YOUR HOME FOR EVERYTHING ELC February 2018
BAND LEADER
The man putting your Service history on your wrist page 50
PLUS
SELF-EMPLOYMENT SMARTS
Access Diplomas Civvy savvy Transition support
And get on course for these careers:
How to get paid, painlessly page 58
INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
Health and safety Risk management
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T
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E
EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR FEBRUARY ISSUE OF QUEST. Whether you’re still in uniform or have
started preparing for ‘life outside’, you’ll find that – even though it’s a magazine of two halves – it’s the only guide you’ll need to courses, training, careers and your transition. The ‘first half’ kicks us off with all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how best to use it – that applies to you whether you’re currently serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim. As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also find out how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications and home in on higher-level study options if that’s where you are setting your sights. If so, the Access to HE Diploma could help you get started – even if you thought higher education was out of reach. In addition, we spotlight two career areas we know are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition: health and safety, and the closely allied sector of risk management. Find out about the kinds 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 financial support available to aid your learning pursuits. After a halftime break for The Hub – where you’ll find pivotal information on course and training options, transition news and reader reports – we’re into part two with the usual QUEST mix of inspirational stories and practical guidance on resettlement issues. First, we hear from former Army Major Ash Loudon, whose
new business offering ‘wearable commemoration’ in the form of customisable bracelets that display your Service history, is really taking off. Find out how he did it and what advice he has for you if you’re thinking of starting your own business. Regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has further sound advice on selfemployment in light of the Carillion collapse. Read and learn. We’re also delighted to bring you the latest exciting news from Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll, which recently announced the provision of least 300 more homes for vulnerable and disabled Veterans in need, as well as additional preventative support services that will help thousands more. To aid your resettlement prep, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings, as well as our ‘Transition Factfile’, gathering together in one place useful info from a range of sources. And that’s it: full-time. We hope you enjoy this month’s QUEST and its February focus on supporting you throughout your Service career and beyond – 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 MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
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February 2018
3
FEBRARY 2018 >>
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 24 Distance learning 28 Qualifications to further your Service career 30 On course: Health and safety 34 Useful contacts 36 On course: Risk management 42 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 44 Education and funding planner
THE HUB 47 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
50 Success story: inspiration from the civilian workplace. This month, former Squadron Commander Ash Loudon 54 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Practical advice: how to win in the workplace 58 Civvy savvy: self-employment and getting paid 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile
4
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
36
08
14 30
58
50
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
5
Q
YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
ELC 101 The basics
S
ubject to certain eligibility criteria (see page 8), the ELC scheme offers currently serving
or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic information you need to know … l
The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years.
l
Service activities will usually meant
combination of both higher and lower
learning of at least 20% of the cost
that no further claims will be allowed.
levels.
(the ELC element includes VAT but
ELC may be claimed for the same
excludes travel, accommodation, food,
compassionate reasons cause your
learning course if it continues for more
books and materials).
withdrawal, you should seek advice
You must discuss your plans with
from your Education Staff or Learning
purpose each year.
your line manager and education
Adviser.Q
If one course combines with others for
adviser before making any financial
combined to claim ELC.
l
l
l
If unexpected Service or
commitment. l
ELC are available for full- or part-time
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
study for a qualification at level 3 or
It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,
above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,
which is a single payment of up to
with an organisation on the approved
£3,000 for those with six or more
providers list maintained by ELCAS.
years of qualifying service, which will
l
count as all three awards.
− – Service training
The PF FE/HE scheme provides
You may not claim ELC for:
− – civilian accredited Service training
Service leavers and Service personnel
(unless at least 30 hours extra work
in their qualifying resettlement phase
is involved, together with a separate
ELC SCHEME: LATEST AVAILABLE STATS
exam, assessment or assignment)
From its inception until the end of
with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE qualification (a foundation
− – membership fees
October 2017, 383,255 people had
degree or a first undergraduate
− – books and materials
registered with the ELC scheme and
degree or equivalent) with support
− – normal Service sport and
134,119 claims had been made, to the
towards tuition fees.
6
Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/
l
a single learning purpose these can be l
l
You must make a contribution to your
than a year, or for a different learning l
Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March).
to run consecutively, and may be a
l
l
The three separate years do not have
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
adventurous training.
value of £212.6 million.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Project Management Courses PRINCE2® - AgilePM® - Change Management
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www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk questonline.co.uk l February 2018
7
Q
YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Are you eligible for ELC?
Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l
All Regular Service Personnel (SP)
have left the Service or entered your
day of service, you will be eligible to claim
currently in service will be auto-
qualifying resettlement phase on or
ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to
enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will
after 17 July 2008
meeting the other conditions associated
meet UK residency requirements to
with the scheme.
future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l
l
What about if you are medically
both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards
medically discharged from service before
discharged?
increased from four to six years as
achieving the required number of years’
You are eligible to claim ELC at the lower
of 1 April 2017. If you had already
service. If this is the case, please seek
(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier depending
accumulated four years’ qualifying
advice from your unit education staffs.
on your length of service on the date of
In detail …
award and FEHE.
When can you start claiming ELC?
of service, you may be eligible to make
If you left service on or after 1 April
You can start claiming when you have
claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury
2016, you are entitled to post-service
accumulated the necessary qualifying
or illness was caused or significantly
access to ELC and FEHE for five years.
years of service. For example, if you
worsened, wholly or predominantly by
If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31
registered on the ELC scheme and have
service, as defined by the Armed Forces
March 2016 inclusive, you will have
been serving since 1 April 2000, you will
Compensation Scheme (JSP765).
until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or
have been entitled to start claiming at the
FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
What if you are no longer serving?
If you left before 1 April 2011, you
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted
If you have already left the Service or are
will retain ten years of post-Service
above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying
in your resettlement phase, you may be
access.
service for lower-tier awards increased
eligible to claim under the terms of the
from four to six years. However, if you
Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher
accumulated four years’ qualifying service
Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look
before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to
at the feature on page 14 to find out more –
claim your lower-tier awards.
or, for full details and to check the detailed
must:
l
have completed four years of full-time
discharged prior to completing six years
eligibility rules, visit
service or, since 1 April 2017, six years
What happens if you are made redundant?
have joined – or since April 2016
Irrespective of whether or not you applied
been automatically enrolled – on the
to be made redundant, you will cease
Find out more
scheme and completed four years’ or,
to accrue service for ELC eligibility on
Much more detailed information is
from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying
the day you leave service. If you have
available in JSP822, which can be
scheme membership
accrued six or more years’ service since
downloaded from the ELCAS website at
apply only for a first eligible FE/HE
registering on the scheme by your last day
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
qualification at the level for which you
of service, you will still be eligible to claim
are academically qualified to enter
ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have
learning on leaving the Service
accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last
8
discharge. Additionally, if you are medically
your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier
To take advantage of ELC support, you
l
qualify for full state subsidy. Special eligibility criteria apply if you were
In brief … l
l
The qualifying service required for
service before 1 April 2017, you keep
l
l
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry.
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Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11 www.thesurveillancegroup.com
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NLP courses can be done in conjunction with ILM qualifications, i2i are also a ELCAS Approved Provider.
Tel: 0845 121 0475 Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
9
Q
o claim them
YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS
y detailed guidance from ingle�Service education
Next steps
How to use your ELC funding
Read JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills. urposes � Register for the scheme in accordance e for full�time or part�time with published guidelines. � Think about what fits your personal fication at level 3 or above, development plan and your future. e NQF or SCQF, with an � Check that the course you wish to enrol the approved providers list on is allowable under the rules. This might include: degrees � Get the necessary approval to enrol. e qualifications � Talk with your line manager and mic qualifications LC are availableeducation/learning for full- or part- staff.l other academic qualifications self�development time study for � aStart learning,at to make the of qualification l most professional self-development n of prior learning level 3 or above, your life. as defined on the l accreditation of prior learning raining National Qualifications Framework/ l vocational training and accreditation fees Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/ l registration and accreditation fees ications RQF),* with an organisation l sports qualifications IMPORTANT REMINDER! alifications on the approved providers list held by l overseas qualifications t training (during last two If you left the Armed Forces in 2006 and have at l resettlement training (during last two ice only). ELCAS and viewableyet to use your ELC, time is running out. You years of service only). claimed for:www.enhancedlearningcredits.com have ten years after leaving Service to make It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or To find ning your claim, so act now. Use it or lose it!out more about accessing higherequivalent award. You may also use ELC level study in particular, take a look at our edited Service training ast 30 hours extra work is2016above to fundGuide anything that, too, like on page 20. Quest Annual Final_2014 10/11/2015 10:51feature Page 11 ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS gether with university a separate modules or nationally recognised From its inception until the end of ment or assignment) diplomas. This might include: September 2015, 367,632 people had p fees l foundation degrees registered with the ELC scheme and materials l postgraduate qualifications 111,094 claims had been made, to the ice sport and adventurous value of £162.6 million. �
When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding
E
Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l its relevance to your personal development plan l your ability to undertake it l likely disruptions to Service requirements l the flexibility of the study method.
* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards.
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February 2018 l questonline.co.uk www.courses4forces.co.uk
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11
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC
Making an application Your step-by-step guide
1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction
and Guidance for Training and Education.
8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the
2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future.
scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application
3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning
to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee,
staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol.
so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their
5. Go to the ELCAS website at
tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online.
10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being
6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they
withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims
are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver
process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822,
publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme
which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at
membership using the information on the ELC website.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
Operations Officer or Flight Dispatcher
Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding
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February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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The CNCI® program includes 5 days copper cabling and 5 days fibre cabling, and Service Leavers also gain a 10 day Work Placement, allowing actual on-the-job experience which has the potential to turn into employment.
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questonline.co.uk l February 2018
13
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING
No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services
A
Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).
lthough the main purpose of ELC
evidence of your last day of Service,
Royal Navy
is to encourage serving personnel
which could be a copy of your discharge
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
to pursue higher-level learning that
document, a copy of your P45
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
benefits both the learner and the Armed
terminating employment or a document
PO2 8BY
Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning
stamped by your regiment confirming
02392 625954
to be pursued during resettlement or for
your leaving date**
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
up to five years after leaving the Services.*
l
The majority of this learning is likely to be vocational (learning new skills or enhancing
address
Army
full information about the course you
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
wish to undertake and including details of
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
benefiting the learner and a future employer
your registration date where applicable.
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
First of all, refer to the eligibility
l
a copy of a utility bill showing your home
existing ones), with the qualification and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
with payment by sending it, along with your
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
criteria listed on page 8. To make a claim,
20% minimum contribution, to the training
Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently
download the appropriate form from the
provider.
closed until further notice; during this time
ELCAS website and complete it fully, except
When you have completed your course,
all enquiries are to be made by email elc@detsa.co.uk
for Parts 4 and 5 – your Single Service
you must also complete the evaluation form
Representative (SSR) will complete these
and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it
elements (you will find their contact details in
could jeopardise your next claim. If you have
Royal Air Force
the accompanying box). Send your otherwise
any doubts about any aspect of this process,
Learning Credits Administrator,
fully completed claim form to them at the
contact your single-Service education/
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
relevant address (again, see box), along with:
learning representative for advice before
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
submitting a claim. Q
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
IMPORTANT!
14
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
NG34 8HB
All applications must be submitted to
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
01400 268 183
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk
working days prior to the start of the
for the expiration date of your claims.
course you wish to take. They will
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
then submit approved applications to
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
ELCAS. You should not submit your
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
claim form direct to ELCAS.
personnel can request details of discharge dates from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.
l
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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questonline.co.uk l February 2018
15
Q
YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP
Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly
E
LCAS deals with many claims that
minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the
and research and discuss your learning with
have to be queried or rejected: almost
NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is
your line manager and Service education or
not on the ELCAS approved providers list
learning adviser. This also applies if you are
failure to follow the correct procedure for
a qualifying ex-Service person using your
authorising the claim
ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place
the course not commencing in the
for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead
qualifying financial year
enough you could find yourself significantly
incorrect financial data, such as the
out of pocket as retrospective claims are not
authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS
learner’s contribution being less than
allowed under any circumstances.
learners failing to allow sufficient time
20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated
20% of claims received fail to comply
with the correct procedures. Some of the
l
main reasons for rejection include: l
applicants enrolling on a course – and
l
sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l
l
as exceeding the ELC award
offered by an approved provider are
incomplete details or errors in course title
automatically admissible under the ELC
so any claim submitted within 25 working
or course level (these account for 25% of
scheme. This is a common mistake: one
days of the start of the course will
all rejected/queried claims)
provider may supply many courses, but only
applicants not registered on the ELCAS
those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3
system
or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS
more than one active claim being
website may be considered for ELC purposes.
between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,
automatically be rejected l
form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also
16
l
l
a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation
l
Also, do not assume that all courses
l
processed for an individual in the same l
plan ahead and get it right first time
automatically rejected
To help avoid rejection on grounds such as
l
don’t buck the system or pay upfront
the course does not meet the necessary
those listed above, you should plan ahead,
l
complete your claim with care! Q
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
financial year.
So:
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
17
Q
YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS
ELC dos and don’ts Do: l
it out on the ELCAS website at www.
your studies; if you don’t, and can’t
enhancedlearningcredits.com
provide evidence that you completed
ensure the training is delivered by an
the course, your future claims will be
Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction
approved ELC provider if using your
denied.
and Guidance for Training and
Individual Resettlement Training Cost
Education, which can be downloaded
(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a
Don’t:
from the ELCAS website at www.
nationally recognised qualification at
l
enhancedlearningcredits.com
level 3 or above
to course providers until you have
consult your education, learning,
received a claim authorisation note
make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service
l
l
consult your education/learning staff
l
training and/or resettlement adviser if
personal development plan
you aren’t sure of the best way to use
plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days
funding for your resettlement training
provider status means that the entire
remember that the scheme operates a
portfolio of a provider’s courses meets
l
automatically assume that approved
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
(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit
the level 3 requirement l
carefully before submitting a claim l
inform your Education Staff,
enrol on a course or commit yourself
CAN from ELCAS l
enrol on a course with a new provider
Framework (QCF),* and that it directly
Learning Adviser or Single Service
who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;
benefits the Service (unless your claim
representative if your last day in
wait until this has definitely been
is resettlement-related during your last
service alters from that originally
achieved – if this takes too long, look on
two years of serving)
stated
the ELCAS website for an alternative
complete and return the evaluation
provider. Q
ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards.
18
(CAN) l
needing to book a course
National Qualifications Framework
l
commit any payment contributions
and line managers to discuss your
between submitting a claim and l
l
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
30th April, 2nd July, 10th Sept, 19th Nov
Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5
Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Sustainable Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings. We recommend that you book at least 16 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability. L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a L3 Diploma in Brick or Carpentry
L3/4 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person Short Skills Courses - Use your SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, or Level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training
“Cannot believe the array of trade skills I've gained!” Army Oct17 For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Rache Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
19
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Aim higher!
Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.
I
f you’re thinking of embarking on a
the subject. It might be a really fascinating
the option of progressing to a degree if you
higher education (HE) qualification
course, which promises to lead to a host of
perform well enough on the early parts of
that’s great – you can use your ELC
career openings, but if it turns out you’re no
the course.
to fund anything above level 3, and that
good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with a
includes university modules and nationally
good qualification at the end of it – and may
through students completing a number
recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open
even fail altogether.
of modules, the distinction between HE
to you for consideration include diplomas,
(generally academic) and further education
bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees
the qualifications you already have and the
(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.
and postgraduate qualifications. The only
subjects/areas you have a flair for. Other
Credits from a selection of courses can often
problem you are likely to have is in deciding
things you might want to think about include
be added together to gain degrees and other
exactly what and how to study!
the course provider’s academic reputation
HE qualifications.
