Quest Magazine Feb/March by Bulldog Publishing

THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC February/March 2020

Jacob Kelly:

Air Despatch to Airstream DJ PLUS: Access Diplomas Aviation and IT careers Start-up advice Transition support

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT

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Gastec offer the full portfolio of training and assessment services for the countries leading Certification Bodies. Our state of the art training and assessment centre is just off the M1in Milton Keynes. This purpose-built centre contains airconditioned classrooms, Smart Board technology and a range of facilities to make your time with us enjoyable as well as productive. Together with our tailor-made workshops and refreshment facilities it all combines to make the learning experience as easy and as pleasant as possible. We at Gastec recognise the commitment you have made whilst serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you embark on a new career path. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector.

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EDITOR IT MAY NOT SEEM LIKE IT, BUT THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER and that

means more time to plan your future – with the help of QUEST, of course! And could that be a whiff of optimism in the air as 2020 gains momentum, giving a hint of the opportunities that lie ahead this year? If you feel it too – whether you’re still in uniform or have already kick-started your prep for life ‘on the outside’ – we hope you’ll find QUEST the only guide you’ll need to courses, training, careers and your transition. Hitting the decks running, our cover story this time features air despatcher turned DJ Jacob Kelly – a man who, with the help of X-Forces Enterprise, has made the move from Army to events with his converted Airstream sound booth Dottie. After that upbeat opening, we mix things up a little, with all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how best to use it – that applies to you whether you’re currently serving or have already left but remain eligible to make a claim. As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we home in on higher-level study options – if that’s where your sights are set. And, if they are, the Access to HE Diploma could help you get started, even if you imagine higher education is out of reach. Added to that, we turn the spotlight on to some career options we know are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition: aviation, computing and IT, and logistics and distribution. Find out about the kinds of courses

that will help you boost your skills in these areas, whether to improve your Service career prospects or to smooth your resettlement with relevant qualifications that will make you a more desirable employee once you leave. The section concludes with our one-stop ‘Funding Factfile’, which sums up all you need to know about the financial support available to aid your learning pursuits. After a short intermission for The Hub – where you’ll find a variety of information on course and training options, transition news and reader reports – we turn our attention to your resettlement, with the usual QUEST mix of inspiring stories and practical guidance. First we check out how a new initiative that sees RFEA partner with The Royal British Legion’s employment support programme aims to help thousands of ex-Forces personnel and their families in civilian life. Regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has further sound advice on selfemployment, this time focusing on sources of help, while ex-Reserve Terry Cyrille tells us how he has benefited from the support of veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll. To aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings, as well as our ‘Transition Factfile’, gathering together in one place useful info from a range of sources. We hope you find plenty in this issue to inspire you as you progress through your Service career and towards your own new beginning.

Lynn Brown Editor

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

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

Bulldog Publishing Limited 2 The Courtyard Alswick Hall Estate Buntingford Herts SG9 0AA Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Neil Rust ACCOUNT MANAGER John Bulmer ACCOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Dave Cook WEBSITE MANAGER Chris Hughes Cover photo: Bob Peters Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798

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questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 >>

Contents From Air Despatch to Airstream DJ: Jacob Kelly

ME THE HO

ELC YTHING OF EVER

arch 202

February/M

page 06

b Kelly:

Jaco atch to Air Desp m DJ Airstrea PLUS:

as Diplom Access eers and IT car advice Start-up support n tio Transi

Aviation

YOUR ELC 10 ELC 101: the basics 12 Are you eligible for ELC?

RCES SES 4 FO NT G COUR SETTLEME ORATIN I CAREERS I RE ING INCORP COURSES

line.co.u

queston

I FUND

14 How to use your ELC funding 16 How to claim if you are still serving 18 How to claim after leaving 20 Avoiding queries or rejection 22 ELC dos and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ts 24 Higher-level study 30 Qualifications to further your Service career 32 On course: Aviation 36 On course: Computing and IT

40 On course: Logistics and distribution 44 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 46 Education and funding planner 48 Useful contacts

THE HUB 50 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT 52 Employment support: RFEA

54 Practical advice: transferable skills 56 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 58 Transition support: Stoll 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile 66 Employer spotlight: Jacobs

22 4

February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

40 52

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020

COVER STORY: RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS FACTFILE

Calling

All photos: Bob Peters

the tune Leaving the Forces to focus on running his own events and entertainment-focused business has made Jacob Kelly the (mix) master of his own destiny. And, last summer, the Leeds house music mogul hit the road with an innovative concept and a new companion …

superclubs like Space in Ibiza, and been given producer credit on cult labels such as Music For Freaks and Defected DFTD. For the past five years, Jacob has owned and run two bars in Leeds – The Doghouse and The 212 – which have hosted established international DJs. The

his life. Dottie is American, a little

the help of some friends, and customised

he accumulated during those years has

older than him and they plan to

Dottie with one of the best DJ booths and

been channelled into Airstream Events,

travel together to bring house music to the

sound systems in the world, emerging

as he explains: ‘I’ve been running my own

UK’s best events.

as a boutique pop-up party solution for

businesses within hospitality and events

acob Kelly has a new woman in

Jacob’s wife JoJo doesn’t mind,

Jacob took on the renovation with

vast knowledge, contacts and experience

festivals and private events. Dottie can

for years and have learned an awful lot,

though, as Dottie is an iconic 1970

also be hired as just a bar, too, without the

some of it through making mistakes. I

American Airstream, which Jacob has

sound system. Jacob worked with industry

firmly believe that you’ve got to fail to

lovingly transformed as the vessel for his

leaders to kit out the trailer with the very

know how to succeed. I decided that I

new business, Airstream Events. Jacob,

best in sound technology. The investment

wanted to break free of landlords and

describing the journey to launch, says:

required was therefore considerable so,

being stuck to one place all the time.

‘It’s been six months of relentless work,

through X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), Jacob

Airstream Events will enable me to do that

seven days a week – countless hours

accessed a Start Up Loan for the maximum

and include my family more.

of organisation, graft, ideas, planning,

amount available to buy the Airstream and

meetings, form filling … you name it.

help towards the equipment.

Dottie went under a very big knife,

Airstream Events is not Jacob’s first

‘My wife JoJo has been in broadcasting for 23 years, and currently presents the drivetime show on Capital Yorkshire.

transforming from unloved Airstream

foray into business, however. He set up and

Airstream Events is very much a family

trailer to sparkling DJ booth, and she

established Eclectic Avenue Records, which

business – JoJo has been my sounding

made her debut at the Airstream Events

boasts releases from some of the best

board when others thought I was mad,

launch party last June.’

names in music. As a DJ, Jacob has played

despite a really sensible business plan. We

February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

JACOB’S SERVICE CAREER Enlisted: January 1992 Exit date: 1999 Final rank: Driver Service branch: RCT/RLC Specialisation: 47 Air Despatch Sqn

share a deep passion for music and it’s going to be great to enjoy this together and make lasting family memories.’ In fact, Airstream Events is already making a name for itself at the very top level of the music industry, having been invited to work with renowned electro duo The Chemical Brothers at their end-of-tour

joined at the very young age of 16,’ he says.

what they gave me. I think every veteran

show at the O2 Arena last year. ‘We drafted

‘I loved every moment of serving, however

will understand when I say my military

in Airstream Events for our big London

after a while I realised that if I left when I

background is always with me. In everyday

show to facilitate our aftershow party in

did, I would still be young enough to start a

life, I hold those values of discipline, hard

December,’ says Chemical Brothers tour

civilian life and create a future for myself.

work and timekeeping in high regard, and

manager James Baseley. ‘Wow, what a

‘In 47 Air Despatch we used to fly

great sound system! And Jacob and his

around in C130 Hercules and throw stuff

team were truly professional and provided

out of the sides and back to resupply the

a great service with no fuss. We hope to

troops on the ground, a skill there’s not

however, it turned out not to be the simple

work together again in the future.’

much call for on civvy street! However the

transition to civvy street he had expected,

grit and determination that was drummed

and Jacob reveals that it took a few years

into us has never left me.

for him to find his feet and carve out a

That must all seem a world away from Jacob’s military career, which saw him serve for almost eight years in the British Army, within 47 Air Despatch Squadron. ‘I

‘They were great years in the Army, and without a doubt I am grateful for

they are a real benefit when you’re selfemployed.’ When he left the Army in 1999,

career in the music industry. ‘My first job on leaving was in a sales role for a street

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020

COURSESTORY: COVER FACTFILE CHOICES RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS

Book Airstream Events Dottie is now available for bookings via Airstream Events. She will travel to any location around the UK and will be on the festival circuit in 2020. Jacob hopes to eventually expand his fleet, to see Airstream Events bringing music to even more people. To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/ukairstreamevents to be doing a job for you but their last job has been delayed, your plans must remain adaptable. I think that’s probably something else I have retained from my military days too. ‘Finally, be patient and know that there are always people here to help you, so sales company in London, which I’d seen

have found the X-Forces support to be

advertised in a paper. It was all a bit odd

fantastic so far,’ he says. ‘The funding

and, looking back on it, I’m not entirely sure

was vital to get my project off the ground

applauds Jacob’s commitment to following

it was completely legit! We would all meet

and the team coached me through the

his passion: ‘On our Self-Employment

at 8am at the head office, where we’d all

spreadsheet minefield! My adviser keeps

Discovery workshops, and during the

do sales pitches in front of everyone, and

in touch to make sure that I’m OK, and

planning process, one of the first questions

then go outside and do weird exercises.

I’m really pleased this sort of support

we ask of prospective entrepreneurs is

After that we would go out on the streets

is available to me because of my Army

whether they really know their market.

and try to sell random experiences, like

service.’

The most successful business owners

makeovers and track days, to passers-by. It was all a bit strange and I left after a week.

When asked about the advice he might

don’t be afraid to ask if you need it.’ XFE CEO and founder Ren Kapur MBE

understand who their customers are and

share with others facing the challenge

what their motivations may be. Jacob is a

of embarking on resettlement or a

great example of this, being fully immersed

he continues. ‘So I found sales roles to

new business venture, Jacob replies: ‘I

in his industry, where his knowledge and

fund me buying music, which led on to me

believe in carving your own path. Think of

contacts will prove to be valuable, and

Dj-ing, then to production and on to where

something that you are passionate about,

drawing on his past business experience.

I am now.

work out a plan on how you can make it

We are delighted to support him in this

work for you and go at it. Don’t let other

endeavour, and I look forward to meeting

my passion and that turned out well. I’m

people make you doubt what you want to

the stunning Dottie very soon.’ Q

fortunate to be able to work in a field I love

do. Get a great support group around you

and every stage of my working life has

that believe in you and what you want to

provided positive experiences.’

do, and focus on being positive. It’s tough

‘My passion has always been music,’

‘When I was without focus, I followed

Jacob was referred to X-Forces

out here, it really is, but never give up and

Enterprise (XFE) as it is the official

do what you want to do. You will find that

ABOUT X-FORCES ENTERPRISE (XFE)

delivery partner of the government’s

civilians do not tend to have the same

XFE is the official delivery partner

Start Up Loans Company for the military

urgency and work ethic as someone that

to the government’s Start Up

community. XFE supports the business

has served.

Loans scheme and the Career

‘The main thing I learned in renovating

Transition Partnership (CTP). It has

prior to receiving the loan and mentoring

Dottie, and along the amazing yet stressful

already supported more than 1,500

for 12 months thereafter via an allocated

journey to launch, is that you cannot

entrepreneurs to start their own

XFE business adviser. It is a service

control time or other people’s time. It’s

businesses, and has helped many

that Jacob is finding really useful, even

frustrating but there is nothing you can

more through training, events and

with his prior business experience: ‘I

do. For example, if someone is meant

mentoring.

owner with business planning guidance

FOLLOW AIRSTREAM EVENTS

For full details of how to register for XFE’s start-up and business planning

Web: http://ukairstreamevents.com

support, call 0800 368 9533, visit

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ukairstreamevents

www.x-forces.com or

Instagram: www.instagram.com/airstreamevents.uk

email info@x-forces.com

February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

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Barnsley

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101

The basics

ubject to certain eligibility

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

ELC are available for full- or part-time

criteria (see page 12), the ELC

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

study for a qualification at level 3 or

scheme offers currently serving

which is a single payment of up to

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

or former Service personnel access to a

£3,000 for those with six or more years

with an organisation on the approved

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

of qualifying service, which will count

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

as all three awards.

The PF FE/HE scheme provides Service

− – Service training

first undergraduate degree or equivalent)

leavers and Service personnel in their

− – civilian accredited Service training

free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

qualifying resettlement phase with

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

information you need to know …

access to a first full level 3 or a first

is involved, together with a separate

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

HE qualification (a foundation degree

payments of up to £1,000 in three

or a first undergraduate degree or

− – membership fees

separate financial years; the higher

equivalent) with support towards

− – books and materials

tuition fees.

− – normal Service sport and adventurous

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

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

years. l

The three separate years do not have

training. l

Withdrawal once payment has been

You must make a contribution to your

made due to foreseeable postings/

to run consecutively, and may be a

learning of at least 20% of the cost

Service activities will usually meant

combination of both higher and lower

(the ELC element includes VAT but

levels.

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

ELC may be claimed for the same

books and materials).

compassionate reasons cause your

learning course if it continues for more

exam, assessment or assignment)

Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March).

You may not claim ELC for:

that no further claims will be allowed. l

If unexpected Service or

You must discuss your plans with

withdrawal, you should seek advice

than a year, or for a different learning

your line manager and education

from your Education Staff or Learning

purpose each year.

adviser before making any financial

Adviser.Q

If one course combines with others for

commitment.

a single learning purpose these can be combined to claim ELC.

10 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

Eligible for ELC

Thinking about a new career in health and safety? Kick-start your next adventure with a NEBOSH General Certificate

www.nebosh.org.uk/i-am/service-leaver +44 (0)116 263 4700 | info@nebosh.org.uk

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible? Take a look at the ELC 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

Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

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

service before 1 April 2017, you keep

In detail …

award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

of service, you may be eligible to make

If you left service on or after 1 April

You can start claiming when you have

claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury

2016, you are entitled to post-service

accumulated the necessary qualifying

or illness was caused or significantly

access to ELC and FEHE for five years.

years of service. For example, if you

worsened, wholly or predominantly by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

registered on the ELC scheme and have

service, as defined by the Armed Forces

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

Compensation Scheme (JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

have been entitled to start claiming at the

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

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

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

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

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

service for lower-tier awards increased

eligible to claim under the terms of the

from four to six years. However, if you

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

accumulated four years’ qualifying service

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look

before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to

at the feature on page 18 to find out more –

claim your lower-tier awards.

or, for full details and to check the detailed

To take advantage of ELC support, you must:

discharge. Additionally, if you are medically

your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier

In brief … l

qualify for full state subsidy.

