Quest February 2017 by Bulldog Publishing

N INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES

ELCs EXPLAINED Your personal funding factfile

E4 EV

TRAINING

February 2017

AIM HIGHER! H

Your HE options page 20

JOBS

ELC 8888

PROVIDER NUMBER

PLAY THE ADVANTAGE Smooth your transition with rugby page 56

ROUTE PLANNING FOR ALL RANKS COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERSI RESETTLEMENT

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EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR ALL-NEW QUEST

magazine, now incorporating COURSES 4 FORCES, so whether you’re still in uniform or have started preparing for life ‘on the outside’, you’ll find it’s now a magazine of two halves – but the only guide you’ll need to courses, training, careers and transition. In the first part of the magazine, you can find out everything 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 are still eligible to make a claim (find out all about that on page 8). As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also find out how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications – wherever in the world you might find yourself – and home in on higher-level study options if that’s where you are setting your sights. We spotlight three career areas that we know are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition – when it comes. This month our focus falls on health and safety, computing and IT, and management and leadership. Find out about the sort of courses that will help you further your skills in these areas, whether to boost your Service career prospects or to smooth your resettlement with relevant qualifications that will make you a more desirable employee on leaving. The section winds up with our one-stop ‘Funding Factfile’, summing up all you need to know about the monetary support available to assist your learning pursuits. In part two, there’s the usual QUEST mix of inspiration and practical guidance on resettlement issues. First, find out how to make the most of your last few months ‘inside’ in our ‘Maximise your

resettlement training’ feature. Whichever career field you’re aiming for, we hope you’ll find it useful. Then, running that a close second, Squadron Leader Stuart Gerrard pitches in with news of Rugby for Heroes’ camaraderie-building Transition through Rugby course. Next up, regular contributor Ralph Straw – a man who has already traversed (and survived) the resettlement process – has some sage advice (page 58) for those of you about to follow in his footsteps, who want to make sure they’re civvy savvy. To aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, gathering together in one place useful info from a range of sources. All this is held together by ‘The Hub’ – the place where you will find pivotal information on course and training options, transition news and reader reports. We hope you enjoy the ‘new’ QUEST with its focus on supporting you throughout your Service career and beyond, by gathering together essential course and career information in one handy guide – your friendly route-planner for all ranks.

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

Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798

CONNECT WITH US questonline.co.uk questmagazine

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February 2017

FEBRUARY 2017 >>

Contents YOUR ELC

06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding

12 How to claim if you are still serving 14 How to claim after leaving 16 Avoiding queries or rejection 18 ELC dos and don’ts 20 Higher-level study 22 HE success story: Philip Mogridge 24 Distance learning 26 Qualifications to further your Service career 28 On course: Health and safety 34 On course: Computing and IT 40 On course: Management and leadership 44 Funding factfile 46 Useful contacts

THE HUB 47 The Hub: Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

54 Maximise your resettlement training: It’s important to make the most of the resettlement options open to you. Help is at hand with this five-step guide 56 Pitch perfect! The Transition through Rugby course that fosters a sense of belonging you might otherwise miss on the ‘outside’ 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

20 40

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101

The basics

ubject to certain eligibility

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

− – Service training

You may not claim ELC for:

which is a single payment of up to

− – civilian accredited Service training

£3,000 for those with six or more

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

years of qualifying service, which will

is involved, together with a separate

count as all three awards.

exam, assessment or assignment)

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

− – membership fees

criteria (see page 8), the ELC

Service leavers and Service personnel

− – books and materials

scheme offers currently serving

in their qualifying resettlement phase

− – normal Service sport and

or former Service personnel access to a

with access to a first full level 3 or a

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

first HE qualification (a foundation

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

degree or a first undergraduate

made due to foreseeable postings/

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

degree or equivalent) with support

Service activities will usually meant

first undergraduate degree or equivalent)

towards tuition fees.

that no further claims will be allowed.

free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

information you need to know … l

If unexpected Service or withdrawal, you should seek advice

payments of up to £1,000 in three

learning of at least 20% of the cost

from your Education Staff or Learning

separate financial years; the higher

(the ELC element includes VAT but

Adviser.Q

tier offers up to three payments of up

excludes travel, accommodation, food, books and materials). l

You must discuss your plans with

The three separate years do not have

your line manager and education

to run consecutively, and may be a

adviser before making any financial

levels.

Withdrawal once payment has been

compassionate reasons cause your

combination of both higher and lower l

You must make a contribution to your

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

years. l

Only one ELC claim can be made in

adventurous training.

any one financial year (April to March).

to £2,000 in three separate financial

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

commitment. l

ELC are available for full- or part-time

ELC may be claimed for the same

study for a qualification at level 3 or

learning course if it continues for more

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS

than a year, or for a different learning

with an organisation on the approved

From its inception until the end of

purpose each year.

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

September 2016, 374,111 people had

If one course combines with others for

registered with the ELC scheme and

a single learning purpose these can be

121,635 claims had been made, to the

combined to claim ELC.

value of £184.7 million.

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

cti

personal development/ resettlement

training

compliance

training instructor course

Value:

£2000+ £2,400 products

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Qualifying trainers, managers and health and safety specialists for the future Train2Train is the leading provider of compliance training and instructor-based courses within the UK. Our Compliance Training Instructor course (CTI) has been specifically developed for individuals who wish to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to deliver a range of first aid, health and safety, food safety and fire safety qualifications. It is recommended to those who are looking to deliver both accredited and non-accredited qualifications, either for their own company or on behalf of a training organisation. The course is delivered over 10 consecutive working days. To provide flexibility, learners can also choose to complete modules of the course over a period of time at a venue or venues of their choice. All learners will receive a comprehensive instructor’s pack valued at over £2,500, including training presentations that can be downloaded on to an iPad Mini, which is also included as part of the course, as well as materials, handouts and learner thumbnails. On completion of the course, should you wish to apply for tutor and/or centre status to deliver regulated qualifications, you must meet the prescribed quality assurance standards as set out by a regulated awarding organisation. This unique course will allow you to teach either through your own company or on behalf of a training organisation. It is also a fantastic addition to any CV and will look great to a prospective employer.

Training venues include: Doncaster Catterick Cyprus

Blandford Oakham

*Minimum numbers required Visit: www.Train2Train.org for further information

Further details on this and other courses available, including: NEBOSH, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Teaching qualifications,please contact us at: e: info@train2train.org t: +44 (0)1302 363136 w: www.train2train.org

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iPad mini which can be fully loaded with Highfield International Ltd training presentations.

Disclaimer: Any learner wishing to apply for tutor and/or centre status in order to deliver regulated qualifications must meet the prescribed quality assurance standards as set by a regulated awarding organisation, for example, HABC. Learners should note that the successful completion of the course does not guarantee approval by a regulated awarding organisation.

©Train2Train 2016

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible for ELC?

Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l

All Regular Service Personnel (SP)

have left the Service or entered your

day of service, you will be eligible to claim

currently in service will be auto-

qualifying resettlement phase on or

ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to

enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will

after 17 July 2008

meeting the other conditions associated

meet UK residency requirements to

with the scheme.

future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l

qualify for full state subsidy.

The qualifying service required

Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

What about if you are medically

for both ELC lower-tier and FEHE

medically discharged from service before

discharged?

awards will increase from four to six

achieving the required number of years’

You are eligible to claim ELC at the

years from 1 April 2017. If you will

service. If this is the case, please seek

lower (£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier

already have accumulated four years’

advice from your unit education staffs.

depending on your length of service on

qualifying service before 1 April 2017,

In detail …

lower-tier award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

completing six years of service, you may

If you left – or are due to leave –

You can start claiming when you have

be eligible to make claims at the lower-

service on or after 1 April 2016, you

accumulated the necessary qualifying

tier rate if the injury or illness was caused

are entitled to post-service access to

years of service. For example, if you

or significantly worsened, wholly or

ELC and FEHE for five years.

registered on the ELC scheme and have

predominantly by service, as defined by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

have been entitled to start claiming at the

(JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

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

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

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

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

service for lower-tier awards will increase

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

from four to six years. However, if you will

eligible to claim under the terms of the

have accumulated four years’ qualifying

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

service before 1 April 2017, you will still be

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a

able to claim your lower-tier awards.

look at the feature on page 14 to find out

In brief … To take advantage of ELC support, you must: l

the date of discharge. Additionally, if

you keep your entitlement to use ELC

you are medically discharged prior to

more – or, for full details and to check the

have completed four years of full-time

What happens if you are made redundant?

detailed eligibility rules, visit

service or, from 1 April 2017, six years

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

have joined – or since April 2016

to be made redundant, you will cease

been automatically enrolled – on the

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

the day you leave service. If you have

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

accrued six or more years’ service since

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

registering on the scheme by your last day

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

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

are academically qualified to enter

accrued eight or more years’ service since

learning on leaving the Service

registering on the scheme by your last

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

an t to e n re me v mo co n e out e op find

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Ever thought of becoming an Osteopath?

“I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers. There is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the students.”

Major Phil Waddell, Royal Signals .

The College of Osteopaths offers courses which allow you to develop your career whilst carrying on with your current life: • Change your future • Train part-time • Be part of a supportive learning community • Gain a valuable profession. Contact us today for help and advice:

London: Staffordshire:

020 8905 1397 01782 294 596

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

Course notes

YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

Engineering your way to the top

Accredited Competence in General Locksmithing level 3 course

echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is Alexander Bill completed Knob sets conducted over a three‐week period, his MBA part‐time at Aston Pad locks comprising two weeks in the technical Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the transport business Alstom. Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for you to gain in‐ Alex began his career at 5 lever British Standard mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. found the commercial and Car opening You will be taught to strip and business side of selling and delivering advanced industrial Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by services exciting. Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using specialist equipment. You interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that one for myself. And I’m glad that I did! out with a locksmith doing daily work on are found on wooden, aluminium and ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what to expect also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit the same time, the improvements to my skills when invaluable experience in situations that doors and grill‐type gates. presenting to a or wide range of audiences LCand arecommunicating available for fullpartl foundation degrees may arise, especially dealing with the Along with all of the above you will – from the shop floorfor to very senior managers public if you have done this be given sound advice from professionalsCHOOSING time study a qualification at – havel been postgraduate qualifications A never COURSE very noticeable.’ before. Please note that we can arrange with regard to the financial side of your level 3 or above, as defined on l other academic qualifications Before deciding on a course, you should Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on the National Qualifications Framework/ l professional self-development carrying out my day job, going to lectures, studying at the at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how consider: weekends and my family. However, Aston was great,land Regulated Qualifications Framework accreditation of priorshould learning l Class its relevance your pm. personal hours areto 9 am–4 your vehicle be laid out and very flexible. When, towards the end of second year, my equipped, (NQF/RQF),* with an organisation onmy the l vocational trainingand even what type of vehicle development plan daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. without doubt the best locksmith to use. We will also help you to acquire l This approved providers list held by ELCAS and l registration and accreditation fees yourisability to undertake it Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply viewable at www.enhancedlearningcredits. l sports qualifications l likely disruptions to Service flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These of thebemost valuableor things I learned com‘One It could an A-level, an NVQ 3 was how l to overseasaccounts qualifications requirements you will be awarded your level 3 NCFE will allow you to purchase, at analyse and understand a wide range complex andl often Accredited in tradetraining price, stock for your or equivalent award. You may alsoofuse resettlement (during lastvan, twotools and l National the flexibility of theCertificate study method. incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise any specialist ELC to fund anything above that, too, years of service only).requirements that you may Locksmithing. them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. You will also receive a full set of like university modules or nationally To find out more about accessing higherpresentation that gets straight to the point. like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by recognised diplomas. inaparticular, a look at our ‘The MBA definitelyThis gavemight me theinclude: knowledge andlevel skillsstudy to 341257. free 24‐hourtake helpline should you have progress my career, helping me to be promoted to general problems feature on page 20. while trading. manager.’

How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding

* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to Two‐week technical workshop

Get in touch

Subjects covered Pin tumbler locks Disc locks Radial locks Pin‐tumbler locks bodies UPVC lock bodies

expire on 31 December 2017.

Tel: 0121 204 3099 email: mba@aston.ac.uk Web: www.aston.ac.uk

See the advertisement on page 2

Get in touch

Tel: 01432 341257 email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk See the advertisement on page 39

Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an

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

Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding

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

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

1009

Spring 2016 / COURSES4FORCES February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

www.avtech2000.co.uk

01892 770250 www.courses4forces.co.uk

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

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

Course Two

Course Three

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management

Course Four

Course Five

Course Six

NEBOSH International Technical Certifcate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety

NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management

NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

SPECIAL OFFER… FREE FIRST AID AT WORK COURSE

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

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

6781

Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com 11 questonline.co.uk l February 2017

January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822

7. If you wish to use a provider that is not

9. Providers are expected to waive any

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

on the list, ensure they are eligible to

initial registration fee, so don’t pay any

Training and Education.

participate in the scheme (they must

of your own money towards the cost of

deliver publicly funded FE/HE) and ask

their tuition fees – if you do, it will not

them to apply for scheme membership

be refunded.

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

using the information on the ELC website. 8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly

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

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

funded providers to be accepted on to

and complete the ELC application form

the scheme, as the registration process

online.

can take several weeks. Once they

ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram

have been accepted, you can submit an

to sum up the claims process. You can find

Quest January 2016_2015 22/12/2015 Page 49 6. Check the ELCAS database09:29 of approved

providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules.

application to study with them.

your life!

this in the Annex at the end of JSP822, which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

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

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 4436

PROVIDER NUMBER

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services

Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).

lthough the main purpose of ELC

claim form to them at the relevant address

Royal Navy

is to encourage serving personnel

(again, see box), along with:

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

to pursue higher-level learning

evidence of your last day of Service,

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

that benefits both the learner and the

which could be a copy of your

PO2 8BY

Armed Forces, it also allows level 3-plus

discharge document, a copy of your

02392 625954

learning to be pursued during resettlement

P45 terminating employment or a

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

or for up to five years after leaving the

document stamped by your regiment

Services.* The majority of this learning

confirming your leaving date**

Army

a copy of a utility bill showing your

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

home address

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

full information about the course

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

future employer and, nationally, adding to

you wish to undertake and including

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

the UK’s skills base.

details of your registration date where

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

is likely to be vocational (learning new

skills or enhancing existing ones), with the qualification benefiting the learner and a

First of all, refer to the eligibility

applicable. Q

criteria listed on page 8. To make a

01264 381580 elc@detsa.co.uk

claim, download the appropriate form

The Army Single Service telephone helpline

from the ELCAS website and complete

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

it fully, except for Parts 4 and 5 – your

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Single Service Representative (SSR) will

com for the expiration date of your claims.