Choosing an HE course
(you can find university league tables and
Both HE and FE courses can be taken via
subject ranking tables online), its graduate
distance learning. The difference between
You may already have a pretty good idea of
employment rates, and links between the
these is not always clear-cut, though, and
what you’d like to study at a higher level but,
university or college and employers.
in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),
if you’re unsure, our advice is to make sure
Having decided what you want to study,
both types are involved. Many qualifications
you understand the nature of the subject you
you will be faced with a variety of ways of
are modular; this means that you complete
are considering, especially if it’s something
studying it.
them in sections (modules), often of your
new to you. So do your research, and ensure
20
It’s a good idea to start by thinking about
With many qualifications being earned
own choosing, and credits gained from a
you know exactly what a course is offering
How do HE courses differ?
you – topic areas, what the modules will
The most basic difference is between the
together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE
cover, etc. Whatever else you take in to
levels of courses. While most HE courses
qualifications.
consideration, it goes without saying that
lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree
you must have a strong interest in the
qualifications such as a Higher National
subject and the course content, as you will be
Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
spending three years or more occupied with
(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,
Which? University is a free and
it, which won’t be much fun if it turns out
such courses will be shorter than a degree
independent website packed with
you’re not that struck with it after all!
selection of such courses can be gathered
course, more vocationally orientated and will
everything you need to find the right
You are also likely to do better at a
have lower entry requirements. Some will be
university course for you. See
course if you already have an aptitude for
linked to degree courses, though, giving you
http://university.which.co.uk
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
usually takes three or four years to complete
SOURCES OF ADVICE
access support under the FEHE scheme to
full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,
Your line manager should be your
commence studies at master’s level but they
can take five or six years).
first point of contact. Each unit has an
Please note that Service leavers cannot
can utilise their ELC for study at this level.
education/learning specialist, and each
Postgraduate qualifications
Service also has a network of educational
popular higher-level course options you
Postgraduate qualifications are HE
and learning centres where advice can be
could choose from …
qualifications that require learners to have
sought and ideas explored.
Here’s a rundown of some of the other
already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most
Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)
types of postgraduate qualification will include
students get together for joint study periods
taught and research elements. They generally
in open learning, with distance learning
fall into one of two categories: postgraduate
generally catering for students who are so
HNCs and HNDs are work-related
certificate or postgraduate diploma.
far away that they study almost entirely by
(vocational) HE qualifications. While
themselves.
on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are
Think you’re missing the necessary basics?
designed to give you the skills to put that
If you aren’t already in possession of the
ELC funding for higher education
knowledge to effective use in a particular
lower-level qualifications you would normally
The good news is that your ELC provides you
job. Highly valued by employers, both in
need to build on in order to secure your
with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE
the UK and overseas, they can also count
place on an HE course, the Access to Higher
qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first
towards membership of professional bodies
Education (HE) Diploma – often referred
undergraduate degree or equivalent) free
and other employer organisations. HNCs
to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma
from tuition fees. This commitment means
can take one year to complete full-time and
– could be for you. You can find out all
that Service leavers who have joined at level
two years part-time (or via, say, distance
you need to know about Access Diplomas
2, say, and have taken the opportunity to
learning). HNDs take two years full-time and
in our feature starting on page 42. It’s a
gain a qualification such as an advanced
can also be taken part-time (which takes
qualification that prepares people for study
apprenticeship, or other accredited learning
longer). (The award of an HND requires more
at university, and is designed for those who
at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to
units to be passed than for an HNC.) They
would like to study in HE but who left school
access their first higher-level qualification.
equate to approximately halfway between
without the usual qualifications, such as
an A-level and a degree, although they are,
A-levels. It is widely accepted by universities
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
as mentioned above, more practically based
and colleges, having been developed with
Training and Education, which can be
than the latter.
their support, and is designed to provide a
accessed and downloaded at www.
good grounding in the knowledge and study
enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus
Full details can be found in JSP822
Foundation degrees
skills needed to succeed in HE. Although
Foundation degrees combine learning with
equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma
work experience if you decide you want
courses are put together with people who
COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses
to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent
haven’t studied for a while in mind – and
l
Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this
most don’t require prior qualifications. Many
Compare official course data from
is a fully flexible qualification that allows
are suitable for study part-time or in the
universities and colleges, including
you to study full- or part-time to fit your
evenings, which adds to their flexibility. Most
student satisfaction and jobs after
lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240
FE colleges in England and Wales offer such
study (you have to apply to the college
‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full
Access courses, and a number are available
or university direct)
account will be taken of any prior learning
through distance learning, so you should
l
UCAS: http://search.ucas.com
and experience you have accrued, too.
be able to find a course that is convenient
Search and apply for full-time courses
Recent developments, including university
for you, and that caters for your interests
by course name, provider name or
partnerships and funding, make these
or career ambitions. You can find out more
location
qualifications increasingly available to people
about Access to HE courses, browse courses
in the Services.
and read success stories on the Access to
l
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
Higher Education homepage at
Degree courses A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
National Careers Service: https://
Search for full- and part-time courses
academic study leading to a qualification
How to learn
such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor
Qualifications can be earned through full-
Postgraduate study
of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known
time courses, part-time courses, day release,
l
as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s
night school, open and distance learning
degree is designed to give learners a
(see the feature on page 24 of this issue).
thorough understanding of a subject, and
There will usually be more times when
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses
l
Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
21
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Gain a degree with WBDL For many people the traditional notion of spending three years on campus studying a subject at university is simply not possible, but there is another option available …
The ELC advantage Using his ELC, Stuart Keillor, a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy currently working as a programme manager at the MoD London, has combined his military career with continuous learning opportunities, culminating in an MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University
‘I joined the Navy as an Officer Cadet at 18 and have enjoyed a range of challenging and
of my studies I was deployed abroad for a six-month
Family, career, finance – all of these things can
rewarding leadership
operational tour within
make studying for a degree feel impossible,
and management roles.
the US Navy 5th Fleet
especially if you throw a Forces lifestyle into the
I work within the DGNuc
HQ, Bahrain, as well as
mix. However, there are ways to make it happen.
department as the project
operational deployments
The Lincoln International Business School (LIBS)
sponsor officer for Astute
on board British and Italian
at the University of Lincoln offers a range of work-
Class submarines. It’s my
warships. It was useful to have
based distance learning (WBDL) courses, enabling
responsibility to drive project
people to gain a degree without ever having to
compliance and ensure the essential
be used offline, but also to have ready
step on campus. Even better, this study route is
capability of these platforms is delivered
access to high-quality online content and
often discounted against the traditional method.
while achieving value for money for the
tutor support when I did have connectivity
taxpayer.
to the internet.
Many distance learners are extremely talented and driven but may not have gone down the
digital learning material that could
‘It was only after several years in
‘The whole degree experience was a
traditional routes, such as some senior leaders
challenging and rewarding leadership
useful exercise in managing time wisely.
within the corporate world or military personnel
and management roles that I decided
As a Serviceman I spend long periods of
who joined the Forces at an early age. In the past,
to study for an MBA to both enhance
time apart from my family on deployment.
they may have had to wait until much later in life
my business acumen as well as achieve
I was very focused on using any spare time
before embarking on a qualification, but now they
academic recognition for my talent. I used
constructively so that there was no reason
don’t have to – they can access their learning
ELC to fund a large proportion of the cost
to impact on family time either at weekends
from wherever they are in the world at a time that
of my studies. ELCAS is an extremely
or during leave periods. I chose to commute
suits them. Some of LIBS’ current learners have
valuable resource often not used to its full
by train, again to allow useful study time on
enrolled from South Africa, China and Afghanistan.
advantage by Service personnel and I would
my laptop, smartphone and e-reader.
encourage others to consider it as an option
‘My studies have re-enforced my
WBDL is not a new concept, but with the latest technological advancements it is more powerful than ever. With online virtual learning
when they want to enhance their skills. ‘The Services offer career variety by
understanding that you are never too old to learn and that to be successful you must
environments, a flexible personal tutor who is
offering their personnel the opportunity
continuously embrace change to retain
not bound by conventional working patterns and
to change roles roughly every two years,
competitive advantage. My belief is that
a good internet connection, anything is possible!
which helps develop a broad cadre of
leadership is a blend of ‘nature and nurture’
Current popular study topics include business
experience. Unlike other roles I have
and that failure to study both successes and
management, engineering management, logistics
undertaken in the past, my current role
failures denies us the opportunity to learn
managements and human resources management.
requires a good academic and practical
from our own and others’ experiences.
Research has already shown that an organisation
understanding of finance and accounting,
that invests in its people in terms of development
which were well covered by my MBA. More
2018 to pursue a second career based in
reaps the rewards in increased satisfaction,
broadly, conducting a course of this nature
Scotland, ideally in financial services or with
motivation and ultimately retention. If you are
obliges you to be reflective and challenges
a major utility company. My MBA will be the
interested in accessing higher education from a
you to invest in continuous improvement.
perfect springboard for this new challenge.’
distance, visit www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/lbs/wbdl/
The positive experience of my MBA drives
or email mhickerton@lincoln.ac.uk It could be a
my appetite for continued learning.
life-changing decision!
‘I qualified with Distinction in November 2016, having chosen to study with Edinburgh Business School because of its
22
inherent flexibility. Over the course
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
‘I intend leaving the Armed Forces in
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Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
Keep your distance! ... and let the classroom come to you
ASK YOURSELF … l
Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?
l
Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential
T
What’s involved?
can study when and where you
Courses delivered through distance
want. There’s no need to be
learning range from those taking as
l
Can I chat to previous learners?
physically on-campus to study or take
little as a few hours, to degrees and
l
Do I have to pass an entry test?
(some) training courses. And that, of
postgraduate qualifications that may
l
How much support is available? And in
course, is a considerable benefit to those
involve several years’ study. So-called
of you posted to far-flung locations,
‘short courses’ typically last days or
meaning that you can continue your
weeks as opposed to months or years.
distance, or is it necessary to attend
studies wherever in the world you may
Even those subjects with a strong
training sessions at specific times?
be. Nothing need come between you and your preparations for life in the civilian world. As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all of these
practical element often have modules
To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc. org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.
likely to overlap, but, as a rough guide, open learning includes
l
Thanks to the wide availability of useful
what form? l
l
How much does the course cost?
l
Will there be an exam at the end?
l
Is the provider inspected or accredited by an independent body?
l
If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three
provided by either one
years? l
following means: books,
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of
phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts
How much time will I need to set aside for study?
and support may be or a combination of the
Can the whole course be done at a
l
technology these days, learning materials
Can I view the training materials first, before committing?
that are suited to distance learning.
types of learning are
24
employer)?
hanks to distance learning, you
operational duties? l
Is the course available via learning
and via mobile learning; the latter
tools that I will be able to access? (For
more face-to-face classes than distance
is where the student accesses course
example, if you are in an environment
learning, while the word ‘supported’
content stored on a mobile device or
where IT availability is limited, you
usually indicates that there are tutors
through a wireless server. Some providers
should select a course where it is
and physical material available to help
offer course elements via the iTunes
possible to use paper and telephone,
students.
Store, which can be downloaded free of
at least for a limited period.)
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
THE COLLEGE OF
O S T E O PAT H S
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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 Quest January 22/12/2015 09:27 Page 11 Gain a valuable profession. • 2016_2015 Contact us today for help and advice:
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FLEXIBLE LEARNING Slow down or speed up your study depending on your circumstances RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING Gain exemptions using your previous professional qualifications and experience SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Policies and procedures that will support you in case of unforeseen circumstances that could impact on your study ELCAS Use your enhanced learning credits towards your course fees
To find out more E. ask@solent.ac.uk T. +44 (0)23 8201 3039 www.solent.ac.uk
020 8905 1937 01782 294 596Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
25
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
charge. Many courses make extensive
the entrance examinations of a particular
learning, and that use ICT systems to
use of the internet. Others involve tutor
professional body.
enable users to access learning.
groups, which may meet regularly,
Both higher education (HE) and
or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’
further education (FE) courses can
direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’
duration to provide classroom education
be taken via distance learning. The
(somebody who has first-hand experience
that complements regular, directed
difference between these is not always
of a course or a training provider),
coursework at a distance.
clear-cut though, and in some cases
written prospectuses and, of course, the
(e.g. foundation degrees), both types
internet. The website of the Open and
are involved. Many qualifications are
Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL
The great thing about distance learning –
modular; this means that you complete
QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key
especially for those, like you, in the Armed
them in sections (modules), often of
contacts’).
Forces – is that it puts you in control of
your own choosing, and credits gained
your education. Once you have chosen
from a selection of such courses can be
and enrolled on your course (see below),
added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and
Who are the learning providers?
you are free to study when, where – and,
other HE qualifications. It is not always
Many learning providers are neither HE
these days, how – you choose, so you can
necessary to have an undergraduate
nor FE institutions, although they may
fit your education around your current
degree to gain a master’s; neither is it
have links of varying strengths with
work and/or family commitments. It’s
necessary to have one in order to achieve
one or more colleges or universities.
entirely up to you.
many professional qualifications.
Many companies run large training
At your convenience
And, of course, in these days of laptops,
Increasingly, Service people like you
departments, and there are also many
notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
are taking distance learning modules
commercial organisations that provide
you can set up and study at a location of
as part of the training that contributes
training to paying clients. Much of the
your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even
to career progression. So, you could
training such providers deliver is of
while travelling. Importantly, too, you can
be studying with a view to gaining
excellent quality and targeted carefully
work at your own pace – there are no term
qualifications that will help you while in
at the needs of civilian employers in a
times to be rigidly stuck to (although you
the Forces or when you leave, or just for
specific market sector. Many commercial
may have to sit exams, which may take
personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a
businesses offering training use the
place only at specific times).
particular subject.
premises of academic institutions to
To sum up, distance study enables you
But how do you know who is a good
deliver courses, and may have contracts
take responsibility for your own learning.
provider and who is not? And exactly
with employment agencies to help their
However, although you will be in control,
which course do you need? All this choice
students find work.
a good provider will offer support – so you
can prove confusing! In the accompanying
will certainly not be alone, left completely
‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist
some of the bigger distance learning
to your own devices, but will have back-up
that should help you.
organisations, however – as mentioned
and assistance as and when you require it.
You are likely to have heard of
above – there are many other providers
There are also likely to be self-checks and
Finding out more
interim tests to help ensure that you are
Service education and training staff, both
of courses, some with discounts for
on target, and tutor-marked assessments
within your unit and specialists, can often
Service people (ask your education
to provide valuable feedback, as well as a
provide the best advice about what you
and training adviser for further
telephone helpline to call or someone to
might want and what it is actually possible
information). Q
email for advice if you get stuck.
for you to achieve. They can also
How do I choose a course and provider?
provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and recommend
out there too, also offering a wide range
Q
KEY CONTACTS
Although necessarily influenced by
the subjects that you should be
demand from learners, there are loads
encouraged to pursue – particularly
of courses available in distance learning
with a view to a second career when
form. And because the choice of provider
leaving the Services. Increasing numbers
0800 101 901
is huge, too, you are more than likely to
of Forces learning and education centres
www.learndirect.co.uk
be able to track down the course you
and personal learning advisers also have
@learndirect
are looking for. This may be something
access to e-learning opportunities.
that will give you a general grounding
26
Other information sources include
Information about courses is also
learndirect
Open and Distance Learning Quality
or background in a particular subject or
available from learndirect (see ‘Key
area (that you may go on to study in more
contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses
020 8658 8337
depth later), or you might be looking to
and learning centres with tutor support,
www.odlqc.org.uk
focus on something very specific – such as
where students can undertake online
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Council (ODL QC)
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Q
YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER
Boost your prospects while serving How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service
A
s noted elsewhere in this
include accountancy and management
publication, the main purpose
qualifications, or courses related to
of ELC is to encourage serving
health and safety, and facilities or project
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
management. Depending on your Service
that benefits both the learner and the
role, you could find yourself in a position to
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
embark on a range of studies that will turn
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
out to have a very useful crossover into
which state that any money provided for
the civilian workplace when the time comes
your personal development has to be of
for you to make the transition.
immediate benefit to both the Armed
For example, thinking of IT training
Forces and the individual – if not, the
as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
network of employers working to creating
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
accompanying box for more tax-related
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
of study undertaken by individuals still
information.)
been involved in putting together a
serving are exempt from taxation, either
The best of both worlds is offered by
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
those courses that will benefit your own
qualifications, which in these high-tech
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
career and promotion prospects in the
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
Services – and ultimately help you find
as they are while you remain in Service.
