibre Cabling | 10 Day Work Placement
The Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) is the perfect program to start your new career within the network cable installation industry, it provides two qualifications, official certification and eligibility for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Datacomms Specialist card - a must to allow you to work on-site.
Everything you need to start a new and successful career
The CNCI® program includes 5 days copper cabling and 5 days fibre cabling, and Service Leavers also gain a 10 day Work Placement, allowing actual on-the-job experience which has the potential to turn into employment.
u 20 day program u 5 days of copper installation u 5 days of fibre installation u 10 days of work placement u Gain two industry recognised level 3 qualifications
Call us to find out how you could benefit from joining the Network Infrastructure Sector +44 (0)1284 767100
u Gain official certification
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
41
Q Taking stock, broadening horizons YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
The Access to Higher Education (Access to HE) Diploma – regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) – is a widely recognised qualification that provides a second chance for adults who left school without the qualifications needed to enter higher education. If that’s you, read on …
education was disrupted – she had
How is the Access to HE Diploma made up?
attended 11 schools by the time she was
The Diploma is made up of blocks of study
12. She started her Access to HE course at
called units. Units are usually based
the age of 43, taking the difficult decision
around topics. Each individual Diploma is
‘The idea of studying for a degree
to give up her job. After completing her
governed by Rules of Combination that
had always been in the back of my
degree she became a lecturer providing
explain which units need to be completed
mind, but I’d never looked into it
support and inspiration to others like her.
in order to achieve the qualification. Each
As a Services child, Sue Nelson’s
unit is allocated credits, and you must
seriously.’
Chris Healey,
‘The Access to HE
successfully complete 60 credits, which
former Access to HE student
course gave me a
meet the Rules of Combination, to achieve
level of fulfilment
the Diploma. Each unit is graded Pass,
very year we collect data about the
that I hadn’t
Merit or Distinction, and you will receive
Access to HE Diploma and students
experienced before.’
a profile of grades, to a maximum of 45
E
who complete the qualification
Sue Nelson
to show how important the Diploma is in
42
offers for particular grade profiles.
terms of changing lives. Last year, 23,660
The Access to HE Diploma is designed to
successful Access to HE students started
prepare adults to study at university. It
university; most of them were over 21.
does this by including lessons in study skills
More than 90% of Access to HE graduates
(including essay writing, self-reflection)
were in employment or further study six
alongside lessons in specific subjects.
months after they completed their degree.
There is no national curriculum for Access
Many Access to HE students study courses
to HE Diplomas and there are often
to prepare them for jobs in areas with skills
differences between courses with the same
shortages, and therefore contribute to UK
title. However, UK universities understand
productivity. The most popular subjects
these differences and recognise the
studied at university by Access to HE
qualification for entry to their higher
students are nursing and other subjects
education courses. The most recent data
allied to medicine, social studies (including
show that more than 130 universities in the
social work) and education.
UK accepted Access to HE students.
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
credits at level 3. Universities will make
Units - blocks of study - usually based around subject topic - no national curriculum
Rules of combination - list of all units approved for a named Diploma - list units that must be done, mandatory - list units where there is choice, optional
Access to HE Diploma 60 credits Grades - 45 credits at level 3 graded academic subject content - Pass, Merit or Distinction - unit grade profile achieved (no overall grade)
Credits - value given to units - based on the time of study required - 1 credit equates to about 10 hours of study - units sizes: 3, 6 or 9 credits
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Alan Searle, a 33-year-old widower
Retired policeman Chris Healey started an
with three children, was a former engineer
Access to HE course in 2007 after taking
looking to return to work after taking
on a number of unfulfilling consultancy
time out to look after his family following
roles. He took a course in politics, history,
the death of his wife. He did not have
American studies and business studies
the qualifications he needed to gain
before taking a degree in archaeology.
employment and needed to re-skill, so he took an Access to HE Diploma. During his
‘Access to HE taught
course he was diagnosed with dyslexia,
me how to study and
but he was given additional support to
learn properly’
make his learning difficulty work to his
Example repayment amounts Annual income Monthly income before tax
Monthly repayment
Up to £21,000 £1,750 £0 £22,000 £1,833 £7 £25,000 £2,083 £30 £30,000 £2,500 £67 £35,000 £2,916 £105 £40,000 £3,333 £142
Advanced Learner Loans attract
Chris Healey
interest from the time your first payment
advantage. He completed his degree and
is made until the loan is paid back in full.
a postgraduate teaching qualification, and
Access to HE Diplomas are
Interest is charged at the rate of inflation
became a lecturer sharing his experience
available in a wide range of subjects, from
plus up to 3% (as shown in the following
with others in similar situations. After a
engineering to nursing. More than 1,000
table).
few years he changed direction and now
QAA-recognised Access to HE Diplomas
runs his own business providing training on
are listed on the database on the Access
Income
Interest rate
team working and resilience.
to HE website. You can search by subject,
While you're studying and until the April after you leave the course
Rate of inflation (Retail Price Index) plus 3%
college or location. Most Diplomas are ‘The other students and staff made
taught in further education colleges.
£21,000 or less
Rate of inflation
the transition back into education
However, they are also available from
£21,000 to £41,000
Rate of inflation plus up to 3%
a very enjoyable and exciting
private training providers, some of whom
£41,000 and over
Rate of inflation plus 3%
experience.’
offer distance learning study options. Alan Searle
Many universities and charities also offer bursaries to provide some financial
Education plays an important role in
Paying for your course
individual personal development. For
Service leavers have a number of options
course materials, travel or childcare. To
many Access to HE students the Diploma
to fund their studies:
find out more about bursaries, speak to
has changed their lives and helped them
l
Enhanced Learning Credits (if you’re
your course provider. Transition charities
registered)
may also be able to help. It is important
the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the
to look at your funding options carefully
University also showed that the Diploma
higher education course must be done
to make sure you make the best choice
helped Service leavers in their transition
immediately after the Access to HE
for you and your family. Access to HE
course)
providers, your education officer or
Advanced Learner Loan.
transition staff should be able to help you
pursue a graduate profession or to gain promotion. Research by Bath Spa
l
from military to civilian life. It does this by bringing together adults looking to
l
transition to a new life. The Diploma is
Advanced Learner Loan repayments
different to other qualifications in that
don’t start until you start to earn more
it also uses the experience and life skills
than £21,000 per year. If you achieve
of the students taking it – for example,
a QAA-recognised Access to HE course
students use their skills to support one
the balance of the loan will be written off
another and manage their time. The
when you complete your higher education
most recent data show that Access to
studies.
support for students, to pay for things like
choose the best route. Q
HE students are less likely to leave their degree courses than mature students with other qualifications. ‘Walking into the course on my first day was very nerve-racking after
Find out more
such a long time away from formal
You may also find these websites helpful:
education. However, I was amazed
Access to HE website
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
to discover that I wasn’t the oldest
Real-life stories
www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/RealLife
person there and other students
Diploma database
www.accesstohe.ac.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/
had similar life experiences to
Advanced Learner Loans
www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
mine.’
ELCAS
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
UCAS
www.ucas.com
Chris Healey
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
43
Q Plan ahead!
YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDING PLANNER
Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it
Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?
PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons
>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide
Other sources of information include:
Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)
A PD Route Map
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)
unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk
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.
44
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
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.
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
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Sources of advice and finance * XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF DU TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B . Z UIBOL .Z UIBOLT UP BMM
Standard Learning Credits 4VF ,JOH .#&
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.
Q
The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS course ZFBST costs. You are able to claimNZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST 80% of your fees, up to a maximum of ÂŁ175 E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ funding, the CZ course of study must lead to per financial year. To qualify for SLC BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
directly benefit the Service. 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH
Enhanced Learning Credits
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION
%VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
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. Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years;enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk the higher tier offers up to threewww.gastectraining.co.uk 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
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
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 ÂŁ534. 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 ÂŁ534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of ÂŁ26.70 per day. The ÂŁ534 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
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 2017
45
Q
YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE
Useful contacts
Need to know more? Here’s who can help …
F
or general enquiries about
Education and Resettlement Staff
RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk
the scheme, eligibility and
seeking further clarification of sS
(
qualifications, seek advice from
instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,
Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264
381580)
at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET
resettlement staff in the first instance,
SO3C’ (
not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer
625954)
Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF
Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392
l
RAF: Personal Learning Advisors
the following single-Service education and
(PLAs), and Resettlement and
Army: Individual Education and
Learning Centres. Education and
guidance on eligibility or education/
Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army
Resettlement Staff seeking further
learning or resettlement needs. Policy
Education Centres, which must be used
clarification of sS instructions should
helpline details are as follows.
by Service leavers on resettlement.
contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:
RN: RN/RM Education and
Education and Resettlement Staff
’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (
Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval
seeking further clarification of sS
95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)
Education and Training Support
instructions should contact the relevant
Officers (NETSOs) and Naval
SO2 Retention and Resettlement in
In addition, advice on any aspect of the
Resettlement Information Officers
Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-
ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:
(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.
ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-
applications, not provide advice and
l
l
Mil:
People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q
WANT TO WIN £250?
Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize! Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of qualifications (and are perhaps still working on others), or you’ve already negotiated the resettlement process and are well into your new life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us know about your experiences? Your own personal learning or resettlement story could feature in a future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.
46
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner. So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk/ pages/the-quest-questionnaire where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Be inspired
The difference that makes the DELIVERING RESULTS difference... RAISING STANDARDS
RAISING STANDARDS DELIVERING RESULTS
The essential skills you gained in the Military can enable you to adapt to a career in the Lifting Industry.
• Appointed Person • Crane Supervisor • Slinger Signaller • Mobile Crane Operator • Courses and NVQs
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:
We are one of the UK’s largest independent • NLP Practitioner Training LC of training for safer liftingE3836 • Gain a CPCS (Construction Plant Competenceprovider’s Scheme) • NLP Master Practitioner Training card that gets you on any Contractors Group (UKCG) site operations. • Presentation Training skills with NLP throughout the UK APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
PROVIDER NUMBER
• Access to Interview opportunities throughout the UK • We can help guide you through the ELCAS Process • Access to reduced cost accommodation
• ILM Accredited coaching and management programs We deliver training to industries wherever lifting operations up to level 7 take place including construction, manufacturing, engineering, Many of our team are ex-military and have a wealth of experience in • Education & Training Level 3 and Level 4 the transition to civilian life. We are here to help you. transportation, renewable energy, MoD and utility sectors.
NLP courses can be done in conjunction with ILM qualifications,
Ainscough Training Services Ltd i2i isare a also CPCS & Cskills Awards Tel: 0844 225 0240 a ELCAS Approved Provider. Email: info@ ainscoughtraining.co.uk Credited Test Centre offering training/testing for: Web: www.ainscoughtraining.co.uk APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
EL C 5163
PROVIDER NUMBER
Advert 87x126.indd 1
• • • • • •
Appointed Person Tel: 0845 121 0475 Crane Supervisor - all duties www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com Slinger / Signaller - all duties NVQ Assessment Service CITB Health, safety & environment test centre Specific bespoke courses at Clients request 29/09/2017 11:49
Tel: 0844 225 0240 Email: info@ ainscoughtraining.co.uk Web: www.ainscoughtraining.co.uk APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
EL C 5163
PROVIDER NUMBER
TRANSITIONING EX-FORCES PERSONNEL TO CIVILIAN CAREERS IN IT AND BUSINESS Over 180+ blue chip clients worldwide FDM delivers a soft Advert 87x126.indd 1 landing to those leaving the forces
29/09/2017 11:49
With over 320+ ex-forces personnel in the programme we: • • •
Train Offer pastoral support Provide jobs for all ranks and services
fdmgroup.com
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
47
Q
HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports >> TRANSITION SUPPORT
Lincoln telecoms training company is inaugural ‘Scotty’s Business Hero’
CNet offers more ELCASapproved education programmes for Service leavers
Company owner, Martyn Cook, is proud to become one of the founding members. Martyn comes from a military background himself and served for 20 years in the 1st Battalion Light Infantry. Cable Telecommunications Training Ltd was established more than 22 years ago and is the largest resettlement company for the telecommunications industry in Britain, providing a wide range of courses for those leaving the Services. Founded by war widow Nikki Scott in 2010, Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports
Leader in education programmes throughout the cable installation sector, CNet Training, now offers Service leavers even more programmes that are eligible for ELC. Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®) is CNet’s main resettlement programme. It is specifically for those wishing to demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills and expertise in copper and fibreoptic cable installation, and provides official CNCI® certification and two level 3 BTEC qualifications. The programme has been adopted by the industry as the standard certification for those working in a network cabling infrastructure environment. The programme takes 20 days including a ten-day work placement with an installation company, allowing newly gained skills to be put to the test. This sought-after programme forms the entry level to the Global Digital Infrastructure Education Framework, which maps education programmes to actual career routes throughout the sector. Many of these are now eligible for ELC funding. The career routes could follow a network infrastructure route or progress into the vibrant data centre sector. The eligible ELC programmes are as follows: Network infrastructure programmes • Certified Network Infrastructure Technician (CNCI®) • Certified Network Infrastructure Technician (CNIT®) • Certified Network Infrastructure Design Professional (CNIDP®) • Certified Telecommunications Project Management (CTPM®) Data centre programmes • Certified Data Centre Design Professional (CDCDP®) • Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP®) • Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP®)
Cable Telecommunications Training Services Ltd, based in Lincolnshire, has become the very first Scotty’s Little Soldiers Business Hero – a new initiative set up to help raise vital funds for children’s Armed Forces charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
children across the UK. The charity was set up in memory of Nikki’s husband and father to her two children, Corporal Lee Scott, after he was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The Scotty’s Business Heroes initiative is a new venture aimed at small businesses and organisations that are keen to give a little back and make a difference to those who have lost a parent while serving in the Armed Forces. Says Nikki, ‘We know there are more like-minded folk in the UK who can really help our members. We want to work together with companies to support children who have lost a parent in the Armed Forces.’ Businesses large and small can become a Scotty’s Little Soldiers Business Hero. To find out more, please email: business@Scottyslittlesoldiers. co.uk or call Kate Dring on 07392 868290 for a confidential chat. To learn more about Scotty’s Little Soldiers, visit: http://scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk
>> AWARDS
British Ex-Forces in Business Awards Last chance to nominate!
48
Nominations for the inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, supported by QUEST, must be in by 15 December. The awards aim to uncover the achievements of business leaders who previously served in the Forces, raise awareness of resettlement issues and encourage further dialogue around the importance of ex-Forces employment initiatives. Nominations close on 15 December. If you know somebody who deserves to be recognised, find out more and submit an entry free of charge at exforcesinbusiness.co.uk
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
To find out more, please email: resettlement@cnet-training.com See the advertisement on page 41
H&S QUALIFICATIONS
‘Why change a winning team?!’ Pat (Spike) Hughes recently received his City & Guilds level 5 Diploma in Health and Safety. The Diploma is a natural next step for those in a safety position after certificatelevel courses, and leads to Graduate membership Pat (Spike) Hughes receiving his City & Guilds level 5 Diploma in Health and Safety from Pete Ellis, Network Rail principal of the Institution of engineer. Also pictured are Trevor Miller, Director CCS Training Occupational Safety and Ltd, and Brian Magennis, City & Guilds assessor for CCS. Health (IOSH). Says Pat, ‘I joined the Royal Navy after finishing a Mechanical Engineers apprenticeship at the age of 20, and completed just under 30 years of service as both a Stoker and later a Submarine Coxswain. On leaving the Navy I found myself in the rail industry working for Serco Rail Technical Services at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Melton Mowbray. ‘Brian Magennis, City & Guilds assessor for CCS Training Ltd, had kept in touch during my transition to civvy life. He didn’t need to, but this just shows his commitment to his students. I had already done my NEBOSH certificates with Brian as tutor and decided to also attempt the NVQ Diploma in September 2016 with CCS (why change a winning team!), and with the advice and guidance of Brian and Trevor Miller, Director of CCS, I successfully completed it in August.’
PROFESSIONALISM RECOGNISED WITH PLAQUE One of the courses delivered by owner/Director of CCS Training, Trevor Miller, took place in Kinloss. The commanding officer present, pleased with Trevor’s professionalism and ability to transfer knowledge to military personnel, presented Trevor with a 39 Engineers Regiment plaque. You can contact Trevor at: CCS Training, Newcastle Business Village, 33 Bellingham Drive, Benton NE12 9SZ Tel 0191 250 1250 Pat completed his Diploma in less than a year. Next step: Chartered membership of the IOSH after applying for Graduate membership through this qualification. The City & Guilds level 5 Diploma is available through CCS Training with special rates for Service leavers. To find out more, visit www.ccstrainingengland.com/qualifications/ or call 0191 250 1250.