The qualifying service required for

have completed four years of full-time

discharged prior to completing six years

eligibility rules, visit

service or, since 1 April 2017, six years

What happens if you are made redundant?

have joined – or since April 2016

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

been automatically enrolled – on the

to be made redundant, you will cease

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

the day you leave service. If you have

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

accrued six or more years’ service since

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

registering on the scheme by your last day

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

are academically qualified to enter

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

learning on leaving the Service

accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last

12 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Become a Rail Signalling Installer! 1ST JUNE -10TH JULY 2020 OR

1ST SEPT -9TH OCT 2020 www.rttsolutions.co.uk info@rttsolutions.co.uk (01473)242344

*Employment not guaranteed, and is dependant on outcome of interview process

YOUR ELC HOW TO USE YOUR ELC FUNDING

Spending options Once your claim is approved, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a range of choices available

LC are available for full- or part-

professional self-development

time study for a qualification at

accreditation of prior learning

level 3 or above, as defined on the

vocational training

National Qualifications Framework/

registration and accreditation fees

Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/

sports qualifications

RQF),* with an organisation

overseas qualifications

on the approved providers list held by

resettlement training (during last two

ELCAS and viewable at

years of service only).

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

To find out more about accessing higher-

It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or

level study in particular, take a look at our

equivalent award. You may also use ELC

feature on page 24.

CHOOSING A COURSE Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l its relevance to your personal development plan l your ability to undertake it l likely disruptions to Service requirements l the flexibility of the study method.

* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is

to fund anything above that, too, like

replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework

university modules or nationally recognised

(QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual had

diplomas. This might include:

expected the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

foundation degrees

postgraduate qualifications

other academic qualifications

14 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

this information is still current in JSP822.

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

QUALIFY AS A PERSONAL TRAINER Study Active offer ELCAS funded Personal Training courses. We aim to empower service leavers to transform their careers so they can pursue a career in the health & fitness sector. - Flexible Online & Blended Learning - 10 FREE online CPD courses - Guaranteed Interview & Career Support - ELCAS Funded - Multi course “bundle” options - REPs & CIMSPA approved qualifications

Email: resettlement@studyactive.co.uk Tel: 0345 017 8733 https://studyactive.co.uk/pages/elcas-funding

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 15

Claims checklist

Keep your claim on track with our step-by-step guide 1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction and

.................................................

MBER

YOUR ELC YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLAIMING

.................................................

MoD OF EME

Guidance for Training and Education. Performance People Ltd The Coach House 10 Townsend Road Shrivenham Oxfordshire SN6 8AS

Performance People Ltd The Coach House 10 Townsend Road Shrivenham Oxfordshire SN6 8AS

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3015 E LC

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

3015 Specialist Training and Qualifications in Evidence-Based Coaching & Mentoring and Coaching Supervision

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

PROVIDER NUMBER

Coaching and mentoring have been buzzwords for some time now, with proven benefits related to improved performance, enhanced learning and the development of positive attitudes. Others have recognised coaching as a communication style in its own right and positioned it within a leadership framework, whilst creating and sustaining a coaching culture is seen by many as a central to becoming a learning organisation. Combined, their value is now well-recognised within leadership and management, with specialist training and qualification offering a powerful framework for both personal & professional development. Performance People are specialists in the areas of performance, learning, communication and change. Our ACT and NLP courses provide hard science and soft skills approaches to unlocking people potential and maximising people performance, whilst our SBO courses offer foundational training for those wanting to apply these approaches within the business coaching or consulting context. And as an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme provider, all of our programmes offer a direct pathway to ILM qualifications in Coaching & Mentoring at Levels 3, 5 and 7 and Coaching Supervision at Level 7.

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16 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

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

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

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0800 197 0010 - 01977 691800 questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 17

YOUR ELC MAKE A CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

Already left?

Here’s how to claim your ELC if you are no longer serving …

lthough the main purpose of ELC

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING 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).

evidence of your last day of Service,

is to encourage serving personnel

which could be a copy of your discharge

Royal Navy

to pursue higher-level learning that

document, a copy of your P45

SO3C EL3R Resettlement, NCHQ Mailpoint

benefits both the learner and the Armed

terminating employment or a document

3.3, Leach Building, Whale Island, HMS

Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning

stamped by your regiment confirming

Excellent, Portsmouth PO2 8BY

to be pursued during resettlement or for up to five years after leaving the Services.*

The majority of this learning is likely to be

your leaving date**

02392 625954

a copy of a utility bill showing your home

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

address full information about the course you

Army

existing ones), with the qualification

wish to undertake and including details of

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

benefiting the learner and a future employer

your registration date where applicable.

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

vocational (learning new skills or enhancing

On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

with payment by sending it, along with your

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,

20% minimum contribution, to the training

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

download the appropriate form from the

provider.

and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base. First of all, refer to the eligibility

ELCAS website and complete it fully, except

When you have completed your course,

01264 381580 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

Royal Air Force

elements (you will find their contact details in

could jeopardise your next claim. If you have

Learning Credits Administrator, 22 Gp,

the accompanying box). Send your otherwise

any doubts about any aspect of this process,

Rm 221B, Trenchard Hall, RAFC Cranwell,

fully completed claim form to them at the

contact your single-Service education/

Sleaford, Lincs NG34 8HB

relevant address (again, see box), along with:

learning representative for advice before

01400 268 183

submitting a claim. Q

22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-LCA@mod.uk

IMPORTANT!

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

All applications must be submitted to

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear

for the expiration date of your claims.

working days prior to the start of the

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

course you wish to take. They will

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

then submit approved applications to

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

ELCAS. You should not submit your

personnel can request details of discharge dates from

claim form direct to ELCAS.

the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.

18 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

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

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questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 19

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

Get it right first time!

Stop queries or rejection slowing down your claim

LCAS deals with many claims that

minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the

and research and discuss your learning with

have to be queried or rejected: almost

NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is

your line manager and Service education or

not on the ELCAS approved providers list

learning adviser. This also applies if you are

failure to follow the correct procedure for

a qualifying ex-Service person using your

authorising the claim

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

the course not commencing in the

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

qualifying financial year

enough you could find yourself significantly

incorrect financial data, such as the

out of pocket as retrospective claims are not

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

learner’s contribution being less than

allowed under any circumstances.

learners failing to allow sufficient time

20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated

20% of claims received fail to comply

with the correct procedures. Some of the

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

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

as exceeding the ELC award

offered by an approved provider are

incomplete details or errors in course title

automatically admissible under the ELC

so any claim submitted within 25 working

or course level (these account for 25% of

scheme. This is a common mistake: one

days of the start of the course will

all rejected/queried claims)

provider may supply many courses, but only

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3

system

or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS

more than one active claim being

website may be considered for ELC purposes.

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

automatically be rejected l

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

form for the previous claim has been

processed for an individual in the same

completed – such claims are also l

Also, do not assume that all courses

financial year.

So: l

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

20 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

PGL TRAINING LTD

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YOUR ELC APPLICATION GUIDANCE

Make your claim with care

Streamline your application with our list of dos and don’ts Do:

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

and line managers to discuss your

training and/or resettlement adviser if

(CAN)

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

needing to book a course

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

the level 3 requirement

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

National Qualifications Framework

carefully before submitting a claim

CAN from ELCAS

consult your education/learning staff

between submitting a claim and l

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

automatically assume that approved

enrol on a course or commit yourself

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

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

two years of serving) l

inform your Education Staff,

commit any payment contributions

ensure the course provider has

approved provider status by checking

22 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

questionnaire when you’ve finished

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

i2i LEADERSHIP & COACHING

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Take your nextAre step in looking starting your career Are you looking a you for a newfor career in health & safety? in health and safety completing a NEBOSH career by in health & safety? Zero to hero Just because you knowcation little about your industry now, it doesn’t have to be that way forever. or IOSH health and safety qualifi 100% our course attendee’s findmemorable. our training invaluable and also memorable. 100% of our course attendee’s find our of training invaluable and also

Retaining information courses is usually the hardest part, so weofhave made Choose us as hardest yourfrom training provider, and reap skills those insure thethe know! Retaining information from courses is usually the part, so we have made sure the the course content and theboth way complement it is deliveredeach by the trainer, both complement each other. course content and the way it is delivered by the trainer, other.

We are a ELCAS Approved Training Provider based heart of Tidworth Garrison Not just in a the certif icate and are able to offer fantastic NEBOSH course packages bundles enabling you to We want you to benefitas from our training, giving you the knowledge and confidence to take your Zero to hero Zero tocareer heropath. We will maximise your ELC entitlement. learning in to your chosen give you skills to fulfil your duty alongside the

Just because you know little about your industry now, it doesn’t have to be that way forever.

because know little about your industry now, it doesn’t have to be that way forever. urge and passionJust to want to you learn more!

Choose as the yourskills training provider, and reap the skills of those in the know! ChooseChoose us as your training andus reap of those in the know! We offer the following courses as part of our package deals; anyprovider, of the following courses to build your package using a single claim:

NEBOSH NGC ● NEBOSH Fire ●

Not just a certif icate Resettlement hasa never been easier Not just certif icate

want this you to benefit from our training, giving youto the knowledge and confidence to take your We want to benefit from training, giving you the knowledge and confidence take your NEBOSH Construction Leaving the military can you be daunting andour weWe know from experience. in will to your careerfulfil path. Weduty will give you skills to your chosen careerlearning path. We givechosen you skills your the to fulfil your duty alongside the Don’t leave it toolearning long toingain qualifications in another industry, keeptoyourself busyalongside and active! ● NEBOSH Environment urge and passion to want to learn more! urge and passion to want to learn more!

●

We also accept the use of Standard Learning Credits and IRTC Resettlement has never been easier Resettlement has never been easier Call us today on 01980 676859 or online at www.southwesthealthandsafety.com grant to fund any of our course offerings including our IOSH Courses, Leaving canfrom be daunting and we know this from experience. Leaving the military can be daunting andthe wemilitary know this experience. Don’t leave it too long to gain qualifications in busy another please contact us for further information. Don’t leave it too long to gain qualifications in another industry, keep yourself andindustry, active! keep yourself busy and active! APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

Who ever thought learning could actually enjoyable! For a ‘common sense approach’ to training, book on to our next course, E LC and experience it for yourself. Military to Military training, we know what you and expect, and we676859 deliver justor that. Call usneed today on 01980 online at www.southwesthealthandsafety.com Call us today on 01980 676859 or online at www.southwesthealthandsafety.com 8747

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APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

Who ever thoughtFor learning couldsense actually enjoyable! For a ‘common to training, book on to our next course, Who ever thought learning could actually enjoyable! a ‘common approach’ to training, book onsense to ourapproach’ next course, andtoexperience it for yourself. to Military training, know what you and experience it for yourself. Military Military training, we knowMilitary what you need and expect,we and we deliver justneed that.and expect, and we deliver just that. E L C

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PROVIDER NUMBER

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 23

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Time to step up? 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, 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.

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with a

(generally academic) and further education

higher education (HE) qualification

good qualification at the end of it – and may

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

that’s great – you can use your ELC

even fail altogether.

Credits from a selection of courses can often

to fund anything above level 3, and that

It’s a good idea to start by thinking about

be added together to gain degrees and other

includes university modules and nationally

the qualifications you already have and the

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open

subjects/areas you have a flair for. Other

to you for consideration include diplomas,

things you might want to think about include

distance learning. The difference between

bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees

the course provider’s academic reputation

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

and postgraduate qualifications. The only

(you can find university league tables and

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

problem you are likely to have is in deciding

subject ranking tables online), its graduate

both types are involved. Many qualifications

exactly what and how to study!

employment rates, and links between the

are modular; this means that you complete

university or college and employers.

them in sections (modules), often of your

Choosing an HE course

Having decided what you want to study,

HE qualifications. Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

own choosing, and credits gained from a

You may already have a pretty good idea of

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

selection of such courses can be gathered

what you’d like to study at a higher level but,

studying it.

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE

if you’re unsure, our advice is to make sure

qualifications.

you understand the nature of the subject you

How do HE courses differ?

are considering, especially if it’s something

The most basic difference is between the

new to you. So do your research, and ensure

levels of courses. While most HE courses

access support under the FEHE scheme to

you know exactly what a course is offering

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

commence studies at master’s level but they

you – topic areas, what the modules will

qualifications such as a Higher National

can utilise their ELC for study at this level.

cover, etc. Whatever else you take in to

Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma

consideration, it goes without saying that

(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,

popular higher-level course options you

you must have a strong interest in the

such courses will be shorter than a degree

could choose from …

subject and the course content, as you will be

course, more vocationally orientated and will

spending three years or more occupied with

have lower entry requirements. Some will be

it, which won’t be much fun if it turns out

linked to degree courses, though, giving you

you’re not that struck with it after all!

the option of progressing to a degree if you

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

perform well enough on the early parts of

Which? University is a free and

the course.

independent website packed with

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

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 no

of modules, the distinction between HE

http://university.which.co.uk

24 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

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

In a property or construction-related role in the Armed Forces? Why not study a Built Environment degree programme with UCEM?

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UCEM is a leading, supported online provider of accessible, flexible and cost-effective education producing leading talent for a better Built Environment.

Upcoming Dates in 2020: 21 February, 20th March, 17th April st

Visit ucem.ac.uk/study

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All our programmes are delivered via supported online education and we are an approved provider (1322) for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all our programmes are available under this scheme.

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questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 25

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

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

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

SOURCES OF ADVICE

degree is designed to give learners a

Your line manager should be your

thorough understanding of a subject, and

first point of contact. Each unit has an

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

usually takes three or four years to complete

education/learning specialist, and each

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,

Service also has a network of educational

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus

can take five or six years).

and learning centres where advice can be sought and ideas explored.

on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are designed to give you the skills to put that

Postgraduate qualifications

knowledge to effective use in a particular

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

job. Highly valued by employers, both in

qualifications that require learners to have

in open learning, with distance learning

the UK and overseas, they can also count

already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most

generally catering for students who are so

towards membership of professional bodies

types of postgraduate qualification will include

far away that they study almost entirely by

and other employer organisations. HNCs

taught and research elements. They generally

themselves.

can take one year to complete full-time and

fall into one of two categories: postgraduate

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

certificate or postgraduate diploma.

learning). HNDs take two years full-time and

ELC funding for higher education

longer). (The award of an HND requires more

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

units to be passed than for an HNC.) They

If you aren’t already in possession of the

qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first

equate to approximately halfway between

lower-level qualifications you would normally

undergraduate degree or equivalent) free

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

need to build on in order to secure your

from tuition fees. This commitment means

as mentioned above, more practically based

place on an HE course, the Access to Higher

that Service leavers who have joined at level

than the latter.