Royal Air Force

complete these elements (you will find

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

Learning Credits Administrator,

their contact details in the accompanying

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

box). Send your otherwise fully completed

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

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

personnel can request details of discharge dates

IMPORTANT!

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845

NG34 8HB

All applications must be submitted to

6009663.

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the start of the course you wish to take. They will then submit approved applications to ELCAS. You should not submit your claim form direct to ELCAS.

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.

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

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

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questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly

LCAS deals with many claims that

necessary minimum criteria (level 3

with your line manager and Service

have to be queried or rejected:

or above on the NQF or RQF) or the

education or learning adviser. This also

almost 20% of claims received fail

learning provider is not on the ELCAS

applies if you are a qualifying ex-Service

approved providers list

person using your ELC. The 25-working-

failure to follow the correct procedure

day margin is in place for good reason. If

for authorising the claim

you don’t plan far ahead enough you could

the course not commencing in the

find yourself significantly out of pocket as

qualifying financial year

retrospective claims are not allowed under

incorrect financial data, such as the

any circumstances.

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

learner’s contribution being less

learners failing to allow sufficient

than 20% or the MoD’s contribution

offered by an approved provider are

time between submitting a claim and

calculated as exceeding the ELC award

automatically admissible under the ELC

incomplete details or errors in course

scheme. This is a common mistake: one

five weeks, so any claim submitted

title or course level (these account for

provider may supply many courses, but

within 25 working days of the start

25% of all rejected/queried claims)

only those approved courses at NQF/RQF

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

level 3 or above (and equivalent) listed on

system

the ELCAS website may be considered for

more than one active claim being

ELC purposes.

starting a course – this takes at least

of the course will automatically be

rejected l

Also, do not assume that all courses

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

a second or third ELC claim being

submitted before the course evaluation

processed for an individual in the same

form for the previous claim has been

financial year.

So: l

plan ahead and get it right first time

completed – such claims are also

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

automatically rejected

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

the course does not meet the

and research and discuss your learning

February 2017 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 2017

YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS

ELC dos and don’ts Do:

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

consult your education/learning staff

training and/or resettlement adviser if

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

(CAN) l

automatically assume that approved

needing to book a course

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

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

National Qualifications Framework

carefully before submitting a claim

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

commit any payment contributions

and line managers to discuss your

between submitting a claim and l

inform your Education Staff,

the level 3 requirement l

enrol on a course or commit yourself

CAN from ELCAS l

enrol on a course with a new provider

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

Learning Adviser or Single Service

who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;

benefits the Service (unless your claim

representative if your last day in

wait until this has definitely been

is resettlement-related during your last

service alters from that originally

achieved – if this takes too long, look on

two years of serving)

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking

questionnaire when you’ve finished

* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim higher! Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.

qualifications such as a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or a foundation degree. In general, such courses will be shorter than a degree course, more vocationally orientated and will have lower entry requirements. Some will be linked to degree courses, though, giving you the option of progressing to a degree if you perform well enough on the early parts of the course. With many qualifications being earned

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

if it turns out you’re not that struck with it

through students completing a number

higher education (HE) qualification

after all!

of modules, the distinction between HE

that’s great – you can use your ELC

You are also likely to do better at a

(generally academic) and further education

to fund anything above level 3, and that

course if you already have an aptitude for

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

includes university modules and nationally

the subject. It might be a really fascinating

Credits from a selection of courses can

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses

course, which promises to lead to a host of

often be added together to gain degrees

open to you for consideration include

career openings, but if it turns out you’re no

and other HE qualifications.

diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, foundation

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

degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

good qualification at the end of it – and may

distance learning. The difference between

The only problem you are likely to have is in

even fail altogether.

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

deciding exactly what and how to study!

Choosing an HE course

It’s a good idea to start by thinking

Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

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

about the qualifications you already have

both types are involved. Many qualifications

and the subjects/areas you have a flair for.

are modular; this means that you complete

You may already have a pretty good idea

Other things you might want to think about

them in sections (modules), often of your

of what you’d like to study at a higher

include the course provider’s academic

own choosing, and credits gained from a

level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to

reputation (you can find university league

selection of such courses can be gathered

make sure you understand the nature of

tables and subject ranking tables online),

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other

the subject you are considering, especially

its graduate employment rates, and links

HE qualifications.

if it’s something new to you. So do your

between the university or college and

research, and ensure you know exactly what

employers.

a course is offering you – topic areas, what

Having decided what you want to study,

Please note that Service leavers cannot access support under the FEHE scheme to

the modules will cover, etc. Whatever else

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

you take in to consideration, it goes without

studying it.

Which? University is a free and

saying that you must have a strong interest

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

independent website packed with

in the subject and the course content, as

How do HE courses differ?

you will be spending three years or more

The most basic difference is between the

university course for you. See http://

occupied with it, which won’t be much fun

levels of courses. While most HE courses

university.which.co.uk

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

everything you need to find the right

commence studies at master’s level but

years to complete full-time (some degrees,

they can utilise their ELC for study at this

such as medicine, can take five or six years).

SOURCES OF ADVICE Your line manager should be your

level.

Postgraduate qualifications

first point of contact. Each unit has

popular higher-level course options you

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

an education/learning specialist, and

could choose from …

qualifications that require learners to have

each Service also has a network of

already completed a bachelor’s degree.

educational and learning centres

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

Most types of postgraduate qualification will

where advice can be sought and ideas

include taught and research elements. They

explored.

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

postgraduate certificate or postgraduate

learning generally catering for students

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

diploma.

who are so far away that they study almost

Here’s a rundown of some of the other

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to

generally fall into one of two categories:

entirely by themselves.

HNDs are designed to give you the skills

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

to put that knowledge to effective use in a

If you aren’t already in possession of

ELC funding for higher education

particular job. Highly valued by employers,

the lower-level qualifications you would

The good news is that your ELC provides

both in the UK and overseas, they can also

normally need to build on in order to

you with access to a first full level 3 or

count towards membership of professional

secure your place on an HE course, the

a first HE qualification (e.g. foundation

bodies and other employer organisations.

Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma

degree, first undergraduate degree or

HNCs can take one year to complete full-

– often referred to by its shorthand form,

equivalent) free from tuition fees. This

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

Access Diploma – could be for you. It’s a

commitment means that Service leavers

distance learning). HNDs take two years

qualification that prepares people for study

who have joined at level 2, say, and have

full-time and can also be taken part-time

at university, and is designed for those who

taken the opportunity to gain a qualification

(which takes longer). (The award of an HND

would like to study in HE but who left school

such as an advanced apprenticeship, or

requires more units to be passed than for

without the usual qualifications, such as

other accredited learning at level 3 or

an HNC.) They equate to approximately

A-levels. It is widely accepted by universities

equivalent, may now be able to access their

halfway between an A-level and a degree,

and colleges, having been developed with

first higher-level qualification.

although they are, as mentioned above,

their support, and is designed to provide a

more practically based than the latter.

good grounding in the knowledge and study

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

skills needed to succeed in HE. Although

Training and Education, which can be

Foundation degrees

equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma

accessed and downloaded at www.

Foundation degrees combine learning with

courses are put together with people who

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

work experience if you decide you want

haven’t studied for a while in mind – and

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

most don’t require prior qualifications.

of two-thirds of a full honours degree,

Many are suitable for study part-time or in

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

this is a fully flexible qualification that

the evenings, which adds to their flexibility.

Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/

allows you to study full- or part-time to

Most FE colleges in England and Wales

Compare official course data from

fit your lifestyle. On passing, you will gain

offer such Access courses, and a number

universities and colleges, including

240 ‘points’ towards a full degree course,

are available through distance learning,

student satisfaction and jobs after

and full account will be taken of any prior

so you should be able to find a course that

study (you have to apply to the college

learning and experience you have accrued,

is convenient for you, and that caters for

too. Recent developments, including

your interests or career ambitions. You can

UCAS: http://search.ucas.com

university partnerships and funding, make

find out more about Access to HE courses,

Search and apply for full-time courses

these qualifications increasingly available to

browse courses and read success stories on

people in the Services.

the Access to Higher Education homepage

focus on gaining knowledge, HNCs and

at www.accesstohe.ac.uk

Degree courses

Full details can be found in JSP822

or university direct)

by course name, provider name or location l

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

How to learn

academic study leading to a qualification

Qualifications can be earned through

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

full-time courses, part-time courses, day

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes

release, night school, open and distance

Postgraduate study

known as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees.

learning (see the feature on page 24 of this

A bachelor’s degree is designed to give

issue). There will usually be more times

learners a thorough understanding of a

when students get together for joint study

subject, and usually takes three or four

periods in open learning, with distance

advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

Search for full- and part-time courses

Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses

Postgraduate Search: www. postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Qualified to succeed Philip Mogridge

PO Philip Mogridge, 41, enlisted in

leaving the Royal Navy, as well as for

July 1990 and is currently serving

promotion reasons.’

as a CPO RNR at HMS Calliope with

Talking about how he chose the

THE DEVELOPMENTSCI LOOK TO GET THE MAXIMUM OUT OF YOUR ELC AND, IF YOU ARE NOT USING THE FULL AMOUNT, SEE IF THE COURSE PROVIDER CAN OFFER YOU AN ADDITIONAL COURSE

an Above Water Tactical specialisation.

courses he did, he continues: ‘I wanted to

He has previously also served on HMS

gain health and safety qualifications as

Newcastle, HMS Southampton, HMS

that’s a career I’m hoping to pursue. As I

Grafton, HMS Richmond, HMS Marlborough,

have leadership and management

HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Kent, HMS Argyll

experience, I wanted to gain qualifications

and RNAS Gannet, as well as six months in

to back this up. Being educated to degree

Basra with the Army’s Duke of Lancaster

level opens more doors in the civilian

Regiment. Asked about the military

world; it has given me more options and,

spent hundreds of hours at home reading,

qualifications he has obtained during

again, makes me attractive to any future

researching and carrying out assignments,

his Service career, he names Equality

employer.

and preparing my thesis. I completed the

and Diversity Advisor and his Divisional Officers’ Course. As for the civilian qualifications gained during his Service career, Philip responds

‘I gained my NEBOSH qualifications by

course was an intense five-week period of

in Leadership and Management with the

classroom work, plus hours spent revising

two remaining ones.’

and carrying out assignments.’

with a very impressive tally – a list so long we have had to put it in a separate box! When asked when and why he

degree in two years. The health and safety

using one ELC and completed my BA(Hons)

He undertook his degree courses

Asked how he thinks the qualifications

at Teesside University and his NEBOSH

he has gained will help him in any

qualifications with Corporate Risk Systems.

subsequent civilian career, he responds:

registered for ELC, Philip says: ‘I registered

‘The CRS course was very well run,’ he

‘The Leadership and Management degree

for ELC as soon as they were introduced

says, ‘and Teesside University supported

has given me a qualification that backs up

as I wanted to educate myself to become

me well and recognised my military

my experience, and I hope that the health

qualified and attractive to employers after

skills.’ The degree course built on Philip’s

and safety qualifications will give me

previous qualifications: ‘I had gained the

the opportunity to gain an HSE position.

IOSH Managing Safely qualification, as well

However, it can be difficult to get an H&S

as numerous leadership and management

job – experience is key and I am currently

qualifications before starting my degree,’

working within PD Ports’ H&S department

he continues. ‘I attended evening classes

during my days off to gain that experience.

THE DEVELOPMENTSCI MY ADVICE IS, START TO HAVE A PLAN AT LEAST THREE YEARS BEFORE LEAVING THE FORCES

once a week during term times for two years for my degree, and

‘I joined the Royal Navy at 16 years and one day old, with no experience or qualifications. I am leaving with many

PHILIP’S CIVILIAN QUALIFICATIONS BTEC level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management NVQ level 4 in Leadership and Management NEBS Certificate in Management British Safety Council level 1

lots of qualifications – including a degree. I gained all of my academic qualifications through the Armed Forces and have encouraged all my division on board ships to always use

Environmental Awareness in the Office

their SLC. My advice is, start to have a

Environmental Management Systems

plan at least three years before leaving the

First Aid at Work level 2

Forces, then you can think about when you

IOSH Managing Safely

are going to use your ELC and what for. As

GCSEs in Maths, English, Geography and Biology

deployments and assignments can make

AS level in General Studies

studying more difficult, degrees can often

European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)

take anywhere between two and five years.

NEBOSH General Certificate (Credit awarded)

Look to get the maximum out of your ELC

NEBOSH International Certificate in Oil and Gas (Credit awarded)

and, if you are not using the full amount,

NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management (Distinction)

see if the course provider can offer you an

NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management (Distinction awarded)

additional course.’ Q

IOSH Internal/External SHE Auditing – A Management Systems Approach

experiences, fantastic memories and

February 2017 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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www.derby.ac.uk/military questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

Remote control

Let the classroom come to you!

hanks to distance learning, you

Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days, learning materials

work at your own pace – there are no term

want. There’s no need to be

and support may be provided by either one

times to be rigidly stuck to (although you

physically on-campus to study or take

or a combination of the following means:

(some) training courses. And that, of

books, phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the

course, is a considerable benefit to those

internet, podcasts and via mobile learning;

ASK YOURSELF …

of you posted to far-flung locations,

the latter is where the student accesses

meaning that you can continue your

course content stored on a mobile device

studies wherever in the world you may be.

or through a wireless server. Some

Nothing need come between you and your

providers offer course elements via the

preparations for life in the civilian world.

iTunes Store, which can be downloaded

As well as ‘distance learning’, you may

free of charge. Many courses make

come across other, related, terms such as

extensive use of the internet. Others

‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported

involve tutor groups, which may meet

Can I chat to previous learners?

learning’. In truth, all of these types of

regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few

Do I have to pass an entry test?

learning are likely to overlap, but, as

weeks’ duration to provide classroom

How much support is available? And in

a rough guide, open learning includes

education that complements regular,

more face-to-face classes than distance

directed coursework at a distance.

learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are tutors and physical material available to help

The great thing about distance learning

What’s involved? Courses delivered through distance learning range from those taking as little as a few hours, to degrees

employer)? l

several years’ study. So-called ‘short courses’ typically last days or weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those

Can I view the training materials first, before committing?

what form? l

Can the whole course be done at a distance, or is it necessary to attend training sessions at specific times?

How much time will I need to set aside for study?

in the Armed Forces – is that

How much does the course cost?

it puts you in control of

Will there be an exam at the end?