>> BOOKS
New novel from Steve Higgs Regular QUEST contributor, Steve Higgs, is pleased to announce the publication of his second novel, The Phantom of Barker Mill, Book 2 in the Blue Moon Investigations series. Here’s a flavour:
Ok, look. The paranormal does not exist. My name is Tempest Michaels and I am a paranormal investigator. I spend my working life politely pointing out how deluded people are. I’ll give you some examples: Is the cold draft a client feels by their kitchen door the ghost of their granny? – she died right there you know. I show them the hole in their refrigerator seal. A different client engages me to capture the monster living in his pond. I capture the neighbour’s Labrador having a nice swim. Despite this daftness I do get cases with real merit. The owner of Barker Steel Mill has died, the coroner says natural causes, but the widow is convinced otherwise and the mill has a phantom that has been held responsible for accidents dating back to 1912. The staff are genuinely scared and someone is to blame. With Amanda’s assistance I plan to find the truth and expose the phantom, but I am really quite distracted by the contents of Amanda’s shirt, my mother wants help planning a baby shower for my sister (Don’t I need a vagina for that Mother?), I desperately need to hire an assistant to do admin and I have an actual date with an actual girl to consider. The paranormal, what a load of nonsense. Want to read more? Visit Steve’s Amazon author page at www.amazon.co.uk/Steve-Higgs/e/B073QRX9K1/ref=ntt_dp_ epwbk_0 To read Steve’s latest column, turn to page 58.
>> CHARITY NEWS
Commonwealth War Graves Foundation launched A Service whistle, last used by a young officer on the battlefields of the Somme a century ago, was sounded on the morning of 7 November to herald the launch of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation (CWGF), a new charity created to keep the memory of fallen Service men and women alive. The Foundation is the brainchild of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the organisation responsible for the preservation and care of records, graves and memorials to 1.7 million men and women who died during the two world wars. The creation of the Commission in 1917 marked a major turning point in the way Service personnel were honoured after death, each treated with the respect they deserve no matter what their rank. The CWGF will take the work of the CWGC to a much wider audience by offering hands-on opportunities to get involved in various projects, including a new internship. Education, outreach and events will help bridge the generational gap, bring the past to life and create communities of engaged people who will help keep the stories, and the memory of those who gave their lives, alive for generations to come. To find out more, visit www.cwgc.org
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
49
Q
THE HUB
>> ENTERPRISE SUPPORT
100th X-Forces beneficiary a double success in civvy street British Army veteran Carl Marsh is the 100th X-Forces and Help for Heroes wounded, injured or sick entrepreneur – with not just one, but two, successful new enterprises to his name: inthewordsof.com and Swim Heroes. ‘Developing my own ideas and interests has been really rewarding,’ he says. ‘Being self-employed is the best thing I’ve ever done.’ In 2012 Carl set up inthewordsof.com, a celebrity interview website and has already interviewed a host of celebrities, such as Luke Goss, pictured here with Carl. ‘I enjoyed doing the interviews and was determined to make a success of the blog. I guess it was the military ethos where I got my drive from!’ Carl recently attended a Help for Heroes and X-Forces six-day self-employment course, making him the 100th wounded, injured or sick entrepreneur to complete the course. He learned a great deal, and gained the support he needed to expand and develop his blog, as well as kick-starting his brand new endeavour, Swim Heroes – a product of his Army swim instruction training. The plan is to teach all ages and all levels, group and individual lessons, as well as teaching with children learning disabilities. ‘X-Forces and Help for Heroes have given me the motivation and crucially information on how to take my ideas to the next level. It’s an excellent support network. My wife says she has never seen me so motivated! With organisations like Help for Heroes and X-Forces, there is so much support and advice there for you. They won’t hand it to you on a plate but they are there every step of the way.’ Watch out for Carl’s full story, which we’ll be covering in a future edition of QUEST! In the meantime, read about his new ventures here: www.inthewordsof.com and www.swimheroes.co.uk Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com
50
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Enhanced NEBOSH training provision at Catterick for 2018 Woodward delivered the first NEBOSH National General Certificate resettlement course at Catterick Garrison in March 1993, and we’ve been delivering NEBOSH resettlement training to Service leavers ever since – with excellent results. After the phenomenal success of our four-course NEBOSH Resettlement Package in Catterick this summer, we have decided to add an extra qualification to our NEBOSH resettlement packages for 2018. With our new five-course NEBOSH Resettlement Packages, you can get even better value for your ELC claim and Graduated Resettlement Time with the same added convenience of being able to choose to stay on base at Catterick Garrison throughout. Five-course, 30-day NEBOSH Resettlement Package • NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health • NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
•
NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management Funding: course fees NEBOSH National General, International General, Construction, Fire & Environmental Certificate Package – £2,804.00 per delegate • ELC claim £2,243.20 (combined lowertier ELC) • Personal contribution £560.80 (IRTC grant and personal contribution) Funding: subsistence costs Food costs £4.00 per day for 30 days, which is £120.00 (GRT allowance). Please note this does not include lunch. Also available Two-, three- and four-course NEBOSH resettlement packages are also available. However, each course is limited to 20 delegates, so if you are interested don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Get in touch 01228 592614 info@woodwardgroup.co.uk http://woodward-group.co.uk/ military-resettlement/ See the advertisement on page 11
Access your new gas career with Kier! It’s fantastic when you hear comments like ‘It’s changed my life’ and ‘I now employ people’, time and time again. At Gas Training at Kier we often hear from Service leavers just how much our new entrant course has helped develop their careers. As a leading property, construction, residential and services group, Kier offers a high-quality course and an ongoing commitment to you and your career. Since they were launched in 2011, our courses have been taken by more than 100 Service leavers, who have successfully trained and qualified as gas engineers. The coming year will see some exciting changes to our new entrant course. The new BPEC Foundation Diploma in Domestic Gas, leading to ACS, is a new 16-week programme that splits the subject into manageable chunks and includes an intensive work placement. Following this is a final assessment, which will lead to securing Gas
Safe-recognised qualifications. This new course is shorter, more intensive and, at £4,200, lower cost too. In 2018 we are introducing 0% interest finance over 12 months to help you manage your money while on our course. You will be able to get an answer within minutes and we can even help with loan applications. Our commitment to your career once you leave the Forces extends to providing you with a guaranteed interview once qualified, which we hope will get you on the ladder to the rest of your life! Get in touch email Vicky Wood, Gas Training Manager, Gas Training at Kier, on: info.gastraining@kier.co.uk See the advertisement on page 61
Interested in
osteopathy?
Airline ops and dispatch: meeting the challenge of change
We know that you already possess many of the skills and attributes that make a good osteopath: high standards of professional conduct, competent at problem solving, organising and communicating, calm under pressure, hands on, selfreliant but also a strong team player, interested in keeping healthy, good with people, used to a high level of responsibility … It’s a very promising start.