Education (HE) Diploma – often referred

2, say, and have taken the opportunity to

to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma

gain a qualification such as an advanced

Foundation degrees

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

apprenticeship, or other accredited learning

Foundation degrees combine learning with

prepares people for study at university,

at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to

work experience if you decide you want

and is designed for those who would like to

access their first higher-level qualification.

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

study in HE but who left school without the

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

usual qualifications, such as A-levels. It is

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

is a fully flexible qualification that allows

widely accepted by universities and colleges,

Training and Education, which can be

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

having been developed with their support,

accessed and downloaded at www.

lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240

and is designed to provide a good grounding

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full

in the knowledge and study skills needed

account will be taken of any prior learning

to succeed in HE. Although equivalent to

and experience you have accrued, too.

A-levels, Access Diploma courses are put

Recent developments, including university

together with people who haven’t studied for

partnerships and funding, make these

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

qualifications increasingly available to people

qualifications. Many are suitable for study

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

in the Services.

part-time or in the evenings, which adds to

Discover Uni: https://discoveruni.gov.uk/

their flexibility. Most FE colleges in England

Decide if university is right for you,

can also be taken part-time (which takes

The good news is that your ELC provides you with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE

Full details can be found in JSP822

Degree courses

and Wales offer such Access courses, and

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

a number are available through distance

academic study leading to a qualification

learning, so you should be able to find a

l UCAS:

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

course that is convenient for you, and that

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known

caters for your interests or career ambitions.

choose what and where to study, find and compare courses

by course name, provider name or location

You can find out more about Access to HE

DISTANCE LEARNING Distance learning puts you in control of your education. It allows you to study

courses, browse courses and read success

http://search.ucas.com

Search and apply for full-time courses

National Careers Service: https://

stories on the Access to Higher Education

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

homepage at www.accesstohe.ac.uk

advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx Search for full- and part-time courses

whenever and wherever you want to.

How to learn

To find out all about this valuable tool,

Qualifications can be earned through full-

Postgraduate study

read the in-depth feature on our website:

time courses, part-time courses, day release,

l Prospects:

www.questonline.co.uk/news/article/

night school, open and distance learning (see

distance-learning

box). There will usually be more times when students get together for joint study periods

26 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

www.prospects.ac.uk/

postgraduate-courses l

Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com

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

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 27

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

‘Wish I’d done it years ago’ University of Cumbria nursing graduate Derrick Tyson says he has no regrets about leaving the Forces to take a new direction – indeed he wishes he’d changed career years ago! with three children aged 16, 14

understanding is also evident

health nursing, Derrick was a

Before swapping to mental

and 10. ‘It was incredibly hard

in his professional practice.

serving solider in Grantham,

work,’ he says, ‘having three

We are extremely proud of his

Lincolnshire, and it was

children, either in or rapidly

achievements.’

during his preparation for

approaching their teenage

deployment that his interest

years. There was a lot going

To find out more, visit

in mental health was piqued.

on at home. I wouldn’t have

cumbria.ac.uk

‘I was in the Army for

been able to do it without

several years, deployed on

their support and that of

operations across the world.

my wife Lindsay. She was

As part of those deployments

absolutely amazing taking

we were trained as trim

care of the children, which

practitioners – someone able

allowed me to focus on my

to assess colleagues’ and

studies and achieve as well

peers’ mental health if they

as I did. I was incredibly lucky

had experienced an incident

to have them around and the

I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO GET A PLACE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CUMBRIA. THEY TOOK A CHANCE ON ME AND THE REST IS HISTORY

overseas on deployment. That

university was flexible enough

Derrick at his graduation ceremony

sparked my interest in mental

to accommodate me too.’

health and, as I was coming

Asked if he has any

errick Tyson, 36,

towards the end of my time

regrets about changing

recently graduated

as a soldier, I was looking for

career, he says: ‘I wish I’d

as a mental health

other options, came across

done it years ago. Now I can’t

nurse at a ceremony held in

mental health nursing and

picture myself doing anything

the opulent surroundings of

was fortunate enough to get

else.’ That means working

THE GORDON NEILL PRIZE

Carlisle Cathedral. It turned

a place at the University of

in his dream job at Furness

Gordon Neill was a surgeon

out to be a double celebration

Cumbria. They took a chance

General Hospital, on the

at the Cumberland Infirmary

for Derrick, who was awarded

on me and the rest is history.’

Dova Unit, an acute inpatient

and, on his death in 1952, his

mental health unit.

father set up a trust fund in

the Gordon Neil Prize for

If changing career wasn’t

nursing, for being the highest-

pressure enough, Derrick

scoring student across all

had to balance his studies

lecturer, Mental Health

prize originates. This is the

nursing programmes.

alongside a busy family life

Nursing at the University of

second year in a row that a

Cumbria, says of Derrick’s

mental health nursing student

award: ‘The mental health

has been awarded the prize,

team are absolutely delighted

demonstrating the high calibre

that Derrick has been awarded

of students on the University

the Gordon Neill prize. Derrick

of Cumbria programme. The

decided on a career change

prize is awarded to the BSc

after spending a number

student nurse with the highest

of years in the military and

average percentage mark in

we are very glad he chose

part II of their study across

to study with us. He has

the entire cohort. The award

shown consistency across

was originally given to the best

the whole three years in

nurse of the year who trained

terms of his academic work,

at Cumberland Infirmary and

which has been a great

has since transferred to the

pleasure to read. Not only

University of Cumbria.

Derrick with lecturer, Michelle Garner

Louise Corless, senior

that, but his knowledge and

28 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

his memory from which the

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questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 29

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO ENHANCE YOUR SERVICE CAREER

... and your Service Using your ELC wisely while still in uniform won’t just boost your future prospects, it will benefit your Service too

s noted elsewhere in this

include accountancy and management

publication, the main purpose

qualifications, or courses related to

of ELC is to encourage serving

health and safety, and facilities or project

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

management. Depending on your Service

that benefits both the learner and the

role, you could find yourself in a position to

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

embark on a range of studies that will turn

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

out to have a very useful crossover into

which state that any money provided for

the civilian workplace when the time comes

your personal development has to be of

for you to make the transition.

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING

immediate benefit to both the Armed

For example, thinking of IT training

Forces and the individual – if not, the

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

of study undertaken by individuals still

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

network of employers working to creating

serving are exempt from taxation, either

accompanying box for more tax-related

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

information.)

been involved in putting together a

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

Under the ELC scheme, most courses

The best of both worlds is offered by

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

those courses that will benefit your own

qualifications, which in these high-tech

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

career and promotion prospects in the

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

reach an agreement on tax exemption.

Services – and ultimately help you find

as they are while you remain in Service.

This means that the Service leaver (or

employment on leaving – as well as offering

Similar work has taken place with Summit

their surviving spouse, civil partner or

a benefit to the Service while you remain

Skills with regard to building services

eligible partner, where appropriate) will

in uniform.

engineering-related courses. A great many

not be required to pay income tax on

other areas are likely to serve you well in

payments received under the ELC and

that your Service role might require,

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw

but that are also highly likely to prove

your Service branch now, of course! Q

maximum benefit from the schemes.at

Some of the areas of education

useful once you leave the Forces, could

30 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

least for a limited period.

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

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questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 31

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AVIATION CAREERS

A flying start Thinking of transferring your aviation-related skills to the civilian workplace? Here’s some advice to help you plan ahead and ensure your new career takes off

erhaps you have long planned a

second careers by following them. Holding

passenger services staff

career in the aviation sector when

the required licence(s) is absolutely essential

cargo processors/handlers

the time comes for you to leave the

for civilian employment and these can be

aviation engineers

Forces? If so, this feature aims to provide

expensive to obtain, so if you’re a pilot or

security staff

you with the background knowledge that will

engineer, make sure you use your available

air traffic controllers (ATCs).

help you get that new career off the ground.

in-Service opportunities to gain them.

In this feature, we’ll take a closer look at

It’s a huge area, so we will focus on those

the main roles likely to be of interest to

roles of most interest to Service leavers and

Just the job?

which – due to the skills and qualifications

Such a huge industry requires a vast number

you’ve been racking up while in uniform – you

of people with a wide variety of skills. Just

Commercial pilot

are likely to be well suited.

some of the roles you’ll find in the aviation

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

The routes from the Armed Forces

you.

sector are:

information on national licences and licence

into civil aviation are well established and

pilots and cabin crew

conversions in the Civil Aviation Authority

many Service leavers have found successful

airport operations

(CAA) publication known as CAP 804, which

32 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

have completely changed and new European

ROUTES FROM THE ARMED FORCES INTO CIVIL AVIATION ARE WELL ESTABLISHED

The first step to gaining a commercial

Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations

licence (CPL or frozen ATPL) is to obtain

have been developed since CAP 804 was last

a Class 1 medical certificate. This means

issued. In light of these significant changes,

attending CAA HQ near Gatwick Airport and

the need for a restructured and updated

passing a medical examination (which may

version of CAP 804 that reflects current UK

take the best part of a day) and paying the

law and EU regulations is currently being

relevant fee. After that, two types of training

reviewed. (Please also refer to the ‘The CAA

course are available: integrated and modular. Integrated courses combine ground

and Brexit’ box on this page.) You may find much of the guidance

and flight training, and can take you from

that you need on the ‘Licences and other

zero flying experience to frozen ATPL

approvals’ pages of the CAA website:

in as little as 14–16 months (these cost

www.caa.co.uk/licences

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

More information on the revised Air

wing integrated course usually includes

Navigation Order 2016 (ANO2016) is available

an IR – a helicopter one will not. For the

here: www.caa.co.uk/Blog-Posts/The-revised-

helicopter pilot, the only way to achieve this

Air-Navigation-Order/

is at an Approved Training Organisation

Current EASA regulations are available

(ATO) offering IR training, and the course

online here: www.easa.europa.eu/regulations

effectively has to be conducted on a multi-

To be employed to fly as a commercial

engine type, usually involving extensive use

pilot you must hold a professional licence

of simulators. This will require a decision

that is either a Commercial Pilot Licence

as to which type will be of most use in the

(CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot

future, and a type rating course will have to

Licence (ATPL) – the ground training

be carried out prior to commencing the IR. The alternative is a modular course,

and examinations are different for the two licences. These licences also apply to

which does the same thing but in individual

both aeroplanes and helicopters, although

sections, thereby spreading the cost

requirements differ for the two types of

(typically £40,000–£45,000 in total). This

aircraft. An ATPL requires a minimum of

type of training is more suited to military

1,500 hours of flying experience and is

pilot conversions for which special terms are

normally acquired only after being employed

currently available. To qualify for modular

Please note that, in the event of

as a pilot for several years. It is essential to

training without military experience, you

the UK leaving the EU without a

hold an ATPL to be the pilot in command

must obtain a PPL, for which numerous flying

negotiated agreement, some CAA

(PIC) on a commercial flight of an aircraft

clubs and training schools offer courses.

website content and application forms

that must be flown by two pilots. To be

Modular professional licence courses are

may continue to carry the EASA logo

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

available from about 20–30 ATOs in the UK.

or reference the EU or EASA rather

instrument rating (IR) must be held and the

Once you have identified an ATO that offers

than the UK CAA in the short term.

written examinations for the ATPL passed.

a course that suits you, you should contact it

These will be updated in due course

This combination is known as a ‘frozen

direct for further guidance regarding costs,

following the UK’s departure from the

ATPL’, meaning that the qualifications for an

etc. The ground studies for a modular course

EU. In the meantime, the guidance

ATPL are complete except for the relevant

can be completed via full-time classroom

provided and the application forms

flying experience.

study or distance learning.

THE CAA AND BREXIT

accessed via the CAA website portal

A CPL is sufficient to act as PIC of a single

On completion of the written

will continue to be valid.

pilot aircraft on a commercial flight, and it

examinations, you would move on to a CPL

Source: Civil Aviation Authority, 27

is worth bearing in mind that, in addition to

flight training course (typically taking about

January 2020

the larger airlines, there are many smaller

six weeks), ending with a skill test flown with

companies conducting ‘aerial work’ for which

a CAA examiner. CPL flight training can be

can be downloaded here:

only a CPL is required. This can include

started only when you have acquired 150

www.caa.co.uk/cap804 It describes

glider towing, parachutist dropping, aerial

hours of flight experience as a PPL holder.

the theoretical knowledge and flying

photography and survey, pleasure flights,

Following the CPL course, those students

requirements for civilian pilot licences and

private corporate work, and flight instructing

training to obtain a frozen ATPL will also

related qualifications. However, please

for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and CPL.

complete IR training.

note that – currently – this document is to

Most of these activities require only one pilot

be used for reference only as a new and

holding either a CPL or CPL with an IR. The

following the satisfactory completion of all

restructured Air Navigation Order came

ground training is simpler to obtain a CPL

necessary training, examinations and tests.

into force in August 2016. Article references

only, than for the ATPL.

Licence application to the CAA is made

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 33

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: AVIATION CAREERS

SUITABLY QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED EX-SERVICE PEOPLE ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE AVIATION ENGINEERING INDUSTRY

Ground operations, flight dispatch and airfield operations

agents (e.g. Menzies or Swissport). Airline ops staff check the progress of

such as dangerous goods and live animals. The work also involves the physical handling

the flying programme worldwide, which

of both import and export cargo through

Airlines’ or handling agents’ dispatchers

may involve sending and receiving signals,

airport freight sheds and to and from

are responsible for aircraft turnrounds and,

obtaining ATC clearances, checking the

aircraft.

although their duties may vary by company

significance of delays and re-routings

or location, these are likely to include making

with regard to crew duty periods, and

Working for an airline

weight and balance calculations, providing

arranging for ground support in the event of

Individual airlines employ their own flight

crew with weather details, and general

diversions, among other things. They may

crew (pilots, cabin crew) and, if you are

turnround supervision and progress chasing,

also become involved in route planning and

interested in such jobs, will be able to advise

followed by dispatch of post-departure

the preparation of flight plans. Airfield ops

you about the qualifications you will need.

signals. Dispatchers are employed either by

staff employed by airport authorities are

The personnel department of the airline in

the airlines themselves or by their handling

responsible for the operational serviceability

which you are interested will provide the

of the runway and manoeuvring areas,

criteria for each job (e.g. pilot, cabin crew,

airfield lighting, aircraft marshalling, bird

passenger service staff, airline operations

scaring, snow clearance, and dealing with any

and dispatch staff) and details of what

incidents or accidents.

you will need in order to be a candidate.