Is the provider inspected or accredited

To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc. org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.

your education. Once

by an independent body?

you have chosen and enrolled on your course

years?

free to study when, where – and, these days,

around your current work and/ to you. And, of course, in these days of laptops,

Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of

how – you choose, so

or family commitments. It’s entirely up

If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three

(see below), you are

operational duties?

you can fit your education

qualifications that may involve

Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential

– especially for those, like you,

and postgraduate

Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?

At your convenience

students.

while travelling. Importantly, too, you can

can study when and where you

Is the course available via learning tools that I will be able to access? (For example, if you are in an environment where IT availability is limited, you

subjects with a strong practical element

notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,

should select a course where it is

often have modules that are suited to

you can set up and study at a location of

possible to use paper and telephone,

distance learning.

your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even

at least for a limited period.)

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

may have to sit exams, which may take

own choosing, and credits gained from a

from learndirect (see ‘Key contacts’). It,

place only at specific times).

selection of such courses can be added

too, runs its own courses and learning

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other

centres with tutor support, where students

take responsibility for your own learning.

To sum up, distance study enables you

HE qualifications. It is not always necessary

can undertake online learning, and that

However, although you will be in control,

to have an undergraduate degree to gain

use ICT systems to enable users to access

a good provider will offer support – so you

a master’s; neither is it necessary to have

learning.

will certainly not be alone, left completely

one in order to achieve many professional

to your own devices, but will have back-up

qualifications.

and assistance as and when you require it.

Other information sources include direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’ (somebody

Increasingly, Service people like you

who has first-hand experience of a

There are also likely to be self-checks and

are taking distance learning modules

course or a training provider), written

interim tests to help ensure that you are

as part of the training that contributes

prospectuses and, of course, the internet.

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

to career progression. So, you could

The website of the Open and Distance

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

be studying with a view to gaining

Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) is

telephone helpline to call or someone to

qualifications that will help you while in

particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

email for advice if you get stuck.

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

contacts’).

How do I choose a course and provider?

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a But how do you know who is a good

Who are the learning providers?

Although necessarily influenced by demand

provider and who is not? And exactly

Many learning providers are neither HE nor

from learners, there are loads of courses

which course do you need? All this choice

FE institutions, although they may have

available in distance learning form. And

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

links of varying strengths with one or more

because the choice of provider is huge,

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

colleges or universities. Many companies

too, you are more than likely to be able

that should help you.

run large training departments, and there

to track down the course you are looking

particular subject.

are also many commercial organisations

for. This may be something that will give

Finding out more

you a general grounding or background in

Service education and training staff, both

Much of the training such providers

a particular subject or area (that you may

within your unit and specialists, can often

deliver is of excellent quality and targeted

go on to study in more depth later), or you

provide the best advice about what you

carefully at the needs of civilian employers

might be looking to focus on something

might want and what it is actually possible

in a specific market sector. Many

very specific – such as the entrance

for you to achieve. They can also provide

commercial businesses offering training

examinations of a particular professional

you with information about the funding

use the premises of academic institutions

body.

available to support your studies, and

to deliver courses, and may have contracts

recommend the subjects that you should

with employment agencies to help their

education (FE) courses can be taken via

be encouraged to pursue – particularly

students find work.

distance learning. The difference between

with a view to a second career when

these is not always clear-cut though, and in

leaving the Services. Increasing numbers

the bigger distance learning organisations,

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

of Forces learning and education centres

however – as mentioned above – there are

types are involved. Many qualifications are

and personal learning advisers also have

many other providers out there too, also

modular; this means that you complete

access to e-learning opportunities.

offering a wide range of courses, some

them in sections (modules), often of your

Information about courses is also available

with discounts for Service people (ask your

Both higher education (HE) and further

that provide training to paying clients.

You are likely to have heard of some of

education and training adviser for further information). Q

KEY CONTACTS

learndirect 0800 101 901 www.learndirect.co.uk @learndirect

Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) 020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

Boost your prospects while serving

How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service publication, the main purpose

that your Service role might require,

Similar work has taken place with Summit

of ELC is to encourage serving

but that are also highly likely to prove

Skills with regard to building services

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

useful once you leave the Forces, could

engineering-related courses. A great many

that benefits both the learner and the

include accountancy and management

other areas are likely to serve you well in

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

qualifications, or courses related to

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

health and safety, and facilities or project

your Service branch now, of course! Q

which state that any money provided for

management. Depending on your Service

your personal development has to be of

role, you could find yourself in a position to

immediate benefit to both the Armed

embark on a range of studies that will turn

Forces and the individual – if not, the

out to have a very useful crossover into

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

the civilian workplace when the time comes

accompanying box for more tax-related

for you to make the transition.

s noted elsewhere in this

information.)

Some of the areas of education

For example, thinking of IT training

as they are while you remain in Service.

Tax exemption measures for those who are no longer serving Under the ELC scheme, most courses

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

of study undertaken by individuals still

those courses that will benefit your own

network of employers working to creating

serving are exempt from taxation, either

career and promotion prospects in the

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

Services – and ultimately help you find

been involved in putting together a

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

employment on leaving – as well as offering

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

a benefit to the Service while you remain

qualifications, which in these high-tech

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

in uniform.

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

reach an agreement on tax exemption.

The best of both worlds is offered by

This means that the Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.)

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Phoenix Health & Safety are the Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses.

Courses available include:

•

NEBOSH National General Certificate

•

NEBOSH National Construction Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Fire Certificate

•

NEBOSH International Construction Certificate

support groups.

•

NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Certificate

• •

NEBOSH National Diploma

0345 500 8811 info@phoenixhsc.co.uk

And many more...

Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media

NEBOSH International General Certificate

NEBOSH International Diploma

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC

PROVIDER NUMBER

3518

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

The protectors In their quest to protect the working population today’s health and safety professionals take a proactive, preventative approach to problems such as injury accidents and equipment failure. Perhaps you have what it takes to join them in their important mission? What’s involved?

orkplace health and safety (H&S) officers use their skills and knowledge to promote a positive

H&S culture, ensuring that both employers and employees abide by safety legislation, and that safety policies and practices are

EMPLOYERS TEND TO FAVOUR JOB APPLICANTS WHO HAVE GOOD PEOPLE MANAGEMENT AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

adopted and observed. H&S officers play a vital role in preventing and controlling operational losses and occupational

work together with many different people,

training and experience are legal

health problems, as well as accidents

from employees and employers to trades

requirements for the management of H&S.

and injuries. These days, H&S has moved

unions and directors. As an H&S officer,

A breach of H&S law is a criminal offence

several steps away from reactive, accident-

you will help to plan, implement, monitor

that can result in fines, imprisonment, or

based management and towards a more

and review the preventative and protective

both.

preventative approach, as highlighted by

measures that companies are required, or

NEBOSH’s Certificate in the Management

choose, to follow, and work to minimise

‘competent’ person function might form

of Health and Well-being at Work.

accidents and injuries, occupational health

one part of a wider role, with the individual

problems and operational losses.

concerned responsible for it as part of

H&S officers (or advisers) are based in a huge range of organisations – from small consultancies to multinational firms – and

WHERE DO H&S OFFICERS WORK?

The law calls for employers to appoint

too. Larger organisations will employ

for H&S, irrespective of the size of the

a specialist (or specialists), or use a

organisation or the field in which

experience, training,

l construction

knowledge and/

or other qualities

l engineering

to undertake the

hospitals and clinics

role, particularly

local government

risk assessment.

l manufacturing

Because

organisations are

l transport

obliged by law to

l telecommunications.

employ such a person,

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

The day job

person is somebody with the necessary

oil and gas

consultancy.

it operates. A ‘competent’

education and training

their job while having other responsibilities

‘competent’ people with responsibility

Common areas of employment include: chemicals and allied industries

In smaller organisations, the H&S

NEBOSH National General Certificate

So, if you are thinking of a career as an H&S

The essential first step to a career in H&S www.nebosh.org.uk/ qualifications/certificate/ default.asp?cref=26

officer or adviser, what are you likely to find yourself doing on a day-to-day basis? As your aim is to prevent health problems, accidents and

injuries at work, part of your

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Find out more at www.nebosh.org.uk/ qualifications/diploma/

opportunity to gain relevant qualifications while you are still serving. You may currently be in a post that enables you to gain significant H&S qualifications (e.g. N/SVQs or NEBOSH awards). There are also courses you could take that are aimed at the potential manager who sees H&S as part of a job description (e.g. the IOSH Certificate in Managing Safely) or the person looking to specialise in this field (e.g. the NEBOSH National General Certificate, seen as the essential minimum qualification for any full-time health and safety job).

Get qualified! To To become an H&S adviser, you can either study for health and safety qualifications once you already have a job, or take a relevant training course before you look for a trainee position. The type of training you choose will depend on the

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS The skills and qualities essential for an H&S professional are very likely to be familiar to military people like you: l self-confidence

role will call for you to draw up health and

safety policies, and make sure that both the employees and employers stick to them, as well as following national safety

an eye for detail

problem-solving skills

providing training (to both managers

systematic approach to work situations

and employees) in H&S issues and risks

diversity of work environments

staying up to date with changes in the

good communication skills (for writing reports or dealing with employers)

law.

legislation. Depending on the kind of

On an average day, you will probably also

l flexibility

organisation you are working in, your role

be required to wear protective clothing like

wide-ranging responsibilities

could cover areas such as occupational

overalls, ear defenders and safety glasses.

the ability to analyse what went wrong

health, noise, safe use of machinery,

You will also need a clean driving licence

fire safety and control of hazardous

if your job calls for you to travel between

substances.

sites.

Your other key tasks might include:

and, importantly, how to put it right.

NEED TO KNOW

carrying out inspections and risk

Skill up while serving

assessments, and thinking about how

It almost goes without saying that most

– the government body that ensures

risks could be reduced

Service people work for at least some

risks to health and safety from work

investigating accidents and

of the time in potentially hazardous

situations are properly controlled

recommending improvements to safety

environments or with dangerous

standards

equipment, or both. Across all branches

keeping records of accidents and

and trades there are those with practical

inspection findings

experience and awareness of H&S at work

writing reports to suggest

– you may well be one of them! Indeed,

Occupational Safety and Health

improvements

many Service people actively involved in

(NEBOSH) – an independent

advising on protective clothing and

H&S work may not even recognise that is

awarding body for H&S qualifications

safety equipment

what they are doing, or might consider it a

(universities and other bodies also

ensuring equipment is safely installed

relatively unimportant part of their job.

provide qualifications recognised by

organising safe disposal of hazardous

Forces-run modular training courses in

IOSH)

substances (e.g. asbestos)

H&S, leading to a certificate, offer an

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – the professional body for H&S practitioners

National Examination Board in

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

industry you work in, or wish to work in. All

careers feature at www.questonline.co.uk).

workplace H&S practitioners need a basic

To work as a full-time health and

Membership of the IOSH is seen as

core of knowledge in order to practise

safety officer, you may need a higher

essential by most H&S professionals who

effectively. If you are new to H&S, you can

level of qualification approved by the

are beyond ‘competent’ person status

start by taking an introductory course that

IOSH (see below). You can progress to

and specialists in their field. Membership

covers the basics (health and safety in the

more advanced qualifications as your

grades depend on a combination of

workplace, regulations, risk assessment

skills develop and your level of

and basic accident investigation). Courses

responsibility grows.

FIND OUT MORE …

or can be done via online and distance

NEBOSH

learning. Courses for which you can use

The NEBOSH National

your ELC include:

Diploma in Occupational

level 3 Award in Health and Safety in

Health and Safety is

the Workplace

seen as the qualification

level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in

for aspiring H&S

Occupational Health and Safety

professionals, designed

National General Certificate in

to provide students with the

Occupational Health and Safety.

expertise required to undertake a

qualifications, experience and achievement. The IOSH also

are usually available on a part-time basis

runs a series of courses

on the RoSPA website: www.rospa.com/ occupational-safety/advice/ career/

that promote a culture of safe working, such as its modular Managing Safely course. You can find out more on its website (see ‘Key

contacts’).

Other qualifications

In particular, N/SVQs at levels 3 and

career as a safety and health practitioner.

Scientific, engineering or technical

4 in occupational health and safety

It assumes prior learning equivalent to the

degrees, HNDs, HNCs, National Diplomas

practice will provide you with good career

National General Certificate..

and National Certificates are particularly

opportunities. Recognised by the IOSH as

NEBOSH also offers the following H&S-

appropriate for H&S. There are also

related courses:

postgraduate qualifications in H&S, with

National Diploma in Occupational

particular emphasis on occupational,

Health and Safety

environmental and hygiene aspects. Some

International Diploma in Occupational

universities have MSc distance learning

Health and Safety

programmes that focus on H&S and can

Diploma in Environmental Management

lead to corporate membership of the IOSH

(level 6)

(see above) within a year. Training can

National General Certificate in

be expensive, but there is financial help

the Workplace, which provides essential

Occupational Health and Safety

available (see ‘Funding Factfile’ on pages

knowledge and understanding of health

(level 3)

44–45).

being equivalent to the NEBOSH National Diploma, each takes approximately a year

to achieve. ELC and SLC cannot be used together

but, if you’re looking to use your SLC for training that is below the level 3 threshold,

you might want to consider, say, the level 2 Award in Health and Safety in

and safety in the workplace. There is also

a level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, if you are

looking to work in a H&S-related role in the construction industry; this qualificiation

will give you the essential knowledge to manage health and safety, and holding it

will also allow you to take your CITB test and apply for your CSCS card (to find out

more about these, see our construction l

FIND JOB VACANCIES AT … l HealthandSafety-Jobs l

l l l

IOSH

www.healthandsafety-jobs.co.uk Safety and Health Practitioner (magazine of the IOSH) www.shponline.co.uk Major online job sites and recruitment agencies Websites of large organisations and multinationals Websites and publications relating to the industry you’re interested in, e.g. construction National and local media

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate

Use your ELC

National Certificate in Construction

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

Health and Safety (level 3)

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

International General Certificate in

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

Occupational Health and Safety

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

National Certificate in Environmental

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

Management

details of how to make the most of your

National Certificate in the Management

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

of Health and Well-being at Work

pages 6–26.