Some things don’t change but, being at the forefront of technology, aviation does – constantly. Operational standards, and training, must meet the challenges of such changes. Operations and flight dispatch personnel are responsible for flight planning and preparation for flights, so that pilots don’t need to spend their vital duty periods doing it themselves. In the USA there is a Dispatchers Licence, but in the rest of the world, the nearest thing to verified approval is the City & Guilds accredited award. Both have their origins in the recommended syllabus from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which seeks to promote safe standards that are common worldwide. As air transport advances, so does training. Programmes to meet these standards are often available only ‘in house’ as airlines provide for their own staff, and some locations in the USA provide classroom courses tailored to US standards and procedures. Courses designed according to worldwide procedures are also available via open learning, which enables candidates to take the full City & Guilds course in their own home at their own speed. Exams can be taken in the UK or at British Councils around the world. Avtech2000 provides such programmes and is ELC approved, so you need only pay a small proportion of the total cost of course and exams. It’s a considerable qualification involving five exams totalling nine hours (or add another extra two-hour exam if you have no previous experience and need the foundation course as well). Avtech is currently making significant upgrades to all of its units to keep up to date, so not surprisingly it is used not only by UK military personnel on resettlement, but also intercontinental airlines like Qantas, many major European carriers and indeed the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
If you are a member of the Armed Forces, the College of Osteopaths understands where you are coming from …
We also have an idea about where you might want to be heading next … Osteopathy is an ideal profession to enter as a second career. It allows you the independence to work for yourself and to do the hours that suit your personal circumstances. Osteopaths are autonomous practitioners who can work for professional sports clubs, in GP practices, in multidisciplinary health centres, in higher education and within industry. You could even work from home. It is a career that offers enormous flexibility and job satisfaction. There is virtually zero unemployment among osteopaths. The College of Osteopaths’ five-year M.Ost/B.Ost degree programmes in London and Staffordshire are part-time, and particularly appealing to those with existing work and family commitments. Teaching takes place over 18 weekends each year plus home study and attendance at the College’s teaching clinic, which brings the added interest of contact with genuine patients right from the start. We use a wide variety of lively and challenging learning methods geared to mature students. The College of Osteopaths has considerable experience of training former members of the Armed Forces. We would welcome your application. A short foundation course (two weekends) is available for those without science-based qualifications. For latest news, follow us on @COLofOSTEOPATHS Get in touch 01782 294596 osteopathy@staffs.ac.uk www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk See the advertisement on page15
Get in touch 01452 722528
administrator@avtech2000.co.uk www.avtech2000.co.uk See the advertisement on page 12
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 15 February 2018, Salford CTP Employment Fair 22 March 2018, Newbury These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies l a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! In addition, the full list of Employment Fair dates for 2018 are now available and ready to book (see right). If you wish to book on to any of these dates, call the CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit https://www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
Event Date North West Employment Fair
15 February 2018
South Central Employment Fair
22 March 2018
East Midlands/East Employment Fair
19 April 2018
Scotland Employment Fair
10 May 2018
South West Employment Fair
6 June 2018
South East/East Employment Fair
5 July 2018
North East Employment Fair
27 September 2018
South Coast Employment Fair
11 October 2018
West Midlands Employment Fair
29 November 2018
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
51
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE
Bag a better future! Having realised he wasn’t happy to have a boss, QUEST’s regular civvy contributor Ryan Mansfield decided to be the boss. And, having found his new ‘roll’ in life, he’s here with the recipe for those of you who feel the same
F
comes to being someone’s employee and quickly get itchy feet. New jobs begin, I’m keen to impress and all seems to be well organised … but when I gradually
or most people in ‘normal’ careers,
decide to earn their crust. To a certain
determine that many colleagues are just
leaving one job and moving on to
extent, however, you have very little say
a hindrance, that bloke in the interview
the next usually happens rather
in this matter. Despite the progression
who promised me the world was in fact
naturally, and somewhat predictably.
you have noticed in yourself – whatever
Pinocchio, and most bosses are rarely
You, however, are not ‘most people’, and
the context – there may be no obvious
fit to run a bath – let alone a company
you certainly do not have a ‘normal’ job
route carved out for you as you plan
– the same realities always dampen my
(whatever that might be). Your story so
your departure from the Services, as few
spirit in the end. So, subsequently, the
far will have a certain uniqueness to it
other jobs come close in comparison.
novelty soon wears off, leaving my latest
that means it cannot easily be compared to anyone else’s.
As a result, you might be left at
mission for occupational satisfaction
a slightly awkward crossroads of
tainted yet again, pushing me right back
uncertainty. However, although it may
to square one. It is therefore my biased
known for that in QUEST – I have only
seem easy to shine a negative light on
assumption that this is not something
my own personal interpretations of
this situation, only your own attitude
that would particularly appeal to you –
stereotypes and tales of those who
will dictate that. For no matter how
or anyone else for that matter!
have served their time in the Forces to
individual you think your time serving is
Abiding by someone else’s tight
go on when piecing together my rather
– or was – like all Service leavers you will
deadlines isn’t always fun, and feeling
blanket generalisations. But, regardless
have gathered many transferable skills
snowed under at the wrong end of the
of job role, only in rare cases do we see
along the way that could be applied to a
hierarchy makes the light at the end
someone completely ‘jump ship’ and
whole host of mainstream jobs – with a
of your tunnel seem like its running
make a total U-turn in terms of how they
little bit of nous.
out of gas. So, after carelessly hopping
Being a ‘civvy’ myself – and being
52
Personally I find working a bit of a bind. I struggle to stand still when it
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
YOU WILL HAVE GATHERED MANY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS THAT COULD BE APPLIED TO A WHOLE HOST OF MAINSTREAM JOBS – WITH A LITTLE BIT OF NOUS
when busy to the point of brain fry, self-
business equate to 80% of your working
employment doesn’t seem to melt the
day – if you’re lucky.
soul a fraction as much. It is therefore my belief that most
The same applies to your application of duties and your management of
people engage in the fantasy of working
people. Palming all your responsibilities
for themselves at some point. The
on to an employee might seem tempting.
reasons for this are many and varied,
After all, you’re in charge now and your
and no two people – even from the
old boss did that to you, right? Well
same background – will have equivalent
unfortunately your old boss and you
visions as they piece together in their
are not that similar. They inflicted their
minds possible niches that could be
castaway jobs on to you because they
exploited. Self-employment is not
were probably smart enough to figure
just about what you’d like to do, but
out they could afford to. If it wasn’t
assessing what is needed, and where
done right – or even at all – it may just
this necessity is required. It’s the fine
have escaped punishment or notice, as
line between calculating what you’re
they represent only a tiny portion of a
prepared to do wholeheartedly and what
much bigger operation.
others would regularly part with their hard-earned cash for. I work as many hours now in a week
You, on the other hand, have to build your empire from the ground up. Every single decision you make reflects
as I ever have, yet the days just don’t
on you and your business. This applies
seem half as laborious since the grand
even if you are not present, so be
opening. Therefore the freedom I refer
sure to hire wisely when expansion is
to is more a psychological pleasure
hopefully necessary. Your workforce,
from one job to the next, I realised
than anything else, I suppose. Maybe
equally, is a representation of you, and
that my varied excuses for my working
generated by the knowledge that the
although some can be invaluable, by
discontent were precisely that. I didn’t
boss isn’t on my case? Or knowing I’ll
the same token one mistake or careless
have a problem with every boss I’d ever
never have to watch ‘that’ member
act can contribute to tarnishing a
had – quite the opposite. Instead, my
of staff dote on them again like some
reputation you’ve worked so hard to try
issue lay purely with the reality that
attention-starved puppy? Or maybe it’s
and assemble so far. My last boss – an
I had a boss at all. For that reason, I
the glorious reality that never again will
absolute gem – who was a supervisor
finally decided I had to go it alone.
I have to pretend that I care – because
for the first time in his career in charge
now I actually do.
of me, advised me to reflect on ‘all the
So maybe it’s time to be even savvier with those transferable skills of
However, there are of course
shitty bosses I’d had, and their flaws’
yours and find a way to dictate your own
always two sides to every coin. There
when I handed in my notice to take on
future earnings?
are some misconceptions surrounding
my solo venture. Obvious but sound
self-employment, and one of them is
advice, I would have thought.
Until you can fluke all six lottery numbers, the very essence of setting
the fictional hypothesis that being
up on your own means that you decide
‘the boss’ allows you to have limitless
cons may seem the main focus, these
Although, at the start, the potential
what you want to do with your life.
free time to mould everything around
are all an essential part of the process
Starting up my own business – a joint
your glamorous personal schedule,
in getting your business venture
partnership with my father – was the
as if mortgages, mouths to feed and
successfully up and running. Literally
best work-based decision I’ve made so
all other inescapable realities of life
anyone can set up an enterprise, but
far. Although my new sandwich shop,
no longer need attending to. Well,
it is estimated that more than 50% of
On A Roll, in Nuneaton, is still in its
think again. Workloads don’t decrease
all businesses in the UK vanish within
honeymoon period as I write, I can say
as you embrace self-employment;
five years – proving that not everyone
with some assurance that the sense of
they grow. There used to be a whole
is cut out for it. Some people are more
liberation is one I haven’t experienced
squad of you that pulled together to
naturally equipped with the required
in any other job. There are several
complete tasks and drills; now you do
skills, and only time will tell if I fall into
positives to being self-dependent
the labour, the admin and make the calls
that category. Turning rags into riches
when it comes to making a living.