UK MILITARY PILOT CONVERSION TO A CIVILIAN PILOT LICENCE Qualified Military Pilots (QMPs) are

Training in these disciplines is often

Individual airline contact details can be

defined in CAP 804 (which, as noted

done in-house following employment,

found through the CAA website (see ‘Useful

above, is to be used for reference only as

however it is also available through open

info’). Details of recruitment opportunities

it is currently under review). Depending

learning programmes, some of which lead to

and procedures can be obtained from them

on the military training completed, a

recognised qualifications from bodies such as

direct.

QMP may qualify for credits against the

City & Guilds.

requirements to complete the civil flying

Aviation engineering

training and ground instruction specified

Cargo processing/handling

for the various civil licences and

This is sometimes done by airlines

experienced ex-Service people are a

qualifications. To obtain a civil licence

themselves, but normally by specialist

welcome addition to the aviation engineering

or qualification, all pilots must pass the

handling agents. The work involves the

industry, which essentially splits into two

applicable CAA theoretical knowledge

processing of cargo documentation, dealing

areas: aircraft and avionics. Aircraft

examinations and skill tests.

with customs clearances and security, and

engineers inspect, repair and maintain

ensuring correct handling of special cargo

airframes and engines. Avionics engineers

34 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

Understandably, suitably qualified and

are concerned with the electrical and

The requirements for Category C can be

Use your ELC

electronic equipment on aircraft, including

achieved through being a:

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

instruments, radio and radar.

graduate with a degree in Aeronautical

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

Engineering recognised by the CAA, or

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

Entry and training

a similar discipline that is considered

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Taking the example of an aircraft

relevant to aircraft maintenance and that

com and is at level 3 or above. For full details

maintenance engineer’s licence, training to

has been accepted for this purpose by

of how to make the most of your ELC, refer

obtain one is usually via:

the CAA

completion of an approved CAA basic training course (see below), at an ATO

to the in-depth features on pages 10–30. Q

B1 or B2 licence holder with certifying experience.

(although not compulsory, this allows

Applicants who successfully complete

a reduction in the experience required

a Part-147 approved basic training

to gain a Part-66 aircraft maintenance

course will have received instruction

licence – see below)

in the required subjects, and passed the

a recognised industry apprenticeship

exams associated with that course and the

scheme, which provides on-the-job

respective licence category.

training to NVQ level 3 and usually takes

Under Part-66 there is a requirement

two to four years (contact individual

to record satisfactory basic training and

employers direct for specific details on

skills attainment as a prerequisite for basic

entry requirements and availability).

licence issue. To assist both basic and type

It is also possible to enter the industry with

rating applicants to demonstrate that they

the equivalent UK Armed Forces training.

meet the licensing requirements, the CAA

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

has introduced an aircraft maintenance

civil experience is required. In addition

engineer’s logbook.

to relevant experience, exams need to be completed and no exemption is given.

We have given just a few examples here, but

There is also a special route for CAA licence

as you can see, licensing and training to work

holders seeking registration as Incorporated

as an aircraft or avionics engineer is quite a

Engineers (IEng) and Engineering

complicated area – and additionally so in light

Technicians (EngTech). For further

of Brexit – so for the latest information on

information and guidance contact the Royal

current licensing requirements, please refer

Aeronautical Society or the Engineering

to the EASA and CAA websites (see ‘Useful

Council (see ‘Useful info’). Information on

info’).

how to obtain a Part-66 Engineer’s licence may be found on the CAA website. A Part-66 aircraft maintenance licence

Aviation security please take a look at the full-length feature

and experience requirements for any aircraft

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

basic category and aircraft type rating

careers/career/aviation-security Further

specified. The licence is divided broadly

information can be obtained direct from

between mechanical and avionics trade

potential employers.

category being further subdivided. There

Air traffic control

are also levels within the licence that allow

Air traffic controllers provide instructions,

the holder to perform certain roles within

advice and information to pilots by radio, to

line and/or base maintenance. These reflect

keep air traffic flying safely, efficiently and

different levels of task complexity, and

quickly. Aircraft movement is controlled by

are supported by different standards of

NATS Holdings (formerly National Air Traffic

experience and knowledge.

Services, widely known as NATS for short). It

The wider privileges of the Category

Airlines recruit individually, in many cases via their websites Association of Licensed Aircraft Engineers (advice on training and course providers) 01932 577 007 alae@alae.org http://alae.prospect.org.uk Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 020 7379 7311 fclweb@caa.co.uk (pilot licensing) eldweb@caa.co.uk (engineer licensing) ATS.licensing@caa.co.uk (enquiries about licences or certificates for air traffic controllers, flight information service officers and the Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence) www.caa.co.uk @UK_CAA Engineering Council 020 3206 0500 www.engc.org.uk @EngCouncil

To find out about working in this sector,

confirms that the holder has met knowledge

disciplines, with the mechanical licence

USEFUL INFO

provides air traffic control (ATC) to aircraft

B licence, and the role of the technician in

flying through UK-controlled airspace and at

defect diagnosis/rectification and system

several UK airports, and has its own training

inspection require a more detailed knowledge

college. To find out more about becoming

than for Category A. This requires a longer

an air traffic controller, contact NATS direct

period of experience and examination at a

(see ‘Useful info’).

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

higher level.

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 35

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING AND IT

Is IT for you? The strong growth of tech-related employment in the UK sends a clear message to anyone considering career opportunities: there’s a multitude of exciting openings. Are you ready to unlock them?

that is often used to encompass both the

Skills shortages

telecoms and computing/IT sectors. IT is

There is currently demand for higher-level

the technology that is driving what is often

technical skills, in particular to develop

referred to as the ‘information revolution’.

products and services to meet the needs of

It deals with the use of computers and

the fast-moving nature of the industry. This

computer software to convert, store,

includes knowledge of the most up-to-date

protect, process, transmit and retrieve

programming languages and systems such

information, securely.

as cloud computing (see below to find out

At the centre of everyday life and with a significant presence in almost all

more). Cyber security is a growing field

industries and businesses, computing and

that merits special attention – see our

IT together provide employment for an

separate feature at www.questonline.

enormous number of people. To get an idea

co.uk/careers/career/cyber-security

of just some of the jobs in this sector, take

Currently there aren’t enough experts

a look at the accompanying ‘Typical IT jobs’

to counteract more advanced cyber

box. You could be creating technological

attacks. There has also been an increase

nformation technology (IT) is a

applications or systems, solving problems

in opportunities for information security

term that encompasses all forms of

using technology or supporting people who

officers and information risk managers,

technology used to create, store,

use it. IT is an important part of pretty much

who manage threats posed to businesses.

exchange and use information in its various

all industries these days, from marketing,

Large organisations, the government and

forms (business data, voice conversations,

HR and finance to retail, manufacturing and

social media companies, such as Facebook

still images, motion pictures, multimedia

the public sector.

and Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber

What’s involved?

presentations … the list is pretty much endless). It is a convenient ‘umbrella’ term

36 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

experts.

Employers are looking for those

and communication technology), or a course

who can combine technical skills with

or qualification in an ICT- or business-

TYPICAL IT JOBS

an understanding of broader business

related subject; and you should develop –

Many jobs in this sector, particularly

objectives to be able to solve real business

and be able to demonstrate – skills such as

those that involve working with

issues. There is also a demand for numerate

communications and problem solving.

customers, re-quire good interpersonal skills, as well as team-working and

and IT-literate people to work in analytics

Computing and IT qualifications

problem-solving abili-ties. All have

Academic qualifications provide a thorough

technical content, ranging from the

grounding in the principles that will be

in-depth skills of a software devel-oper

Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff – if

highly relevant for future training, although

through to roles that may need much

that’s you, you are likely to know exactly

a lot of the detail will soon be out of date.

less detailed knowledge. Some typical

where your particular skill set might lead.

There are also both generic and vendor-

roles are:

Such experts are generally found in the

specific qualifications. The generic ones

business analyst

specialist communications, administrative

certify achievements in the general field

helpdesk operator

and electronics branches, although some

of computing and IT, while vendor-specific

l trainer

serving outside those areas may also have

ones demonstrate a level of expertise in a

software developer

considerable expertise. Others will have

particular manufacturer’s products. Many

technical author

specialised in computing and/or electronics

people hold both, and even a portfolio of

l technician

as part of their career pattern; they are still

qualifications in the products of different

l engineer

likely to have a number of very transferable

manufacturers, as it is often important to be

computer forensics

and marketable skills, but these may need to

able to operate across both boundaries and

content management

be targeted in a particular area, or improved

equipment.

cyber security and risk management

courses. Degrees (foundation or higher),

data analysis and analytics

and IT training available through the

HNDs and HNCs are all highly valued, with

games development

resettlement system. Preferred suppliers

the theoretical knowledge involved always

geographical information systems

and other training providers offer a wide

being relevant. Degrees tend to be in

variety of courses in this field.

computer science, with HNDs and HNCs in

hardware engineering

software engineering. An A-level or GCSE in

information management

computer studies might be your academic

IT consultancy (business and

IT sales

software engineering (designing,

and solve business problems.

Skill up while serving

Generic qualifications include academic

or widened in the period before leaving. There is a great deal of computing

Get qualified! Industry advice is to gain as much

(see panel)

(GIS)

technical)

starting point if you are a beginner.

academic knowledge as possible while

NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships

you are still serving, which can then be

are available, based on sector-approved

enhanced by practical training during your

national occupational standards (NOS)

resettlement period. Knowledge can be

(see below). ELC and SLC cannot be used

systems/network management

developed through self study, and academic

together but, if you’re looking to use your

technical support

qualifications via a college and an industry

SLC for training that is below the ELC level

web design.

placement nearer discharge.

3 threshold, you might want to consider

Career changers will have to learn to

building, developing, testing)

such a course. Some employers may not be

use specific applications or languages (see

very familiar with these, however, so you

basic information that will enhance your

below). How much formal training you

might find other qualifications more useful.

skills in many work environments or

need will depend on your new career path,

Vocational A-levels may also be taken –

help you to choose a specific skills area

as well as your individual experience and

usually through colleges – and these can

before seeking higher levels of training.

aptitudes. Options available range from

provide a job-orientated qualification with

These short courses are often privately

conversion courses to work placements.

a strong academic element. The experience

run and tailor-made, and costs vary but

Some companies recruit only those who

gained in acquiring these qualifications will

may typically start at around £600 for

have already been working in the industry,

be valuable in finding employment.

one day, £1,000 for one/two days and

but most will take on new entrants. Many

£1,400 for four/five days.

will take new recruits with little or no

Which course?

technical knowledge and offer training,

There are many courses available that

part-time further education courses

provided they have other valued skills, and

will give you everything from a basic

(taking from one to three terms)

show they are enthusiastic and capable

introduction to a doctorate.

resulting in recognised qualifications

of learning. To increase your chances

Short (one to five days) courses in, for

such as the CCNA certificate and IT

of getting a good job, you should aim to

example, wireless communications,

User Qualification (ITQ), a nationally

demonstrate these attributes through work

IP networks, traffic engineering or

recognised qualification for those who

experience connected to ICT (information

managing product development provide

need digital skills as users of technology

Next comes a range of relatively short

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 37

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING AND IT

THE EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES ARE ENORMOUS IN THIS EXPANDING AND CHANGING INDUSTRY

THE ECDL The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s number-one IT user qualification. Seen around the world as the benchmark for digital literacy, the ECDL equips learners with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing

– at work, in education and when looking

English) alongside apprenticeship

knowledge and motivating further

for work. Also on offer are NVQs and

training. This level of study will ensure

learning.

City & Guilds courses. These generally

good progression through your chosen

No prior computing skills or

start at around £400 for one term

industry.

knowledge of IT are required to study for

and may require additional input of

the ECDL – it is designed for those who

around 10 hours per week for students

undergraduate degrees such as:

wish to gain a benchmark qualification

to meet course requirements. Courses

Electronics with Satellite Engineering,

in computing to enhance their career

are diverse, (often) do not require

and Computer Science; master’s such

prospects or for personal development.

previous qualifications and cover, for

as Telecommunication Engineering,

The ECDL is composed of a range of

instance, website design, software

and Computing for Commerce and

modules – each provides a practical

programming, information technology,

Industry; and doctorates such as

programme of up-to-date skills and

and public space surveillance (CCTV).

Intelligent Systems and Networks; and

knowledge areas, which are validated

A qualification at this level would be

Distributed Computing. Professional

by a test. This enables you to develop

recognised within the telecoms and

doctorates are the more obvious choice

and certify your computer skills in the

computing/IT industries, and would

for those wishing to go straight into a

subject areas of your choice and to the

allow you to progress to higher-level

work environment, rather than staying

level you need. Through the combination

study.

in academia or research. Although

of modules you choose, you can create

More complex training includes

Longer part-time or full-time courses

entry requirements can vary and

your own individual ECDL Profile.

are likely to result in, for example,

are sometimes negotiable, generally

Choosing the combination that is right

BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms

you need A-levels to take a degree

for you will depend on your current skills

Professional Intermediate or Advanced

(although, if you don’t have these, an

and experience, as well as on what you

Apprenticeship). These courses will take

Access to HE Diploma could help you

want from your qualification.

at least a year and contain an element

here – use our search function to list our

of workplace learning. You may need

full range of Access Diploma features),

up to five GCSEs to gain entry on to

and you need a degree to progress to

a course at this level; alternatively,

master’s or PhD study. Length of time

you may need to gain other relevant

to complete this level of study can

qualifications (such as maths and

vary; part-time, it could take six years

To find out more, visit the BCS website: www.bcs.org The ECDL Foundation website is at www.ecdl.org

38 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

or more. Typically, costs range from

Solutions Expert (MCSE) seen as the

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

around £10,000 to £60,000, but at this

globally recognised standard for IT

com and is at level 3 or above. For full

level of study there may be funding

professionals. This focuses on the ability to

details of how to make the most of your

opportunities. These qualifications

design and build technology solutions, which

ELC, refer to the in-depth features on pages

would lead to management and

may include integrating multiple technology

10–30.

consultancy roles.

products and span multiple versions of a single technology, whether on-premises

What’s out there?