International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

Finding employment

International Technical Certificate

As noted above, most H&S officers/

in Oil and Gas

advisers get into this role by either

Operational Safety

completing a qualification and then

NEBOSH Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work

For the skills and knowledge to tackle health and wellbeing at work www.nebosh.org.uk/ qualifications/certificate/ default.asp?cref=570&ct=2

looking for work or studying while working. Note, though, that it is becoming more common for advisers to enter the profession with a degreelevel qualification. Some good advice is that employers tend to favour job applicants who have good people management

and interpersonal skills. Health and safety

The HSE employs inspectors

professionals should also keep their skills

and other staff through an online

up to date. And, if you can bring a range

recruitment process. Trainees will

of additional skills – such as being able

usually spend their first two years

to provide in-house training in areas like

training in the Field Operations Directorate.

manual handling or first aid – that’s another

After that, some may be deployed into

benefit as far as employers are concerned.

the Hazardous Installations Directorate

In addition, the Management of Health and

to meet business needs or for personal

Safety at Work Regulations outline the

development.

legal requirements for safety management

KEY CONTACTS

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 0300 003 1747 advice@hse.gsi.gov.uk www.hse.gov.uk @H_S_E

Institution of Occupational Safety

issues and, if anything, this increases the

What can you earn?

need for companies to employ ‘competent’

Note: the following figures are intended as

0116 257 3100

persons themselves, as opposed to dealing

a guideline only.

with safety issues via consultants.

Salaries vary widely depending on role

reception@iosh.co.uk www.iosh.co.uk

and responsibilities, location and type of

@IOSH_tweets

Jobs range from a small company

and Health (IOSH)

employing an individual to a major

company. They can range from £22,000

organisation that has an entire safety

to £35,000 a year, again depending on the

team. Some companies specialise in H&S

exact role. The current average salary for

issues such as planning supervision,

H&S professionals with up to four years’

safety audits, engineering surveying and

experience is £30,811, rising to £37,671 for

insurance company safety assessments.

those with up to nine years’ experience.

Facilities management is another sector

H&S trainers are also well paid by today’s

where employment possibilities are

standards. A NEBOSH National Diploma

National Examination Board in Occupational

enhanced by a safety qualification. As

holder could earn £25,000-plus per year,

Safety and Health (NEBOSH)

noted above, many employers look for H&S

depending on experience and managerial

0116 263 4700

advisers to have training qualifications, and

responsibility. With experience and more

to be able to assess the need for, design

responsibility, senior H&S advisers could

info@nebosh.org.uk www.nebosh.org.uk

and deliver safety training.

earn £50,000 or more. Q

@NEBOSHTweets

National Compliance & Risk Qualifications (NCRQ) 01244 893575 enquiries@ncrq.org.uk www.ncrq.org.uk @NCRQ_UK

MOD APPROVED FIRE SAFETY TRAINING In support of ELC Scheme

Make the best use of your ELCs by gaining professional fire safety qualifications from the experts in fire training at Vulcan. We hold public fire training courses throughout the year, at venues around the UK, including 5 Day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma, which give you the confidence, competence and tools to be able to put into practice your knowledge at the end of your training.

CALL US ON 01925 211488 www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

I DID IT! Name: Gary Burden

They explained how they process ELC

Courses: NEBOSH National General

and SLC, and gave examples of what they

Certificate 1: Occupational Health &

had helped Service personnel to achieve.

Safety; NEBOSH National Certificate in

They listened to understand what I wanted

Construction Health and Safety; NEBOSH

to do in the future, to enable them to

Certificate in Environmental Management

provide advice and guidance in support

Provider: Oak Tree Management &

of my career aims. Steve explained the

Training Ltd

benefits of Oak Tree’s bespoke course

packages. He felt that what I needed was

resettlement. At the time I was unsure

but, importantly too, my diary and work

issues by leading brands such as Selfridges,

of what I wanted to do on leaving the

needs. Steve’s knowledge of the Services

Bulgari, Rolex and Apple. I have advised

Army after 22 years, but I took a leaflet

career structure enables him to advise on

national bodies such as the Institute of

and popped it in a bag with all the others

appropriate courses for development in

Engineering and Technology, and the

to look at later. A few days later I looked

line with Service career and ambitions for

Energy Catapult, and charities such as

through the huge volumes of literature I’d

the future; his approach is something I feel

the Scout Association, on various safety,

amassed. Oak Tree Management’s flyers,

is unique among learning providers.

health and well-being issues. I am now

first came across Oak Tree

bits of several packages, and agreed there

Management & Training at a Services

and then to move things around to meet

career fair I attended as part of my

both my academic and funding needs –

brochures and website are all clearly laid

One of the big challenges faced by Service personnel is growing a professional

architect practice, PRP, to lead health and

clicks I was on a dedicated page for Service

network, and gaining relevant work

safety in design and consider not only

personnel giving details of bespoke course

experience to complete vocational

how city boroughs, new towns, estates

packages, including prices, using clear,

learning and include on a CV. Oak Tree is a

and tall buildings will be built, but how the

plain English and jargon-free.

supplier to many industries; its courses are

communities that live and work there and

generally ‘open’, meaning that delegates

the environment will be safe from harm for

come from a range of industries, giving

generations to come.

a depth of experience that enriches

skills, qualifications and, above all, the

grow their individual network. Oak Tree

confidence I have gained to university to

can, on occasion, offer work placements to

complete a master’s degree, and am about

help learners achieve qualifications.

to start as a volunteer board member

up and down the country, so – closer to leaving the Forces and still with no idea

the British Red Cross, both at home and

learning providers I’d spoken with and

overseas. Q

more confident with Oak Tree’s approach,

Get in touch

knowledge of Service leavers and in-depth

01284 763040

understanding of the resettlement process.

steve@oaktree-training.co.uk

The training I received from Oak Tree

what I wanted to do as a second career – I

set the foundations for a successful second

called their number and had a discussion

career: using the qualifications I gained,

with Steve Crowe who manages the

I have achieved professional recognition

resettlement training programmes at the

for my qualifications and experiences

office. He invited me to pop in for a brew

gained in Service and since leaving. I am

and a chat – something that no other

now completing Chartered Membership of

provider had done. There was no sales

the Institute for Occupational Health and

pitch, no upselling, just someone who was

Safety, having already achieved Fellowship

able to listen and answer questions.

of the Royal Society for Public Health and

I was really impressed by their knowledge of the resettlement process

become a Chartered Manager. Professionally I have been consulted

and, importantly, their understanding

on a range of health and safety,

of the funding process for SLC and ELC.

environmental and business leadership

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

responsible for safety and security for

and my experiences with each of the websites I’d browsed, and found that I felt Oak Tree conveniently offers training

Looking ahead, I am now taking the

academic value but also helps attendees

I compared price, courses available

employed by Europe’s leading housing

out and easy to navigate – within a few

www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod

Call us now on 01

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

W Woodward SHE Ltd.

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

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APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

ELC

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30/03/2015 17:15

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING AND IT

Make your application ‘The strong growth of tech employment in the UK sends a clear message to anyone considering career opportunities: there are a multitude of exciting openings for you,’ says a recent report from IT industry networking body the Tech Partnership. Are you ready to unlock them? What’s involved?

Skills shortages There is currently demand for higher-level technical skills, in particular to develop products and services to meet the needs

At the centre of everyday life and

of the fast-moving nature of the industry.

nformation technology (IT) is a

with a significant presence in almost all

This includes knowledge of the most up-to-

term that encompasses all forms of

industries and businesses, computing

date programming languages and systems

technology used to create, store,

and IT together provide employment for

such as cloud computing (see below to find

exchange and use information in its various

an enormous number of people. To get

out more).

forms (business data, voice conversations,

an idea of just some of the jobs in this

still images, motion pictures, multimedia

sector, take a look at the accompanying

that merits special attention (see panel).

presentations … the list is pretty much

‘Typical IT jobs’ box. You could be creating

Currently there are not enough experts

endless). It is a convenient ‘umbrella’ term

technological applications or systems,

to counteract more advanced cyber

that is often used to encompass both the

solving problems using technology

attacks. There has also been an increase

telecoms and computing/IT sectors. IT is

or supporting people who use it. IT is

in opportunities for information security

the technology that is driving what is often

an important part of pretty much all

officers and information risk managers,

referred to as the ‘information revolution’.

industries these days, from marketing, HR

who manage threats posed to businesses.

It deals with the use of computers and

and finance to retail, manufacturing and

Large organisations, the government and

computer software to convert, store,

the public sector.

social media companies, such as Facebook

Cyber security is a growing field

protect, process, transmit and retrieve

and Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber

information, securely.

experts.

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

electronics as part of their career pattern;

people hold both, and even a portfolio of

who can combine technical skills with

Employers are looking for those

they are still likely to have a number of

qualifications in the products of different

an understanding of broader business

very transferable and marketable skills,

manufacturers, as it is often important to

objectives to be able to solve real business

but these may need to be targeted in a

be able to operate across both boundaries

issues. There is also a demand for

particular area, or improved or widened in

and equipment.

numerate and IT-literate people to work in

the period before leaving.

analytics and solve business problems.

TYPICAL IT JOBS Many jobs in this sector, particularly those that involve working with

There is a great deal of computing

Generic qualifications include academic courses. Degrees (foundation

and IT training available through the

or higher), HNDs and HNCs are all highly

resettlement system. Preferred suppliers

valued, with the theoretical knowledge

and other training providers offer a wide

involved always being relevant. Degrees

variety of courses in this field.

tend to be in computer science, with HNDs and HNCs in software engineering. An

customers, require good interpersonal

Get qualified!

skills, as well as team-working and

Industry advice is to gain as much

be your academic starting point if you are

problem-solving abilities. All have

academic knowledge as possible while

a beginner.

technical content, ranging from the

you are still serving, which can then be

in-depth skills of a software developer

enhanced by practical training during

are available, based on sector-approved

through to roles that may need much

your resettlement period. Knowledge

national occupational standards (NOS)

less detailed knowledge. Some typical

can be developed through self study, and

(see below). ELC and SLC cannot be used

roles are:

academic qualifications via a college and

together but, if you’re looking to use your

business analyst

an industry placement nearer discharge.

SLC for training that is below the ELC level

helpdesk operator

trainer

use specific applications or languages (see

such a course. Some employers may not be

software developer

below). How much formal training you

very familiar with these, however, so you

technical author

need will depend on your new career path,

might find other qualifications more useful.

technician

as well as your individual experience and

Vocational A-levels may also be taken –

engineer

aptitudes. Options available range from

usually through colleges – and these can

computer forensics

conversion courses to work placements.

provide a job-orientated qualification with

content management

Some companies recruit only those who

a strong academic element. The experience

cyber security and risk

have already been working in the industry,

gained in acquiring these qualifications will be valuable in finding employment.

Career changers will have to learn to

A-level or GCSE in computer studies might

NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships

3 threshold, you might want to consider

management

but most will take on new entrants. Many

data analysis and analytics

will take new recruits with little or no

games development

technical knowledge and offer training,

Which course?

geographical information systems

provided they have other valued skills, and

There are many courses available that

(GIS)

show they are enthusiastic and capable

will give you everything from a basic

hardware engineering

of learning. To increase your chances

introduction to a doctorate.

information management

of getting a good job, you should aim to

IT consultancy (business and

demonstrate these attributes through work

example, wireless communications,

Short (one to five days) courses in, for

technical)

experience connected to ICT (information

IP networks, traffic engineering or

IT sales

and communication technology), or

managing product development provide

software engineering (designing,

a course or qualification in an ICT- or

basic information that will enhance

building, developing, testing)

business-related subject; and you should

your skills in many work environments

systems/network management

develop – and be able to demonstrate –

or help you to choose a specific skills

technical support

skills such as communications and problem

area before seeking higher levels of

web design.

solving.

training. These short courses are often privately run and tailor-made, and costs

Skill up while serving

Computing and IT qualifications

vary but may typically start at around

Academic qualifications provide a thorough

£600 for one day, £1,000 for one/two

Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff – if

grounding in the principles that will be

that’s you, you are likely to know exactly

highly relevant for future training, although

days and £1,400 for four/five days.

where your particular skill set might lead.

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

part-time further education courses

Such experts are generally found in the

There are also both generic and vendor-

(taking from one to three terms)

specialist communications, administrative

specific qualifications. The generic ones

resulting in recognised qualifications

and electronics branches, although some

certify achievements in the general field

such as the CCNA certificate and IT

serving outside those areas may also

of computing and IT, while vendor-specific

User Qualification (ITQ), a nationally

have considerable expertise. Others will

ones demonstrate a level of expertise in a

recognised qualification for those

have specialised in computing and/or

particular manufacturer’s products. Many

who need digital skills as users of

Next comes a range of relatively short

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING AND IT technology – at work, in education

You may need up to five GCSEs to

and when looking for work. Also on

gain entry on to a course at this level;

offer are NVQs and City & Guilds

alternatively, you may need to gain

courses. These generally start at

other relevant qualifications (such

about £350–£400 for one term and

as maths and English) alongside

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

may require additional input of around

apprenticeship training. This level of

Open University has linked with iTunes to

ten hours per week for students to

study will ensure good progression

provide a range of free learning materials,

meet course requirements. Courses

through your chosen industry.

computing and ICT included. This is a great

More complex training includes

way of getting background details and

previous qualifications and cover, for

undergraduate degrees such as:

exploring whether you would like to further

instance, website design, software

Electronics with Satellite Engineering,

your current studies in the area. To find

programming, information technology,

and Computer Science; master’s such

out more, visit www.open.edu/itunes.

and public space surveillance (CCTV).

as Telecommunication Engineering,

A qualification at this level would be

and Computing for Commerce and

recognised within the telecoms and

Industry; and doctorates such as

Professional vendor qualifications

computing/IT industries, and would

Intelligent Systems and Networks; and

Professional vendor qualifications

allow you to progress to higher-level

Distributed Computing. Professional

are training and exams in a specific

study.

doctorates are the more obvious choice

manufacturer’s products. The

Longer part-time or full-time courses

for those wishing to go straight into a

manufacturer should be a major supplier

are likely to result in, for example,

work environment, rather than staying

in the industry for its qualifications to

BTEC diplomas (i.e. an IT and Telecoms

in academia or research. Although

have value, but do bear in mind that a

Professional Intermediate or Advanced

entry requirements can vary and are

qualification that is very valuable today

Apprenticeship). These courses will

sometimes negotiable, generally you

may have less value tomorrow if a

take one year minimum and contain

need A-levels to take a degree, and

manufacturer goes out of business or there

an element of workplace learning.

you need a degree to progress to

is a major change in technology.

are diverse, (often) do not require

master’s or PhD study. Length of time

THE ECDL The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s number one IT user qualification. Seen around the world as the benchmark for digital literacy, the ECDL equips learners with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing knowledge and motivating further learning. No prior computing skills or knowledge of IT are required to study for the ECDL – it is designed for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enhance their career prospects or for personal development. The ECDL is composed of a range of modules – each provides a practical programme of up-todate skills and knowledge areas, which are validated by a test. This enables you to develop and certify your computer skills in the subject areas of your choice and to the level you need. Through the combination of modules you choose, you can create your own individual ECDL Profile. Choosing the combination that is right for you will depend on your current skills and experience, as well as on what you want from your qualification. To find out more, visit the BCS website: www.bcs.org The ECDL Foundation website is at www.ecdl.org

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Foundation Degree/level 4 in Business Information Technology

four-day course in Database Administration.