… and everything else in between that
isn’t achievable by everyone, else we
Implementing your own ideas to achieve
consumes time. Fully committing your
would all be doing it already. The early
your own potential is really quite
time and effort is a pivotal factor, as
stages can be brutal, and I’m still riding
invigorating, while pulling the strings
work doesn’t stop once you rotate the
the waves of inconsistency. Therefore
of your own business can result in it
‘open’ sign in the shop window or close
it seems fairly obvious to suggest this
not really feeling like work at all. Even
the van door. Your advertised hours of
high failure rate comes down to an
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
53
Q
COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY
Work in progress: starting out can seem daunting, says Ryan, but it’s worth it!
and not only seen the gap in the market
it is today without evaluation. Good
but have planned meticulously to ensure
organisations don’t stand still – they keep
you find the proof of the pudding!
what’s working, improve what could still
Once under way, you’ll have to examine your pricing strategy with a fine-
In closing, my intention is not to
tooth comb. Whether you’re extending
sway you from setting up on your own,
hair or houses, be prepared to offer
but to make sure you’re fully equipped
deals, discounts or downright freebies
for the challenge ahead. I want you to
in order to undercut your competitors
be prepared and, more importantly still,
and turn heads in your direction. This is
I want you to succeed. Manage your
another surprisingly attention-sapping
expectations realistically and patiently,
topic once you sit down with all your
and work hard at it – there are too many
figures and overheads. Advertising does
hungry sharks lurking in the water if
work, but word of mouth will always be
you don’t. You aren’t owed a living, or
both your most valuable and cheapest
success, or customers, and it’s highly
friend. Making a good first impression
unlikely that you’ve stumbled across
element of naivety somewhere along
in the public eye is essential – and your
that one unique idea that no one else
the line. Many ventures that crash early
pricing is exactly that.
has ever thought of. So constantly adapt
are probably good businesses – or at
Self-employment is how I imagine it
your ideas, be prepared to change what’s
least good ideas – but don’t have the
to feel owning a dangerous pet. One day
not working and don’t let stubborn pride
finances or time to flourish. Once you’ve
it can feel enthralling, making you wish
overrule logic or reason.
committed to your idea, it’s always going
you’d done it sooner, while a quiet week
to be against the clock if you want to
or a few errors can make you question
believe in both your service and yourself.
keep the wolf from the door. If you run
why you bothered in the first place. But
If you don’t, then how can you really
out of time, or money, or patience, then
that’s another reality you have to face.
expect anyone else to?
you either didn’t plan well enough or your
No large business ever became what
idea was appreciated by you more than anyone else – so be sure to rule with the head and not the heart. This preparation may include seeking the help of a financial adviser, for a fee. Although not particularly cheap, a business plan will boost your chances of getting a business loan from a bank and inevitably highlight potential kinks you would never have imagined for yourself. Their job is to run the figures and inform you whether the fantasy vision in your head has the potential to marry up with reality, so a green light here can act as a huge nerve-settler. In any case, there will be many more
Fresh thinking: it’s important to believe in both your service and yourself
hoops to jump through before you’re quoting a job price or serving your first customer. As a result you should see my slightly more pessimistic side, shall we say, as realistic and practical advice from someone fresh out of the selfemployment traps. Equipment won’t pay for itself and seemingly made-up overheads soon build up to unbelievable heights, adding an element of risk and pressure to what is an already tense time. Set-up costs will more than likely outmuscle your financial predictions, so make sure you’ve done your homework
54
work and scrap what doesn’t.
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Roll model: Ryan’s new venture
Most important of all, be sure to
As always, the very best of luck!
YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
Q
Support for a brighter tomorrow Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, helping the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. Here’s how Stoll helped one individual turn her life around …
finishing a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics at Birkbeck University. Tina says: ‘I really don’t know where I would be without Stoll. It doesn’t bear thinking about. My hope for the future now is for my daughter to remain as happy as she is and for me to get a job that I can really apply myself to. I’ve always been desperate to learn and, with my MA under my belt, I’m certain I can find meaningful employment for my future.’ At Stoll, we know that a number of Veterans find themselves at risk of homelessness, experience rough sleeping or reside in inadequate accommodation. We’re here to help. Take a look at our criteria to find out if you are eligible to apply for housing with Stoll: www.stoll.org.uk/housing/ at-stoll/apply-for-housing
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life. But not everyone
T
ina joined the Navy in 1989. After
also working as an interpreter. After seven
does. Stoll supports the most vulnerable
leaving school and working in a
further years of living in Italy, Tina returned
Service Leavers by providing people with
local bank for a few years, joining
to the UK as she needed to study for a
an affordable home to rent and the support
degree in order to continue professionally.
they need to lead independent lives. The
the military was a chance for her to begin a career she could progress in. Tina loved her
She began the first year of her bachelor’s
charity, Walking With The Wounded, provides
time as a ‘wren’. Eager to learn, she quickly
degree heavily pregnant. The excitement of
Stoll with an Employment Advisor to support
qualified as a first-class radio operator and
starting a new family with her new partner,
Veterans to get a job or training.
spent seven years in the Navy. One of her
though, was short-lived. He became abusive
operations included being based in
towards Tina, she took on a lot of
Naples working for NATO. Towards the end of her time in the Navy, Tina married a sailor. She found there was a lot of strain on their relationship during the early years, being based in two different
his debt, and lost her savings
Stoll provides safe and secure housing that allows Veterans to live comfortably and independently
countries, and decided to 1996 to focus on their marriage for a
support to Service leavers and Veterans on
As Tina’s home situation realised she needed to escape with her four-year-old daughter. Wanting to complete her degree,
end her career with the Navy in
Stoll’s outreach team provides advice and
and mortgage as a result. escalated, she swiftly
Tina was accepted into a
a wide range of issues, from housing to work
Q
domestic violence refuge near London,
time. She was able to take course during her
to allow her to continue with her final year
resettlement, which qualified her to teach
of study.
Find out more
English as a foreign language. Sadly, Tina’s
Realising this time was her lowest ebb,
marriage became an abusive environment
Tina reached out for help. A Naval contact
for her and she quickly left the relationship.
put her in touch with Stoll, which was able to
Having always loved Italy, Tina moved
offer Tina a two-bed flat immediately for her
back to the country she had been based
and her daughter. Tina was offered support
in during her time in the Navy and had a
to move and contribute towards making
successful career for many years, leading
new home and start for her family. She was
executive training courses in companies and
funded to continue her study and is currently
and benefits to access to expert healthcare: email outreach@stoll.org.uk or call 020 7385 2110. Q
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
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
55
Q Wired to succeed YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRAINERS IN FOCUS FACTFILE
Confused by the huge array of electrical-related qualifications offered by training providers? Find the direct current route to Qualified Electrician status with Electrical Courses Ltd
The Electrical Apprentice route is the most traditional route that any young aspiring electrician will take. Electrical Apprentices first have to find employment in the electrical industry and then enrol on a four-year apprenticeship scheme. This involves attending an FE college one day a week for three years, while the other four days a week (for four years) will be spent working under the supervision of a qualified electrician, learning the practical skills of the trade, which is a great benefit of this route. In the final, fourth, year of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will focus on completing a portfolio of work – done on-site (or other place of work) – and passing a two-day final assessment called the AM2. An Electrical Apprenticeship can be government funded for apprentices up to the age of 24. The Electrical Improver route is an alternative route to the apprenticeship and, while it is not known as the traditional route, it does still achieve the same
E
lectrical Courses Ltd specialises
What is the JIB?
in helping people who may have
The JIB is the most recognised body in
apprentice for four years. These include:
been made redundant or are
the electrical industry. It is an impartial
l
changing career to become a qualified
organisation that sets the standards
electrician, by offering the correct
for employment, welfare, grading and
industry-recognised qualifications. One
apprentice training in the electrical
of the most frequent questions asked
contracting industry. Its work is targeted
by potential students (or other aspiring
at improving the industry, its status and
electricians) is, ‘What qualifications are
productivity.
needed to become qualified?’ This seems
that allows only those who have achieved
to the industry due to the amount of
a level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Systems
electrical-related qualifications offered by
and passed the final AM2 assessment to
training providers. This article explains the
hold the status of Qualified Electrician. It
correct qualification routes to achieving
no longer takes experience and age into
that ‘Qualified Electrician’ status.
account, and does not recognise other
The main aim for anyone aspiring to
3 NVQ Electrotechnical Technology route.
Industry Board (JIB) – see www.jib.org.uk This allows you to obtain the Gold ECS Card
There are two main routes to achieve the
and gives you recognition as a Qualified
level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Systems
Electrician on any construction site in the
(5357). These are the:
UK.