Finding employment

or in the cloud. The Microsoft Certified

Securing employment is inevitably a

Here are a few more courses you might

Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification

combination of:

like to consider (although please note

is also available and is a prerequisite to

qualifications

that this is a hugely diverse area, and job

Microsoft’s MCSE expert-level certifications

experience

opportunities are increasing and blending

for experienced IT professionals. It focuses

networking

into many workplaces):

on the ability to design and build technology

work placements

Diploma in Engineering Computer

solutions. Microsoft, of course, offers a

the right CV

Systems and Telecoms

host of differently targeted certifications

going for the right job.

BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT

and exams – for full details, check out

Those entering similar employment to

Systems and Principles, or Networking

the ‘Learning’ area of its website: www.

that they had in the Forces may well start

and Systems Support

microsoft.com/en-us/learning/default.aspx

at the same level; those going into an

NVQ level 2 Installing Structured Cabling

Microsoft is not, of course, the

unrelated field will probably start further

Systems

only manufacturer on the market, and

down the ladder. Once into a company the

seven-hour online course for employees

other big players, like Novell (Certified

employment possibilities are enormous

working in the area of Voice Switching

Novell Engineer and Certified Novell

in this expanding and changing industry.

(combining telephony, telecoms and

Administrator) and Cisco Systems, also

‘Permanent’ employment is often regarded

Voice Over Internet Protocol)

have their own qualifications.

as lasting three to five years, and people

various beginner-level part-time and weekend courses in Basic Computing

Professional bodies

(getting started with, e.g., internet, email

The CompTIA (Computing Technology

and various application programs)

Industry Association) runs a series of

Foundation Degree/level 4 in Business

certifications, which are credentials

Information Technology

achieved through a testing process to

four-day course in Database

validate knowledge within a specific

Administration.

IT support function. Its exams are

commonly change employer every two years or so. In-house training is often provided, and good people can achieve

rapid promotion. Q

Also, although it’s not exactly a course, the

developed by subject-matter experts

Open University has linked with iTunes to

and the certifications are recognised

provide a range of free learning materials,

throughout the industry as foundation-

computing and ICT included. This is a great

level skill sets. Its qualifications are widely

way of getting background details and

recognised and may also form modules in

exploring whether you would like to further

other ICT awards and programmes.

your current studies in the area. To find out

Computing and IT

The British Computer Society (BCS –

more, visit www.open.edu/itunes/getting-

the Chartered Institute for IT) is a qualifying

started

body for chartered IT professionals. It offers a range of qualifications and certifications,

Professional vendor qualifications

such as the European Computer Driving

Professional vendor qualifications

qualifications, as well as BCS professional

are training and exams in a specific

exams, which at their highest level take

manufacturer’s products. The manufacturer

students to the academic level of an

should be a major supplier in the industry

honours degree, and acknowledge practical

for its qualifications to have value, but do

experience and academic ability. To see

bear in mind that a qualification that is

the full range, you’ll need to visit the BCS

very valuable today may have less value

website (see ‘Useful info’).

tomorrow if a manufacturer goes out of

Licence (ECDL) (see box) and other user

business or there is a major change in

Use your ELC

technology.

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

Microsoft qualifications are perhaps the best known, with Microsoft Certified

USEFUL INFO

British Computer Society 01793 417417 www.bcs.org @bcs CompTIA UK 020 7330 6060 ukmembership@comptia.org wwww.comptia.org @CompTIA

Cyber security Cyber Security Challenge UK 01908 363432 queries@cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk www.cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk @Cyberchallenge National Cyber Security Centre www.ncsc.gov.uk @NCSC

learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELC

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 39

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION

Your next move? As an organisation that is highly dependent on its skilled logistics staff, the Armed Forces represents a valuable source of suitably qualified professionals equipped to move in to the nationally important field of logistics and distribution. Could it be the logical next step for you too?

What’s involved?

the fact that it underpins the UK economy,

movement and supply of goods – from

as warehousing and storage, removals,

raw materials, through all stages of the

freight forwarding and wholesaling.

ogistics works to ensure that the

and includes the planning, routing and

right goods are in the right place

movement of freight across all transport

at the right time. It covers the

modes, as well as associated activities such

manufacturing process, to final delivery

Freight logistics companies fall into two

of the finished product to companies and

groups:

consumers. The umbrella term ‘logistics’

1. those that manage their own logistics

embraces a vast array of different industries that work across all types of transport and a variety of supply chains. It is very often an ‘invisible’ industry, despite

40 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

system, known as ‘own account operators’, and 2. those that manage logistics on behalf of another company.

the UK, with Amazon Logistics delivering

GETTING THINGS MOVING

goods direct to consumers. Other big-name

The logistics/supply chain industry can

brands, including Sainsbury’s, John Lewis,

be broken down into:

Tesco and Aldi, have enlisted the services

freight transportation

of a specialist multi-channel retail logistics

maritime and port operations

and supply chain company to manage their

postal and courier activities

retail logistics and handle supply chain

warehousing, storage and handling.

management. And, as the UK maritime sector plays a significant role in the global industry,

on air stations and detachments, to turn plans into reality.

there’s demand for engineers, surveyors,

Every unit has its own logistics staff,

mechanics, and ship managers too – which

performing exactly the same functions but

spells significant opportunities for RN

at a lower level. They manage and deliver

leavers.

the essentials of fuel, ammunition, water,

Although this article doesn’t deal

food, clothing and personal equipment to

with transport, it is almost impossible to

the people actually involved in operations.

separate it from other parts of the supply

They may have ranks and job titles that are

chain. It has to be an integrated operation

peculiar to a single Service, and in many

if it is to be successful – a principle that

cases they have enough experience to gain

will be familiar to you if you have spent

qualifications – usually vocational ones – in

any time in Services logistics. Many

the logistics field.

qualifications (see below) include all parts of the supply chain.

Each unit and sub-unit also has a host of people who carry out many logistics

Supply chains are becoming

functions as an integral part of their

increasingly adaptive and agile

everyday work, although they would

as competition affects them, and

probably never dream of calling themselves

e-management of them is often the norm.

logisticians. Many other military people

Indeed, IT and electronic communications

are also concerned with logistics although

have become key competencies for

they do not themselves run facilities. If you

logistics managers, with the supply

are one of them, you may be involved with

chain at the heart of many e-commerce

research, design, trials and tests, project

developments. Supply chains that start

management, procurement, development,

Many companies now outsource

in Hong Kong can end in Hounslow.

maintenance, finance, training, and so on.

their logistics, or elements of this, to

Warehousing involves minimum holdings

third-party logistics (3PL) providers.

while satisfying customer expectations.

you will find that there are a number

The industry is suffering from major

of providers offering training, as well

WHAT IS 3PL?

These subcontracted services can

When you start your resettlement,

include:

skills shortages in some areas, in particular

as Chartered Institute of Logistics and

primary and secondary

HGV drivers (see ‘Finding employment’,

Transport (CILT) in the UK courses in

transport and distribution

below). Skills gaps have also been identified

transport and logistics management, and

inbound logistics and

among junior and middle managers, and

supply chain management, available via

consolidation

the supply chain management credentials

the CTP. Check the CTP website for more

inventory management

of more senior managers are currently

information: www.ctp.org.uk It’s important

order processing and case/unit

under examination, too. The good news

to get qualifications that will remain valid

picking

is that major employers offer significant

in the months and years ahead, as logistics

invoice and management

training to their staff.

and its qualifications are changing rapidly.

reporting.

Skill up while serving

Get qualified!

Maybe you are already one of the Armed

There are five main routes to the upper

The latter organisations are often referred

Forces’ highly trained and experienced

echelons of logistics:

to as hauliers or third-party logistics

logisticians, who support operations,

1. graduate training

providers (3PL – see box).

training and exercises, unit moves, static

2. postgraduate entry

bases, war stocks and equipment pools?

3. with management experience

in online shopping over recent years,

Such people usually work in Defence

4. school (or young Service) leavers

logistics and supply chain management is

Equipment and Support (DE&S), the MoD’s

5. professional qualifications.

a growth area. Retail giant Amazon has

procurement and support organisation, on

Graduate training entrants join

already rolled out its own network across

ships and in ports, in Army formations, and

management training programmes run by

Thanks in particular to the increase

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 41

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: LOGISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the UK CILT is the independent professional body

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS

for individuals associated with logistics,

Whatever the entry route, the

supply chains and all transport throughout

following personal qualities are

employers. They will then often take the

their careers. It offers a number of

valued in this field.

professional qualifications of the relevant

qualifications, most of which can be studied

institute.

CILT JOBS BOARD Visit it here: http://ciltuk.org.uk/Careers/Jobs.aspx

Core technology skills:

as stand-alone units). Whatever level

– IT literacy

Postgraduate entry applicants will

you’re currently at, CILT provides details of

– machinery

have completed an MSc or an MBA. Those

relevant transport and logistics courses to

– warehousing – engineering

without a first degree can often enter a

progress your career. Visit its website (see

– warehouse management

postgraduate programme provided that

‘Useful info’) for full and up-to-date details.

they are up to the academic demands of

– analysis. l

People skills:

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

– problem solving

experience may well see transport and

CIPS is the world’s largest procurement

– communication

logistics as their logical next career step

and supply professional organisation. It

– team building

and will need to gain the extra knowledge

is the worldwide centre of excellence for

to make it possible.

procurement and supply management

the course. Graduates with management

If you already have A-levels, you may

– leadership

– decision making. l

Personal qualities:

issues. It offers a portfolio of professional

- analytical

want to start work at once. In which case

qualifications. To find out about them in

- presentation

your best route into management might

more detail, check out the in-depth guide

- numeracy

well be on-the-job experience.

at www.cips.org/en/learn/qualifications

- decision making.

Professional qualifications must reflect the needs of the profession and employers,

Vocational qualifications

so they are under frequent scrutiny to

Although there are relatively few logistics

ensure they are relevant and provide the

vocational qualifications, there are many

right standards. They can enable people

units that are relevant to logistics in

like you to translate your Service skills into

vocational qualifications offered by the

their civilian equivalents.

Services. It is also possible to ‘grow’ an

CILT and the Chartered Institute

NVQ/SVQ through a military vocational

of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) offer

qualification office or a local college.

qualifications at a number of levels that

Higher National, and National Certificates

are valued in the industry. Both institutes

and Diplomas can also be gained through

will allow exemptions to various levels of

part-time study. Visit an education centre

qualification and individual subjects based

or local college to find out the necessary

on prior learning and experience.

information.

42 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS CAN ENABLE YOU TO TRANSLATE YOUR SERVICE SKILLS INTO THEIR CIVILIAN EQUIVALENTS

Use your ELC

Prospects for employment are good.

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

Industry insiders point out that

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

the UK freight transport sector is

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

heading for a massive shortfall in

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

personnel over the next few years.

com and is at level 3 or above. For full details

With this in mind, a number of training

of how to make the most of your ELC, refer

companies are focusing on helping Service

to the in-depth features on pages 10–30.

leavers prepare to enter the industry.

Finding employment

a very broad field, and any company or

With the huge variety of logistics jobs

department specialising in it will also need

available, it is possible to highlight only a few

staff working in the administrative, financial,

areas of employment here that you might

IT, human resources and marketing

consider.

functions. A background in logistics is now

Manufacturing makes great use of

accepted as a basis for career development

just-in-time (JIT) management to cut

in general management and a board-level

unnecessary costs, with materials

position in a major company. Those with

arriving in the right quantities and at the

work experience in a similar field (such

right times to meet production schedules,

as roles within the Armed Forces) often

and finished goods despatched to

have an advantage, as there’s a tendency

customers.

for employers to recruit experienced

Retailing – and especially online

staff looking to change employer rather

retailing, as mentioned above – is a

than newly qualified graduates without

very competitive business and the

experience. Some of the larger organisations

supply chain for a major outlet has to

do, however, offer formal work experience

be carefully managed to maintain profit

through industrial placements of up to one

margins.

year or internships during the summer

Logistics service provision service

break.

provision is a growth area as more

You should also note that logistics is

USEFUL INFO

British International Freight Association 020 8844 2266 www.bifa.org @BIFA Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) 020 7336 1555 www.ciht.org.uk @CIHTUK Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the UK 01536 740100 www.ciltuk.org.uk @ciltuk Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply 0845 880 1188 www.cips.org @cipsnews Freight Transport Association (FTA) 03717 11 22 22 www.fta.co.uk @newsfromfta

As the majority of logistics organisations

organisations outsource some or all of

are SMEs (small and medium-sized

their logistic support, so that customer

enterprises), they don’t usually advertise

satisfaction will be a prime goal of the

formal internships or work placements,

service company.

but you can still approach them to enquire

Consultancy offers opportunities for

whether they have anything available.

experienced logisticians to work either

Otherwise, much (including salaries)

in-house or for an external business, to

depends on the area of the industry and the

advise clients on supply chain matters.

size of the organisation. Q

Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM) 0800 1422 522 www.ioscm.com @IoSCM Transport Planning Society https://tps.org.uk @TransPlanSoc

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 43

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY: ACCESS DIPLOMAS

Power up your HE options Throughout your Service career you will have been continually focusing on reskilling and upskilling, but you might need higher-level qualifications or want to try something new and change direction when you make the transition from Service life. The Access to HE Diploma could be just what you need …

cross Britain, about 30% of people have a degree.

courses. All recognised courses are listed on the database of QAA-

Labour market information tells us that some of the top

recognised Access to HE courses here: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/en/

five skills desired by employers at the end of 2019 were

course-search

auditing, accounting, business development and agile software

A student who successfully completes all course requirements

development, to address the growth in professional, scientific and

is awarded the Access to HE Diploma. The ‘Access to HE Diploma’

technical activity industries. Many of these skills are required at

is a reserved title and can be awarded only to students on courses

degree level.

that have been approved through the QAA’s Recognition Scheme. Access to HE Diplomas are made up of 60 credits; 45 of these

‘The Access to HE course is nothing like school. The tutors

are at level 3 and graded. The remaining 15 credits are not graded

are very supportive, and I think they recognise how life

and may be at level 2 or level 3. You must successfully achieve 60

changing the Access to HE qualification can be. Life skills,

credits to be awarded a Diploma.

experiences and personal stories are all valued on the Access to HE course, as well as the main study curriculum, which I have found very interesting and challenging.’

Simon Hatch

What is an Access to HE Diploma? The Access to Higher Education Diploma is a qualification that prepares students for study at degree level. It has been designed

Who registered to study an Access to HE Diploma in 2017–18? More than 37,000 people registered to study for an Access to HE Diploma in 2017–18. Of these, 73% were female, 46% over 25 years old and 28% from an ethnic minority background. Female

Over 25

From ethnic minorities

73%

46%

28%

to give you relevant academic subject knowledge, and the opportunity to learn how to approach study at university level and develop techniques to help you succeed. There is no such thing as a typical Access to HE student. Access to HE Diplomas are taken by students of all ages and backgrounds. Access to HE courses are usually completed in one year, however you can also study part-time over two or more years. In order to use the title ‘Access to HE’, a course must be

Is it right for me? Courses are designed for people who have been out of education

recognised by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education

for some time, especially those who left school with too few

(QAA). There are more than 1,200 recognised Access to HE

qualifications to be able to go straight to university. Access to HE

44 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

courses provide a good foundation in the knowledge and skills

It is essential to contact the Access to HE course provider for

required for studying at university level, so that students are

information about their charges and how these will apply to you.

confident and well prepared when they go on to higher education.

They will also be able to direct you to sources of more information about the implications for your own individual position, including

‘It’s not just about getting the grades that I need to get

information about study hours, which you may need to consider if

qualified, but it’s how it’s taught me to believe in myself

you are intending to continue working while you study.

and that I have a right to be in the education system, the same as anyone else.’

Tommy Sharpe

How does the Access to HE Diploma relate to other qualifications?

Course fees and loans Access to HE courses delivered by colleges in England and approved for public funding are co-funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. As a member of the Armed Services, you may also be able to

The Access to HE Diploma is a full level 3 qualification. Study on

use Enhanced Learning Credits towards the tuition fees for an

the Access to HE Diploma makes academic demands that are

Access to HE Diploma under the ELCAS scheme. Some Service

at an equivalent level to those of other level 3 qualifications.

leavers may also be able to use the Publicly Funded Further/

Examples of other level 3 qualifications include A-levels and the

Higher Education Scheme to pay for an Access to HE Diploma,

Welsh Baccalaureate. This comparison relates to the level of the

which is immediately followed by a degree or other higher

qualification: there is no standard measure of ‘equivalence’ that

education course. Service education officers or transition staff

relates to the volume of the qualification.

should be able to help you choose the best route.

Do universities recognise the Access to HE Diploma? The Access to HE Diploma is widely recognised by UK universities,

Take advice from CTP about transition – everyone you speak to throughout your transition is a good resource, so make use of them, whether that’s for support, encouragement, information, referrals or experience.

and many actively encourage applications from Access to HE students.

If you are aged 19 or over you may be expected to pay full fees, but in England you will be able to apply for a loan under the

A national framework for Access to HE courses has been in

government’s Advanced Learner Loans scheme to cover the cost

place since 1989 and, each year, more than 20,000 Access to

of these fees. Loan repayments start when you earn more than

HE students achieve the Access to HE Diploma and progress to

£25,725 per year. However, if you complete a QAA-recognised

university courses across the UK.

Access to HE course and then go on to complete a degree or other

Universities are involved in the development of new Access

recognised higher education course, you won’t have to repay the

to HE courses to make sure that course content is appropriate,

remaining loan for the Access to HE course. However, you may be

and the framework for the approval of Access to HE courses is

paying the loan back while you study if you are still working and

managed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

you earn more than £25,725 per year.

QAA’s Access to HE logo appears on all Access to HE Diplomas, so that universities can be confident that a student has completed

There is more information on Advanced Learner Loans and repayment arrangements on the government website: gov.uk.

the requirements of an approved Access to HE Diploma. A total of 23,000 Access to HE students went to university

‘So, what would I say to anybody thinking of going down

and continued their route to a graduate career. More than 90%

the Access to HE route? Just do it, you’ve got nothing to

of graduates who started university with an Access to HE Diploma

lose!

will be in employment or further study six months after leaving

‘Every day, I see how the power of education can

university.

transform lives – people of all ages and backgrounds who’ve had different life experiences. And I’m one of them

‘I think it’s fair to say that doing the Access course has

– someone who left school with virtually no qualifications

completely transformed my life. If you don’t put yourself

to becoming vice chancellor of a university. You can

out there you don’t know what you can achieve.’

change your life too. Just dive in and embrace education,

Esther Silva

Funding

and the rewards will come thick and fast.’

Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor, University of Northampton

The fees set by colleges vary. Costs may also change from year

Ready to find out more?

to year. It’s important to think carefully about your finances and

Visit these websites for more information:

make sure you research costs before you enrol on an Access to

Access to HE: www.accesstohe.ac.uk

HE course. As well as the course fees, you should think about

Diploma database: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/course-search

implications for your own living costs, perhaps including childcare

Advanced Learner Loans:

and travel, and any course-related costs such as books and equipment. If you are claiming job-related benefits, you should also seek further advice.

www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan l

Enhanced Learning Credits: www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 45

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

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

PD wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen. You must take steps to find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 PDâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6; Route Map

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

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

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

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 MoDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central distance learning resource, providing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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: www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sources of advice and financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sources of advice and financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;).

To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on our website: www.questonline.co.uk/news/ article/distance-learning

46 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

College Courses

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

Personal Development Record (PDR)

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

Key: Q Service personnel

Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

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

Enhanced Learning Credits

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

Individual Resettlement Training Costs grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract, called Contract Funded (CF) training. These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of their £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access to up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the student, but other allowances may be available to help with these. The CTP also offers a range of courses that are not within the MoD contract. These are known as Non-Contract Funded courses and you can use your IRTC grant or ELC to pay for these.

Professional and Career Development Loans Please note that the Professional and Career Development Loan scheme has now closed. The deadline for final applications was 25 January 2019. You will not be affected if you have an existing loan.

QUEST questonline.co.uk

Key: Q Service personnel

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

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

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

University Short Courses

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

learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com and you can call on Tel: 01202 006 464.

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 Find A Job (www.gov.uk/find-a-job) 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 (www.jobcentreguide.co.uk/job-search) or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

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

Armed Forces Champions

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

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 47

YOUR ELC USEFUL CONTACTS

Help and advice

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

or general enquiries about the scheme, eligibility and

Army: Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO),

qualifications, seek advice from the following single-

at Army Education Centres, which must be used by Service

Service education and resettlement staff in the first

leavers on resettlement. Education and Resettlement Staff

instance, not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer applications,

seeking further clarification of sS instructions should contact

not provide advice and guidance on eligibility or education/

the relevant SO2 Retention and Resettlement in Regional

learning or resettlement needs. Policy helpline details are as

Command (RC): RC-Pers-ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-

follows. l

RetResSO2 or Civ: Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk

RN: RN/RM Education and Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors (PLAs), and Resettlement

Education and Training Support Officers (NETSOs) and Naval

and Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF Learning Centres.

Resettlement Information Officers (NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning

Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further clarification

Centres. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further

of sS instructions should contact SO2 Accreditation at

clarification of sS instructions should contact SO3 EL3R, at

‘22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (Mil: 95751 6888 Civ: 01400

‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET SO3C’ (Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392 625954)

266888) In addition, advice on any aspect of the ELC and FEHE schemes is available by

People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

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THE HUB

>> CTP EMPLOYMENT FAIRS Upcoming events:

26 March 2020, Newbury 30 April 2020, Newark These CTP Employment Fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies 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. Each Employment Fair will have up to 90 national and local companies in attendance, which will be offering a wide range of employment opportunities for those leaving the Armed Forces. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies. This is a great networking opportunity. The fairs are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP (see below for details). Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! In addition, all Employment Fair dates for 2020 are now available and ready to book: Event and venue

Date

South Employment Fair, Newbury

26 March 2020

East Employment Fair, Newark

30 April 2020

Scotland Employment Fair, Edinburgh

21 May 2020

South West Employment Fair, Bristol

11 June 2020

South East Employment Fair, Newmarket

2 July 2020

North Employment Fair, Leeds

10 September 2020

South Employment Fair, Southampton

8 October 2020

West Midlands Employment Fair, Telford

26 November 2020

You can also check the comprehensive calendar on the CTP website for more events news and the most up-to-date information: www.ctp.org.uk/events To confirm your place, call the CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

Soldiering On Awards 2020: 10th anniversary finalists announced The finalists in each category of the 2020 Soldiering On Awards have been named, celebrating the very best of the Armed Forces community All finalists will be invited to a private reception at the House of Lords in February, hosted by Lord Dannatt and attended by Awards patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC and special guests. Overall winners will be announced at a prestigious black-tie event at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel on Friday 24 April 2020. The overall winners of two of the categories, the People’s Choice Award and Animal Partnership Award, will be decided by an online public vote, which will commence from 20 February at www.soldieringon.org Awards patron, the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC says: ‘It is an honour to be announcing such outstanding finalists in this, the Soldiering On Awards’ 10th anniversary year. Each group of finalists stands on the shoulders of remarkable people who have gone before them, and they are now the worthy holders of this special recognition on behalf of the Armed Forces community. We salute you all!’ For the full list of finalists go to www.soldieringon.org/ announcing-the-finalists To find out more about the Soldiering On Awards, click here: www.x-forces.com

Tickets If you would like to enquire about tickets and table purchases for the Awards ceremony, please call Jan Taylor on 07702 266712 or email jan.taylor@x-forces.com

50 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

HUB THE

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

Veterans railcard set to launch

A new railcard offering discounted train tickets for military veterans will be available from November The railcard – to be released on Armistice Day, 11 November – will allow users to save a third off most train fares. It will benefit more than 830,000 veterans who do not already qualify for existing discounts, the Department for Transport said. While serving Armed Forces personnel already qualify for their own railcard, ‘Every part of society should honour the debt we owe those who’ve served our country,’ said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, adding that allowing ex-Service men and women to travel more easily is ‘the least we can do’. ‘The railcard will help open up opportunities to veterans, whether through employment and retraining, or by strengthening links with friends and family,’ he continued.

An HM Forces Railcard can already be bought by serving personnel for £21 a year. The new railcard, specifically for veterans, will also cost £21 for a limited

period, before rising to £30. Click here to find out more: www.gov.uk/government/ speeches/railcard-for-militaryveterans

Combat Stress stops taking new referrals over funding crisis

Veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress says it is no longer able to take on new cases in England and Wales. The charity says its income has fallen from £16 million to £10 million in the current financial year, partly due to a cut in its NHS funding support. Until 2018 it received more than £3 million

a year from NHS England, but 90% of its funding now comes from public donations. It will now send all new referrals from England and Wales to the NHS, which it says ‘needs to demonstrate’ it can deal with the increased demand. The charity will still receive more than £1 million from NHS

Scotland and will continue to take on new cases there and in Northern Ireland. An NHS spokesman commented: ‘Our number-one priority is providing the best care for veterans and, after listening to what they wanted and a competitive process, the NHS has rolled out new specialist services to every part of the country, which have seen more than 10,000 people to date and are funded by more than £10 million every year. For anyone who has served in the Armed Forces and may be experiencing mental health difficulties, help is available through speaking to their GP or contacting the dedicated NHS services direct.’

Inspiring listening New free-to-listen podcast series from XFE #MilitaryBiz

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) has launched a brand new podcast series called ‘Military in Business’, dedicated to men and women from the Armed Forces community who have followed their dreams and succeeded as entrepreneurs. The interviewees speak openly about the incredible experiences they have had and the difficulties they have overcome in order to achieve their goals. They also share their tips on how they achieved their successes as well as some of the mistakes they made along the way. In the latest episode (episode 8), former Royal Navy officer Kevin Bath (pictured left) recounts the challenges faced by his business JimJams in producing a chocolate spread, and selling into supermarkets and international hotels. You can watch the podcast recording here: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=h6RP6Yh0ny8 The podcasts are now available free of charge via Apple iTunes and Spotify, and you can watch the recordings on YouTube. To access the podcasts, visit www.x-forces.com/podcasts

SSAFA survey seeks better understanding of needs A new survey report aims to improve understanding and support for Forces families with additional needs or disabilities SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is proud to announce the release of a new survey report written by the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) committee. This powerful report shares the voices of this sometimes-overlooked additional needs and disability community within the Armed Forces. It marks the first time this demographic has shared these insights and their experiences in an official capacity with the MoD. Under the MoD’s Defence and Inclusion (D&I) strategy, efforts are being made to shine a light into every corner of the Forces community. In order to better support these families, their opinions and personal experiences have been collated and their own on-theground-recommendations are being shared.

Michelle Claridge, vice chair of FANDF, the report’s author and former Army Education Officer explains: ‘As a military spouse and mother to a child with additional needs, I know first hand the challenges of this perfect storm of circumstances. It takes someone with this shared experience to fully comprehend and convey these unique complexities and that is exactly what we aim to do with this report. If we can use this evidence as a tool to kick-start tangible, positive change for families like ours, we will be delighted.’ To download the report, click here: www.ssafa.org. uk/media/qida0iba/fandf-30-years-report-2020.pdf

Manage your assets … all that’s required is a little of your precious time No one, of any age, really wants to think about the complexities of leaving the Armed Forces or moving into civvy street before they have to face it – let alone meeting the costs involved in finding a suitable family home and a new job. Putting off making important decisions is, however, part of the problem. Making good, well-informed plans as far ahead as possible is one of the best ways of making the whole process a lot easier and more acceptable, both personally and financially. That’s where St Joseph’s Asset Management comes in – they are inviting QUEST readers to attend an informative lunch seminar, where they will be discussing general asset management, including subjects of interest such as veterans’ housing, pension planning, employment opportunities and more. A qualified team of legal consultants will be on

hand to answer all of your questions in an informal atmosphere. For full details of upcoming seminars and how to reserve your place, please email info@stjosephsonline.co.uk or visit www.stjosephs-online.co.uk

Build a new career in construction with the help of Amey Infrastructure support service provider Amey has formed an alliance with BuildForce to support Service leavers and veterans – and reduce the current skills gap in the construction industry Amey has a long association with the Armed Forces and recognises the transferable skills that Service leavers and veterans have, such as project management, leadership, and quick and confident decision making. With around 14,000 personnel leaving the Forces each year it is keen to tap in to this pool of talent and delighted to have formed an alliance with BuildForce, an industry-led programme that aims to reduce the skills gap in the construction industry by recruiting ex-military personnel. Building on its commitment to the Armed Forces covenant, it will be working closely with BuildForce to provide opportunities for Service leavers and veterans to engage with its business. With the help of a network of Amey BuildForce mentors spread across the UK, it will be organising site visits and work placements, and providing guidance and support with CV writing and mock interviews – all with the aim of offering suitable employment positions not only within Amey itself but also within its vast supply chain. For further information on how Amey supports the Armed Forces, visit www.amey.co.uk/ourservices/defence The BuildForce website at www.buildforce.org.uk is currently being updated, but should be back online shortly. You can also follow Amey on Twitter @Ameyplc or Facebook @AmeyPlc or visit www.amey.co.uk to find out more about its work.