Microsoft qualifications are perhaps

to complete this level of study can

the best known, with Microsoft Certified

vary; part-time, it could take six years

Solutions Expert (MCSE) seen as the

or more. Typically, costs range from

globally recognised standard for IT

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

professionals. This focuses on the ability

level of study there may be funding

to design and build technology solutions,

opportunities. These qualifications

which may include integrating multiple

would lead to management and

technology products and span multiple

consultancy roles.

versions of a single technology, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The Microsoft

What’s out there?

Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

Here are a few more courses you might

certification is also available and is a

like to consider (although please note

prerequisite to Microsoft’s MCSE expert-

that this is a hugely diverse area, and job

level certifications for experienced IT

opportunities are increasing and blending

professionals. It focuses on the ability to

into many workplaces):

design and build technology solutions.

Diploma in Engineering Computer

Microsoft, of course, offers a host of

Systems and Telecoms

differently targeted certifications and

BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in ICT

exams – for full details, check out the

Systems and Principles, or Networking

‘Learning’ area of its website: www.

and Systems Support

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

NVQ level 2 Installing Structured

Microsoft is not, of course, the

Cabling Systems

only manufacturer on the market, and

seven-hour online course for employees

other big players, like Novell (Certified

working in the area of Voice Switching

Novell Engineer and Certified Novell

(combining telephony, telecoms and

Administrator) and Cisco Systems, also

Voice Over Internet Protocol)

have their own qualifications.

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

Professional bodies

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

The CompTIA runs a series of

email and various application

certifications, which are credentials

programs)

achieved through a testing process to

validate knowledge within a specific IT

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

support function. Its exams are developed

details of how to make the most of your

by subject matter experts and the

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

certifications are recognised throughout

pages 6–26.

the industry as foundation-level skill sets. Its qualifications are widely recognised and

Finding employment

may also form modules in other ICT awards

Securing employment is inevitably a

and programmes.

combination of:

The British Computer Society

THE DEVELOPMENTSCI THE EMPLOYMENT POSSIBILITIES ARE ENORMOUS IN THIS EXPANDING AND CHANGING INDUSTRY

qualifications

(BCS – the Chartered Institute for

experience

IT) is a qualifying body for chartered

networking

IT professionals. It offers a range of

work placements

qualifications and certifications, such

the right CV

as the European Computer Driving

going for the right job.

Licence (ECDL) (see box) and other user

Those entering similar employment to

qualifications, as well as BCS professional

that they had in the Forces may well start

exams, which at their highest level take

at the same level; those going into an

students to the academic level of an

unrelated field will probably start further

honours degree, and acknowledge practical

down the ladder. Once into a company the

020 7330 6060

experience and academic ability. To see

employment possibilities are enormous

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

in this expanding and changing industry.

info_uk@comptia.org www.comptia.org

website (see ‘Key contacts’).

‘Permanent’ employment is often regarded

@CompTIA

British Computer Society

as lasting three to five years, and people

Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11

Use your ELC

KEY CONTACTS

01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417 (lo-call rate) www.bcs.org @bcs CompTIA UK

Tech Partnership

commonly change employer every two

020 7963 8920

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

years or so. In-house training is often

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

provided, and good people can achieve

info@thetechpartnership.com www.thetechpartnership.com

by an approved provider listed on the ELC website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

rapidReaders promotion. must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses @TechPartnership

When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: COMPUTING AND IT

I DID IT! Name: Jamie Fanneran

as NVQs in engineering and telecoms

necessary support and guidance from a

Final rank: Sergeant

(mainly through Foundation Modern

security perspective.’

Years served: 15

Apprenticeships).

Provider: Open I.T (various courses)

During resettlement, as well as his

He is now working for FIS Global in Birmingham as a Senior Information

CTW, he also undertook the ISO 27001

Security Officer for Europe, the Middle

amie Fanneran, 31, served in

Lead Implementor and Lead Auditor

East and Africa. Jamie says that the

the Royal Signals, specialising

course, which was completed using

job involves ‘managing the information

as a Communications Systems

IT Governance. Jamie’s online-based

security compliance aspects for various

Operator, before leaving the Services

training with Open I.T was, he says, ‘very

business lines such as retail payments

in January 2016 ‘to settle my family

useful’. ‘They provided me with some

solutions and banking hosted services,

in a fixed location, to give my children

good certifiable attributes. That was the

as well as provisioning of key contracts,

stability and schooling. I also wanted to

reason I was able to gain such fast and

providing technical solutions to the

start early on a second career rather

solid employment. I decided to move into

financial and retail sector. I also ensure

than playing catch-up later post-military.’

that corporate information systems are

We asked Jamie to tell us about the

kept in a secure manner and are up to

training and experience gained during

current regulatory standards.

his Service career that he now finds

‘Working in a small, close-knit team of

useful in civilian life. Jamie says, ‘I

professionals is fantastic – being given

have various IT and telecoms

a task, and allowed the freedom to

skills that I can apply

run it and provide periodic progress

to the commercial

reports. Knowing that cyber-

environment. Although

security is the next big thing,

most skills are

any competence in IT or

transferable, the

security in general is a

more technical

bonus when looking at

elements are

future employment

bespoke to

prospects.

the MoD,

‘The relaxed

therefore

atmosphere of my

recertifying

new role makes it

through

easier to integrate

resettlement

with different areas of

was vital for the information/IT security space and

many external agencies and clients. Not

civilian qualifications including

Open I.T provided me with the training

wearing a uniform took some getting

various management NVQs, as well

to get certified in a number of key areas

used to, although having the freedom

that employers were screaming out for

to choose your own suit for work makes

from their IT professionals.

you feel more integrated with the local

ABOUT OPEN I.T Open I.T is a UK Learning Centre that helps thousands of working professionals, Service personnel and jobseekers into IT training programmes every year. It works with the MoD to provide resettlement training and accreditations on behalf of all major vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA, covering industry-recognised professional courses and certifications such as the MCSE, CCNA, CCIE, CompTIA A+, Security+, ITIL, Prince2, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). For full course listings and to find out more, see www.openittraining.com/elc

the business, and engage with

me.’ While serving, he also achieved

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

‘Through Open I.T I have managed

community. My salary is currently slightly

to achieve the following certifications:

higher than it was in the MoD, and is

CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA

due to shoot up in line with the current

Routing and Switching, CCNA Security

commercial rate for my job role, which

and CISSP, and I’m currently going

means it will surpass my MoD salary by a

through the process of certifying in

long way.’Q

Microsoft’s MCSE: Server Architecture. These are vital certifications for me that

Get in touch

give my employer the confidence that

0800 599 99 98 or 01279 621 750

I can work in a multitude of technical

resettlement@openittraining.com

areas, and be able to provide the

www.openittraining.com/elc

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 2017

Can you manage?

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

What’s involved?

anagement and leadership exist in every organisation – the two go

Effective management is vital to every organisation. If you’ve already taken a leadership role while in uniform – maybe even with the institute membership and qualifications to back it up – you could already have a suitable skill set to transfer to the civilian workplace

hand in hand, but, in essence, they

are about the control and coordination of people and material resources. The use of

Skill up while serving

for Forces personnel (see the accompanying

teams and project-based working methods,

Service careers can involve a wide and

box).

the identification of individual roles within

varied experience of management – often

the organisation, and an increased emphasis

in extremely difficult circumstances.

possession of certain personal qualities can

on the best possible use of all resources,

Like many Service people, you may have

be beneficial to those who ultimately wish

all under a legal spotlight, make effective

management skills and experience, and

to pursue a career in management (see ‘Do

management and leadership more of a

perhaps institute membership (see below)

you have what it takes?’). In fact, due to

challenge than ever before.

that reflects these. General management is

the roles and responsibilities you may have

Organisations such as the Institute

practised by most of those in positions of

taken on while serving, you could well be

of Leadership & Management (ILM), the

authority and responsibility in the Forces

equipped with a range of management skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and

and, these days, is increasingly recognised

without even realising it!

the Management Standards Centre (MSC)

with formal qualifications.

are dedicated to raising the performance

In addition to qualifications, the

The awarding of certificates and the

Get qualified!

of businesses in the UK by championing

opportunity to earn other qualifications

A large number of different types of

management via the provision of

by some additional work on top of Service

management and leadership qualification

appropriate standards and qualifications.

courses mean that all levels of Service

are available within the UK. These range

These aim to equip those in management

management can now be recognised, so

from vocational qualifications such

and leadership or supervisory roles with the

that military training can be translated

as Scottish and national vocational

skills they need to deal with the challenges

into terms that civilian employers will

qualifications (S/NVQs) and vocationally

and decisions they face throughout their

understand – which may be something you

related qualifications (VRQs) to academic

careers – and help such individuals realise

want to consider for the future, when the

(e.g. foundation degrees, bachelor’s

their own full potential as well as that of

time comes for you to leave. For example,

degrees, master’s, doctorates) and

their organisations.

the ILM has special arrangements in place

professional qualifications (see below).

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? The following personal qualities are helpful in management and leadership roles: l

tough-mindedness

decisiveness

an extrovert nature

capacity to tolerate uncertainty

ability to think on one’s feet

intuitive understanding of others

high tolerance of stress.

three days. Some are run in-house, and some are residential. Intensive short courses take around five days and cost in the region of £1,600 upwards. These courses are for those wanting to learn about leadership and management in the workplace, or to revise their existing skillset. Completion sometimes comes with a recognised

View the NOS

See the National Occupational Standards for management and leadership here: www.management-standards.org There is also learning most business click 1: ‘Standards’ available that is not officially schools and click 2: ‘Full list of the 2008 accredited – for instance, the both of the Occupational Standards’ sort of group learning acquired at conferences. There is some overlap between these

aforementioned

institutes offering a number of certificates

certificate – e.g. APMG Change Management Practitioner. Certificate and diploma courses offer the opportunity for those with little or no management experience to learn in more depth. For example, an NVQ level 3 Certificate in Management, which typically covers how to be a dynamic leader and how to improve team performance, is aimed at those with an interest in becoming first-line managers. Meanwhile, a level 7

types of qualification – for example, courses

and diplomas in management, as well

Management/Leadership Diploma is more

leading to vocational or professional

as assessment and quality assurance

suited to existing senior management

qualifications are often delivered by

(verification) qualifications.

personnel. These courses are typically taken

academic institutions, and group learning is

as distance learning options. An NVQ at

a feature common to many of the courses

Courses and training options

level 3 could take 9 to 12 months and start

that lead to accredited qualifications.

There are many courses available to help

at around £1,250; an SVQ at level 5 in, say,

Of the qualifications mentioned

employees move in to management and

Operational Management could take up to

above, three types relate directly to the

leadership positions, whether you want

18 months and cost around £1,770, while a

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

a quick skills update or a longer, more

VRQ at level 7 in Strategic Management and

for management and leadership: NVQs,

in-depth course of training.

Leadership would take around 12 months

SVQs and VRQs. Like S/NVQs, VRQs

Short courses (from one to three

and cost around £1,800. Foundation degrees (e.g. Leadership

are based on the NOS, but differ in that

days) include a variety of areas (such as

they are taught courses that deliver the

facilitation skills, consulting skills, effective

and Management in Social Care, Leadership

knowledge and understanding found in the

delegation, employment law, psychology

for Change and Growth, and Leadership

standards; for each level of management

of management, middle management

and Management in Early Years) degrees

there will be a number of VRQs available

development, managing change, project

typically take into consideration the needs

from the nationally accredited management

management, and an introduction to

of employers and the skills students need

awarding bodies. NVQs and SVQs represent

management) that will provide a solid base

for the workplace, and so learning is part

national standards that are recognised by

to build on. Alternatively, they work well

work based, and part classroom/distance

employers across the country.

as brush-ups for existing managers at all

learning based. Students may be expected

levels. Course costs can start at around

to have achieved 120 UCAS points in order

£450 for one day and rise to £2,000 for

to take an FD. However, non-standard

As well as those listed above, there are many other courses on offer (see box), with

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

ARMED FORCES MEMBERSHIP OF THE ILM

qualifications and work experience may be

leading with integrity, and

taken into consideration in the absence of

strategic leadership.

these points. Additionally, an FD can then

In addition, it also offers qualifications

ILM membership can provide an

be used to count towards a full bachelor’s

at various levels under the banners of

excellent platform to help you make the

degree.

Coaching and Mentoring, Business and

Bachelor’s degrees (which sometimes

transition to a civilian career. More than 10% of ILM members are serving or have

have entry requirements, and sometimes

served in the Armed Forces. The ILM

not) typically cost from about £6,000 to

understands the issues you face with the

just under £10,000, and offer a range of

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

transition from the Services to civilian

related learning, such as problem-solving

Chartered professional body the CMI

life and getting started on a second

skills, decision making, collaborative

is dedicated to promoting the highest

career. It can help you gain recognition

working, strategy and reflective thinking. An

standards in management and leadership

for the skills and training you received

undergraduate degree can be the stepping-

excellence. All members enjoy access to its

while in the Forces. ILM membership

stone to master’s study, which in turn

management library – one of the largest in

offers:

can be the stepping-stone to PhD study (if

the UK. Its approved and registered centres

excellent networking and profile-

you are looking for a natural progression).

support students worldwide. It offers

building opportunities – it

Costs for this kind of study tend to start

qualifications at multiple levels in areas

will connect you with 35,000

at close to £10,000 and rise to in excess

including:

professional managers and leaders,

of £60,000. However, there may well be

strategic management and leadership

in its online community and at

funding opportunities. Subject areas for

leadership coaching and mentoring

regular ILM events

this level of study include, for instance,

management and leadership

its career centre, offering a jobs

leadership development, international

management coaching and mentoring

board, career planner and careers-

management, leadership and organisational

first line management

related help and information

change, and management consulting.

coaching and mentoring

team leading.

resource centre, allowing you to get up to speed with the latest

Use your ELC

management and leadership thinking

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

in hundreds of free online articles,

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

journals and books

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

are many other courses on offer, with

the LearningZone, with free videos,

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

most business schools and both of the

seminars and in-depth e-learning

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

aforementioned institutes offering a

resources on key management

details of how to make the most of your

number of certificates and diplomas in

and leadership topics, by leading

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages

management, as well as assessment

business experts.