1. Electrical Apprentice route
Qualified Electrician status with the Joint
2. Electrical Improver route.
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
a higher pay rate for Electrical Improvers
l
achievement of the level 3 NVQ in a shorter time
l
two highly recognised diplomas to help secure employment in the industry
l
basic installation skills, which offer a huge head start over a newcomer or apprentice applying for the same role
l
level 3 underpinning knowledge to give a good understanding of the daily tasks an electrician undertakes
l
no industry employment needed to attend the course.
qualifications that are not part of the level
How to achieve the level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical Systems
become a Qualified Electrician is to achieve
benefits to those who do not wish to be an
The JIB has a strict grading process
to be a bit of a minefield for newcomers
Main aim
56
outcome and offers some additional
THE MAIN AIM FOR ANYONE ASPIRING TO BECOME A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN IS TO ACHIEVE THAT STATUS WITH THE JOINT INDUSTRY BOARD
The Electrical Improver route to becoming a Qualified Electrician to JIB status requires three qualifications, in the order shown below. 1. City & Guilds level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365): this course can take eight weeks, five days a week, at a training provider like Electrical Courses Ltd, or one year on day release (one day a week) at an FE college. The course involves a lot of practical learning as well as underpinning knowledge of electrical installations. It teaches students how to install the main basic circuits such as ring finals, radials and lighting circuits, using various types of cable, such as PVC twin and
10
LUXURY SECURITY SOLUTIONS
earth cable, steel wired armour and PVC singles. The course also teaches students how to form and install wiring enclosures such as trunking, tray and conduit, and the basics of inspection and testing of dead circuits. 2. City & Guilds level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365): this course can take eight weeks, five days a week, at a training provider like Electrical Courses Ltd, or one year on day release (one day a week) at an FE college. The course involves a lot more learning of advanced underpinning knowledge of electrical installations and electrical science principles. It also teaches advanced inspection and testing of dead and live circuits, fault finding and electrical design. 3. City & Guilds level 3 NVQ Diploma in Electrotechnical systems (5357): this qualification is almost entirely carried out on-site, where the student is required to build a portfolio of practical evidence of his or her work. The duration is purely down to the student and how long it will take them to meet the required evidence criteria set by City & Guilds. The student is required to be employed within the electrical industry to complete this NVQ portfolio. The final step once the portfolio is complete is to then pass the AM2 two-day assessment. Apart from an Electrical Apprenticeship the Electrical Improver route is the most recognised and only other alternative route to becoming a Qualified Electrician according to the JIB.
Other routes into the electrical industry There are some course packages that last five weeks and have names such as ‘Part P course’ or ‘Domestic Installer course’. While these courses are OK for more experienced electricians without any qualifications to prove their competency, they are less than ideal for someone looking to become a JIB Qualified Electrician from scratch. The qualifications obtained are not recognised by the JIB to allow a person to achieve Qualified Electrician status and therefore require anyone holding them to undertake either of the two aforementioned qualification routes before being granted the Gold ECS Card. To find out more, visit www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk See the advertisement on page 33 Q
LUXURY
SECURITY OFFICER
“FROM THE CATWALK TO THE BOUTIQUE”
10 are a company based in London’s Mayfair W1. We are obsessed with excellence. Anything less than the best, is not an option that we ever consider. We are in the results business and will never be found making excuses. Our clients are global leaders in their field, that have maintained their leading positions by endless Innovation and never compromising on quality. Every assignment that we undertake is considered to be an event and the attention to detail that we consider is of the highest possible standard that we can possibly achieve. If you believe that you have what it takes to shine in this challenging but rewarding industry, then please email ricky@10.uk.com or mark@10.uk.com with your details and we will arrange for an interview.
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY
STEVE HIGGS
Leading questions A
fter almost 25 years
less team bonding in the
in the military and
civilian workforce. This may
now on the board
seem obvious – they do not
of directors of a thriving
all do the assault course
civilian engineering firm, I
together at 0600hrs, nor do
have decided the answer
they all drink in the same bar
is largely ‘no’. Some basic
and have consistently shared
principles apply: all people are
experiences. Encouraging my
individuals and everyone has a
team to bond over a night out
different source of motivation
resulted in questions over
… however, there are some
whether the event would be
stark differences between the
classed as overtime and paid.
two environments.
You will find as many well-
Military leadership is built
motivated civilians as you will
on the same foundations as
military personnel. However,
leadership in all other fields.
they manifest differently
However, one element is
and, in my experience, are
added: discipline. Leaders in
generally more motivated by
the military still have to earn
self than team.
the respect of their followers.
So what advice do I have?
But military discipline involves
You have several great
two other features:
strengths that most of your
1. respect for the rank as
civilian peers do not:
distinct from the man 2. obedience to orders. Respect for the rank means that the leader can expect compliance to rules and orders, but cannot expect personal respect from their followers – unless they personally deserve it.
Is military leadership any different from that in other fields of human endeavour? Does it require a similar leadership philosophy, choice of leadership style and the same leadership values found in civilian business? Regular QUEST contributor Steve Higgs is here with some answers
Obedience to orders
you are used to planning for worst-case scenario
l
you are used to dealing with things going wrong where the potential result is that someone will die
l
you know that there is a time to stop discussing and start acting.
I’ll now take a look at each of
means that when an order
these in turn.
is given it is obeyed without
their lead – and this is what
workforce often need to
question – for the sake of
you will need to do far more,
move to a new job in order
to consider strategy. Business
the mission, the safety of
or at least differently, as
to move upwards. Your
has market study, military has
all involved and to maintain
a civilian.
discipline. This is where the
58
l
Promotion
staff, the ones you
To visit Steve’s author page on Amazon click on www.amazon.com//e/B073QRX9K1
need to motivate
battlefield analysis. Both have planning process, decision-
two versions of leadership
is a key
diverge and where the military
motivator
leader may begin to struggle
for military
in their new civilian role. I
personnel. It
will offer, though, that good
causes them
leaders – military or otherwise
to volunteer for
– don’t issue orders, except
extra tasks, makes
when necessary. They use
them push themselves
the chap, or chaps, in
different concepts, such
all their leadership skills to
without you needing to use
charge and everyone else.
as: Where is the market
influence others to follow
carrot or stick, but the civilian
Furthermore, there is much
going? What is your market
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
and inspire, will
As a leader you will have
making process and execution
not have the
to get you to the objective.
rank structure
As military you evaluate
you are used
best-case scenario, worst-
to. Many businesses have
two ranks only:
case scenario and then plan for the most likely scenario, while business is considering
Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
saturation? Do you need to
prepared for staff to have seen
diversify in order to grow?
all your ideas before; you will
Should you look to acquisition?
need to defend them more
Understanding or considering
robustly than you have as a
what the worst version of
military leader. You are the
events might be will strengthen
person responsible, but while
your firm. I have introduced
you may have encouraged ideas
it as a new and revolutionary
and openly reviewed the plan
concept at the firms I have worked for.
100% Guaranteed Work Placements
as a military leader, in that environment once
your decision was To order a planning made the team copy of Steve’s new accepts would enact book, The Phantom of that things it without Barker Mill, visit usually www.amazon.co.uk/Steve- further don’t go discussion. Higgs/e/B073QRX9K1/ as planned. As a civilian ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 That is the I feel that the Turn to page 49 to reason why they decision and the find out more Military
train and train,
responsibility that
endlessly, which is not
follows with authority
possible in business. The good
is not fully understood. People
news for you is that the training
wish to continue the dialogue,
provided to military leaders
even though you will feel it is
teaches them to react when
now time to act. You have been
things are going wrong and also
on operations and know that
gives them the confidence to
there is no time or room for
not react in a panic. I have seen
discussion in certain situations.
people around me panicking
Finding the delicate balance
because a delivery is late or
so that you encourage your
a vehicle has broken down.
new team, but stop them from
From your perspective, this
arguing or doing what they want
is hardly a matter of life or
regardless of what you have
death, so for most of you your
said, is not something I can help
reaction will manifest
you with however.
as an unflappable
Take the skills
calmness among your civilian employees. You are more used to dealing
that you have,
Connect with Steve at www.linkedin.com/in/ steven-higgs-25678049
with situations where things going wrong means act now or someone dies.
the ones that make you a great leader in your current role, and adapt them to fit your new role.