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
employment on leaving – as well as offering
Similar work has taken place with Summit
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
a benefit to the Service while you remain
Skills with regard to building services
This means that the Service leaver (or
in uniform.
engineering-related courses. A great many
their surviving spouse, civil partner or
other areas are likely to serve you well in
eligible partner, where appropriate) will
that your Service role might require,
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
not be required to pay income tax on
but that are also highly likely to prove
your Service branch now, of course! Q
payments received under the ELC and
Some of the areas of education
useful once you leave the Forces, could
FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
28
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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questonline.co.uk l February 2018
29
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY
health and safety The
heroes 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?
30
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
What’s involved?
include work as a marine surveyor, cargo
W
orkplace health and safety (H&S)
surveyor, petroleum inspector, compliance
officers use their skills and
investigator, or insurance claims and
knowledge to promote a positive
insurance analyst. You could also work as a
H&S culture, ensuring that both employers and employees abide by safety legislation,
safety director, technician or engineer. The law requires employers to appoint
and that safety policies and practices are
‘competent’ people with responsibility
adopted and observed. H&S officers play
for H&S, irrespective of the size of the
a vital role in preventing and
organisation or the field in which
controlling operational losses and occupational health problems, as well as accidents and injuries. These days, H&S has moved several steps away from reactive, accidentbased management
Your other key tasks might include: l
it operates. A ‘competent’ person is somebody NEBOSH with the necessary National General experience, training, Certificate knowledge and/ The essential first step to a or other qualities career in H&S to undertake the www.nebosh.org.uk/ role, particularly risk qualifications/certificate/ assessment. Because default.asp?cref=26 organisations are
and towards a more highlighted by NEBOSH’s Certificate
such a person, training and experience are legal requirements for
in the Management of Health and Well-
the management of H&S. A breach of H&S
being at Work.
law is a criminal offence that can result in
H&S officers (or advisers) are based in
assessments, and thinking about how risks could be reduced l
investigating accidents and recommending improvements to safety standards
l
keeping records of accidents and inspection findings
l
writing reports to suggest improvements
l
obliged by law to employ
preventative approach, as
carrying out inspections and risk
advising on protective clothing and safety equipment
l
ensuring equipment is safely installed
l
organising safe disposal of hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos)
l
fines, imprisonment, or both.
providing training (to both managers and employees) in H&S issues and risks
a huge range of organisations – from small
In smaller organisations, the H&S
consultancies to multinational firms – and
‘competent’ person function might form
work together with many different people,
one part of a wider role, with the individual
On an average day, you will probably also
from employees and employers to trades
concerned responsible for it as part of
be required to wear protective clothing like
unions and directors. As an H&S officer,
their job while having other responsibilities
overalls, ear defenders and safety glasses.
you will help to plan, implement, monitor
too. Larger organisations will employ
You will also need a clean driving licence
and review the preventative and protective
a specialist (or specialists), or use a
if your job calls for you to travel between
measures that companies are required, or
consultancy.
sites.
accidents and injuries, occupational health
The day job
Skill up while serving
problems and operational losses.
So, if you are thinking of a career as an
It almost goes without saying that most
choose, to follow, and work to minimise
Many jobs in the H&S field are
H&S officer or adviser, what are
general or don’t fit into a specific area.
you likely to find yourself
For instance, product safety consultants
doing on a day-to-day
help to make sure products meet
basis?
necessary standards before reaching the marketplace. Other possible careers
WHERE DO H&S PROFESSIONALS WORK?
As your aim is to prevent health problems, accidents and injuries at work, part of your role will
l
staying up to date with changes in the law.
Service people work for at
least some of the time in NEBOSH potentially hazardous Certificate in the environments or Management of Health and with dangerous Well-being at Work equipment, or both. For the skills and knowledge Across all branches to tackle health and well-being and trades there at work are those with www.nebosh.org.uk/ qualifications/certificate/default. practical experience and awareness of H&S asp?cref=570&ct=2
Common areas of employment include:
call for you to draw
l
chemicals and allied industries
up health and safety
l
construction
policies, and make sure
l
education and training
that both the employees
l
engineering
and employers stick to them, as
l
hospitals and clinics
well as following national safety legislation.
l
local government
Depending on the kind of organisation you
recognise that is what they are doing, or
l
manufacturing
are working in, your role could cover areas
might consider it a relatively unimportant
l
oil and gas
such as occupational health, noise, safe
part of their job.
l
transport
use of machinery, fire safety and control of
l
telecommunications.
hazardous substances.
at work – you may well be one of them! Indeed, many Service people actively involved in H&S work may not even
Forces-run modular training courses in H&S, leading to a certificate, offer an
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
31
Q
COURSE YOUR ELC CHOICES ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY type of training you choose will depend
NEBOSH
on the industry you work in, or wish to
The NEBOSH National Diploma in
work in. All workplace H&S practitioners
Occupational Health and Safety is seen
need a basic core of knowledge in order to
as the qualification for aspiring H&S
practise effectively. If you are new to H&S,
professionals, designed to provide students
you can start by taking an introductory
with the expertise required to undertake a
course that covers the basics (health
career as a safety and health practitioner.
and safety in the workplace, regulations,
It assumes prior learning equivalent to the
risk assessment and basic accident
National General Certificate.
investigation). Courses are usually
related courses:
done via online and distance learning.
l
opportunity to gain relevant qualifications
Courses for which you could use your ELC
while you are still serving. You may
include:
currently be in a post that enables you
l
to gain significant H&S qualifications (e.g. N/SVQs or NEBOSH awards). There
l
H&S as part of a job description (e.g. the the person looking to specialise in this
4 in occupational health and safety
field (e.g. the NEBOSH National General
practice will provide you with good career
Certificate, seen as the essential minimum
opportunities. Recognised by the IOSH as being equivalent to the NEBOSH
and safety job).
To become an H&S adviser, you can either study for health and safety qualifications once you already have
l
Diploma in Environmental Management
Health and Safety (level 6) l
3) l
Fire Safety and Risk Management
l
National Certificate in Construction
l
International General Certificate in
l
National Certificate in Environmental
l
National Certificate in the Management
Certificate Health and Safety (level 3)
National Diploma, each takes
NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Find out more at www.nebosh.org.uk/ qualifications/diploma/
a job, or take a relevant
approximately a year to
Occupational Health and Safety
achieve. ELC and SLC cannot be used together but,
National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (level
Occupational Health and Safety. In particular, N/SVQs at levels 3 and
Get qualified!
International Diploma in Occupational
National General Certificate in
IOSH Certificate in Managing Safely) or
qualification for any full-time health
l
level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
l
National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace
are also courses you could take that are aimed at the potential manager who sees
NEBOSH also offers the following H&S-
available on a part-time basis or can be
Management of Health and Well-being at Work
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
training course before you
Award in Health and Safety in
look for a trainee position. The
the Workplace, which provides essential
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS
32
knowledge and understanding of health and safety in the workplace. There is also
The skills and qualities essential for an
a level 1 Award in Health and Safety in
H&S professional are very likely to be
a Construction Environment, if you are
familiar to military people like you:
looking to work in a H&S-related role in the
l
self-confidence
construction industry; this qualification
NEED TO KNOW
l
an eye for detail
will give you the essential knowledge to
1. Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
l
problem-solving skills
manage health and safety, and holding it
– the government body that ensures
l
systematic approach to work
will also allow you to take your CITB test
risks to health and safety from work
situations
and apply for your CSCS card. To work as a full-time health and
situations are properly controlled 2. Institution of Occupational Safety
l
diversity of work environments
l
good communication skills (for
safety officer, you may need a higher level
writing reports or dealing with
of qualification approved by the IOSH
employers)
(see below). You can progress to more
l
flexibility
advanced qualifications as your skills
Occupational Safety and Health
l
wide-ranging responsibilities
develop and your level of responsibility
(NEBOSH) – an independent awarding
l
the ability to analyse what went
grows.
body for H&S qualifications (universities
and Health (IOSH) – the professional body for H&S practitioners 3. National Examination Board in
wrong and, importantly, how to put it
and other bodies also provide
right.
qualifications recognised by IOSH)
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
l
International Certificate in
advice is that employers tend to favour
Construction Health and Safety
job applicants who have good people
International Technical Certificate in
management and interpersonal skills.
FIND JOB VACANCIES AT …
Oil and Gas Operational Safety.
Health and safety professionals should
l
also keep their skills up to date. And, if
HealthandSafety-Jobs www.healthandsafety-jobs.co.uk
IOSH
you can bring a range of additional skills
Membership of the IOSH is seen as
– such as being able to provide in-house
essential by most H&S professionals who
training in areas like manual handling or
are beyond ‘competent’ person status
first aid – that’s another benefit as far as
and specialists in their field. Membership
employers are concerned. In addition, the
grades depend on a combination
Management of Health and Safety at Work
of qualifications, experience and
Regulations outline the legal requirements
achievement. The IOSH also runs a series
for safety management issues and, if
of courses that promote a culture of safe
anything, this increases the need for
working, such as its modular Managing
companies to employ ‘competent’ persons
Safely course. You can find out more on its
themselves, as opposed to dealing with
website (see ‘Key contacts’).
safety issues via consultants.
Other qualifications
employing an individual to a major
four years’ experience is £30,811, rising to
Scientific, engineering or technical
organisation that has an entire safety
£37,671 for those with up to nine years’
Diplomas and National
team. Some companies specialise
for H&S. There are also postgraduate qualifications in H&S, with
Major online job sites and recruitment agencies
l
Websites of large organisations and multinationals
l
Websites and publications relating e.g. construction
l
National and local media
salary for H&S professionals with up to
experience. H&S trainers are also well paid by today’s standards. A NEBOSH National Diploma holder could earn £25,000-plus
engineering surveying
particular emphasis
is another
on occupational, aspects. Some universities have
www.shponline.co.uk l
supervision, safety audits,
FIND OUT MORE … and insurance company on the RoSPA website: safety assessments. www.rospa.com/occupational- Facilities safety/advice/career/ management
environmental and hygiene
(magazine of the IOSH)
in H&S issues such as planning
Certificates are particularly appropriate
Safety and Health Practitioner
to the industry you’re interested in,
Jobs range from a small company
degrees, HNDs, HNCs, National
l
sector where employment possibilities are enhanced
per year, depending on experience and managerial responsibility. With experience and more responsibility, senior H&S
Q
MSc distance learning programmes that
by a safety qualification. As noted
focus on H&S and can lead to corporate
above, many employers look for H&S
membership of the IOSH (see above) within
advisers to have training qualifications,
a year. Training can be expensive, but
and to be able to assess the need for,
there is financial help available.
design and deliver safety training.
Use your ELC
and other staff through an online
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
recruitment process. Trainees will
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
usually spend their first two years
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
training in the Field Operations
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
Directorate. After that, some may
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
be deployed into the Hazardous
details of how to make the most of your
Installations Directorate to meet
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on
business needs or for personal
pages 6–28.
development.
Finding employment
What can you earn?
As noted above, most H&S officers/
Note: the following figures are intended
advisers get into this role by either
as a guideline only.
completing a qualification and then looking
Salaries vary widely depending on role
for work or studying while working. Note,
and responsibilities, location and type of
though, that it is becoming more common
company. They can range from £22,000
for advisers to enter the profession with
to £35,000 a year, again depending
a degree-level qualification. Some good
on the exact role. The current average
The HSE employs inspectors
advisers could earn £50,000 or more. Q
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 and Health (IOSH) 0116 257 3100 reception@iosh.co.uk www.iosh.co.uk @IOSH_tweets National Compliance & Risk Qualifications (NCRQ) 01244 893575 enquiries@ncrq.org.uk www.ncrq.org.uk @NCRQ_UK National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) 0116 263 4700 info@nebosh.org.uk www.nebosh.org.uk @NEBOSHTweets
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
33
Q
YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE
Useful contacts
Need to know more? Here’s who can help …
F
or general enquiries about
Education and Resettlement Staff
RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk
the scheme, eligibility and
seeking further clarification of sS
(
qualifications, seek advice from
instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,
Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264
381580)
at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET
resettlement staff in the first instance,
SO3C’ (
not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer
625954)
Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF
Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392
l
RAF: Personal Learning Advisors
the following single-Service education and
(PLAs), and Resettlement and
Army: Individual Education and
Learning Centres. Education and
guidance on eligibility or education/
Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army
Resettlement Staff seeking further
learning or resettlement needs. Policy
Education Centres, which must be used
clarification of sS instructions should
helpline details are as follows.
by Service leavers on resettlement.
contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:
RN: RN/RM Education and
Education and Resettlement Staff
’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (
Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval
seeking further clarification of sS
95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)
Education and Training Support
instructions should contact the relevant
Officers (NETSOs) and Naval
SO2 Retention and Resettlement in
In addition, advice on any aspect of the
Resettlement Information Officers
Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-
ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:
(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.
ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-
applications, not provide advice and
l
l
Mil:
People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q
WANT TO WIN £250?
Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize! Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of qualifications (and are perhaps still working on others), or you’ve already negotiated the resettlement process and are well into your new life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us know about your experiences? Your own personal learning or resettlement story could feature in a future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.
34
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner. So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk/ pages/the-quest-questionnaire where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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E LC Logo 4435
PROVIDER NUMBER
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
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YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RISK MANAGEMENT
Make risk your reward! What’s involved?
R
isk is part of all our lives. As a society, we need to take risks to grow and develop. From energy
to infrastructure, supply chains to airport security, hospitals to housing, effectively managed risks help societies to achieve. In
As Alastair Allison tells us on page 40, the skills required to ‘know your enemy’, and how you can develop tactics to counter the enemy, is basic risk management. That means, without even knowing it, you may have spent a significant proportion of your Services career preparing for a role in this industry. Are you ready to take the risk?
our fast-paced world, the risks we have to manage evolve quickly. We need to make sure we manage risks so that we minimise their threats and maximise their potential. Risk management involves
in sectors such as construction). At a more
we do, the types of work undertaken by
senior level, you may spend time away from
risk professionals are incredibly diverse.
the office at conferences.
understanding, analysing and addressing
They include roles in insurance, business
Travel within the working day is
risk to make sure organisations achieve
continuity, health and safety, corporate
common, but depends on the size of the
their objectives. So it must be proportionate
governance, engineering, planning and
organisation and your level of responsibility.
to the complexity and type of organisation
financial services.
Risk management jobs are available across
involved. Enterprise risk management (ERM)
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Because risk is inherent to everything
The work is likely to be primarily office
the UK, but overseas travel may be required
is an integrated and joined-up approach to
based but often includes visits to other
if you are working for a company that
managing risk across an organisation and its
offices to see clients (if you’re working in
operates internationally.
extended networks.
consultancy) or to sites (if you’re working
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Risk management strategies and processes
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Get qualified!
Risk mitigation: during this step, companies assess their highest-ranked
Risk management standards
According to technology-focused website
risks and develop a plan to alleviate
A number of standards have been
TechTarget, all risk management plans – in
them using specific risk controls. These
developed worldwide to help organisations
whichever area or sector they are applied –
plans include risk mitigation processes,
follow the same steps that combine to make
risk prevention tactics and
up the overall risk management process.
contingency plans in the
These are as follows.
event the risk occurs.
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Risk identification: the company
Risk monitoring: part
systematically and effectively.