6–26.

and quality assurance (verification)

Military rank equivalencies

Professional bodies

Chartered Manager status is also offered for senior managers. As well as those listed above, there

qualifications. Q

mapped them to its own membership

The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)

grades, according to your levels

The ILM’s nationwide accredited

of achievement, experience and

centres deliver training on a huge range

qualification. This means that, even if

of courses each year in management and

you don’t have formal management-

leadership. All members enjoy access to

related qualifications, you can still join

its information service and publications.

01536 207307 www.managers.org.uk

the ILM at a membership grade that

Underpinned by a strong focus on

@cmi_managers

recognises your achievements and/or

developing workplace performance, the

military training.

ILM’s extensively available qualifications,

ILM recognises military ranks and has

at many different levels, are designed

Enterprise, and Specialist.

KEY CONTACTS

Chartered Management Institute

Institute of Leadership & Management 01543 266867

If you have any queries, please contact

explicitly to meet the needs of managers

Membership team 01543 266886

the ILM’s membership team, who

and their organisations.

customer@i-l-m.com

are always happy to help (see ‘Key

Its multi-level qualifications cover areas

contacts’).

such as:

Membership team membership@i-l-m.com www.i-l-m.com @ILM_UK

leadership and management

Source: www.i-l-m.com/About-ILM/ILM-

effective management

Membership/Armed-forces-membership

principles of leadership and

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Management Standards Centre

management

020 7421 2725

executive management

leadership and management skills

management.standards@managers.org.uk www.management-standards.org

k eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study

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COURSES4FORCES / Spring 2016

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC FUNDING FACTFILE

Funding factfile Your one-stop guide to the funding sources available to aid your personal development and career prospects

Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?

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

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

PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide

Other sources of information include:

Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)

A PD Route Map

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

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

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

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)

PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel

A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure

College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available

There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

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

To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on page 24.

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

College Courses

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

Personal Development Record (PDR)

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

Key: Q Service personnel

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

Sponsored by

Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

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

Enhanced Learning Credits

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

Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)

The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

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

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

University Short Courses

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

learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.

Jobcentre Plus Professional and Career Development Loans

Finding a job

These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900.

The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC), Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract (called Contract Funded training). These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of the £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the students, but other allowances may be available to help with those.

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

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

Armed Forces Champions

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

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

Useful contacts

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

s noted For general enquiries

Education and Resettlement Staff

RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk

about the scheme, eligibility and

seeking further clarification of sS

(

qualifications, seek advice from

instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,

381580)

the following single-Service education and

at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET

resettlement staff in the first instance,

SO3C’ (

not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer

Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors (PLAs), and Resettlement and

625954)

Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF

Army: Individual Education and

Learning Centres. Education and

guidance on eligibility or education/

Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army

Resettlement Staff seeking further

learning or resettlement needs. Policy

Education Centres, which must be used

clarification of sS instructions should

helpline details are as follows.

applications, not provide advice and

by Service leavers on resettlement.

contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:

RN: RN/RM Education and

Education and Resettlement Staff

’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (

Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval

seeking further clarification of sS

95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)

Education and Training Support

instructions should contact the relevant

Officers (NETSOs) and Naval

SO2 Retention and Resettlement in

In addition, advice on any aspect of the

Resettlement Information Officers

Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-

ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:

(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.

ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-

Mil:

People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 3368

PROVIDER NUMBER

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

HUB THE

THE HUB

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

Get your walking boots on … … for two major Walking With The Wounded events coming up later this year! The Fifth Cumbrian Challenge takes place in Grasmere on 12–13 May. Last year a record 160 teams tackled three challenging routes, raising well over £200,000. Each team of four who walked supported another wounded veteran back into employment. Each team is challenged to work together to raise £1,000 and to try for £2,000, which would directly support a veteran back into work. To register, visit http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/event/cumbrianchallenge/ The Balmoral Challenge, which takes place on Armed Forces Day, 24 June, sees The Queen giving permission for a unique new walking challenge at Balmoral Castle, which will support 100 vulnerable veterans. Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) is inviting up to 100 teams of four to compete over one of three mountainous routes designed to challenge participants in this beautiful historic estate in the Cairngorm National Park (pictured). To register, visit http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/support-the-walk/ wwtw-events/balmoral-challenge/ To find out more about the work of WWTW, visit http://walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/

£40,000 grant for Stoll from The Soldiers’ Charity Stoll, a leading veterans’ charity and housing association, has been given a grant of £40,000 from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to assist with its tenancy support service, which delivers bespoke casework for vulnerable veterans and dependants, ensuring that any barriers to independent living are addressed, so that they can succeed in adapting to life as a civilian, and leading a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. Says Stoll

chief executive Ed Tytherleigh, ‘We are delighted to receive this grant towards our tenancy support service. Through the service last year, we worked with more than 250 of our most vulnerable veterans and this grant will help us move even more on to independence.’ For information about the work of Stoll, visit www.stoll.org.uk and to find out more about ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, see www.soldierscharity.org

Train2Train introduces its new e-learning suite Train2Train is the UK’s leading provider of compliance training and compliance instructor courses, and is developing an enviable reputation worldwide. It strives to provide learners with a cohesive, practical and professional learning experience irrespective of their background, skills and experience. One of its main goals is to continuously support individuals on their learning journeys with passion and commitment and to persistently exceed expectations to qualify the finest trainers, managers and compliance specialists of the future. As it’s not always feasible for a learner to attend a classroombased course, Train2Train has recently announced that it now offers various training alternatives through e-learning. The courses available cover subjects including health and safety, fire safety, food safety, customer service, and many more. There are many great benefits of e-learning courses, such as they can be completed at a learner’s own pace as well as at a time and place of their choice. It is also significantly cheaper than classroom-based courses, with no need to take time off work or pay for accommodation and travel expenses. For those who wish to combine classroom tuition with e-learning, this is a blended-learning option allowing for course flexibility that meets people’s personal learning needs. Learners can also sit a regulated examination for a formal qualification with Train2Train after completing one of its e-learning courses. Get in touch Tel: 01302 363136 info@train2train.org www.train2train.org See the advertisement on page 7

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

THE HUB

First choice for fire safety training Vulcan Fire Training was accepted into the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme in 2009, and in the past seven years has successfully trained many candidates on its five-day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma courses. Craig Parker – now a trainee consultant at ACE Ltd – took the fiveday Fire Risk Assessor (Part 1 of the Fire Manager Certificate) in September this year and provided the following account of his experience … ‘While on work placement during my resettlement and termination leave, prior to discharge from the Army, I was advised to undertake a fire risk assessment course by my employer, and Vulcan Fire Training was the company recommended by them. ‘With very helpful staff I enrolled on to the five-day Fire Risk Assessor course. Feeling a little apprehensive, I attended the course, which took place in Warrington. The trainer was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable, making it much easier to learn given the fact that everything done on the course was based around real situations that were experienced by the training team. ‘The course itself was broken down into two parts, theory and practical, and the way in which it was taught made it very easy to take in, so by the time it came to do the exam it seemed like second nature, and everything fell into place. ‘I would most definitely recommend this course to anyone wishing to undertake fire training. Any queries I had were answered very quickly, the trainer drew upon their own experience, which proved very useful during the learning process, showing you why things are done the way they are done. ‘Overall a very good and cost-effective course, which I utilised as soon as I returned to work.’ To find out more about the fire safety training courses offered by Vulcan through the ELC scheme, and how to use your credits, visit www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc See the advertisement on page 31

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

X-Forces renews pledges to support Armed Forces community X-Forces has renewed its pledges to support the Armed Forces community above and beyond business as usual, by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant at the House of Lords. Since the social enterprise originally signed the Covenant the support its team and organisation have been able to offer veterans, Service leavers, reservists and their families has grown exponentially. X-Forces aims to lead the way for its cohort of 750 startup and scale-up businesses from the Armed Forces community (see our business start-up feature also on these pages). To find out more about how it could help you, visit www.x-forces.com

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

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13 33

THE HUB

‘You are always learning and opportunities should be taken to learn more’ How can online learning help your career after service or during resettlement? Returning to academia after serving or during your resettlement can be a big transition. However, this change isn’t as daunting as you might initially think. Stephen Pearson, 54, an ex-Army Officer took on the challenge from Army to university to study professional engineering … What made you want to return to study? Having spent 12 years in the Army, I was ready for a change. I originally started my Army career as a Telecommunications Technician. It wasn’t long before I was promoted through the ranks to Staff Sergeant in the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and then commissioned through Sandhurst 18 months later. I undertook a Higher National Diploma (HND) in electronic engineering while a Sergeant and haven’t been involved in an academic qualification since. A former Army friend suggested I look into doing a master’s instead. I looked around and found that the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) offered a competitively priced course that met my needs. Why did you decide to study online? It seemed to be the most effective way of undertaking the master’s without it really interfering with my normal work routine. What have you enjoyed most about studying online? Everything! I’ve really enjoyed getting back into academia as I’ve been out of it for around 30 years. It’s been fun and the ability to choose my own projects that integrate with work has been extremely useful. It’s also been good to work at my own pace – some weeks where I’ve been away on holiday or had heavy work commitments and I haven’t been able to devote as much time to my studies, I’ve been able to make it up afterwards by putting extra hours in where needed.

Interested in osteopathy? If you are a member of the Armed Forces, the College of Osteopaths understands where you are coming from … We know that you already possess many of the skills and attributes that make a good osteopath: high standards of professional conduct, competent at problem solving, organising and communicating, calm under pressure, hands on, self-reliant but also a strong team player, interested in keeping healthy, good with people, used to a high level of responsibility … It’s a very promising start. We also have an idea about where you might want to be heading next … Osteopathy is an ideal profession to enter as a second career. It allows you the independence to work for yourself and to do the hours that suit your personal circumstances. Osteopaths are autonomous practitioners who can work for professional sports clubs, in GP practices, in multidisciplinary health centres, in higher education and within industry. You could even work from home. It is a career that offers enormous flexibility and job satisfaction. There is virtually zero unemployment among osteopaths.

The College of Osteopaths’ five-year M.Ost/B.Ost degree programmes in London and Staffordshire are part-time, and particularly appealing to those with existing work and family commitments. Teaching takes place over 18 weekends each year plus home study and attendance at the College’s teaching clinic, which brings the added interest of contact with genuine patients right from the start. We use a wide variety of lively and challenging learning methods geared to mature students. The College of Osteopaths has considerable experience of training former members of the Armed Forces. We would welcome your application. A short foundation course (two weekends) is available for those without science-based qualifications. For latest news, follow us on @COLofOSTEOPATHS Get in touch 01782 294596 osteopathy@staffs.ac.uk www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk See the advertisement on page 9

A boost for cloud computing training, skills and employment

What was the stand-out feature of studying online? The tutors have been excellent throughout the course. There has been great support and interaction between students.

A new programme has been launched to provide free training and job placements to, among others, military veterans, reservists, and their spouses Launched by Amazon Web Services, AWS re:Start is a free training and job placement programme to educate young adults as well as military veterans, reservists, and their spouses, on the latest software development and cloud computing technologies. Working with QA Consulting, The Prince’s Trust and the MoD, AWS re:Start aims to offer work placements to 1,000 people as part of the programme. It is designed to accommodate differing levels of experience – even those with no previous technical knowledge can sign up. People joining AWS re:Start will complete technical training classes and work experience to gain on-the-job training. They will learn about cloud computing, and how to architect, design and develop cloud-based applications. They will also learn how to set up new cloud environments using proven best practices in security and compliance, and to build applications

What are your plans once you have completed your degree? As a result of enjoying the academic side of things so much, I have decided to move on to doing a PhD immediately after graduating. I would wholeheartedly recommend the master’s with UDOL as it has been a fun couple of years. Find out more For more information about UDOL, visit: www.derby.ac.uk/online/military See the advertisement on page 23

using software development toolkits for popular languages. As part of this announcement AWS also signed the Armed Forces Covenant. ‘The launch of AWS re:Start, and AWS’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant, validate the company’s commitment to our Service men and women. The programme recognises the value that reservists, veterans, Service leavers, and their spouses, can contribute to UK businesses, and provides them with a clear path for learning, and applying some of the technology skills in most demand across industries,’ says General Sir Chris Deverell, Commander, Joint Forces Command, who co-signed the Covenant. The first intake of participants for AWS re:Start is scheduled for March 2017. For more information or to sign up for AWS re:Start visit https://aws-restart.com

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 16 March 2017, Salford CTP Employment Fair 27 April 2017, Edinburgh These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies

a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

Booking now for Autumn Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5

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

Reserve your space now for July or October 2017 L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a L3 Diploma in Brick or Carpentry L3/4 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person Short Skills Courses - Use your SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, Painting & Decorating, or level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training “After 5 weeks on this course, I am now confident to renovate my own house, would recommend T4A to anyone” Marine - Nov16 For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Jon Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk

✆ 0800 3800 007 Fancy yourself as a Civil Aviation Authority Accredited Commercial Drone Pilot? Join the rapidly growing market at the right time. Use your IRTC and accommodation credits towards a short residential training course that will enable you to earn money using your drone commercially. All MOD resettlement forms available on request. Residential Course includes: • Theory Training and Examination • Practical Flying Training - using our fleet of drones • Flight Assessment - at no additional cost • No re-sit fees • Operations Manual writing workshop and proofing • Membership of the ‘Drone Pilot Academy - Certified Operators’ database

Discounted rate for service personnel

Forensic Accident Investigation Considering a new career? Thought about accident investigation? Want to know more? Investigation work includes in brief: Interviewing injured parties, visiting accident sites and gaining evidence in personal injury claims. Funding Available Approved by MOD in support of the ELC Scheme provider number 1712.

(quote QSTFB17)

£895 plus VAT (Usually £1095)

Starter bundles available including training and equipment – details on request

For full information Contact pack on the the Drone Pilot Academy training course (£1665.75 plus007 VAT) 0800 3800 or visit us online contact us on

0161 928 7464 www.tdctraining.co.uk

If you already have aviation experience then a shortened course may be available.

www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk questonline.co.uk l February 2017

February 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk

THE HUB

>> BUSINESS START-UP

Preparing for business with Ray ready to rule the waves ICAEW and X-Forces Part 6: Managing cash flow By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces Why is cash flow important? Most businesses are funded with cash from the proprietor, which is sufficient until the business starts growing. Problems often start when they offer credit to customers or take on an employee who requires regular payment. Suddenly cash flow – money in and out – becomes an issue. Managing receipts from customers There are some vital steps that all businesses should take to maximise receipts from customers, if selling on credit. • Check the customer’s credit rating. • Agree the terms of payment with the customer before starting work. • Invoice as soon as the goods have reached the customer or service rendered. • Regularly progress payment with the customer and, if payment is not received on time, chase higher up the customer’s management and consider how quickly you stop supplies or services. • If still unpaid, use solicitors’ letters and threaten court proceedings. • Consider whether to go to court. Making payments to suppliers • Agree payments terms with suppliers at the start of trading. • Late payment of suppliers may be reflected in your credit rating. Buying equipment If you need new equipment, think about deferring payment by using hire purchase, leasing or hiring. If you have been making losses, leasing or hiring might be more tax efficient. Consider factoring or invoice discounting Factoring or invoice discounting can offer financing up to 90% of the value of a sales invoice. Only business-to-business invoices can be covered. Get a grip: do a regular cash flow forecast Keep accurate accounting records so that the business can instantly assess what monies are owed from customers and to suppliers. To prepare a cash flow forecast, start with what bills are already owed or owing, and known commitments of weekly or monthly expenses such as payroll, rent, and leasing or hire purchase payments. Then build in predictions of receipts and payments from future sales and purchases. Cash flow forecasts can highlight when the business might run low on cash and can be the basis for an action plan to remedy a situation before it occurs.