Expect to have your instructions questioned,
In your new position in
but know that ultimately you
charge of a team of civilians,
still outrank the members of
however big or small it might
your team. Be a leader – do as
be, they are looking to you for
you ought, not as you want, and
leadership, guidance and advice.
set the example to your new
Many of them, though, will know
civilian staff in the same way
far more about the nuances,
that you always have. They will
intricacies and vagaries of the
not all follow you willingly, but
job you are doing than you
when have they ever?
do. At least to start with. Be
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
Good luck! Q
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
59
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from January 2018 to March 2018 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RC Aldergrove
RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Junior Ranks
09 January 2018 11 January 2018 22 January 2018 24 January 2018 19 February 2018 21 February 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018
08 January 2018 09 January 2018 22 January 2018 05 February 2018 19 February 2018 26 February 2018 05 March 2018 19 March 2018
20 February 2018
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 19 February 2018 15 March 2018
21 February 2018 15 March 2018
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 09 January 2018 11 January 2018 23 January 2018 25 January 2018 13 February 2018 15 February 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018
CTW Mixed Class
22 January 2018 24 January 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 26 February 2018 28 February 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 26 March 2018 28 March 2018 (Course location Brize Norton)
06 February 2018 08 February 2018
CTW SNCO 16 January 2018 18 January 2018 20 February 2018 22 February 2018 06 March 2018 08 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 January 2018 06 March 2018
FAR All Ranks 08 February 2018 08 February 2018 (Course location The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
New Horizons in Retirement 27 March 2018
27 March 2018
Self Employment Awareness 26 January 2018 09 March 2018
CTW Mixed Class 05 February 2018 08 February 2018 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 15 January 2018 17 January 2018 24 January 2018 26 January 2018 29 January 2018 31 January 2018 20 February 2018 22 February 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 January 2018 20 March 2018
16 January 2018 20 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 January 2018 20 March 2018
16 January 2018 20 March 2018
FAR All Ranks
CTW Officer
16 January 2018 06 March 2018
10 January 2018 11 January 2018 24 January 2018 07 February 2018 21 February 2018 28 February 2018 07 March 2018 21 March 2018
26 January 2018 09 March 2018
27 March 2018
31 January 2018 14 March 2018
31 January 2018 14 March 2018
Self Employment Awareness
RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 10 January 2018 31 January 2018 07 February 2018 21 February 2018 07 March 2018 14 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 25 January 2018 22 February 2018 22 March 2018
22 February 2018
CTW Mixed Class 09 January 2018 15 January 2018 22 January 2018 29 January 2018 05 February 2018 12 February 2018 19 February 2018 26 February 2018 27 February 2018 06 March 2018 12 March 2018 19 March 2018 26 March 2018
11 January 2018 17 January 2018 24 January 2018 31 January 2018 07 February 2018 14 February 2018 21 February 2018 28 February 2018 01 March 2018 08 March 2018 14 March 2018 21 March 2018 28 March 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 08 January 2018 23 January 2018 06 February 2018 05 March 2018 20 March 2018
10 January 2018 25 January 2018 08 February 2018 07 March 2018 22 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 January 2018 12 February 2018 12 March 2018
15 January 2018 12 February 2018 12 March 2018
FAR All Ranks
27 March 2018
08 January 2018 29 January 2018 05 February 2018 19 February 2018 05 March 2018 12 March 2018
RRC Cottesmore
26 January 2018 23 February 2018 23 March 2018
25 January 2018 25 January 2018 (Course location External Venue) 08 March 2018 08 March 2018 (Course location External Venue)
Self Employment Awareness 22 January 2018 13 February 2018 19 March 2018
22 January 2018 13 February 2018 19 March 2018
RC Germany
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 16 January 2018 18 January 2018 20 February 2018 22 February 2018 13 March 2018 15 March 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 09 January 2018 13 February 2018 06 March 2018
11 January 2018 15 February 2018 08 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 29 January 2018 19 February 2018 19 March 2018
60
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
29 January 2018 19 February 2018 19 March 2018
FAR All Ranks 22 February 2018
22 February 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 27 March 2018
27 March 2018
Central London
resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Senior Officer 02 January 2018 13 February 2018 13 March 2018
04 January 2018 15 February 2018 15 March 2018
FAR Senior officers 01 March 2018
01 March 2018
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 22 January 2018 05 March 2018
22 January 2018 05 March 2018
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 08 January 2018 22 January 2018 12 February 2018 26 February 2018 12 March 2018
10 January 2018 24 January 2018 14 February 2018 28 February 2018 14 March 2018
CTW Officer 15 January 2018 29 January 2018 19 February 2018 19 March 2018
17 January 2018 31 January 2018 21 February 2018 21 March 2018
FAR All Ranks 15 February 2018
15 February 2018
Employment Support Programme Workshop 01 February 2018
01 February 2018
Self Employment Awareness 25 January 2018 28 March 2018
25 January 2018 28 March 2018
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 12 March 2018
14 March 2018
CTW Mixed Class 08 January 2018 15 January 2018 23 January 2018 29 January 2018 05 February 2018 26 February 2018
10 January 2018 17 January 2018 25 January 2018 31 January 2018 07 February 2018 28 February 2018
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
05 March 2018 13 March 2018 19 March 2018
07 March 2018 15 March 2018 21 March 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 22 January 2018 19 February 2018
24 January 2018 21 February 2018
08 February 2018
FAR All Ranks 20 February 2018
20 February 2018
Self Employment Awareness 11 January 2018 01 February 2018 08 March 2018
29 January 2018 26 February 2018 26 March 2018
11 January 2018 01 February 2018 08 March 2018
31 January 2018 28 February 2018 28 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 25 January 2018 22 February 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 February 2018
CTW SNCO
25 January 2018 22 February 2018
FAR All Ranks 11 January 2018 15 March 2018
11 January 2018 15 March 2018
Self Employment Awareness 16 January 2018 15 February 2018
16 January 2018 15 February 2018
RRC Rosyth
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk A career in law START DATE END DATE START DATE END DATE e CTW Mixed Class without a law degree 08 January 2018 10 January 2018 08 January 2018 10 January 2018 22 January 2018 24 January 2018 Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition (Course location Lossiemouth) 19 February 2018 21 February 2018 16 January 2018 18 ying January 2018 ond career b y stud into a second by studying 19 March 2018 21 March 2018 (Course location Faslane) SL29NHJanuary S X\HSP2018 Ă„JH[PV31 U January I` 2018 MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` CTW Mixed Class 05 February 2018 07 February 2018 earning distance learning 15 January 2018 17 January 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 12 February 2018 14 February 2018 vider no. 1105 27 February 2018 01 March 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 (Course location Faslane) cilexlawschool.ac.uk and 05 March 2018 07 March 2018 CTW Officer ch box.14Contact S12inMarch the sear 2018 March 2018 05 February 2018 07 February 2018 [ TVYL location VU Lossiemouth) \(Course 05 March 2018 07 March 2018
CTW Junior Ranks
20 March 2018 22 March 2018 (Course location Faslane) 26 March 2018 28 March 2018
21 February 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 10 January 2018 10 January 2018 (Course location Faslane) 11 January 2018 11 January 2018 22 February 2018 22 February 2018 15 March 2018 15 March 2018 (Course location Faslane) 22 March 2018 22 March 2018
FAR All Ranks 28 February 2018
28 February 2018
Self Employment Awareness 21 March 2018
26 February 2018
28 February 2018
CTW Officer
CTW Officer/SNCO 19 February 2018
CTW Mixed Class
21 March 2018
16 January 2018 13 February 2018 13 March 2018
18 January 2018 15 February 2018 15 March 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 29 January 2018 27 February 2018
31 January 2018 01 March 2018
CTW SNCO 09 January 2018 23 January 2018 06 February 2018 20 February 2018 06 March 2018 20 March 2018
11 January 2018 25 January 2018 08 February 2018 22 February 2018 08 March 2018 22 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
START DATE END DATE
11 January 2018 25 January 2018 08 February 2018 22 February 2018 08 March 2018 22 March 2018
CTW Junior Ranks
FAR All Ranks
08 January 2018 15 January 2018 22 January 2018 05 February 2018 12 February 2018 19 February 2018
07 February 2018
RRC Tidworth rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
10 January 2018 17 January 2018 24 January 2018 07 February 2018 14 February 2018 21 February 2018
07 February 2018
New Horizons in Retirement 22 January 2018
22 January 2018
Self Employment Awareness 15 January 2018 14 February 2018 12 March 2018
SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
11 January 2018 25 January 2018 08 February 2018 22 February 2018 08 March 2018 22 March 2018
15 January 2018 14 February 2018 12 March 2018
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
16 week BPEC Foundation Course leading to ACS for those service leavers with little or no experience. Guaranteed placement & interview at the end.
Kier Kier Group Group is is one one of of the the leading leading construction, construction, services, services, property property and and Kier Group is one ofinthe leading construction, services, property residential companies the UK with 23,000 staff worldwide residential companies in the UK with 21,000 staff worldwide and and an an and residential in the UKsatisfaction with 16,000 staff worldwide annual turnover ÂŁ4.3bn. Wehave have 99% satisfaction score from annual turnover of ofcompanies ÂŁ3bn. We a a99% score from our and an annual turnover ofofÂŁ3bn. 298 people have trained our previous learners, most of them ďŹ nding work after ďŹ nishing.on one previous learners, withwith most them finding work after finishing. of our courses and 93.4% of previous learners are in employment. Give us a call to get started. Give us a call to get started.
For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies studies and and training trainingcourses. courses. questonline.co.uk l December 2017 March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
13
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 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 555834 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) * XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training Gastec Training has for many years worked courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement closely with Britain’s armed forces as 4VF ,JOH .#& they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we provision. recognise the commitment you have made
Transition services and entitlements
while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as
you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION Entitlement Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS discharged All Service Leavers, other than those asinteresting Earlyand lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST utility sector. Call now for a special reduced E XJUIresettlement TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF to receive UIF pricing offer on this course. Service Leavers, are entitled the support QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG detailed in the table below. 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
Principle COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF resettlement time. All Medically Discharged ServiceTVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO Leavers BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF automatically qualify for the maximum DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH entitlement. Entitlement 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
Outflow
<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
CTP GRT(1) IRTC CTP GRT(1) IRTC Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ No 0 No FRP 10 Yes enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk www.gastectraining.co.uk No 0 No FRP 30 Yes ESP 0 No FRP 30 Yes FRP 20 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 25 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 35 Yes FRP 35 Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Training Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
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
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ Job-Finding Service â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Consultant Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ IRTC Grant (£534) â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Career Transition Workshop (3 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Other Workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Self-Employment Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Small Business Start-Up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CV Writing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interview Skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Networking â&#x20AC;¢ Career Consultancy â&#x20AC;¢ Travel Warrants (up to 7) â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant - Officers with 9 years service up to £14,686 - Other Ranks with 12 years service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,302 - Officers (9 years) and Other Ranks (12 years) who are AFPS 05 up to £10,302
questonline.co.uk l December 2017
63
Q
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
64
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Making the transition OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
* XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL 4VF ,JOH .#&
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we
Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armedrecognise Forces, you are still the commitment you have madestrongly while serving and welcome the opportunity advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), with other to ensure you havealong a prosperous futureany as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION that you will find of benefit,COURSE such as CV Writing or Interview The Entrant GasTechniques. Course will prepare you for anpurpose EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS interesting and lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST sector. Call now foroptions a special reduced of these workshops is to help you to recognise and utility assess your and learn
skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION products and services to meet case, are 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS customers needs. In this %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ you the EFE NBproduct, OZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ customer OPX B WFSZ that the the customer is your next employer. the OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF Your task is to persuade TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF range of benefits, which you bring, DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH match his or her needs. 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG
pricing offer on this course.
Define the product >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ Demonstrate yourenquiries@gastectraining.co.uk value to the employer www.gastectraining.co.uk List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your USP >> major achievements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichĂŠs, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
Understand the world of work >> >> >> >> >> >>
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
Proactive networking >> >> >> >>
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
Research the market
Networking advice
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk questonline.co.uk l December 2017
65
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
RECRUITING.
www.thedevelopmentinitiative.com/job-opportunities/
Recruiting for the following positions
TDI have contract positions available for Project Managers, Operations Managers C-IED and IEDD Trainers and Mentors, Technical Field Managers, EOD Qualified staff, Medics and all associated support staff. TDI provides a number of services to organisations in both humanitarian and commercial sectors including landmine clearance, UXO disposal, CIED training, IEDD and Search Training and remote logistics solutions. To date, with 12 years of operations, TDI has successfully undertaken over 85 projects in 18 countries.
« HGV drivers « HIAB operatives « Transport Managers « Transport Planner For more details on roles please contact us on: info@whitestransport.co.uk
01843 821377
info@thedevelopmentinitiative.com twitter.com/TDI18 www.thedevelopmentinitiative.com
whitestransport.co.uk
✆ 0800 3800 007 Fancy yourself as a Civil Aviation Authority Accredited Commercial Drone Pilot?
Gain your Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) and join the rapidly growing Drone Industry at the right time. Use your IRTC, SLC and JPA Accommodation credits towards a short residential training course that will enable you to earn money using your drone commercially. Residential Course includes: • • • • • •
•
Theory Training and Examination Practical Flying Training - try our huge range and exciting fleet of drones Flight Assessment - at no extra cost Operations Manual - writing workshop Proofing and Submission of Paperwork to CAA Drone Pilot Academy Membership - includes members industry day - Add your name to our database of pilots No resit fees
Discounted Rate for Service Personnel
£895 plus VAT (Usually £1095 plus VAT)
Starter bundles available including training and equipment – details on request: (quote QSTOCT17) Contact the Drone Pilot Academy
0800 3800 007 or visit us online
If you already have aviation experience then a shortened course may be available.
Photography | Video | Survey | Crop Analysis | Topographical Surveys | Inspections
www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk
66
December 2017 l questonline.co.uk
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Wanted: Keen and committed driver’s to deliver excellent customer service, responsible for the safe delivery of products on farm. Do you have a Class C+E licence? Do you enjoy driving and working independently? Are you happy to work flexibly? Then apply for this position at ForFarmers, the largest animal feed company in Europe.
Location: Nationwide What will you do? As a driver you will be delivering our customers orders, directly to farm, accurately and on time. Building strong relationships between departments, and with customers, to ensure you have the ability to resolve queries wherever possible.You will be a champion of safe working, and eco-driving. Tasks and responsibilities: • LGV Driving: - All legal requirements to be met fully. Consideration for other road users and members of the public. Clear, accurate completion of tachograph records, manual entries and defect reports.Vehicles to be operated within relevant speed and weight limits at all times. • Feed Delivery: - Accurate, safe working on customers farms. Care to be taken at all times to achieve correct bins for feed and UFAS compliance. Safety of farm employees, children and stock are paramount. Damage to buildings or other property to be avoided. • Paperwork: - All delivery records, cleaning records, defect reports etc., to be completed accurately, in full and on time.
• Health & Safety: - Comply fully with company & customer health and safety policies. • Environment: - Fully adhere to rules set out in the site IPPC, comply with company environment policy and assist the transport manager to improve the site EMS. You must have: • Qualification:- LGV Class C+E licence (minimum C) • Ownership of a digital Tachograph Card • Driver certificate of Professional Competency. Are you... A keen driver, strong communicator, passionate about safe working and delivering excellent customer service? Then we are looking for you! Are you the driver we are looking for? If so, please send your CV with a covering letter Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask. Get in touch with Hannah Reeve: email hannah.reeve@forfarmers.eu We offer: Excellent employment conditions, a good work atmosphere and plenty of freedom ForFarmers offers a good salary which suits your role, as well as excellent fringe benefits.
Is your future with Turners? Class 1 drivers required Nationally
Please phone or email for an application form or for more information on the following
Class 1 Training available
Trudy Crane T: 01205 820972 ext 1216 E: trudy.crane@coolfoodmovers.com
Tramping/Days/Nights out/Markets/Supermarkets
turners-distribution.com questonline.co.uk l December 2017
67
Phoenix Health & Safety are the Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses.
Courses available include:
•
NEBOSH National General Certificate
•
NEBOSH National Construction Certificate
• •
NEBOSH National Fire Certificate
•
NEBOSH International Construction Certificate
support groups.
•
NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Certificate
Contact us today for an informal discussion on how we can help with your training requirements on:
• •
NEBOSH National Diploma
0345 500 8811 info@phoenixhsc.co.uk
And many more...
Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media
NEBOSH International General Certificate
NEBOSH International Diploma
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
3518