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 51

YOUR RESETTLEMENT EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

Specialist support for job seekers A new initiative that sees RFEA confirmed as lead partner for The Royal British Legion’s employment support programme is set to help thousands of ex-Forces personnel and their families in civilian life

How to apply

RFEA’s regional

Any Service leaver, reservist

employment advisors

or veteran (regardless of

and specialist vocational

circumstances, rank, length of

advisors can then help

service or reason for leaving)

develop your employability,

who would like RFEA’s advice

to present you to

and support, can start by

employers in the best

uilding on a long-

Grant enquiries will be

registering on its website at

possible way. They are

standing partnership

directed to a team more than

www.rfea.org.uk calling its

based in Scotland, Wales,

between RFEA – The

120 strong, which operates

Veterans Support Team on 0121

Northern Ireland and

Forces Employment Charity

in Scotland, Wales, Northern

262 3058 or emailing

every region of England,

and The Royal British Legion,

Ireland and every region of

info@rfea.org.uk

so can provide advice on

a recently announced,

England. Team members

newly strengthened support

will provide the necessary

initiative recognises RFEA’s

support to job seekers

What happens next?

credentials as the leading

(ranging from finding the right

Once you’ve applied for

expert knowledge of local

expert in providing life-long,

job to securing funding for

support, here’s what to

employers and the job

life-changing employment

education/training), based on

expect …

support and training

extensive knowledge of both

opportunities to Service

the military environment and

to find out more about your

you access to the bespoke

leavers, veterans and

the local civilian jobs market.

situation and how your job

job search application,

search is going.

RightJob, which has jobs

RFEA will carry out a ‘needs

specially sourced according

reservists and their families,

RFEA will refer those

find work and develop a good CV, all based on their

market in your area. l

Your advisor will grant

irrespective of circumstances,

interested in becoming

rank, length of service, or

entrepreneurs to X-Forces

assessment’ that will help

to the skills and aspirations

reason for leaving. The

Enterprise (XFE), which

it understand any barriers

of ex-Forces personnel,

scheme will see RFEA continue

specialises in supporting those

to employment, relating

to get you on your way to

to work collaboratively

wanting to embark on self-

to issues such as health,

finding a job that is suited

with employment partners,

employment (just like Jacob

housing, debt, and so on.

replacing The Royal British

Kelly, featured on our cover

If any additional needs are

Legion’s Civvy Street

this month), and to a range of

identified, an advisor will

you with interviews – both

initiative.

specialist military employment

then be able refer you to

before and after – to help

charities delivering training or

other organisations that

you find employment

other tailored support.

can provide the relevant

opportunities that will

help required.

enable you to thrive.

Under a new simplified process, all Employment Support and Employment

52 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

An advisor will be in touch

what to apply for, how to

to you. l

RFEA will also support

My support experience Graham Herbert

Gavin Baker daughters’ needs. With RFEA’s help with research and CV writing, he has been able to undertake a number of parttime courses and has forged ahead with a new career in horticulture. He is now about to embark on the next level of his training and has been awarded a Royal British Legion Grant to fund the equipment he needs as a prerequisite for his new

Gavin Baker, based in South

course.

Shields, spent 24 years

Graham says: ‘When my

serving in the Army, but

circumstances changed, I didn’t

struggled to find permanent

really know where to start.

civilian employment. After

Following the death of his

Having someone to help narrow

getting in touch with RFEA,

to help me find positions that

wife, Graham became a single

down my choices, and prepare

Gavin was given invaluable

fitted my profile perfectly.

parent to two primary school-

me for a new world of training

help with his CV as well as

Within two days, I’d applied for

age daughters. This dramatic

and work really has been

networking opportunities that

the role at Metro.

change in circumstances meant

invaluable. Without RFEA’s

have resulted in him recently

he had to quickly change career

help, I actually don’t know what

starting a new job with Metro

for the help it has given me –

in order to work around his

I would have done.’

as a mechanical maintenance

now I’m in a job I really enjoy

technician. He says, ‘Once I was

and that has lots of potential

in touch with my RFEA advisor

for career progression.

I never looked back. He pointed

Finding work has made a huge

me in the direction of RightJob,

difference; it has relieved a

a website that specialises in

lot of stress and worry over

jobs that are suited to people

money, and has made me feel

who have served, and was able

I’ve got a purpose again.’ Q

About RFEA RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide life-long, life-changing support, job opportunities, and training to Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, it has the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. It works in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like RFEA, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. Last year, RFEA … l supported 19,758 ex-Forces personnel l 62% Army l 21% Royal Navy and Royal Marines l 17% RAF l created 84,976 job opportunities. Of those it helped: l 73% improved their aspiration and motivation l 68% improved their job skills and experience l 66% improved the stability of their lives.

About The Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion is the nation’s biggest Armed Forces charity, providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces, past and present, and their families. The Legion champions Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is well known for its annual Poppy Appeal, and its emblem the red poppy.

‘I’m so grateful to RFEA

USEFUL INFO

RFEA 0121 262 3058 info@rfea.org.uk www.rfea.org.uk www.twitter.com/RFEA_UK www.facebook.com/ RFEATheForcesEmploymentCharity/ The Royal British Legion 0808 802 8080 info@britishlegion.org.uk www.britishlegion.org.uk @PoppyLegion X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) 0800 368 9533 info@x-forces.com www.x-forces.com @XForces

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 53

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

s a serving or

Service personnel are now

ex-member of the

receiving training using

Armed Forces, you’ll

cutting-edge technology,

know that the military is much more than just a job. It’s your family, your work and something that defines you as a person. But, as everyone knows, a career in the military doesn’t last a lifetime. A new Army recruitment campaign, ‘Confidence that lasts a lifetime’, focuses on the skills Service personnel develop during their military careers, which they can put to good use in the future, in a life beyond the Armed Forces.

A CAREER IN THE MILITARY PROVIDES YOU WITH A LEVEL OF EXPERTISE AND CUTTING-EDGE SKILLS THAT CAN SET YOU APART FROM CIVILIAN COMPETITORS

Skills for life

‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’ Transitioning to the civilian workplace on leaving the Services is now about much more than stereotypical roles such as security guarding or taking a conventional ‘trade’ with you (useful as these still are), says Claire Withey of Bolt Burdon Kemp. And, when it comes to 21st-century resettlement, she’s keen to emphasise the current breadth of skills the ex-military have to offer potential employers

which is another asset prospective civilian employers will find attractive, and another skill set likely to open doors for veterans looking for employment on civvy street.

Breaking down stereotypes You will have developed unique skills and attributes during your time in uniform, but this is not to say that the transition to civilian life is easy. In the past (and perhaps even to some extent, today) some Service leavers assumed that, just because they’d been in the military the only work that would be suitable for

you apart from civilian

and characteristics like

them would involve security

competitors for the same role.

resilience and determination.

or similar industries. These

These are the sorts of

stereotypes have now largely

to join the Armed Forces

You might have decided

attributes that employers in

been broken down [as we

at a young age, when your

the civilian sphere admire,

hope the content of QUEST

experience and confidence

and many are already

illustrates – Ed.] and civilian

were still developing. It might

starting to see the benefits of

employers are increasingly

have been your first taste

employing veterans.

interested in the leadership

of work and/or living away

Forging a career in the

how much you have grown

Tech talents in demand

military is a tough and

since you joined. You would

In recent years many

relentless task, but there can

have developed a number of

industries have placed

be no doubt that it provides

key skills, many technical in

increasing reliance on

you with a level of expertise

nature, but also capabilities in

technology. The Armed

and cutting-edge skills that

areas such as teamwork, self-

Forces are aware of advances

can last a lifetime and set

management and punctuality,

in modern technology and

from home. Think about

54 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

ADMIRED BY EMPLOYERS l

teamworking skills self-management l punctuality l resilience l determination l

Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest

EMPLOYERS ARE INCREASINGLY INTERESTED IN THE LEADERSHIP AND TEAM-BUILDING QUALITIES VETERANS CAN BRING TO THEIR ORGANISATIONS

As a result, there are now far more support networks available for veterans during this transitional period. These include: l

the Career Transition

100% Guaranteed Work Placements

Partnership (CTP), which provides resettlement support to eligible Service leavers and their spouses l

the numerous military charities that offer career

and team-building qualities

and resettlement advice,

that veterans can bring to

workshops and careers

their organisations. In fact,

fairs, such as The Poppy

there is increasing evidence

Factory, SSAFA and the

that ex-Forces personnel

RFEA

are taking up much sought-

The Royal British Legion,

after roles in a variety of

which offers support,

industries, including:

advice and guidance

technology

on securing alternative

risk management

employment on leaving

engineering

the Forces.

teaching, and

finance.

Help is out there

What’s ahead? As we continue into this new decade, the long-lasting

The military has become

benefits brought by those

much more aware in recent

with a history of service in

years of the challenges

the Armed Forces will no

faced by those transitioning

doubt continue to be valued

to civilian life, and of the

by civilian employers. That

support that is required

new Army recruitment

to make that transition as

campaign brings a fresh

smooth as possible. The

reminder of all that the

after-effects of life in the

military does to shape an

Forces can be long-lasting,

individual, and I’m excited

with physical injuries and

to see how those individuals

mental health problems not

will continue to enhance the

uncommon. The military

private sector in the years to

recognises that support in

come.

these areas is important to

See the Army’s new

ensure a better and healthier

‘Confidence lasts a lifetime’

quality of life for those

campaign here: www.youtube.

leaving the Forces.

com/watch?v=plyzF4yZNc8 Q

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Claire Withey is an associate solicitor in the Military Claims Department at London-based law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, acting for Service personnel in claims involving personal injury, clinical negligence, bullying and harassment. To find out more, visit www.boltburdonkemp.co.uk

Brookhouse Training Centre is the UK’s Number One gas, plumbing and electrical training and assessment specialist. We offer full and part time training courses with Level 3 Qualifications. So, if your next move is a career in gas engineering or domestic electrical contracting, you need to speak to us first. Call today for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to one of our open mornings

0844 415 2700

Go to www.brookhousetraining.com/MOD

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 55

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT

STEVE BULLEYMENT

’m amazed I made it

graphic designers and business

through my first five years.

consultants. Without doubt,

Historically, only half of all

a lot of this money has been

businesses make it to that five-

wasted. However, I learned

year point and, looking back, I

what helped me the most. Here

understand why. There are so

are a few worth paying for …

many new skills to learn. So

The professionals

if you’re thinking about going it alone when you leave, this

Accounting

article highlights some of the

A good accountant is essential.

things you may struggle with

HMRC – that fine institution

and some of the help available.

with the brown envelopes we

We’ll look at paid professionals,

all dread – can be slow to pick

staff and technology.

up you’re doing things wrong. You may get away with doing

The perfect business

your own tax return for a while. However, when they realise the

The dream is to have is a full

mistakes you’ve made, they’ll

order book, plenty of long-term

come knocking. When they get

work from reliable customers

their teeth into you, it’s bad

and the phone ringing

news. I’ve seen good people

regularly to top up that work.

undergo tax investigations

Unfortunately, it doesn’t always

simply because when they

work quite like that …

started out, they tried to save

After a few years in business, I got to the point where I didn’t want the phone to ring any more. I’d be busy cutting car keys, with far too much on my plate, just hoping new customers would leave me alone. I couldn’t face any more demands on my time. Looking back, it was ridiculous because most of these people just wanted to give me money! However, being stretched to breaking point made me realise something had to change.

A helping hand Imagine arriving at your new posting and there’s no one to hand over to you. Your phone is already ringing and people are asking you questions you can’t answer. You have reports to write, deadlines to meet and not a clue how to do most of it. That’s exactly how starting a business can feel, says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, and he has a few ideas as to what you can do about it …

If you’re in business long

money on their tax return. It’s not worth it! How do you choose an accountant? I’m on my fifth in 15 years. I’ve moved because of no advice, bad advice and, most surprisingly, because one went bankrupt! So, don’t be afraid to move about until you find one you’re comfortable with. My current accountant is a perfect fit for my company and I get help every month. Ask for recommendations from friends then meet the suggested

enough, there’ll be a time

person or firm for a chat.

when you need some help. I’m

that it’s all on your shoulders.

I understand. Professional

Find out exactly who you’ll be

not keen on the term ‘self-

We all need some help to run

services can be expensive.

dealing with on a regular basis,

employed’ or ‘working for

a business. ‘But I can’t afford

I’ve spent tens of thousands

so you can see how helpful or

yourself’ because it suggests

to pay a professional!’, I hear

of pounds on book-keepers,

annoying they are – after all,

you cry.

virtual assistants, marketers,

you’ll be paying for them!

IF YOU’RE IN BUSINESS LONG ENOUGH, THERE’LL BE A TIME WHEN YOU NEED SOME HELP

‘If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur’

56 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

Red Adair

Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/TheCarKeyMan

THE CAR KEY MAN Read Steve’s regularly updated blog at: http://steveoncivvystreet.co.uk/ When you find one you’re

the problems I was having

Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist auto locksmith company covering Lincolnshire. Launching in 2004, Steve spotted an opportunity to solve the problem of replacing lost and stolen car keys. The company now offers workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. Recognising the needs of concerned vehicle owners, it offers free consultations to find an affordable solution to the growing number of car key problems.

happy with, ask questions, get

and helped turn me from a

on top of all your bookwork

struggling sole trader, into

and be proactive – don’t

a confident employer. He

ignore any problems or

held me accountable and the

right or wrong choice, but if

worries you have.

business tripled in revenue

you want to grow the business,

in three years. So he was an

you have a few choices. Which

Your website

expensive professional, but

is more suitable, an employee,

If you go onto YouTube, you’ll

for me well worth investing in.

or a sub-contractor? Taking

notice that several website

the chance to build your own

I need more hours in the day! (Maybe you need staff?)

website very cheaply, or free. I’m sure it’s a good company,

companies are pushing things hard. Wix offers you

Simon on board as an

THERE’S PLENTY OF GOOD TECHNOLOGY TO HELP US IN BUSINESS NOW

employee in my company has been the best move. It allows

There are some excellent

me to take holidays, or even

invoicing apps available

When you get overloaded, it’s

just a weekend off. While I’m

now that are paperless. My

a good sign that you’re doing a

spending time with my family,

advice is to send the invoice

but do think about what

good job as more people want

the business is still helping

immediately and check the

your website is. As a first

you, so what about employing

customers and making money.

customer has received it

impression, it needs to look

some staff?