Skytec founder Richard Beecher

Case study: Skytec UK ‘I have been working on film productions for many years, teaching in university. I found that there was a high demand for aerial filming and, as the university didn’t cover this service to the students, I decided to start a business. With my passion for filmmaking it was a no-brainer! ‘My main challenge was to get to grips with the paperwork and accounts. X-Forces helped in giving me some excellent advice on how to manage paperwork, time and accounts.’ Richard Beecher, Skytec UK

Skytec provides professional CAA-qualified aerial filming services, delivered by a highly skilled UAV pilot and an award-winning film maker and university film lecturer. Based in South Wales, Skytec covers the whole of the UK and most of the globe! It offers high-resolution aerial photography, and can provide either raw or fully processed aerial photographs of events, property presentations or construction projects. It also offers aerial surveying, mapping, industrial inspection and construction progress monitoring using its UAV and in-house engineer with many years’ industrial experience. To find out more, visit http://skytec-uk.com/ Ready to go? Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Preston’s Ray Finch, 50, is taking on his latest challenge and returning to the seas by stepping aboard the crew of Team Britannia for a new round-the-world record attempt. The British Army veteran Ray drives a small inflatable boat as and former boxer will part of his RYA Powerboat level 2 join the Hampshirebased round-the-world powerboat, which hopes to cut up to seven days off the current record of 60 days 23 hours 49 minutes, currently held by New Zealander Pete Bethune. Team Britannia, led by British ocean racing legend Alan Priddy, will use a revolutionary semi-wave slicing boat that will carve through the waves, rather than surfing them. The super-efficient design, a variant of the ‘fast displacement hull’, will reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and make the 24,000-mile trip smoother and faster. The boat will be crewed by a team of 12, including up to five wounded, injured and sick Service men and women (WIS) on each of the seven legs of the voyage; they are being supported by veterans’ charity Blesma. Says Ray, ‘I am really looking forward to what will be an epic challenge – something I am always ready to crack on with as a former infantryman. As well as smashing the world record, I also want this record attempt to be about proving that my disability is not the end of living an active life and that, despite giving up on some challenges after I was retired from the Army, there is still fire left in my belly!’ Ray joined the British Army at 16 and served his country as an infantryman, being awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery. He is also a qualified PADI Divemaster as well as a rescue diver and emergency first responder. Team Britannia will launch their record bid this spring from Europa Point in Gibraltar. To keep in touch with their progress, visit www.teambritannia.co.uk To find out ore about the work of Blesma, go to https://blesma.org/

Unlock your potential Learning a trade like locksmithing is a popular option for those leaving the Armed Forces; however with many companies offering varying standards of training, deciding on the right provider can be difficult. The Keytek Locksmith Training Academy offers locksmith training courses in a purpose-built Academy facility, which are widely regarded as the best available within the industry – not only by previous students but also existing locksmith engineers and the independent assessors of our accreditation partners including regular, ongoing Lloyds ISO assessments. This ensures that every candidate undertaking any of the Keytek Academy training courses is assured the highest standards of specialist locksmith training available. We provide a range of courses at the Academy, primarily aimed at newcomers to the industry, all of which are fully accredited with either the Keytek accreditation on the four-day course or level 4 NCFE accreditation on the five- and eight-day courses. Both of the level 4 accreditations have been ELCAS approved, meaning that Service

personnel leaving the Armed Forces are able to make use of their Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC). Keytek has been established for many years and is not only the UK’s premier locksmith training provider, but also the UK’s largest independent locksmith, providing a 24-hour emergency locksmith service operating across the whole of the UK. This means that, on successful completion of our courses, we know that you will have been trained to exceptionally high standards and therefore may be able to offer you work – something totally unique within the industry! If you want first-class training within the industry, backed up by the UK’s largest independent locksmith with the possibility of being offered work on successful completion of our courses, call us now on 01202 711195 for more information or to book your place. Get in touch 01202 711195 academy@keytek.co.uk www.locksmiths-training.co.uk See the advertisement on page 19

Q Get on course to a smoother transition YOUR RESETTLEMENT: MAXIMISE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRAINING FACTFILE

Your time in the Forces is likely to have been an allconsuming career experience. Despite that, you may yet have many years ahead of you in the workplace, which means it’s important to make the most of the resettlement options open to you. This five-step guide will help you to plan …

Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant; and travel and subsistence support. Depending on how long you have been in the Forces, you may be entitled to between four and seven weeks’ resettlement time. Your Service Resettlement Adviser can help here.

t’s likely that your last few weeks in

opportunities and entry requirements

the Forces will be frantic, and in all the

online. Talk to your Career or Employment

Step 3: Consider course options

changes you may overlook planning for

Consultant about what’s available in your

Ideally (using SLC and ELC), undertake any

a smooth transition into a civilian career

area. The CTP runs three-day (or shorter)

major learning that leads to employment

and the rest of your life. But setting aside

workshops at its Resettlement Centres.

before your resettlement time starts. Then

time before you leave and looking at all

The Career Transition Workshop (CTW),

use your last few weeks to take courses or

your resettlement options will provide the

for example, leads you through civilian

finish qualifications that will attract civilian

solid foundation you need to build your

employment and teaches all-important

employers. You should also consider

new career.

skills such as writing a CV, applying for

courses that help to update your skills and

jobs, and interview techniques. The CTP

aptitudes, or take training that results in

also offers one-to-one career counselling.

qualifications for a specific job. Many skills,

Step 1: Plan, research and seek advice

such as computing and driving, are now

Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced

Step 2: Find out about financial support

Learning Credits (ELC) to build skills well

Check whether you are eligible for:

there are courses and loans to help you do

in advance. Then research your career

Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT)

this, too.

Ensure that you use your Standard

(see box for full details); an Individual

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

an everyday part of working life. If you are thinking about becoming self-employed,

Step 4: Do a self-audit

qualifications that will equip you for the

same job? Check this out before you

Look at the qualifications, skills and experience you already have and those required for any course you might

•

Does the training provider have a good reputation? Does your

overcome any skills gaps?

private study, distance or supported

consultant know of them? What’s the

You may already have a level of

open learning, the internet – suit your

opinion of former students? Do any

learning and/or experience that will

learning style? How much time do you

relevant institutes and associations

count towards a qualification. But

have available for study? What access

do you need a pre-course course?

do you have to the internet or other

Do employers in the area in which

learning tools? If you are staying in

membership to institutions available

you wish to resettle value your

accommodation while attending this

from the provider, and are these

chosen qualification? Are there other

course, is there evening access to

valued? Who accredits these

study rooms? Is there a requirement

qualifications?

have advice and information? •

•

for out-of-hours work? Is this training

Are formal qualifications or

Is there an introductory seminar?

Training at the CTP’s

or qualification really going to help

What can you find out about the

Resettlement Training Centre,

you become employed in the sector

quality of instruction? What are the

Aldershot, and at some

and at the level you want? How do

class sizes? What’s the quality of the

Resettlement Centres: the CTP

you get the course signed off by your

offers two types of training –

resettlement officer? What paperwork

equipment and facilities? •

How long is the course? How much study is class-based and how much

is required?

by the MoD, and non-contract-

Researching and considering the

is self-study? Is there any pre-course

funded courses. Contract-funded

answers to these questions will help you

self-study?

courses effectively cost 5% of your

to make the most of the resettlement

IRTC grant for each day you attend,

training opportunities available to you.

so this will ‘buy’ you 20 days. (You

Additionally, you can seek advice through

could also attend other contract-

the CTP, so do contact your Career

funded courses on a standby basis.)

Consultant or local Regional Employment

Ensure that you use your SLC entitlement

The cost of non-contract-funded

and Training Manager (RETM; RETMs are

in the years leading up to resettlement,

training is paid from grants available

located at Resettlement Centres). These

and ELC while serving, during

to you. This can be taken any time in

people work closely with employers and

resettlement and in the five years after

the last two years before discharge,

training providers in your region and

you leave, as well as your IRTC grant,

but is usually taken in the final nine

will know exactly what’s available. The

accommodation and travel entitlements.

months. All CTP services (including

Course Booking & Information Centre

Be aware that you can now use either SLC

training) are available for two

(CBIC) can give general advice on course

or ELC under certain circumstances (your

years after discharge (training on a

content, along with making bookings and

SRA will be able to advise), and remember

standby basis).

taking payments. Further information and

that you may receive free tuition fees for

Civilian training attachment: this is

contact details can be found at

your first level 3 qualification, foundation

formal training at a civilian college,

www.ctp.org.uk

degree or undergraduate degree for five

company or training establishment.

•

Does the method of delivery – classes,

contract-funded courses, provided

•

Consider all the details of the course.

consider. Can you build on them to

GRT OPTIONS •

commit.

CHECKLIST: CHOOSING YOUR TRAINING PROVIDER

Study materials: will you need to buy course materials or books?

years after you leave the Forces.

It is eligible for IRTC funding and

Step 5: Think about costs

usually takes place in the last nine

You may need to invest your own

Finally … relax!

months of service.

money in, or towards, these courses

Having been in the Forces, you will be

Civilian work attachment: this is

or qualifications, so when considering

used to planning, seeking the advice

attachment to a company for on-the-

the cost it may be helpful to remember

of others, researching, analysing data,

job training and work experience,

that this investment isn’t just about

strategising, seeing the whole picture,

and can take place any time in the

the course – it’s about your future in a

understanding the minutiae, then using a

last two years of service. It is not

civilian environment. Be aware that exam

calm and focused approach to carry out

eligible for IRTC funding, but travel

or certification fees may be additional

the task. Resettlement is no different.

and subsistence may be payable.

to course fees, so if you are budgeting

Use these skills as you approach this

Individual resettlement

you will need to take account of this.

transition, and carry them through into

preparation: this time can be used

Other financial implications include the

your training, learning and, ultimately,

for your own resettlement activities,

following.

new career. Q

although it isn’t IRTC funded. It can

be taken any time in the last two years of service and GRT travel warrants will be given.

Accommodation: is the cost of this included in the course?

Location: what are the travelling costs?

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSE CHOICES FACTFILE

Pitch perfect! W

hen the

time comes for you

to leave the Armed Forces community there’s a huge amount

Rugby for Heroes’ Transition through Rugby course fosters a sense of belonging you might otherwise miss on civvy street, says Squadron Leader Stuart Gerrard, Ambassador to the charity

to consider: new career options, job prospects, geographic location, housing, education … The list is daunting and appears endless. Rugby for Heroes, the organisation that sponsors the Transition through Rugby course, has identified that the rugby community can offer a sense of belonging to those leaving the Services that is easy for them to recognise and relate to. It’s an intensive one-week course that mentors participants via the RFU (Rugby Football Union) courses Rugby Ready, Scrum Factory and Level 2 Coaching the 15-a-side game, as well as the Level 1 Referee qualification. But the course is about so much more than gaining rugby qualifications … Professionalism in rugby union is entering its 21st year and the rugby community’s efforts to support those retiring from the sport and transitioning to a second career is improving every year. In 2011 the wider rugby community and professional player network recognised the similarities between a professional transitioning from a career in rugby and Service leavers transitioning into the civilian

TRANSITION THROUGH RUGBY ENABLES VETERANS TO BE SUPPORTED DURING THEIR JOURNEY INTO THE CIVILIAN WORLD THROUGH THE WIDER RUGBY COMMUNITY

sector. The rugby community has long been a staunch supporter of the Armed Forces and, through a deeper understanding of the difficulties associated with individuals transitioning into the civilian sector, decided it could do more by providing opportunities for Service leavers through the rugby network.

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

‘Slobs’, a recent graduate of the course and former Army

I should have started looking at networking a lot sooner than I

Sergeant, highlights that rugby clubs across the UK are always

did, but Transition through Rugby has helped me focus on what

keen to have volunteers join them, especially when they are

I need to do and provided me with the qualifications to get into

qualified coaches and referees. ‘When I left the Army,’ he says,

coaching, which has been a long-held aspiration.’

‘I walked into Thatcham Rugby Club and was embraced by the

Former South African international Thinus Delport, who

rugby family. In no time I’d met a plumber, solicitor, estate agent,

played professional rugby for 14 years and served with the South

and basically everyone I needed to know.’

African Armed Forces as part of his national service is a coach

Private Ben Barton, who left the Household Cavalry as a

and mentor on the Transition through Rugby course. Thinus

Challenger Gunner was two weeks

highlights that the course is not about

into civilian life when he joined

guys walking away with a professional

the course. He says: ‘The course

rugby contract, but about providing them

enables you to learn from rugby

with the confidence and skills to walk into

players, athletes and Service

any rugby club, feel valued and meet a

leavers, who all have shared

likeminded community of people. ‘Some

experiences in regards to transition

of our graduates are volunteering at

and a mutual passion for rugby.

clubs like Harlequins and Bath,’ he tells us, ‘while others have opted to use their qualifications coaching at mini-rugby

THE RUGBY COMMUNITY RECOGNISED THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN A PROFESSIONAL TRANSITIONING FROM A CAREER IN RUGBY AND SERVICE LEAVERS TRANSITIONING INTO THE CIVILIAN SECTOR

Get involved The next course for which

level at their local club. The rugby community

applications are open starts on

gains a lot by embracing and learning from

18 June. To find out how to apply

the skills the members of the Armed Forces

and download an application form,

are renowned for. Transition through Rugby

visit http://rugbyforheroes.org.uk/

enables Veterans to be supported during their

transition-through-rugby/ There are

journey into the civilian world through the

four courses a year, which are open

wider rugby community.’

to any serving or former member of

Alan Lamb, a founder of the course, states

the Armed Forces, irrespective of

that ‘There are some obvious parallels that can

rank and Service background.

be drawn between the UK’s Armed Forces and the sport of rugby – the traditions and core

Further details are available at

values of leadership, teamwork, commitment,

http://rugbyforheroes.org.uk or by

discipline, courage, respect, loyalty and

emailing info@rugbyforheroes.org.uk

camaraderie are all values the sport of rugby and the military unite behind and aspire to, and

it is these values that the charity Rugby for Heroes champions through the delivery of its Transition through Rugby course.’ Q

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY

RALPH STRAW

‘I want a friend, daddy,’ Lukas said, staring out of the bay window of the first private residence he’s ever called home. ‘You’ve got friends Lukas … lot’s of them,’ I replied. ‘I never see them, ever since we left our Army house,’ he responded. As a reader of QUEST, I am

Won’t someone please think of the children?

about my time in the Army and I am struggling to find a narrative that would be able to portray the grotesque maintenance and blundering ineptitude of the contracting company charged with the upkeep of soldiers’ homes. Following one’s intuition is a skill, I think. And my intuition

guessing that you are leaving

told me one day to politely evict

the Forces. If not, in the long

the tenants from our privately

run you most definitely will be.

owned home and get my family

Whatever your reason, you have

the heck out of Dodge. Which I

my admiration: for joining and

did, moving back into the Single

also for leaving. Two of the most

Living Accommodation and

difficult and enriching decisions I

commuting back to my family

have ever made.

home at weekends.