The IRM
These standards seek to
The mission of the IRM is to build excellence in risk management, in all sectors and across the world. Read about how some members have benefited from the IRM here: www.theirm.org/ about/testimonials
establish a common view on frameworks,
identifies and defines potential risks
of the mitigation plan
that may negatively influence a specific
includes following
company process or project.
up on both the
Risk analysis: once specific types of risk
risks and the overall
have been identified, the company then
plan to continuously
determines the odds of it occurring, as
monitor and track new
well as its consequences. The goal of the
and existing risks. The
analysis is to further understand each
overall risk management process
specific instance of risk, and how it could
should also be reviewed and updated
standards are regularly supplemented and
influence the company’s projects and
accordingly.
updated.
objectives. l
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implement risk management
processes and practice, and are generally set by recognised international standards bodies or by industry groups. Risk management
is a fast-moving discipline and
The different standards reflect the
Risk assessment and evaluation:
Skill up while serving
different motivations and technical focus
the risk is then further evaluated after
Read our two in-depth case studies, starting
of their developers, and are appropriate for
determining the risk’s overall likelihood
on page 40, which highlight how ex-Services
a variety of organisations and situations.
of occurrence combined with its overall
personnel have used their Forces
Standards are normally voluntary, although
consequence. The company can then
experience and transferable skills to make
adherence to a standard may be required by
make decisions as to whether the risk is
a successful transition to a civilian career in
regulators or by contract. Commonly used
acceptable and whether the company
risk management. You might be surprised
standards include:
is willing to take it on based on its risk
at the sort of parallels there are between
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appetite.
military roles and risk-management careers.
ISO 31000 2009 – Risk Management Principles and Guidelines
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YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RISK MANAGEMENT Risk Management Standard – IRM/
then progressing on to a risk manager role.
Alarm/AIRMIC 2002, developed by the
Employers expect A-levels or equivalent
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS
UK’s three main risk organisations
qualifications for entry through this route.
The basic skills you will need for a
ISO/IEC 31010:2009 – Risk
successful career in risk management include:
Techniques
International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management
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technical acumen
COSO 2004 – Enterprise Risk
For those new to the career, the IRM offers
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problem-solving and decision-making
Management – Integrated Framework
the International Certificate in Enterprise
OCEG ‘Red Book’ 2.0: 2009 – a
Risk Management, an introductory distance-
Governance, Risk and Compliance
learning qualification, which takes six to
Capability Model.
nine months to complete. It is delivered as
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the ability to cope under pressure
Professional qualifications from the Institute
two modules, which are taken together.
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planning and organisation skills
of Risk Management (IRM) seek to equip
It offers a thorough grounding in the
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negotiation skills and the ability to
students with the knowledge and judgement
principles and practice of risk management.
to select the appropriate standard or
Find out more here: www.theirm.org/
standards for use within their organisation.
qualifications/international-certificate-in-
You can read about the IRM’s Professional
enterprise-risk-management.aspx
Management – Risk Assessment l
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abilities l
detail
influence people l
here: www.theirm.org/the-risk-profession/
NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
risk-management/irms-risk-management-
This qualification is particularly popular
standard
with Service leavers and offered by many
aspx and its Risk Management Standard
good communication and presentation skills
Standards here: www.theirm.org/about/ professional-standards-in-risk-management.
analytical skills and a good eye for
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commercial awareness
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numerical skills and the ability to evaluate costs
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the ability to understand broad business issues.
Source: www.prospects.ac.uk
ELCAS approved training providers.
Starting out
Courses leading to this qualification
Entry to this industry without a degree is
should equip holders to carry out fire risk
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possible, but you will usually start in an
assessments of most low-risk workplaces
Find out more here: www.nebosh.org.
administrative role before working your
and identify the range of fire protective
uk/qualifications/certificate/default.
way up to a risk assistant position and
and preventative measures required. It is
asp?cref=64&
WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOB VACANCIES
therefore also suitable for those moving into fire safety adviser roles. The course
Other course providers
covers the management of health and
Other professional bodies that offer sector-
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IRM: www.theirm.org
safety – and in particular fire safety –
or occupation-specific risk management
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Alarm, the risk professionals’
including legal requirements.
training include:
organisation, has vacancies in the l
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No previous health and safety or
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CFA Institute
public sector: www.alarm-uk.org
fire safety knowledge is required. The
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Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
The Association of Insurance and
qualification is divided into three units, each
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Global Association of Risk Professionals
Risk Managers (AIRMIC) – has job
of which is assessed separately:
listings in its members’ section:
1. Management of Health and Safety
See ‘Key contacts’ for full details of all of
www.airmic.com
2. Fire Safety and Risk Management
these.
eFinancialCareers:
3. Practical Fire Risk Assessment.
www.efinancialcareers.co.uk l
Jobs In Risk: www.jobsinrisk.com
This modular structure provides great
(GARP).
Higher-level study
flexibility, enabling students to choose to
Although this area of work is open to all
Individual companies may advertise
study individual units in any order over a
graduates, a degree in one of the following
opportunities on their websites. There
five-year period.
subjects may increase your chances:
are also specialist recruitment agencies
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engineering
that have details of risk management
course providers and vary depending on
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finance or economics
vacancies. These include:
the format of the course. You should plan
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law
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Adam Appointments – agency for
your study around a minimum of 70 taught
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management or business studies
risk management recruitment in
hours and approximately 55 hours of private
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science
Scotland: www.adamappointments.
study and background reading. Training
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statistics.
co.uk
providers offer courses to fit around your
Graduates of less relevant subjects can
IPS Group – recruitment of risk
requirements, via:
also take the IRM’s International Certificate
managers in a variety of sectors and
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distance or blended learning
in Enterprise Risk Management (see
locations: www.ipsgroup.co.uk/risk-
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day or evening courses over a number of
above) to give them an introduction to risk
weeks
management and increase their chances of
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management-jobs
38
block release or modular courses.
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Course fees are determined by individual
gaining an entry-level position. It also offers
keep up to date with developments in the
What can you earn?
the International Certificate in Financial
area and refresh their skills.
Note: the following figures are intended as a
Services Risk Management, which is a
guideline only.
degree-equivalent qualification. Although
Use your ELC
there are no formal entry requirements,
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
Typical starting salaries for those starting
students are expected to have some
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
in a risk technician role are around £21,250.
knowledge of risk management tools and
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
Risk analysts with between one and six
techniques. The course is delivered through
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
years’ experience can earn from £29,000
supported distance learning, which includes
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
to £44,000. With several years’ experience
directed self-study and online coaching.
details of how to make the most of your
at risk manager level, salaries can range
Find out more here: www.theirm.org/
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages
from £46,500 to £74,000. With substantial
qualifications/international-certificate-in-
6–28.
experience at director level it is possible to
financial-services-risk-management.aspx Graduates of risk management courses
Risk management is not an entry-level role.
earn £70,000-plus.
Finding employment
Salaries vary widely depending on
and courses with risk management content
Risk-related careers are incredibly
sector, level of responsibility and location.
are sought after and targeted by recruiters
diverse, reflecting the widespread role
The highest salaries are found in financial
of risk managers. Some risk management
of risk management in companies and
sectors and in London-based positions. Q
undergraduate and postgraduate courses
communities. Risk roles range from banking
offer exemptions from IRM professional
and insurance to logistics and infrastructure,
Our grateful thanks go to the IRM for their
qualifications.
aviation, space travel, construction, public
help in the preparation of this feature.
Postgraduate courses in risk
health, international development and
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management can also be studied, sometimes
many more. Because of their highly
on a distance-learning basis. Such courses
transferable skills, qualified and
can offer a way to develop your career and
experienced risk management
may be supported by your future employer.
professionals are able to move
The IRM offers an International Diploma
easily between different sectors
in Enterprise Risk Management, which is
and countries. Transferring across
a postgraduate-level qualification for risk
sectors can often open up opportunities
management professionals. It usually takes
to gain higher salaries, better prospects and
around 18 months to complete and, again, is
sponsorship of further qualifications.
undertaken via distance learning. Find out
Employers of risk managers include:
more here: www.theirm.org/qualifications/
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banks
international-diploma-in-risk-management.
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charities and commercial businesses
aspx
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energy and utilities companies
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engineering and construction companies
join the IRM as students during their
IRM Certificate and Diploma students
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insurance companies
studies and are upgraded to relevant
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NHS trusts
qualified member grades upon completion.
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local authorities.
Students on risk management degree and
At higher levels, employers look
postgraduate courses are able to apply for
for experience or knowledge of risk
free student membership of the IRM while
management, so it may be useful to seek
studying, which can help with job prospects.
work placements during leave time if these
Visit the IRM website for details of the
are not part of a course you are taking or
different levels of membership available (see
plan to take. This could set you up with risk
‘Key contacts’).
and insurance contacts, which could help
Postgraduate qualifications are not
your future job prospects. Experience from
essential but can be advantageous. A
your Service career could also be useful if
master’s in risk management is also
it relates to the sector in which you wish to
available at a number of universities and
specialise in a risk management role.
may be particularly relevant if you have
There are also opportunities for self-
not completed a risk management-related
employment for experienced risk managers
degree.
who want to set up their own consultancy.
Continuing professional development
And there may be opportunities to work
(CPD) is also important and the IRM runs
abroad as demand for risk managers is
a range of courses and training events
growing, particularly in new fast-developing
throughout the year, to help risk managers
economies.
KEY CONTACTS
IRM 020 7709 9808 enquiries@theirm.org www.theirm.org @irmglobal
Join the IRM mailing list Sign up to the IRM’s free mailing list here: www.theirm.org/mailing-list/subscribe.aspx National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) 0116 263 4700 info@nebosh.org.uk www.nebosh.org.uk @NEBOSHTweets Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) 020 8989 8464 customer.serv@cii.co.uk www.cii.co.uk @CIIGroup Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) 020 7397 9630 www.garp.org @GARP_Risk
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
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YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RISK MANAGEMENT
From military to
risk management The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) asked two of its members what working in risk is really like, and what hints and tips they’d like to share with others looking to make the move from military to risk management … Alastair Allison MSc, CISM SIRM
an MSc in Corporate Risk and Security
Background
Management, gained other qualifications
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Interim Deputy Head of Compliance at Chubb, formerly of Zurich Insurance plc
and experience within my chosen area of
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RAF. By seeking new challenges and stepping
struggling to find what I wanted to do, I got
and the competition needs to be responded
subsidiary of Zurich and providing expertise
a job working for Amey Vectra as a risk
to. As a consequence, being open to change
to global initiatives. The basic security rules
consultant for a short while before taking a
and dealing with it in a positive frame of
in the Joint Services Manual stood the test of
post as enterprise risk manager for Paradigm
mind has helped me to see through many
time. Military staff understand classification
Secure Communications on the £3.2bn
moments of change that would faze others.
and security of data so these skills
satellite communication programme for the
Yes it has been unsettling, but facing up to
transferred very easily. This is a key risk to
UK military – the SKYNET 5 project – which
uncertainty and dealing with ambiguity are
be managed in most businesses these days.
was a real success for me on a personal
key skills Service personnel have and they
and professional level. I was at Paradigm
have served me well.
expertise and created opportunities as
IRM’s Cyber Special Interest Group l
He is project manager and
a result. I prefer to operate in specialist
co-author of the IRM publication
areas than general roles, but my military
Cyber Risk for Risk Practitioners
background enabled me to succeed in both
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Alastair is also a guest lecturer at
by blending my new skills with the leadership
the University of Portsmouth on
and management skills I gained from the
the IRM Risk Culture publication
left the Royal Air Force in 2002 after
out of my comfort zone, I have shown I am
16 years’ service in the fighter control
adaptable and open-minded to change – and I
Information governance
specialisation – air defence of the UK
think this is a great asset to all employers.
Establishing information governance
specialising in electronic warfare. Despite
for nearly six years and then joined a risk consulting division within a software company as Head of Risk Services working
The business landscape constantly shifts
Skills transferred from the RAF
frameworks and practices within a UK
Programme/project risk Quantitative analysis of capital projects and programmes to determine confidence of delivery to time and cost prior to contract
with global companies such as Rolls-Royce,
Enterprise risk management
signature and to ensure ongoing confidence
Rio Tinto and Saudi Aramco. I was then
This is a key skill of most military staff even
in delivery schedules post-contract. I learned
asked to join Zurich Insurance to head up
if it is called other things. Any leadership role
the basic skills in the RAF and continued to
its Information Governance transformation
will help develop such skills, but the skills
develop them further.
programme. While at Zurich I progressed to
required to ‘know your enemy’, and how you
Head of Risk and then to Chief Risk Officer
can develop tactics to counter the enemy,
for UK General Insurance (UKGI).
is basic risk management. Broaden that
Transition to civvy life
across the organisation and you have the ‘enterprise’ element.
I personally found the transition to be
40
Alastair is a former chair of the
difficult as I did not have a plan, but I was
Risk management
lucky to have some support from other
Practitioner in project, programme and
ex-RAF people who helped me find that all-
corporate risk management including the use
important first job. Since then I have taken
of quantitative models to support effective
matters into my own hands: I have gained
decision making and distribution of funding.
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
FACING UP TO UNCERTAINTY AND DEALING WITH AMBIGUITY ARE KEY SKILLS SERVICE PERSONNEL HAVE AND THEY HAVE SERVED ME WELL
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Gossage, IRMCert
Risk Manager for the Executive Committee of the Army Board, British Army
and continuously improving how the Army does
What would you say to others thinking about joining the IRM as a member?
its risk management.
I would absolutely and wholeheartedly
It has been excellent as a handrail for me in understanding the utility of risk management
What’s a typical day like as a risk manager for the Army’s Executive Board?
encourage them. The IRM has provided me with the knowledge to succeed, while formally bringing together 20 years of experience in risk management. In addition, through attending
Much of what I do is based on a quarterly
seminars and professional development
reporting cycle, which dictates the daily activity,
sessions at the IRM, I have been able to gain
but a typical day will involve interfacing with
knowledge and share the best practice of
Risk management training for Army Officers
different departments across the whole Army
others’ experience across an incredibly diverse
starts the minute you walk in the door at the
to gain perspective on the Army’s strategic and
selection of industries. My membership has
Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. It’s an
operating risks, or providing evidence to the
also encouraged others across the Army
integral part of the Army’s planning process,
Assurance committee and Internal Audit that
Headquarters to apply to join and undertake
although for the early part of an Officer’s
we have the right processes in place. Right now
formal qualifications.
career it is focused more on making high-impact
the Army is on a path to refine and develop
decisions while under pressure in potentially
its risk management so there is inevitably
life-threatening situations. As a Royal Engineer
something new to learn or consider most days.
Officer (the Army’s construction specialists,
risk management in the delivery of multiple
What do you enjoy most about your job?
How has your role developed and what are your career ambitions? Has being linked to the IRM helped?
construction projects.
As a risk manager for the Executive Board you
After this post is complete I will go to command
see the whole picture: risks and opportunities.
a regiment of around 500 soldiers – effectively
your education starts to shift towards a focus
It’s thrilling to be influencing the giant leaps the
a medium-sized business where you would
on managing the Army as a business to deliver
Army is making in changing how it operates to
probably be surprised by how similar it can
operational outputs, and so managing risk and
ensure that the service we deliver is exceptional
be to the corporate space at times. I am also
performance become more significant. Formal
for the government and the taxpayer.
hoping to fit in an attachment to a civilian firm
How did you get your job?
in simple terms) I have also been exposed to
However, once you reach the rank of Major,
training comes at the Junior Staff College, but
for a few months to expand my experience and
much of it is on-the-job as you are expected to
What are the challenges?
contribute to performance and risk reporting to
The biggest challenge is ensuring that people
I would hope to return to Army Headquarters
your higher headquarters.
see the value in risk management as the
or the MoD in a role where my knowledge, skills
process matures. Although every Army officer
and experience can add value. Being linked to
I was also lucky enough to be selected to
has a fundamental understanding of risk,
the IRM gives me the credibility to talk about
attend the Defence Academy of the UK for the
they don’t always see the link between risk on
risk across defence, and interface with the
Advanced Command and Staff Course, where
military operations and in the corporate space
senior leadership of the Army with an informed
I also studied for a master’s degree in Defence
immediately.
and reliable perspective. The skills I have gained
When I was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
Studies. A significant part of this course looked
learn from industry best practice. Beyond that
from undertaking this course have now been
so when I was asked to apply internally for my
In what way are your IRM qualifications relevant?
next post I jumped at the chance to take on the
I was really keen to formalise my knowledge,
risk manager role on behalf of the Executive
skills and experience. The senior leadership of
Top tips
Committee of the Army Board. The Board is
Army is very supportive of this and, since the
Getting to my rank in the Army takes years of
chaired by the Chief of the General Staff, and
implementation of Lord Levene’s reforms on
commitment and dedication, but that doesn’t
directs and develops the corporate functions of
Defence in 2010, has committed to ensuring
have to be the end of the story. We have a very
the Army to ensure we can deliver the outputs
that the right people are equipped with the
competent civil service, which would be a more
required of us by the government.
right skills to succeed. With an annual budget of
direct route into the Army Headquarters or
£9bn, ensuring we behave better as a business
the MoD. The Reserves are a particular area
three-day introduction to risk, but I found it light
ultimately assists in achieving our objectives
of growth, with a wide range of opportunities
on content and wanted something that could
and saving the taxpayer money. In addition
where defence can really draw upon their
provide me with a more in-depth understanding
it shows a commitment from the Army to
knowledge, skills and experience. So if you are
while complementing my on-the-job training. I
managing talent and investing in its people.
looking for a challenge, join our team!
at risk management in the corporate space,
Prior to starting the job I undertook a
incorporated into the job specification for any future holders of this role.
attended the Risk Leader’s Conference at the IRM and discussed the International Certificate with some of the organisers and delegates; it seemed like the right route for me to take.
EVERY ARMY OFFICER HAS A FUNDAMENTAL UNDERSTANDING OF RISK
Find out more about the IRM, its training, membership and qualifications at www.theirm.org
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
41
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YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY: ACCESS DIPLOMAS
Learn for life and make learning work for you When you ask young children what they want to be when they grow up they are often very clear: ‘I’m going to be an astronaut … a princess … a doctor.’ Not all of us can realise our childhood dreams, but for some they do come true. Find out how QAArecognised Access to HE qualifications have helped others follow their dreams and change their lives – many of whom thought higher education wasn’t really for them
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earning plays an important role in
Around half of these students are aged
more information is available from gov.uk
individual personal development, and
25 or older. Many left school with few
Students successfully completing a QAA-
for many students the Access to HE
qualifications.
recognised Access to HE Diploma will have
Diploma has changed their lives and helped
the balance of their Advanced Learner
them pursue a graduate profession or gain
‘The Access to HE course is
Loan cancelled when they complete their
promotion.
nothing like school. The tutors are
university studies. Advanced Learner Loan
very supportive, and I think they
repayments currently start when you earn
recognise how life changing the
more than £21,000 per year. That means
Access to HE qualification can be.
you may be paying the loan back while you
Life skills, experiences and personal
study (see table).
‘As a teenager I was convinced that people like me couldn’t go to university’
stories are all valued on the Access
Nneka Akudola became a criminal barrister
to HE course, as well as the main
after completing an Access to HE course in
study curriculum, which I have found
legal studies. With only four GCSEs, she was
very interesting and challenging.’
Simon Hatch
working long hours as a waitress, for very little reward, when she decided to try Access to HE. Nneka didn’t have any firm career ideas when she started her studies – she
‘The tutors recognise
just wanted a degree. She was accepted for
how life-changing
a place to study law at Cardiff University
the Access to HE
and was accepted to the bar a year after
qualification can be’
graduating.
Annual income Monthly income before tax
Monthly repayment
Up to £21,000 £1,750 £0 £22,000 £1,833 £7 £25,000 £2,083 £30 £30,000 £2,500 £67 £35,000 £2,916 £105 £40,000 £3,333 £142
You may also use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) towards the tuition fees for an Access to HE Diploma, and, if you are eligible, you may use the publicly funded FE/
‘I definitely couldn’t have
Costs and fees
taken a degree without
Many people worry that they won’t be able
university studies. It is important to look into
first completing the
to afford university. You don’t need to pay
your funding options carefully to make sure
Access to HE course’
money in advance, and tuition and living
you make the best choice for you. Access
cost loans are not like commercial loans. If
to HE providers, your education officer or
you live in England, you may also receive a
transition staff should be able to help you
childcare allowance grant that doesn’t need
choose the best route.
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma
to be repaid. You can see if you get help
HE scheme to pay for your Access to HE and
The Access to HE Diploma is a qualification
for childcare using the calculator on gov.uk
Providers
to prepare adults to succeed in higher
Many universities also offer bursaries to help
There are more than 300 providers of
education by giving them the skills, subject
with the cost of going to university.
Access to HE Diplomas covering England,
knowledge and confidence they need in a
42
Example repayment amounts
Tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas
Wales and Northern Ireland. The Diploma
supportive and encouraging environment. It
vary. However, if you take out an Advanced
database search on the Access to HE
is equivalent to A-levels and is recognised by
Learner Loan to pay for your Access to
website lists all QAA-recognised Diplomas
UK higher education providers. Every year,
HE studies the fees will be around £3,350.
and providers. A number of these providers
more than 25,000 students successfully
The government-backed scheme makes
and Diplomas are also listed on the ELCAS
complete an Access to HE Diploma and are
Advanced Learner Loans available to
website.
accepted on to higher education courses.
eligible students aged 19 and over. Again,
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Subjects
At the age of 45 and a mother of two,
3. Talk to your education advisors …
Unlike many other qualifications there is
Sue Long was unable to progress in her job
(find out about doing maths and English
no national curriculum for Access to HE
without a degree. She felt she had missed
GCSEs before you start if you don’t
Diplomas, therefore the subjects studied
out and decided to do something about it.
already have them). 4. Check your funding options … Could
may vary between different Access to HE providers. However, if you are studying
‘I left school at 15 years old with no
you get an Advanced Learner Loan?
a Diploma designed for progression to a
qualifications. I thought you had to
(QAA-recognised Access to HE Diplomas
degree in nursing, for example, you can
be super-brainy and super-rich to go
are eligible for Advanced Learner Loans
expect to study subjects including human
to university.’
and the balance of the loan will be
Sue Long
biology, psychology and the context of
cancelled when you complete your HE
health (including the role of the profession in
studies.) Could you use learning credits?
supporting the health of people, the origins
‘The Access to HE course
Could you use the publicly funded FE/HE
of public health and an awareness of the role
completely changed my
scheme?
of government and other bodies in health
life. I had no idea that it
professions).
would be such a major
information … When does the course
stepping stone to other
start? Where will you be taught? How
things.’
much teaching time is there? How much
‘When I left school without the
5. Contact providers to get more
“necessary qualifications” I thought
time will you need to spend studying
I would never fulfil my dream of
Sue completed her Access to HE course in
on your own? What support can you
becoming a midwife … After almost
a year and went on to study history at the
expect? When and how do you sign up?
giving up hope all those years ago,
University of Cambridge. She took a job at
(Do you need to have an interview or
I am now working as a full-time
the university after graduation.
midwife and enjoying every minute. I never tire of telling people about the benefits of Access to HE!’
Linda White
test before you enrol?)
Follow your dreams and get on course to higher success
6. Look at UCAS and university websites/speak to higher education admission staff … What are the entry requirements? (What qualifications do you need to get on the degree course?)
‘If you are thinking about Access
Does the Access to HE Diploma you want
‘I found that my Access to
to HE, don’t let what might be stop
to do meet these needs?
HE qualification was highly
you – let what could be drive you!
College-based full- and part-time courses
valued by the university’
The course will provide all the skills
usually start in September; distance learning
you need to engage and be who you
courses tend to have different start dates
really want to be.’
throughout the year; some Diplomas are
Alan Searle, self-employed
There are almost 400 Access to HE
business psychologist and
courses in health-related subjects and nearly
former Access to HE student
200 specifically designed for progression to a degree in nursing. Each year around 50 per cent of Access to HE students study Diplomas in health, public services and care. Course tutors provide a supportive, encouraging, yet challenging environment to help adults make the transition to higher education. Students also use their life
available for January starts.
On the course: l
1. Take the first step … Think about what subject area you would like to study. Do
ones l
you want to progress in your current career? Do you want to change direction
use your existing skills and learn new develop a new support network and make new friends
l
and try something new?
make your university applications (mid-November)
2. Find out more … Look on the Access
l
receive your university offers (around
experiences to support their studies and
to HE website, read the real-life stories
one another, developing strong support
and search for Diplomas (by location,
l
February/March) graduate from college (July)
networks to help them through the
subject, provider or type of study).
l
start university (September). Q
challenges of the course, and beyond. Former bricklayer Richard Deacon says ‘The other students were all of the
Find out more
same mind-set – they were there to change
You may also find these websites helpful:
their career pathways. There was a good
Access to HE website
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
atmosphere of mutual support and to
Real-life stories
www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/RealLife
this day I am still in contact with many of
Diploma database
www.accesstohe.ac.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/
my classmates.’ Richard is now studying
Advanced Learner Loans
www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
towards a PhD and has almost succeeded in
ELCAS
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
his dream to become a research scientist.
UCAS
www.ucas.com
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
43
Q Plan ahead!
YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDING PLANNER
Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it
Personal development and education opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)?
PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons
>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide
Other sources of information include:
Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)
A PD Route Map
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)
unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk
Q
In-Service
Local colleges or training providers
Distance/ open learning
eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)
PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel
A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure
College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available
There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk
Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!
Distance Learning
Q
Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources of advice and finance).
To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on page 24.
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February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
College Courses
Q
You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC and ELC. In addition, many in-Service education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families, especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families. Contact your education/training officer for details.
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Q
Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.
Key: Q Service personnel
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
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The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS course ZFBST costs. You are able to claimNZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST 80% of your fees, up to a maximum of ÂŁ175 E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ funding, the CZ course of study must lead to per financial year. To qualify for SLC BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
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Q
The ELC scheme offers currently serving or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years;enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk the higher tier offers up to threewww.gastectraining.co.uk payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years. A new Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education ELC was created in 2016. It’s an aggregated lower-tier award, which is a single payment of up to £3,000 for those with six or more years of qualifying service, which will count as all three awards. You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost, and must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment. Detailed information about ELC can be found in the first half of this magazine. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
Individual Resettlement Training Costs grant
Q
The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of ÂŁ534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract, called Contract Funded (CF) training. These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of their ÂŁ534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of ÂŁ26.70 per day. The ÂŁ534 gives access to up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the student, but other allowances may be available to help with these. The CTP also offers a range of courses that are not within the MoD contract. These are known as Non-Contract Funded courses and you can use your IRTC grant or ELC to pay for these.
Professional and Career Development Loans These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900. You can also check online to see if you are eligible – visit www.gov.uk/career-development-loans
QUEST questonline.co.uk
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Q
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation. For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well. If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com
University Short Courses
Q
The University Short Course Programme (USCP) exists to enhance the general educational development of Service personnel through providing short courses at a range of universities in topics such as leadership and management, regional and strategic studies, and languages. Course fees and accommodation costs are funded by the Services. Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.
learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.
Jobcentre Plus Finding a job
Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).
Benefits
If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.
Armed Forces Champions
Q
Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
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Q
HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
Business start-up basics
The UK is a great place to start your own business, says Sean Taylor, MD of Lockforce Ltd, and with so many new business start-ups waving the entrepreneurial flag, you’re not alone in your thinking. But could it become a reality? To make your dreams a reality is a risk because so many new businesses fail in their first year. The good news is that there is a way to start your own business that significantly reduces the risk of failure … Buying a franchise provides you with so many of the benefits of running your own business and is proven to reduce the risk of failure. So, if you are thinking, or dreaming, of running your own business (franchise or not) here are three key things to factor in to your considerations: 1. your love and passion – if you don’t love the business you are in then it will be like a prison sentence hanging over you 2. your income/earnings – when it comes to numbers, understand what you need to earn; that’s your starting point when it comes to business planning and will help in your assessment of your new business 3. your time – running your own business provides flexibility and choice, but if you are serious about being successful it is likely to consume a lot of time, particularly in the early days. Running your own business is not for everyone and not without risks. Speak to anyone who has done it and they’ll tell you the highs and lows – it’s like a business rollercoaster … but they will also tell you they will never go back to being an employee. Get in touch 0333 567 8920 www.lockforce.co.uk See the advertisement on page 66
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February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
>> BOOK REVIEW
Confident Data Skills A new book reveals how anyone can learn to use data and get ahead in their career …
Whether you like it or not, your life is already dictated by data science. From the films you see at the cinema to the fastest route to get you to the supermarket – not only do data impact on our lives, each and every one of us is also creating data, whether we have a social media account or not. By simply getting the tube, browsing online or carrying a smartphone, you are creating valuable statistical data, and being able to use these ‘data exhausts’ effectively has become one of the most powerful skills of the 21st century. Now a new book, Confident Data Skills, has been written to make the seemingly complex topic of data simple, and provide a solid stepping stone to help you get ahead in your new career. Whatever your field or level of expertise, the book will take you on a journey from first having a question that data might solve, finding the data and analysing it, to visualising and finally presenting the insights to your colleagues and bosses. Author Kirill Eremenko predicts that, in ten years, every employee in every country will be expected to have some kind of data literacy – and you can be at the forefront of this revolution. The book isn’t full of ‘how to code’ lessons, it’s about making the skills accessible so you can understand how to apply data skills to your workplace and take steps towards implementing data effectively. This will give you the foundation and confidence to work with data, in whatever way most suits you and your workplace. By the end of this book you will have the tools needed to start on your own journey to data fluency. Confident Data Skills, Kogan Page, £14.99. For more information, go to www.koganpage.com/confidentdataskills
Groomed for success Have you considered dog grooming as a career?
UK dog ownership is at its peak and there’s a nationwide demand for caring and qualified dog-grooming professionals. Dog grooming as a career offers a variety of options, from home-based self-employment, via mobile grooming, to employment within an established dog grooming studio or the potential to set up your Rescue GSD Bruno being reassured own high-street business. during a rake-out of his undercoat So could a dog grooming career suit you? Assuming you have a love for dogs, you’ll also need patience, mental and physical strength, manual dexterity, empathy and compassion. Professional dog grooming involves so much more than just a bath and a haircut. City & Guilds level 2 and 3 dog grooming qualifications cover both the theory and practical skills required to groom all dog breed and coat types. From giant to toy breeds, the techniques required to bathe and fluff-dry a curly wool-coated dog such as a bichon frisé in preparation for scissoring, to the art of hand stripping wire-coated breeds such as a border terrier or miniature schnauzer. Breed lines, head shapes, canine health and first aid are all studied, along with industry regulations and legislation. At The Dog House we also offer inclusive business advice including branding, marketing and customer service to help your transition into this new exciting industry. If this has whet your appetite, The Dog House offers City & Guilds level 2 and 3 training and qualifications in beautiful North Norfolk. DOGGY DATA • 1 in 4 UK households owns a dog • The UK’s dog population is estimated to be 8.5 million
Source: Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA)
Get in touch 01328 853373 info@thedoghouse-pro.co.uk www.thedoghouse-protrain.co.uk See the advertisement on page 57
Driving force! Phil Coleman served in the Army (Infantry) for nine years and joined LDC in March 2017 to train as a driving instructor. ‘After leaving the Army in 2009 I found myself working as an airconditioning engineer for a couple of years before going on to the close protection scene in Iraq. After doing that for five years I wanted to return to working in the UK – I also, however, wanted to enjoy the freedom of being my own boss and working hours that fitted in nicely with family life. ‘Following plenty of research into becoming a driving instructor, I chose to train with LDC. This decision was helped due to the fact that I could take advantage of my Enhanced Learning Credits to help with the cost – however, that was not the sole reason. The level of support, training and opportunities that I felt were on offer from LDC were also key factors in my decision. ‘I proved to have made the right choice. The support was there from first point of contact and continues to this day (I have now been qualified for nine months). The training was second to none. All the learning materials were provided from the start to enable you to learn at your own pace and the practical training was all done locally. The level of training was top-notch, giving me all the information and tools to not just qualify as an ADI but to have the confidence to get out there and teach learners a life skill, in some cases changing their lives in a big way. With all the great support and training from LDC I was able to pass my Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 exams first time! ‘Now nine months into my new career, business is going great. My diary was full by week three. This was done with the help of LDCgenerated learners, along with self-generated learners. The latter were gained with the advice and knowledge passed on by not only the LDC office staff, but also the larger LDC ADI community across the country, via a closed group on social media, constantly offering help, advice and tips. I am left to run my own business without being micromanaged, however all the advice and help is there on the other end of the phone, drop of an email or through regular training days if you wish to attend – not just for the teaching side of the job but for advice on running the business too. ‘So if this is your chosen path, then I wouldn’t hesitate to call LDC and get the ball rolling. In fact I recommended them recently to a good friend at the end of his 24 years’ service – something I wouldn’t do lightly.’
Get in touch 0800 197 0010 01977 691800 www.LDCForces.co.uk See the advertisement on page 29
>> RECOGNISING FORCES ACHIEVEMENTS
Soldiering On Awards 2018 The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces community. Now in their eighth year, the Awards highlight the valuable contribution that both currently serving and former members of the military bring to society as a whole, along with their families and the diverse groups of people, charities and organisations that support the community. The Awards highlight the achievements of those forging new lives and enterprises after leaving the Armed Forces, and recognise the valuable contribution their skills bring to society as a whole. In 2018, for the first time, three new business awards will be presented – in partnership with X-Forces, an organisation that nurtures entrepreneurial ambition in the UK military community – to specifically honour accomplishments in the business world.
The finalists’ reception takes place this month, while during February and March, public online voting will take place for the Animal Partnership and People’s Choice Awards categories. In April, finalists will be invited to attend the prestigious black tie awards ceremony and dinner, where the overall winners will be announced. Look out for a report in a future issue of QUEST. For further information or to purchase tickets, visit www.soldieringon.org
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Q
THE HUB
>> CHARITY NEWS
Charity challenge to raise £100,000 for training boat
Turn to Starboard is appealing for supporters to help raise £100,000 in 2018
A new charity challenge is looking for supporters to help raise £100,000 in a year for a training boat to help injured veterans. The Float-A-Boat campaign hopes to raise £100,000 during 2018 for sailing charity Turn to Starboard, to help meet demand for its sail training service for veterans affected by military operations and their families. As well as taking part in key fundraising events including a 24-hour life raft survival challenge, ‘It’s a Knockout’ competition and a coastal obstacle course, supporters are invited to make a donation by text message or create their own fundraising event. The initiative was set up by the Falmouthbased charity, which assists injured veterans to gain sailing qualifications to help them start new careers in the marine industry. It also offers sailing trips to Service families affected by operations, allowing them to spend time together on a skippered yacht. The Float-A-Boat campaign is a first for the charity, which traditionally fundraises through major military organisations, grant-making trusts, corporate partners and individual donors. It recently reached a major milestone, having provided 1,000 sailing opportunities to injured veterans – just three years after setting up. Get involved by texting TURN25 £10 to 70007 to make a £10 donation to the campaign. Other donation amounts are £1, £2 and £5 (e.g. TURN25 £5). A standard message rate will also apply. Donors are also invited to share boatrelated selfies on Twitter using the hashtag #FAB to help the charity create a gallery as a tribute to their support. For more information about the charity and how to get involved with the campaign, call Neil Triggs on 01326 314262, email neil@turntostarboard.co.uk or visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk
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>> TESTICULAR CANCER AWARENESS
Check yourself with OddBalls A brand new, easy-touse ‘check yourself’ free testicular cancer app has been launched by UK charity the OddBalls Foundation. With more than 16,000 new cases of testicular cancer diagnosed in the UK each year, early detection means that 95% of those affected will make a complete recovery. With testicular cancer the most common cancer in males aged 18–35, the app has already been welcomed by international rugby teams, Premier League football clubs and cricket clubs. Encouraging users to check themselves regularly will be a different celebrity each month. There is also a short, amusing instructional video on how to check yourself and, once a month, a reminder will flash up on your phone saying ‘Check yourself now’. Says former Premier League footballer and patron of the charity, Stephen Harper, ‘Unless we get a reminder, most of us just don’t think about it. Most of us have our phones in our hands, so there is no excuse not to download the app. It’s very simple, with a monthly reminder so you can’t forget. This could save your life.’ How to download Visit your app store and type ‘Oddballs – check yourself’ into the search field. Press ‘Open’ and register your details in a few seconds. To find out more, visit www.theoddballsfoundation.com
>> FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE
Veteran takes on world’s coldest, toughest ultra-race to help fellow wounded veterans Ex-serviceman Gavin Clark is taking on the gruelling Yukon Artic ultrachallenge to help raise money for military charity Blesma, the Limbless Veterans. Gavin, 42, from Gosport, Hampshire, has decided to take on the 100-mile race in temperatures that drop below -50ºC with New Zealander Richard Charles. Gavin and Richard will also battle through snow, ice and wilderness while pulling a sledge carrying kit such as a tent, food, cooking gear and clothing. Many competitors do not even finish the race because of the weather conditions.
Gavin was discharged from the Royal Navy six years ago due to multiple traumatic injuries. He suffers from non-freezing cold injury to both feet and lack of sensation to his right hand with an amputation of two fingers (one sewn back on), which means he has to be extra careful of frostbite in the expected very low temperatures. If you would like to support Gavin and Blesma please visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/gavin-clark6 or text GAVC55 and your chosen amount to 70070. To find out more about the work of Blesma, visit www.blesma.org
H&S QUALIFICATIONS
>> BROADCASTING NEWS
‘Why change a winning team?!’ Pat (Spike) Hughes recently received his City & Guilds level 5 Diploma in Health and Safety. The Diploma is a natural next step for those in a safety position after certificate-level courses, and leads to Graduate membership of the Institution of Occupational Pat (Spike) Hughes receiving his City & Guilds level 5 Diploma Safety and Health (IOSH). in Health and Safety from Pete Ellis, Network Rail principal engineer. Also pictured are Trevor Miller, Director CCS Training Says Pat, ‘I joined the Royal Ltd, and Brian Magennis, City & Guilds assessor for CCS. Navy after finishing a Mechanical Engineers apprenticeship at the age of 20, and completed just under 30 years of service as both a Stoker and later a Submarine Coxswain. On leaving the Navy I found myself in the rail industry working for Serco Rail Technical Services at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Melton Mowbray. ‘Brian Magennis, City & Guilds assessor for CCS Training Ltd, had kept in touch during my transition to civvy life. He didn’t need to, but this just shows his commitment to his students. I had already done my NEBOSH certificates with Brian as tutor and decided to also attempt the NVQ Diploma in September 2016 with CCS (why change a winning team!), and with the advice and guidance of Brian and Trevor Miller, Director of CCS, I successfully completed it in August.’ Pat completed his Diploma in less than a year. Next step: Chartered membership of the IOSH after applying for Graduate membership through this qualification.
PROFESSIONALISM RECOGNISED WITH PLAQUE One of the courses delivered by owner/Director of CCS Training, Trevor Miller, took place in Kinloss. The commanding officer present, pleased with Trevor’s professionalism and ability to transfer knowledge to military personnel, presented Trevor with a 39 Engineers Regiment plaque. You can contact Trevor at: CCS Training, Newcastle Business Village, 33 Bellingham Drive, Benton NE12 9SZ Tel 0191 250 1250 The City & Guilds level 5 Diploma is available through CCS Training with special rates for Service leavers. To find out more, visit www.ccstrainingengland.com/qualifications/ or call 0191 250 1250.
Forces Radio BFBS now on DAB+ in the UK Forces Radio BFBS, the ad-free broadcaster that entertains, informs, connects and champions the British Forces community, launched on DAB+ in the UK on 24 January. To listen, search for ‘Forces’ or ‘ForcesRadio BFBS’ on your DAB+ radio. For more information about how to tune in and check that there’s coverage where you are, see www.forces.net/dabplus Listeners can also hear the station via the free app (search ‘BFBS Radio’ in app stores), on local FM in UK military locations, on digital TV (Sky 0211 and Freesat 786) and online at www.forces.net
>> CTP ASSIST
Wounded, injured or sick? CTP Assist is here to help Leaving the Armed Forces can be a challenging prospect, but when the decision has been forced on you due to serious illness or injury, it can present a far greater challenge. That’s where the Career Transition Partnership’s Assist team comes in. Its aim is to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. For many, this support plays a fundamental part in their future planning. In every case, CTP Assist wants to empower, motivate and inspire those it works with to find the future outcome that works for them – whatever their injury or illness. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command – to find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit https://ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 22 March 2018, Newbury CTP Employment Fair 19 April 2018, Newark These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies l a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! In addition, the full list of Employment Fair dates for 2018 are now available and ready to book (see right). If you wish to book on to any of these dates, call the CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit https://www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
Event Date South Central Employment Fair
22 March 2018
East Midlands/East Employment Fair
19 April 2018
Scotland Employment Fair
10 May 2018
South West Employment Fair
6 June 2018
South East/East Employment Fair
5 July 2018
North East Employment Fair
27 September 2018
South Coast Employment Fair
11 October 2018
West Midlands Employment Fair
29 November 2018
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
49
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE
I’m with the band … says Ash Loudon, having made the journey from stacking shelves in a Northampton supermarket to launching a unique commemorative bracelet for the Armed Forces community, via an 18-year Army career. The launch of his new product, Valour Band, is the culmination of more than two years’ work and has reinforced his belief that military experience can be the perfect catalyst when faced with unfamiliar challenges.
A
sh Loudon enlisted in the Army as a solider at 19, and shortly after his promotion to Lance
Corporal was identified as a candidate for Officer training. He was subsequently commissioned in 1998, enjoying a wide range of roles, including a return tour to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, this time as an instructor rather than a trainee. He retired nearly two decades later as a Major, having commanded his squadron on operations in Afghanistan. Despite an extremely rewarding career, he felt that he wanted to try his hand at the challenges that lay beyond his uniform, and he retired in 2012.
50
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Ash worked hard on developing his novel way of recognising service, creating an innovative product that – unlike medals – has everyday wearability
RESETTLEMENT HELPED ME DEVELOP A DIRECTION AND, MORE CRUCIALLY, THE BELIEF THAT LIFE ON THE OUTSIDE WAS A CLEAN SHEET ON WHICH I COULD MAKE MY MARK
your future career takes you. Just
packaging, branding … the list goes
because you’ve spent an amount of
on!) is that lack of previous experience
time in a certain field within the military
shouldn’t necessarily be seen as an
doesn’t mean you can’t consider
insurmountable obstacle.
completely unrelated opportunities.
and I found that the key wasn’t so much
transferable.’
knowing how to perform a task, but rather knowing what questions to ask in
Nexus of an idea
order to achieve the aim.
A few years after starting his first
‘This is a skill I found to be crucial
business in digital design Ash identified
when serving – as an officer there is a
a novel way of recognising service. After
requisite level of knowledge that one
seeing his medals gather dust (with
should possess, but when surrounded
exception of their annual outing during
by incredibly talented and experienced
remembrance) he came up with the idea
individuals, such as our senior NCOs,
of producing an everyday wearable item
greater gains can be made by harnessing
that would reflect an individual’s service.
that expertise. Indeed, failing to do so
‘Rubber or silicone bracelets had been done to death and felt a little
would be short-sighted at best.’
too throwaway to mark a career in
British all the way
the military, so I set about designing
As the concept matured and the
something that would be more enduring. In essence, I felt the final product should have a ‘I found
‘There is so much advice out there,
Skill sets and experience are widely
visual impact
product began to take shape, Ash became increasingly convinced of one thing: it should be made in Britain. ‘The provenance of the final product was very important for us.
resettlement such
and physical
a useful process,’
form that
here in the UK and I was keen to use it.
he recalls. ‘While
was in
Doing so enabled me to leverage another
I didn’t arrive
keeping
valuable lesson learned from my time in
knowing exactly
with the
the Army: the value of meeting face to
what I wanted to
commitment
face. It is easy to forget how much more
and
can be achieved by sitting down with a
do, it helped me develop a direction and, more crucially, the belief that life on the outside was a clean sheet on which I could make my
dedication that a Services career signifies.’ This decision lead him down a path
‘We have a superb industrial base
supplier or partner.’ Therefore Ash found he could have his cake and eat it: he established a network of suppliers and partners with whom he could easily communicate
mark. I quickly became convinced that
that was to take more than two
I wanted to start my own business, so I
years to navigate, and that required him
nurturing the kind of provenance that he
set up a digital design company, creating
to develop a whole new range of skills.
felt was crucial to creating a product that
branding, websites, print campaigns, and so on. ‘If I took away anything from
Don’t fear the unknown
and drive production forward, all while
was rooted so deeply in military pride. In addition to sourcing all of the
What became apparent as Ash took on
product components from within the
resettlement, it’s the belief that previous
the wide range of roles associated with
UK, a partnership with The Royal British
military experience shouldn’t necessarily
developing a new product (3D modelling,
Legion has established an important part
be the leading factor in defining where
research and development, marketing,
of the Valour Band story.
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
51
Q
COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY
By selecting links that correspond with medals awarded, Valour Bands can be built up to represent the service career of the wearer; and, because the bands are modular, you can add to your story (or someone else’s) over time – adding Valour Links to customise the Core Bracelet as you wish
PREVIOUS MILITARY EXPERIENCE SHOULDN’T NECESSARILY BE THE LEADING FACTOR IN DEFINING WHERE YOUR FUTURE CAREER TAKES YOU
Lessons learned
Finally, don’t be precious. Have someone you trust who you can
process has taught me a few important
bounce ideas off, and be prepared for
lessons:
the truth. I am incredibly lucky in that
l
Ash continues, ‘The Royal British
Be bold. It sounds a bit trite, but try
my business partner and fiancé, Nicky,
not to be overwhelmed by challenges.
has been there to provide critical
There is always a solution – maybe
feedback throughout. That feedback
not a perfect one, but a solution
has been pivotal in keeping the
nonetheless.
product on course.
Ask questions. Surround yourself
When developing an idea like Valour Band
called Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing
with expertise (while being wary of
from a concept it’s important to have a
Company, which handles part of our
‘experts’) and be curious. Challenging
strong counterpoint with whom you feel
assembly process. It’s a superb company,
assumptions will create unexpected
comfortable, and you only get maximum
based in the south-east, which provides us
opportunities.
benefit from feedback if you can avoid
Get out of your office. Time spent
being precious about ideas. There can be
our operations. It’s also fabulous to be
travelling to potential suppliers,
no sacred cows!’
involved with the important work done by
partners and contacts is never wasted
the RBL.
(does that sound familiar?). Face-
Valour Band is now on sale through the
to-face business turbo-charges your
online shop at valourband.com and can
results.
be followed on Facebook, Twitter and
Legion has a superb social enterprise
with a great number of options for scaling
‘Again, the ability to meet face to face unlocked more opportunities than working solely through emails and calls.’
52
l
‘In summary,’ concludes Ash, ‘I’d say the
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
l
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tel: 07588 808835
Q
FACTFILE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
A new vision for vulnerable Veterans Field Marshal the Lord Walker of Aldringham, Head of the British Armed Forces from 2003–2006, highlights one charity’s vision to help reduce homelessness among the UK’s most vulnerable Veterans of research it commissioned with the University of York, which considered the accommodation and housing-related support needs of single Veterans in Great Britain. The research highlighted the areas of the country with the greatest shortfall of affordable homes to rent for Veterans and, as a result, Stoll is close to completing a new build of 34 homes for Veterans and their families in Aldershot, the area identified as having the greatest housing shortfall. Yet there is much more to be done to support those leaving the Armed Forces. There is an urgent need for more social housing and tailored support for this special How the redeveloped homes for Veterans could look at Stoll Mansions in Fulham
pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country over many years.
I
n recent years there has been a
Leavers – for example, those who may be
renewed interest in the duty of care the
discharged due to injury or ill health, who
and to ensure more Veterans can access
It is to address the shortfall in housing
UK owes both to those currently serving
often have no plan of where to go once they
vital support services that has led Stoll to
in the Armed Forces and our Veterans.
leave the Services. For Veterans living with
announce a highly significant proposal, one
Reading through a copy of the latest Armed
other issues, such as lack of employment
that would have a transformative effect on
Forces Covenant Annual Report, I was
or mental health problems, without support
Veterans’ housing in this country …
struck by the dedication shown by those
there is a very real danger of ‘falling
who help to ensure that the Covenant not
through the cracks’.
only honours the sacrifices the Armed
There is a growing body of evidence
Stoll is now consulting with tenants to redevelop its Fulham estate with brand new, state-of-the-art homes, and to release part
Forces Community make to keep us safe,
that backs up the need to do more to
of the site to Chelsea Football Club. These
but how this translates into tangible day-to-
identify and support this vulnerable group
proposed new homes would be the envy of
day support for those most in need.
of people leaving the Armed Forces.
the Veterans’ sector, complete with a roof
While the vast majority of individuals leaving the Armed Forces make the transition from Service to civilian life without significant difficulties, there are some who face problems in the short or longer term, including homelessness, and need
Stoll, the leading provider of social housing and other support for
Read the vulnerable Veterans and their Armed Forces Covenant families, continues to speak Annual Report up on behalf of those at: most in need. Last April, www.gov.uk/government/ independent researchers publications/armed-forces- evaluated Stoll’s Transition covenant-annual-report Outreach Service* – a -2017 partnership with transition
additional support. Transition is the time when
experts Forces in Mind Trust – and concluded that finding appropriate
garden and new communal facilities, such as therapy rooms and a fitness suite. Much of the existing estate is now more than 100 years old and no longer provides the high-quality accommodation Stoll offers at its other sites. All tenants would also be offered a compensation payment for the disruption that could be caused by the redevelopment. Quite right too! But there’s a much bigger prize that many people in the Armed Forces and the Veterans’ community will want to support …
housing becomes critical; having a home at
accommodation as part of a wider package
this time of change provides much-needed
of tailored support was highly effective in
invest millions to help more and more
stability for ex-Service men and women,
helping those most in need through the
vulnerable Veterans get a home and get
and their families. This is particularly true of
tricky transition stage.
back on their feet. The proposal would
younger Service personnel or Early Service
54
cohort of people who have been prepared to
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Stoll is also keen to act on the findings
If the proposal goes ahead, Stoll will
enable Stoll not only to redevelop its * www.stoll.org.uk/about/research
Fulham estate, but also to provide at least
Find out more
Last year Stoll reaffirmed its own
300 additional new homes to vulnerable
commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
Stoll’s outreach team provides advice and
Veterans and extend its vital support
and to supporting those who have served
support to Service leavers and Veterans
services to thousands more Veterans.
the nation. This proposal sends a very
on a wide range of issues, from housing
clear signal that Stoll would like to make
to work and benefits to access to expert
will make a significant difference to the
a lasting impact in this area. By extending
healthcare: email outreach@stoll.org.uk or
Veterans’ community. Stoll will provide
its life-changing services and providing
call 020 7385 2110 Q
these homes in different parts of the
more housing so that people have a place
country, wherever the need is greatest, so
they can call home when they leave the
that fewer Veterans end up sofa surfing,
Armed Forces, Stoll would be helping
living in inappropriate accommodation
thousands of men and women avoid
or on the streets. Stoll already provides
homelessness and get back on their
a fabulous bespoke Outreach Service
feet ready for civilian life.
An additional 300 homes for Veterans
to support those most likely to struggle
Q
when they leave the Armed Forces. The
Stoll is the leading provider of
outreach team works with people on a one-
supported housing for Veterans. Most
to-one basis finding the appropriate health
people who leave the Armed Forces
support, making sure people have money to
transition effectively back into civilian
live on and have appropriate housing. Stoll
life. But not everyone does. Stoll supports
currently provides this great service only
the most vulnerable Service Leavers by
in the London area, yet the need is right
providing people with an affordable home
across the country. With the money Stoll
to rent and the support they need to lead
will generate from the sale of part of its
independent lives. The charity, Walking
Fulham site, this service can be extended to
With The Wounded, provides Stoll with an
other areas so that people can get the right
Employment Advisor to support Veterans to
support when they leave the Armed Forces.
get a job or training.
KEY CONTACT
Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 outreach@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall
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www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk questonline.co.uk l February 2018
55
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT ADAPTING TO THE CIVILIAN WORKPLACE
SARAH DAVIES
T
he military equips you with an impressive array of skills from
which civilian employers rightly know they can get real value. You have been inherently programmed to
How to win in the workplace
the accountability greater; where before you may have held rank, you may now be starting back on that first rung again and in a completely new environment where you are the junior; where before there
turn up everywhere on time, to
was obvious, organisational
take immaculate pride in your
hierarchy, now credibility and
appearance, to have more than
reputation are paramount and
a firm handshake, to deliver
they are in your hands – no one
results at all costs, to work
else is going to take the fall for
long hours to get the job done,
you; where before you might
and to build enduring working
have been expected to lead
relationships – executing
from the front, now you may be
today, planning tomorrow and
expected to wait, to watch and
multitasking in the meantime.
learn.
With challenging operational
TAKE THE TIME TO SETTLE, ADJUST, ACCEPT AND BE ACCEPTED
tours and significant responsibility already under your belt, you are likely to thrive in the civilian workplace – but you will definitely need to be ready to adapt.
With so much to adjust
ADD VALUE AND TRANSFER – DON’T SIMPLY TRANSLATE SIX STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION 1. Know why this is the job
Planning on hanging up your rank and uniform on Friday and sliding effortlessly into your new civilian career Monday? Think again! There is serious competition out there, says professional coach and mentor Sarah Davies, and you need to be flexible, focused and fully ready to adapt to the demands of your new role
for you and it will soon become clear to others.
leaving the Forces, the first few months in that new job can feel daunting and even uncomfortable. You may feel less confident than you are used to, more vulnerable, exposed and less sure of your environment, your colleagues and your role. There is also a tendency for ex-military
transition into this environment
people to feel as though they
transferable skills – in order
as seamless and as impressive
are under-delivering or under-
the culture and
to really succeed, you have
as possible. Add value and
achieving on transitioning,
dynamics of your new
to make sure you do exactly
transfer – don’t simply
placing undue pressure on
company.
that: transfer those skills.
translate.
themselves from the outset.
2. Take time to understand
3. Keep your head down
Think about those
Once you have accepted your
If you attempt to simply
So stick to the six-step
and your eyes wide
exciting new job offer and
translate the skills and
guidance in the box on the left
open; your time will
signed your contract, take the
experience you have gained
and set out on your new career
come. Learn first, lead
time to think and prepare, to
from the military, without
path as you mean to go on.
next.
research your new working
adding a layer of reflection
You do have what it takes, now
environment, the ways of
and value, you may find
take your time to get to know
add value in everything
working, the expectations
yourself learning the hard
your new company, your new
you do.
and the management styles,
way. So, be prepared,
colleagues, your new working
observe the interactions, the
understand in advance that
rhythm. Take the time to settle,
meeting formats, the client
where, before, you might
adjust, accept and be accepted,
relationships. Think about how
have had responsibility and
and you will be investing in
you might need to adjust your
little accountability, now the
an exciting future that in turn
working style to make your
responsibility may be less but
invests in you.Q
4. Don’t translate, transfer;
5. Seek out a mentor to support your transition. 6. Be you and enjoy it. You can do this!
56
to in your life in one go on
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
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Veterans’
Every second Wednesday of each month 4pm - 7pm
Drop-In Come along for information, advice & support
Housing advice
Training
Brookhouse Training Centre is the UK’s Number One gas, plumbing and electrical training and assessment specialist. We offer full and part time training courses with Level 3 Qualifications.
and employment
VNS: finding Veterans a home
Debt,
money and service pensions advice
So, if your next move is a career in gas engineering or domestic electrical contracting, you need to speak to us first.
Health
and addiction advice including PTSD
Call today for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to one of our open mornings
Hot food and refreshments will be available
0844 415 2700
Go to www.brookhousetraining.com/MOD
Stoll Mansions, 446 Fulham Road, London SW6 1DT
Tel: 020 7385 2110 www.stoll.org.uk Organisations working together to support you
STOLL_Poster_V4.indd 1
13/04/2017 09:30
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY
STEVE BULLEYMENT
Get paid – painlessly
J
collapse of the second
No, this isn’t correct …
largest construction
When you get the call to quote
anuary saw the
firm in the UK, Carillion.
anyone for a paid job, part
The multinational facilities
of the quote is to agree how
management and construction
long they will take to pay you.
services giant, which has been
I have good customers that
feeding smaller suppliers for
always take up to 60 days
years, has finally run out of
to pay me. That’s OK now,
money. While this is bad news
because I know them, we have
for its 20,000 UK employees
a relationship and they always
(who knows how many are
do pay on time. However,
ex-Forces?), spare a thought
when you start out with a new
for the many thousands of
customer, you must agree
small businesses that will now also be in big trouble as a result of its demise. Survival in business does not just depend on making a profit. That alone won’t pay the bills. Getting paid on time, after completing the work, is essential. Unfortunately, when you start out in business, no
This article is for you if you’re thinking about self-employment and going it alone, says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. He’s here with more of his customary good advice – this month, very pertinently, his topic is getting paid on time
one tells you how to make this happen.
How to get paid on time Statements, invoices, terms of business and credit accounts
This should be stated clearly on the invoice you give them. An invoice is a document that clearly states what work you have done, the rate you have charged them and when the payment is due. Put it in bold, using black or red ink, and point out the due date when you hand them the bill or in a
and most of us learn that the
chain underneath Carillion. The
covering email. After all, it’s
hard way. I hope that this
important thing is for you to
your money that you have
article will help you to avoid
control the conversation about
earned.
having to learn the hard way
getting paid.
too. Customers don’t want
So the first thing you must do, before starting any
WORK ON FORMING A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PERSON WHO IS GOING TO PAY YOU
are all things you need to know
to give you money. They’ll
work, is to agree the terms of
about in the business world,
happily ask you to come along,
business. I was guilty in my
as they set the rules for being
to buy the parts and spend
early days of self-employment
paid. It won’t be natural to
your time doing the work.
of just presuming that people
you, because currently, every
It’s unlikely that Mr or Ms
would pay me immediately.
month, money appears in your
Average will string you along
With my retail customers,
account and you never need to
– more likely they’ll get into
who’d lost their car keys, this
ask for it. However, things are
financial difficulty after they
wasn’t an issue as I had the
different in the outside world
have committed to getting the
keys and they needed them, so
Mr or Ms, they should pay you
work done. You’ll fit a kitchen
they’d happily pay. However,
immediately. If you’re fitting
or install a central heating
with a business such as a
a kitchen, you should ask for
system and then there’s that
garage or a manufacturing
a deposit. Outlaying £5,000
awkward moment when you
company, often they wouldn’t
for parts and then fitting them
want your money and they
expect to pay immediately.
into a house will expose you to
want to hold on to it – or
They would just assume they
risk, and you can’t just assume
they simply don’t have it. Or,
had 30 or 60 days’ credit, and
these nice people will pay you.
if they’re a business, there
that they could send a cheque
Sorry if that sounds untrusting
will be situations out of their
in the post. I didn’t know any
and cynical, but there are so
control, such as the supply
better, so I let it happen.
many stories of brick walls
USE THE SKILLS YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE FORCES TO BE POLITE BUT FIRM, AND TO TAKE CONTROL
58
when that payment will come.
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
If your customer is a retail
built and gardens landscaped
a statement at the start of
a deposit before we order a
from someone once you meet
with no money forthcoming, so
the month, with copies of all
second key for them. Other
them, especially when you
treat them the same as Asda
invoices attached. That way
times, the scruffiest owners of
build a relationship. Take
or Tesco treat you: they won’t
they’ll have every piece of
the scruffiest cars surprise us
control of the situation, just
let you take your shopping
information to hand. However,
when they take out a big pile
like you’ve done in the Forces.
home and then wait for you
if you do a job and leave a
of cash and pay us in full, in
Getting paid is all about your
to send them the money in 60
paper copy of the bill with
advance!
survival as a business: 50%
days, so there’s no reason you
someone at the factory, the
should.
THE IMPORTANT THING IS FOR YOU TO CONTROL THE CONVERSATION ABOUT GETTING PAID
Business customers
It’s important to look
of businesses fail in their first
chances of the accounts
out for warning signs that a
year and owe money to their
department seeing it are small.
customer isn’t going to pay
suppliers. Use the skills you’ve
It will get lost and you won’t
you. In the case of Carillion,
learned in the Forces to be
get paid. So, take control
just a few months ago it sent
polite but firm, and to take
of invoices and statements:
out a letter to all the people
control.
when you’ve sent a statement, call the company accounts department and work on forming a good relationship with
it owed money to. It
told them that, Visit the instead of Car Key Man paying at 60 YouTube Channel days, it was at: going to www.youtube.com/ pay at 90. channel/UCEyGDGBNdu9 With a small qlux2VM8IWLw business, it
may be that you
PROFIT ALONE WILL NOT PAY YOUR BUSINESS AND HOUSEHOLD BILLS. THE ONLY THING THAT WILL IS CASH IN THE BANK
If you’ve done work for a
the person who
business and you’ve agreed
is going to pay you.
when you’ll get paid – in 30 or
Introduce yourself, explain
accounts department, or they
60 days – you’ll need to send
that you’re counting on the
work only two days a week.
a statement to the customer.
money and agree on a date
The worst signs are when they
That was my downfall, as
that you’ll get it. Remember
claim that there is an error
Tips on getting paid on time
I didn’t appreciate how
that the person paying you
on your invoice or statement
l
important this is.
can’t get hold of the
is just like you: they have
and you need to resubmit the
A statement is just the
a family, they have money
paperwork. That’s usually
same as the one you get from
concerns and understand
a delaying tactic and you
your credit card company,
how important getting paid
shouldn’t settle for it.
listing each transaction,
is. If you talk to them and tell
when it was made and
them you need the money
when payment is due. Many
otherwise your kids will starve,
What you need to do
companies, especially those
you’ll stick in their mind and,
If this happens to you, and a
in the motor trade, will not
hopefully, the cheque or BACS
customer keeps fobbing you
pay you without a monthly
payment will arrive on time.
off, you need to limit your
statement showing clearly
Before you start, agree on a date when you will get paid.
l
Consider a card machine – most people have access to a credit card.
l
Be systematic in chasing your money – it’s the most important part of the business.
l
Don’t make it personal.
losses. You must put them
Even the nicest people will
on stop. This is when you no
owe you money – don’t let
when the payment is due.
Warning signs
Imagine you’re the person
It can be tricky to judge
longer complete further work
in the accounts department
people. Often the best-dressed
for them until they pay their
There are new skills for you
and your job is to pay your
customers come into our shop,
outstanding bill, or part of it. It
to learn and a whole new
suppliers. It’s simple if a
driving the latest model of car
feels unnatural and awkward,
language to understand, but
customer like me sends them
and don’t want to give us even
and the work they give you
once you know it business life
may be good, profitable
is so much easier. Most people
work, however as I said at the
are good deep down and
outset, profit alone will not pay
problems getting paid arise for
your business and household
a mixture of reasons. But it’s
bills. The only thing that will
really down to you. Good luck!
KEY SKILLS Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist auto locksmith company covering Lincolnshire. Launching in 2004, Steve spotted an opportunity to solve the problem of replacing lost and stolen car keys. The company now offers workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. Recognising the needs of concerned vehicle owners, it offers free consultations to find an affordable solution to the growing number of car key problems.
is cash in the bank, getting paid by your customers. The most effective thing is
them off the hook.
Get in touch 07832 147601 or 01522 514141
to visit them in person. It’s
Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com
very hard to withhold money
thecarkeyman.com Q
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
59
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from March 2018 to May 2018 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RC Aldergrove
RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Senior Officer
12 March 2018 14 March 2018 16 April 2018 18 April 2018 15 May 2018 17 May 2018
05 March 2018 19 March 2018 16 April 2018 08 May 2018 14 May 2018
16 April 2018
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 20 March 2018
20 March 2018
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 13 March 2018 15 March 2018 10 April 2018 12 April 2018 08 May 2018 10 May 2018
CTW Mixed Class
26 March 2018 28 March 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 (Course location Brize Norton)
CTW Officer
07 March 2018 21 March 2018 18 April 2018 10 May 2018 16 May 2018
CTW Mixed Class 30 April 2018 03 May 2018 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 26 March 2018 26 March 2018 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 23 April 2018 25 April 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 20 March 2018
20 March 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 20 March 2018 22 May 2018
20 March 2018 22 May 2018
FAR All Ranks 27 March 2018
CTW SNCO
14 March 2018
14 March 2018
06 March 2018 17 April 2018 15 May 2018
RRC Colchester
03 May 2018
08 March 2018 19 April 2018 17 May 2018
Self Employment Awareness
rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp
START DATE END DATE
06 March 2018 15 May 2018
CTW Mixed Class
06 March 2018 15 May 2018
New Horizons in Retirement 27 March 2018
27 March 2018
Self Employment Awareness 09 March 2018 13 April 2018
09 March 2018 13 April 2018
05 March 2018 07 March 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 23 April 2018 25 April 2018 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 22 March 2018 26 April 2018 24 May 2018
18 April 2018
CTW Mixed Class 06 March 2018 08 March 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 13 March 2018 15 March 2018 19 March 2018 21 March 2018 26 March 2018 28 March 2018 10 April 2018 12 April 2018 23 April 2018 25 April 2018 01 May 2018 03 May 2018 08 May 2018 10 May 2018 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 05 March 2018 20 March 2018 09 April 2018 30 April 2018
07 March 2018 22 March 2018 11 April 2018 02 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 09 April 2018
09 April 2018
FAR All Ranks
27 March 2018
01 May 2018
RRC Cottesmore Central London
23 March 2018 27 April 2018 25 May 2018
Self Employment Awareness 16 April 2018 16 April 2018
01 March 2018
01 March 2018
FAR Senior officers Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 05 March 2018
05 March 2018
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 12 March 2018 09 April 2018 01 May 2018 14 May 2018
14 March 2018 11 April 2018 03 May 2018 16 May 2018
CTW Officer 19 March 2018 16 April 2018 29 May 2018
21 March 2018 18 April 2018 31 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Workshop
Self Employment Awareness
28 March 2018 24 May 2018
19 March 2018 17 April 2018 14 May 2018
19 March 2018 17 April 2018 14 May 2018
RC Germany
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE
19 April 2018
19 April 2018
Self Employment Awareness 28 March 2018 24 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 21 May 2018
21 May 2018
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk
CTW Junior Ranks
START DATE END DATE
13 March 2018 15 March 2018 24 April 2018 26 April 2018 15 May 2018 17 May 2018
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Officer/SNCO 06 March 2018 17 April 2018
08 March 2018 19 April 2018
19 March 2018 16 April 2018 14 May 2018
19 March 2018 16 April 2018 14 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
27 March 2018
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
15 March 2018 12 April 2018 10 May 2018
08 March 2018 08 March 2018 (Course location External Venue) 18 April 2018 18 April 2018 (Course location Cosford)
Employment Support Programme Wksp
60
13 March 2018 10 April 2018 08 May 2018
27 March 2018
12 March 2018
14 March 2018
CTW Mixed Class 05 March 2018 07 March 2018 13 March 2018 15 March 2018 19 March 2018 21 March 2018 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 23 April 2018 25 April 2018 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 22 May 2018 24 May 2018 (Course location Culdrose)
CTW Officer/SNCO 16 April 2018 21 May 2018
18 April 2018 23 May 2018
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Employment Support Programme Wksp 12 April 2018
FAR All Ranks 15 March 2018 10 May 2018
12 April 2018
FAR All Ranks 26 April 2018
Self Employment Awareness 26 April 2018
19 April 2018
19 April 2018
RRC Rosyth
Self Employment Awareness 08 March 2018 17 May 2018
15 March 2018 10 May 2018
08 March 2018 17 May 2018
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk
RC Portsmouth
START DATE END DATE
rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk
CTW Mixed Class
22 March 2018 12 April 2018 17 May 2018 24 May 2018
Self Employment Awareness 21 March 2018
21 March 2018
RRC Tidworth
CTW SNCO
13 March 2018 17 April 2018 15 May 2018
A career in law e without a law degree
26 March 2018 30 April 2018
SLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` CTW Officer/SNCO earning distance learning
28 March 2018 02 May 2018
30 April 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 12 April 2018 24 May 2018
12 April 2018 24 May 2018
02 May 2018
vider no. 1105 Employment Support cilexla wschool.ac.uk Programme Wksp and ch box.15Contact S15inMarch the sear 2018 March 2018 [ TVYLlocation \(Course VU Faslane) SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
05 March 2018 12 March 2018 19 March 2018 09 April 2018 16 April 2018 23 April 2018 30 April 2018 21 May 2018
08 March 2018 22 March 2018 12 April 2018 26 April 2018 03 May 2018 24 May 2018
08 March 2018 08 March 2018 22 March 2018 22 March 2018 12 April 2018 12 April 2018 26 April 2018 26 April 2018 10 May 2018 10 May 2018 (Course location Chepstow) 24 May 2018 24 May 2018
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks
06 March 2018 20 March 2018 10 April 2018 24 April 2018 01 May 2018 22 May 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
05 March 2018 07 March 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) CTW Junior Ranks 20 March 2018 22 March 2018 19 March 2018 21 March 2018 (Course location Faslane) 23 April 2018 25 April 2018 26 March 2018 28 March 2018 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 CTW Mixed Class 16 April 2018 18 April 2018 12 March 2018 14 March 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 16 April 2018 18 April 2018 17 April 2018 19 April 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018 (Course location Faslane) 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 CTW Officer (Course location Lossiemouth) 05 March 2018 07 March 2018 Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition 15 May 2018 17 May 2018 09 April 2018 11 April 2018 (Course location Faslane) into a second by studying ond career b y stud ying 14 May 2018 16 May 2018 21 May 2018 23 May 2018
START DATE END DATE
CTW SNCO
22 March 2018 12 April 2018 17 May 2018 24 May 2018
07 March 2018 14 March 2018 21 March 2018 11 April 2018 18 April 2018 25 April 2018 02 May 2018 23 May 2018
FAR All Ranks 05 April 2018 05 April 2018 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre) 31 May 2018 31 May 2018 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)
CTW Mixed Class
Self Employment Awareness
26 March 2018 28 March 2018 08 May 2018 10 May 2018 (Course location Chepstow) 14 May 2018 16 May 2018
12 March 2018 23 April 2018 23 May 2018
12 March 2018 23 April 2018 23 May 2018
CTW Officer 15 March 2018 19 April 2018 17 May 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 03 April 2018 29 May 2018
05 April 2018 31 May 2018
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
16 week BPEC Foundation Course leading to ACS for those service leavers with little or no experience. Guaranteed placement & interview at the end.
Kier Kier Group Group is is one one of of the the leading leading construction, construction, services, services, property property and and Kier Group is one of the leading construction, services, property residential residential companies companies in in the the UK UK with with 23,000 21,000 staff staff worldwide worldwide and and an an and residential in the UKsatisfaction with 16,000 staff worldwide annual turnover ÂŁ4.3bn. Wehave have 99% satisfaction score from annual turnover of ofcompanies ÂŁ3bn. We a a99% score from our and an annual turnover ofofÂŁ3bn. 298 people have trained our previous learners, most of them ďŹ nding work after ďŹ nishing.on one previous learners, withwith most them finding work after finishing. of our courses and 93.4% of previous learners are in employment. Give Give us us aa call call to to get get started. started.
For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies and training courses. studies and training courses. questonline.co.uk l February 2018
March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
13
61
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE
Transition factfile:
Preparation for leaving the Forces Advice from the CTP, official provider of career guidance, skills training and job-finding assistance to Service leavers CTP provision is delivered from ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany, and the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot. The CTP provides a number of workshops, seminars, one-to-one career advice, and a range of in-house resettlement training for entitled Service Leavers from up to two years before discharge. CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers.
Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk
A Service leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge
Employment Support Programme
>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice
No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?
Yes
Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent
Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant
Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings
Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities
Makes job applications
Secures employment
Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge
ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE
Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding
• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress
CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement
Resettlement Services
Resettlement Centres
1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).
Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.
2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk
62
February 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 555834 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) * XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training Gastec Training has for many years worked courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement closely with Britain’s armed forces as 4VF ,JOH .#& they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we provision. recognise the commitment you have made
Transition services and entitlements
while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as
you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION Entitlement Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS discharged All Service Leavers, other than those asinteresting Earlyand lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST utility sector. Call now for a special reduced E XJUIresettlement TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF to receive UIF pricing offer on this course. Service Leavers, are entitled the support QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG detailed in the table below. 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
Principle COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF resettlement time. All Medically Discharged ServiceTVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO Leavers BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF automatically qualify for the maximum DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH entitlement. Entitlement 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
Outflow
<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
CTP GRT(1) IRTC CTP GRT(1) IRTC Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ No 0 No FRP 10 Yes enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk www.gastectraining.co.uk No 0 No FRP 30 Yes ESP 0 No FRP 30 Yes FRP 20 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 25 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 35 Yes FRP 35 Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Training Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
â&#x20AC;¢ Vulnerability Assessment â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Gateway to 3rd Sector: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Housing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Social Benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Employment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ Job-Finding Service â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Consultant Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ IRTC Grant (£534) â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Career Transition Workshop (3 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Other Workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Self-Employment Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Small Business Start-Up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CV Writing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interview Skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Networking â&#x20AC;¢ Career Consultancy â&#x20AC;¢ Travel Warrants (up to 7) â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant Officers with 9 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service up to £15,505 Other Ranks with 12 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,596 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 05 up to £10,883 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no rate currently available
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Please always contact the Forces Pension Society for the most up-to-date information Tel: 020 7820 9988 Web: www.forcespensionsociety.org
questonline.co.uk l February 2018
63
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE
Resettlement Training
Service Leaver Support Teams (SLSTs)
Training provided by the CTP
Can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some regional brigades. They provide Service leavers with information and help on a wide variety of subjects, including employment, housing, schooling, finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close cooperation with other agencies, including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and the CTP.
Skills training takes place at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot and at a selection of Resettlement Centres. The RTC has bespoke workshops within its Building and Engineering Departments, and also offers Management and IT courses. Many of those on offer result in civilian-recognised qualifications. To find out more about the wide range of courses available, and to search for dates and locations, visit our website at www.ctp.org.uk For all other enquiries, to check availability, or to make a booking or payment, contact our Course Booking & Information Centre (CBIC): Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
Training provided by Preferred Suppliers ThePreferred Suppliers List (PSL) identifies a range of local training providers offering some of the most common vocational training that Service leavers undertake. In order to qualify for the PSL, the training organisation is obliged to demonstrate financial reliability, appropriate insurance cover, past performance, future plans, training facilities, accreditation levels and quality standards. The PSL is published at www.ctp.org.uk and is also held in each of the Resettlement Centres. Preferred Supplier status is subject to continuous evaluation, on each course by the Service Leaver, by the CTP and by annual review.
Overseas Resettlement Training Resettlement training should, wherever possible, be undertaken either in-house (given the value for money and quality assurance available on those courses) or locally in recognition of the local training first policy. Authorisation for overseas resettlement training can only be made by HQ SDE staff on a case-by-case basis and through the intelligent application of the following conditions. >> The training outcome is not available under the local training first policy, either within the UK for those serving in UK or within their normal theatre of operations for those serving overseas. >> The total costs of the training overseas to the MOD, including eligible subsistence allowances and travel costs, which will be claimed under current regulations, are less than those that would be incurred if undertaking the training in the UK, i.e. the value for money consideration. >> SDE staff have reasonable assurance of the quality of the training and its recognition by UK employers. Any request for overseas training must arrive with SDE HQ staff at least eight weeks in advance of the intended departure date, to enable the necessary political clearances for successful applications to be made.
CTP RightJob CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service leavers from local, national and international employers. The CTP works with hundreds of organisations that recognise the benefits of recruiting from the ex-military talent pool, and value the experience and strong working ethos Service leavers bring with them. The site is accessed via the CTP website and the login required is issued during CTWs. Call the Central Employment Team for more information, on 0121 236 0058.
Useful CTP Contacts TO BOOK A CTP WORKSHOP OR BRIEFING…
Call 0203 162 4410 For booking your Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or any other workshop or briefing. (This is a not a premium rate number and you should only be charged at the normal national rate, dependent on the phone provider) Alternatively, if you are calling from a military line, contact the Resettlement Centre running the workshop which is normally the Resettlement Centre that you are registered with for your resettlement. Contact details can be found in the list of Resettlement Centres provided earlier in Factfile. CALL OUR COURSE BOOKING & INFORMATION CENTRE (CBIC) Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 or Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
FOR RIGHTJOB ASSISTANCE…
CALL OUR CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT TEAM (CET) Tel: 0121 236 0058 If you have forgotten your RightJob password, have been locked out of your account or require support using RightJob.
CTP Employment Events
CTP Future Horizons
Our events can be of great benefit and provide an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and discuss the job market in general, as well as within specific industry sectors. The main types that we hold are: >> Employment Fairs – attended by a wide range of national and local employers, seeking the skills, quality and experience that Service leavers have >> Live Online Chat Events – enable Service leavers to chat one-to-one with employers during dedicated time slots, about their company, current vacancies and any training needs >> Company Presentations – these focus on one particular company, which is normally actively recruiting for a number of vacancies. >> Search for upcoming CTP events on our website at www.ctp.org.uk
CTP Future Horizons understands that leaving the Armed Forces is a key point in the lives of all Service leavers, and believes that everyone who has served, even for a short period of time, is entitled to support in transitioning from the military into civilian life. The programme will provide support and assistance to enable you to find suitable employment upon leaving the Armed Forces. Through its network of partners, it will link you in to the most appropriate level of support you need to help with the transition. CTP Future Horizons has been developed in response to the recognition and commitment from the MoD to improve resettlement provision to Early Service Leavers (ESLs). It is open to ESLs across all Services, regardless of how long you have served or the reasons you have for leaving. The programme has been designed and is delivered by the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity. To discuss any aspect of CTP Future Horizons, please call Richard Jones, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 872949/2922 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 798614 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and Veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. We are the leading provider of job opportunities and employment advice for ex-Forces men and women. We have thousands of job opportunities with employers who value military experience. We advise you on careers suited to you and we know which employers are recruiting in your area. We work with you so that you have a good CV, and support you through the application and interview process. To register with us … Tel: 0121 2360 058 Website: www.rfea.org.uk
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CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
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Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
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