However, maybe you just need

before you leave the job.

occasional help and a sub-

Getting paid is the most

contractor can take up some

important part of the job, so

of the slack without you having

give yourself the best chance.

good and perform correctly, otherwise you don’t stand a chance. Plus, it needs a valid

‘But I’m happy as a oneman band.’ If you think you can work

SSL certificate, otherwise

happily alone, think about

Google won’t show it very

this: can you shut down

high up the search rankings.

for two weeks without any

choose, getting someone

automatically, request

A good website company

drama? As a kitchen fitter,

to help your customers is a

customer reviews and other

will understand that, as a

carpenter or landscape

massive step. It can feel both

marketing tasks that otherwise

start-up or small business,

gardener, I expect you can

scary and uncomfortable as

I wouldn’t remember or have

your budget will be tight.

turn the phone off without

you start to let go of your

time to do.

However, I truly believe that

too many issues. No one’s

baby, but it’s worth it. That’s

it’s worth finding a good local

going to have an emergency

clear to me every year when

Enjoy doing less

company you can talk to and

where a kitchen cupboard

I take my four weeks holiday

It feels good knowing that

meet with to help you with

needs replacing or a door

and it all keeps going.

the important things are

your website. Of all the things

needs hanging. However, as a

to pay for, a website should

plumber or in my profession as

be high on your list. It doesn’t

a locksmith, customers need

have to cost a fortune and a

a fast response. If you fitted

Technology

as a sole trader or grow your

good company will let you pay

a boiler and it fails, or a pipe

It’s not just about putting in

business, knowing you’ve got

monthly.

starts leaking from the new

more hours. There’s plenty of

professionals helping will make

bathroom you fitted, it needs

good technology to help us in

it so much more enjoyable.

Advice and mentoring

to be sorted out. If you’ve shut

business now.

Having a business that works

This could be seen as a

down for two weeks’ holiday,

luxury. At one point I was

your customer aren’t going to

articles, I’ve always stressed

opportunity if you have the

paying £750 every month

be happy.

the importance of getting

correct help, so good luck and

paid promptly and having

get some help! Q

for business coaching. That

to employ someone directly.

Other apps we use

Whichever route you

send out marketing emails

Work smarter, not harder

When I write these

being taken care of without you putting in more effort. Whether you choose to stay

is amazing – there’s so much

is serious money. However,

Growing pains

cash in the bank. To get paid,

it made such a difference

Unfortunately, you can only

customers need an invoice.

to my life because I just

work so fast, for so many

Not having time to do this

couldn’t figure out how to

hours. To help cope with the

paperwork is a common reason

07832 147601 or 01522 514141

cope with my work schedule.

extra work the two choices are

business owners give for not

Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com

It accelerated my business

to turn down work or expand

having any money. After all,

growth. My coach could see

your capacity. Neither is the

who enjoys paperwork?

Read all of Steve’s previous articles on our website. Go to www.questonline.co.uk and search ‘Steve Bulleyment’.

Get in touch

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 57

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT

‘I just feel overwhelmingly lucky’

… so says Terry Cyrille, who approached Stoll in 2019 in need of help. He now lives at the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in Fulham.

Hodgkin lymphoma and, after chemotherapy and other

in need of stable housing. It

drugs didn’t work, was told

was at this point that a friend

to prepare for the fact that

in the military pointed Terry

he might only have a very

towards Stoll. Terry made

short time to live. As a last

an application to Stoll and

attempt, the doctors tried a

was invited to come in for an

new form of stem cell therapy.

assessment. On the day he

Miraculously it started to

visited the Sir Oswald Stoll

work.

Mansions in Fulham, he was

Having spent 15 months

Terry (seen here in Afghanistan) had a full and varied Reserve career

Terry was still very ill and

offered a flat.

in hospital, Terry was finally

Terry has now settled in to

discharged in April 2019. He

his one-bed flat at Stoll, which

was in a bad way and had

he says is contributing to his

nowhere to live. He had lost

ongoing recovery. While he

the flat he had previously

doesn’t know how his health

toll is the UK’s leading

Corps, taking part in exercises

been renting due to being

will fare over the next few

provider of supported

and attachments with regular

in hospital for so long.

years, he feels optimistic and

housing to veterans. It

units across the UK and

Even as a priority case, the

is ready to embrace whatever

supports the most vulnerable

Europe, as well as operational

local authority was only

life brings.

Service leavers by providing

tours in Bosnia and Iraq. When

able to find him temporary

them with an affordable home

not on deployment, Terry

accommodation in a hostel.

to rent and the support they

supported his unit as part

need to lead independent

of the training staff team,

lives.

training new recruits.

One Stoll beneficiary is

Terry says, ‘I’m so grateful to Stoll for giving me a stable

Then, on the way back

Terry, now aged 50, who

from a training camp in

served in the Army Reserves

Scotland in 2017, Terry

for more than 20 years.

collapsed in agony. Doctors

He had a full and varied

weren’t able to diagnose what

Reserve career with the Royal

was wrong and he embarked

Yeomanry, Royal Engineers

on many months of difficult

and Royal Army Medical

hospital visits, examinations and operations to try to

IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO TALK TO OTHERS ABOUT HOW YOU ARE FEELING

find the cause of his illness. During this time Terry had major surgery on his gut and became severely weak. Terry was finally diagnosed with T-cell non-

58 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

Terry spent 15 months in hospital, meaning he lost the flat he had been renting

STOLL REALLY PICKED ME UP WHEN I WAS AT MY LOWEST POINT

after his mental health. He is

I just feel overwhelmingly

100 years and is here to

also still undergoing various

lucky.’

support the next generation

medical treatments for muscle

He continues: ‘Stoll really

of veterans. For more

wastage, nerve damage and

picked me up when I was at

information about finding a

other conditions, as well as

my lowest point. It’s a really

home with Stoll or accessing

receiving platelet boosters

nice place to live and the staff

support, please visit

and gastric check-ups. Stoll’s

here are very supportive.

www.stoll.org.uk or call the

base where I am supported

central location and supported

When I first arrived, I used

Outreach Team on

and where I can start to

living set-up helps Terry to

to get out of breath just

rebuild my life. Now that I am

manage all of this and to feel

leaving my flat but now

settled, I am looking forward

supported as he does so.

I can walk the couple of

to taking on new challenges

Terry believes that good

miles to the museums

and experiences. Stoll are

mental health is key to

in South Kensington. I’m

supporting me to try new

recovery. He says, ‘It’s so

looking forward to taking

things and it’s great that

important to talk to others

part in a bicycle maintenance

there are so many health and

about how you are feeling –

course that Stoll is running

well-being activities on offer. I

something that doesn’t always

in February. As my health

have already been supported

come easy in the military –

improves I’d like to try other

by a Health & Well-being grant

and develop and maintain a

activities too and I know that

to try an art class at the local

positive outlook. Coming to

I can be supported in this by

college, which has led me to

terms with life-changing and

Stoll.’

want to try new things and

often difficult experiences is

develop new skills.’

important. There were a few

Find out more

times when it really looked

Stoll has been providing

depression, Terry now sees

like I might not make it. Those

support to the veteran

a counsellor to help look

were lonely times but now

community for more than

Having experienced

020 7385 2110. Q

USEFUL INFO

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

MEDEVACS ARE A LIFELINE FOR THOUSANDS LIKE OPEYEYTATO The nearest hospital is 200km through jungle — mother and child are unlikely to survive the journey. That’s where we step in. For 75 years, MAF has been a lifeline to people cut off from the help they need. You can be part of this rescue. We are seeking committed Christians to work as aircraft engineers, managers, experienced pilots as well as teachers, accountants and IT technicians.

Phone us on 01303 850950 or visit

www.maf-uk.org/quest Registered charity in England and Wales (1064598) and in Scotland (SC039107) ® Registered trademark 3026860, 3026908, 3026915

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22/01/2020 14:27

questonline.co.uk l February/March 2020 59

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from March to May 2020

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

CTW Junior Ranks

09 March 2020

11 March 2020

06 April 2020

08 April 2020

09 March 2020 11 March 2020 16 March 2020 18 March 2020 17 March 2020 19 March 2020 30 March 2020 01 April 2020 31 March 2020 02 April 2020 27 April 2020 29 April 2020 11 May 2020 13 May 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

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

ESP Job Skills Workshop 17 March 2020

17 March 2020

16 Apr 2020

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

CTW Junior Ranks 17 March 2020

19 March 2020

31 March 2020

02 April 2020

12 May 2020

14 May 2020

CTW Officer/SNCO 23 March 2020

25 March 2020

05 May 2020

07 May 2020

CTW SNCO 10 March 2020

12 March 2020

14 April 2020

16 April 2020

19 May 2020

21 May 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop 16 March 2020

16 March 2020

20 April 2020

18 May 2020

06 March 2020

17 April 2020

RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Officer/SNCO

START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 11 March 2020

10 March 2020

12 March 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop

17 March 2020

19 March 2020

12 March 2020 02 April 2020 30 April 2020 14 May 2020

23 March 2020

25 March 2020

30 March 2020

01 April 2020

14 April 2020

16 April 2020

20 April 2020

22 April 2020

04 May 2020

06 May 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

12 May 2020

14 May 2020

19 May 2020

21 May 2020

12 March 2020 02 April 2020 30 April 2020 14 May 2020

Self Employment Awareness 19 March 2020

19 March 2020

25 March 2020

Central London

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk

CTW Officer/SNCO 16 March 2020

18 March 2020

06 April 2020

08 April 2020

27 April 2020

29 April 2020

18 May 2020

2020 May 2020

CTW Officer 16 March 2020

18 March 2020

30 March 2020

01 April 2020

27 April 2020

29 April 2020

26 May 2020

28 May 2020

FAR All Ranks 26 March 2020

26 March 2020

New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement 19 March 2020

19 March 2020

04 May 2020

Self Employment Awareness 02 Apr 2020

02 Apr 2020

RC Plymouth

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

START DATE END DATE

09 March 2020

11 March 2020

18 May 2020

20 May 2020

CTW Senior Officer

ESP Job Skills Workshop 12 March 2020

12 March 2020

23 April 2020

CTW Mixed Class

21 May 2020

10 March 2020 31 March 2020 21 April 2020 05 May 2020 19 May 2020

12 March 2020 02 April 2020 23 April 2020 07 May 2020 21 May 2020

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 16 March 2020 12 May 2020

16 March 2020 12 May 2020

RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

Self Employment Awareness 06 March 2020

rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk

09 March 2020

FAR All Ranks START DATE END DATE

RRC Cottesmore

START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 16 March 2020 18 March 2020 23 March 2020 25 March 2020 20 April 2020 22 April 2020 27 April 2020 29 April 2020 11 May 2020 13 May 2020 18 May 2020 20 May 2020

02 March 2020

04 March 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop

23 March 2020

25 March 2020

20 April 2020

22 April 2020

04 May 20

06 May 2020

19 March 2020 23 April 2020 21 May 2020

18 May 20

20 May 2020

20 March 2020 24 April 2020 22 May 2020

02 March 2020

04 March 2020

16 March 2020

18 March 2020

Final Approach

06 April 2020

08 April 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

05 March 2020

New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement

CTW Officer/SNCO 23 March 2020

25 March 2020

26 March 2020

27 April 2020

29 April 2020

26 March 2020

Self Employment Awareness

FAR All Ranks

16 March 2020

16 April 2020

20 April 2020

18 May 2020

RC Northolt

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 09 March 2020

11 March 2020

23 March 2020

25 March 2020

20 April 2020

22 April 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

18 May 2020

20 May 2020

Self Employment Awareness 21 April 2020

21 April 2020

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details 60 February/March 2020 l questonline.co.uk

16 April 2020

New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement 19 March 2020

19 March 2020

Final Approach 12 March 2020

12 March 2020

Self Employment Awareness 05 March 2020

05 March 2020

14 May 2020

RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE

RRC Rosyth

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE

RRC Tidworth rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Junior Ranks

06 April 2020

09 March 2020

11 March 2020

02 March 2020

04 March 2020

23 March 2020

25 March 2020

09 March 2020

11 March 2020

06 April 2020

08 April 2020

27 April 2020

29 April 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

11 May 2020

13 May 2020

18 May 2020

20 May 2020

08 April 2020

CTW Mixed Class 02 March 2020 04 March 2020 16 March 2020 18 March 2020 30 March 2020 01 April 2020 20 April 2020 22 April 2020 04 May 2020 06 May 2020 18 May 2020 20 May 2020

CTW Officer/SNCO

27 April 2020

CTW Mixed Class

29 April 2020

16 March 2020

18 March 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop

30 March 2020

01 April 2020

CTW Officer

19 March 2020

06 April 2020

08 April 2020

23 March 2020 25 March 2020 27 April 2020 29 April 2020 26 May 2020 28 May 2020

14 May 2020

CTW SNCO 09 March 2020 11 May 2020

11 March 2020 13 May 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop

CTW Officer

03 March 2020

05 March 2020

28 April 2020

30 April 2020

28 May 2020

12 March 2020

02 April 2020

23 April 2020

21 May 2020

28 May 2020

Final Approach 20 April 2020

20 April 2020

New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement 27 April 2020

27 April 2020

Self Employment Awareness 09 March 2020

09 March 2020

06 April 2020

13 May 2020

CTW Officer/SNCO

Self Employment Awareness

17 March 2020

19 March 2020

18 March 2020

14 April 2020

16 April 2020

26 May 2020

28 May 2020

18 March 2020

CTW SNCO

FAR All Ranks 12 March 2020 07 May 2020

Self Employment Awareness 23 April 2020

12 March 2020

Final Approach

26 March 2020 26 March 2020 21 May 2020 21 May 2020 12 March 2020 07 May 2020

ESP Job Skills Workshop

10 March 2020

12 March 2020

21 April 2020

23 April 2020

12 May 2020

14 May 2020

19 May 2020

21 May 2020

23 April 2020

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

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YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

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

Contact the CTP on 0203 162 4410 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 February/March 2020 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 6065 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

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