An old-school late-entry

If I was unable to return

Major once told me that a man

home at weekends – which

is a mug if he leaves the Army

was very often as a basic

for a woman. We’ll rewrite that

training instructor – my wife

maxim and say that a decision

and son would stay with me in

is best made by the individual,

my accommodation. This was

regardless of gender or branch

luxurious compared to our

of service.

married quarter. By luxurious,

In my case (and what other case can I cite?), I did make the decision as an individual. I didn’t tell anyone, including my wife. I just asked her for the car keys, drove to the nearest JPA terminal and signed off. The decision is yours and will be all the more powerful if it remains so, but there is always fallout, positive and negative – for the people you’ll be taking with you and the people you’ll be returning to.

Regular QUEST contributor Ralph Straw reports once more from the resettlement frontline, this time with a plea for you to keep your children – however young they are – informed of your resettlement plans. After all, they too have intricate lives, social networks and friendship groups, and any upheaval is as much theirs as yours. Even if your leaving is in large part for their benefit, it’s still important to consider them and the effect on them of your actions …

My son Lukas was born in

I mean hot water, heating, fully intact walls and a working cooker. One weekend, I was at home and my wife was at work. It was a roasting summer’s day and Lukas was in the garden. While I was preparing lunch, Lukas came inside and said, ‘Look daddy, I’ve made a friend.’ he was holding a millipede in one of his little hands. It broke my heart and I felt ashamed as that was the first time I had considered how

Germany, at a real high point

had a well-funded community

emotional. Understandable, but

leaving the community into

in my career. Local Overseas

centre that my wife and son

it was the Army after all. And

which he was born would affect

Allowance afforded my wife and I

made full use of. One thing

another family moved in. Lukas

him.

a lifestyle that we enjoyed to the

soldiers and their wives are very

was too young to understand.

full. I had an interesting and at

likely to do is reproduce, so there

times exhilarating job, a diary full

were lots of children of the same

we were posted as a family to the

the floorboards. He looked

of mess functions, a lovely flat

age as Lukas. Despite families

Army Training Centre in Pirbright.

devastated. He had made and

and was living, with my family, in

being posted, others would

If you have ever been posted to

lost his first friend in months, in

the centre of the most civilised

always come.

Pirbright and lived in a married

less than a minute.

country in Europe.

Our neighbour had a son of

After three wondrous years,

quarter then you have my utmost

Then he dropped the millipede and it fell between

‘My friend!’ he shrieked as

Lukas was, and still is, a

a similar age to Lukas and, when

respect and I consider you of my

I scooped him into my arms.

beautiful little boy. The garrison

they moved, my wife was a little

ilk. I am currently writing a book

He was inconsolable and there

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

wasn’t a thing I could do help

an educational disadvantage.

to be honest I guess there

him.

Also, if someone asks me where

isn’t much you can do. You

I’m from, I reply: Nottingham. I

have to leave. By the way,

over, he started nursery school

have a hometown that I left at a

Lukas was about three

in September, and has kept

young age but choose to return

when I left.

the same friends since. Some

to.

When the summer was

have moved of course and he

QUEST is about giving While children in the Armed

guidance and practical

continues to make new friends

Forces probably don’t have

advice, so here are some

as well as remembering the

deep roots anywhere, they will

things that, knowing what I

old ones, as do I. A few months

certainly be wide. This may suit

know now, I would do.

after the millipede incident, I

some people, but it wasn’t what

terminated my colour service

I wanted for my own children. I

and our family was a complete

want them to have a place they

unit again.

could call home, that could help

When people ask, ‘What made you get out?’, I spare them the drama-encrusted

Explain to your Hobbits why you are leaving.

GIVE PEOPLE NOTICE THAT YOU ARE GOING. SO THAT YOUR LITTLE PEOPLE AND THEIR FRIENDS CAN GET THINGS SORTED BEFORE THEY DEPART (FIVE YEAR OLDS ALSO HAVE POLITICS)

Very simple. l

Give people notice that you

them mould their identity, if

are going. So that your little

When your child starts

they wished.

people and their friends can

school they will already

get things sorted before

know people from these

tale of my exit from the British

hopefully be finding the right

Your main effort will

they depart (five year olds

groups. It will also get them

Army. I’d rather comment on

job. At least the right job for you

also have politics).

into the routine of playing

the positive things. And one

at this time. And, as I have said

And, as I write this, my wife has

with other adults. But mostly

thing is that I didn’t want my

in a previous issue, it is worth

just suggested another one,

they are good fun, and good

children changing school every

taking time to support your

over my shoulder …

couple of years. Children with

partner. And if that’s true then,

a parent in the Armed Forces

for parent and child.

If your children are not of

That’s all for this month. That’s

as a parent, you absolutely must

school age, then find the

all for this month.

qualify for pupil premium:

consider the effect on your little

local Surestart centre,

funding for children that are at

ones. I didn’t, straight away, and

parent and toddler groups.

Ralph Q

questonline.co.uk l February 2017

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from March to May 2017

Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.

To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RC Aldergrove

rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2017 10 April 2017 08 May 2017

08 March 2017 12 April 2017 10 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 March 2017 06 April 2017 16 May 2017

15 March 2017 06 April 2017 16 May 2017

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

CTW Mixed Class 08 May 2017 10 May 2017 (Course location Cyprus) 09 May 2017 11 May 2017 (Course location Preston)

CTW Officer/SNCO 06 March 2017 21 March 2017 03 April 2017 25 April 2017 23 May 2017

08 March 2017 23 March 2017 05 April 2017 27 April 2017 25 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 07 March 2017 22 March 2017 27 April 2017 11 May 2017 25 May 2017

07 March 2017 22 March 2017 27 April 2017 11 May 2017 25 May 2017

FAR All Ranks START DATE END DATE

28 March 2017

CTW Junior Ranks

Housing

07 March 2017 04 April 2017 16 May 2017

Self Employment Awareness

09 March 2017 06 April 2017 18 May 2017

CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2017 08 March 2017 (Course location Brize Norton) 15 May 2017 17 May 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)

CTW Officer 28 March 2017 09 May 2017

30 March 2017 11 May 2017

CTW SNCO 14 March 2017 23 May 2017

16 March 2017 25 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 02 March 2017 03 May 2017

02 March 2017 03 May 2017

Housing 05 April 2017 05 April 2017 (Course location The Bell, St Omer Barracks)

Self Employment Awareness 08 March 2017 24 May 2017

08 March 2017 24 May 2017

RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 27 March 2017 28 March 2017 24 April 2017 02 May 2017 15 May 2017 16 May 2017

29 March 2017 30 March 2017 26 April 2017 04 May 2017 17 May 2017 18 May 2017

15 March 2017

03 April 2017

28 March 2017

15 March 2017

03 April 2017

09 May 2017 15 May 2017 16 May 2017 23 May 2017

11 May 2017 17 May 2017 18 May 2017 25 May 2017

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

CTW Officer/SNCO

START DATE END DATE

03 April 2017 05 April 2017 02 May 2017 04 May 2017 30 May 2017 01 June 2017

CTW Mixed Class

Employment Support Programme Wksp

13 March 2017 03 April 2017 08 May 2017 22 May 2017

20 March 2017 08 May 2017

CTW Officer

20 March 2017 08 May 2017

FAR All Ranks 09 March 2017 09 March 2017 (Course location External Venue)

Self Employment Awareness 30 March 2017 27 April 2017

30 March 2017 27 April 2017

RC Germany

rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE

06 March 2017 27 March 2017 24 April 2017 15 May 2017

15 March 2017 05 April 2017 10 May 2017 24 May 2017

08 March 2017 29 March 2017 26 April 2017 17 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Workshop 06 April 2017

06 April 2017

Networking 03 November 2016 03 November 2016

Self Employment Awareness 22 March 2017 25 May 2017

22 March 2017 25 May 2017

RRC Colchester

CTW Junior Ranks

rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

14 March 2017 25 April 2017 09 May 2017

START DATE END DATE

CTW Officer/SNCO

START DATE END DATE

07 March 2017 03 April 2017 16 May 2017

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2017 20 March 2017 03 April 2017 24 April 2017 08 May 2017 22 May 2017

08 March 2017 22 March 2017 05 April 2017 26 April 2017 10 May 2017 24 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 30 March 2017 27 April 2017 18 May 2017

31 March 2017 28 April 2017 19 May 2017

RRC Cottesmore rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 10 April 2017 08 May 2017

12 April 2017 10 May 2017

CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2017 13 March 2017 14 March 2017 20 March 2017 27 March 2017 28 March 2017 18 April 2017 24 April 2017 25 April 2017

08 March 2017 15 March 2017 16 March 2017 22 March 2017 29 March 2017 30 March 2017 20 April 2017 26 April 2017 27 April 2017

16 March 2017 27 April 2017 11 May 2017

09 March 2017 05 April 2017 18 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 27 March 2017

27 March 2017

24 April 2017 22 May 2017

German CV Writing 20 March 2017

20 March 2017

Housing 29 March 2017

29 March 2017

Self Employment Awareness 06 April 2017 06 April 2017

Central London

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Senior Officer 21 March 2017 04 April 2017 09 May 2017

23 March 2017 06 April 2017 11 May 2017

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 20 March 2017 03 May 2017

20 March 2017 03 May 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RC Northolt

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

RC Plymouth

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk

13 March 2017 03 April 2017

15 March 2017 05 April 2017

CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2017 08 March 2017 14 March 2017 16 March 2017 (Course location Culdrose) 27 March 2017 29 March 2017 24 April 2017 26 April 2017 02 May 2017 04 May 2017 22 May 2017 24 May 2017 23 May 2017 25 May 2017 (Course location Culdrose)

CTW Officer/SNCO 20 March 2017 15 May 2017

22 March 2017 17 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 06 April 2017

06 April 2017

FAR All Ranks 10 May 2017

10 May 2017

Self Employment Awareness 28 March 2017 18 May 2017

28 March 2017 18 May 2017

RC Portsmouth

RRC Rosyth

START DATE END DATE

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Mixed Class

rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk

06 March 2017 03 April 2017 08 May 2017

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk

08 March 2017 05 April 2017 10 May 2017

06 March 2017 08 March 2017 (Course location Faslane) 13 March 2017 15 March 2017 13 March 2017 15 March 2017 27 March 2017 29 March 2017 03 April 2017 05 April 2017 10 April 2017 12 April 2017 10 April 2017 12 April 2017 (Course location Kinloss) 18 April 2017 20 April 2017 (Course location Faslane) 08 May 2017 10 May 2017 16 May 2017 18 May 2017 (Course location Faslane) 22 May 2017 24 May 2017

CTW Mixed Class 22 March 2017 18 April 2017 30 May 2017

24 March 2017 20 April 2017 01 June 2017

CTW Officer 27 March 2017 24 April 2017 22 May 2017

29 March 2017 26 April 2017 24 May 2017

CTW SNCO 10 April 2017 15 May 2017

12 April 2017 17 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp 30 March 2017 27 April 2017 25 May 2017

15 March 2017 11 May 2017

Interview Courses 4 ForcesTechniques Spring final 2015_C4F 06 April 2017

06 April 2017

20 April 2017

rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE

Employment Support Programme Wksp

06 March 2017 13 March 2017 20 March 2017 03 April 2017 02 May 2017 08 May 2017 15 May 2017 22 May 2017

08 March 2017 15 March 2017 22 March 2017 05 April 2017 04 May 2017 10 May 2017 17 May 2017 24 May 2017

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Officer

04 May 2017

20 March 2017

CTW Junior Ranks

02 May 2017

20 April 2017 20 April 2017 18 May 2017 18 May 2017 23 May 2017 23 May 2017 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 47 (Course location Kinloss)

Self Employment Awareness

RRC Tidworth

07 March 2017 21 March 2017 04 April 2017 03 May 2017 16 May 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

16 March 2017 16 March 2017 30 March 2017 30 March 2017 (Course location Kinloss)

FAR All Ranks

CTW SNCO

20 March 2017

27 March 2017 10 April 2017 24 April 2017 30 May 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

30 March 2017 27 April 2017 25 May 2017

Self Employment Awareness

14 March 2017 25 April 2017 09 May 2017 23 May 2017

29 March 2017 12 April 2017 26 April 2017 01 June 2017

16 March 2017 27 April 2017 11 May 2017 25 May 2017

07 March 2017 21 March 2017 28 March 2017 04 April 2017 25 April 2017 09 May 2017 23 May 2017

09 March 2017 23 March 2017 06 April 2017 05 May 2017 18 May 2017

07 March 2017 21 March 2017 28 March 2017 04 April 2017 25 April 2017 09 May 2017 23 May 2017

FAR All Ranks 04 April 2017 04 April 2017 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)

New Horizons in Retirement 03 April 2017

03 April 2017

Self Employment Awareness 27 March 2017 24 April 2017 30 May 2017

27 March 2017 24 April 2017 30 May 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO 19 April 2017

21 April 2017

FAR All Ranks 01 March 2017

01 March 2017

www.courses4forces.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l February 2017

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

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

Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk

A Service leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge

Employment Support Programme

>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice

No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?

Yes

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant

Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

Secures employment

Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge

ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE

Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding

• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress

CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement

Resettlement Services

Resettlement Centres

1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).

Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.

2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk

February 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689

For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk