INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES
JUNE 2017
ACCESS ALL AREAS! Open the door to HE with an Access Diploma page 32
£250 PRIZE WINNER It could be you! Find out how on page 23
PLUS Get on course for these careers: Driving instruction Logistics & distribution Project management
ROUTE PLANNING FOR ALL RANKS COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERSI RESETTLEMENT
CREDITS REPORT Your guide to all things ELC
I DID IT! From RAF to Amazon Page 52
questonline.co.uk
www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
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EDITOR SAY HELLO TO YOUR JUNE ISSUE OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES 4
FORCES. In the month that plays host to Armed Forces Day on Saturday the 24th, QUEST, in its own very specific way, also aims to show its support for the men and women like you who make up our Armed Forces community – by providing you with the only guide you’ll need to funding, training courses, careers and transition. That applies whether you plan to stay in uniform for a while or have already set out on your resettlement journey. The first section of this month’s issue gathers together all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to make best use of it – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim (find out about that on page 8). As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, we also discover how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications and focus on higher-level study choices, if that’s where your sights are set. And, talking of high achievements, the subject of our HE success story, Anthony Clarke, is quite literally on course for success thanks to his very impressive haul of qualifications – he’s also our first ‘QUEST questionnaire’ £250 prize winner! Turn to page 23 to find out how you could follow in his footsteps. We also investigate three career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition: driving instruction, logistics and project management. Our focus also falls on the Access to HE Diploma, which could help you follow your dreams and change your life – even if you thought higher education wasn’t for you. Winding up the section is our one-stop education and funding planner, summarising your education and personal development opportunities, with ideas on improving your career prospects and highlighting the funding sources available to help you achieve your aims.
In our second part, there’s the usual QUEST mix of inspirational ‘transition tales’ and practical advice on resettlement issues. First, we hear how former Chief Tech Michael Harney went from RAF to reliability maintenance engineering technician for the world’s largest internet consumer company, and gain an insight into the work of Veterans’ charity and housing association, Stoll. After that, we have some tips on sourcing medical insurance, if that’s something you’ve not had to consider before, while our ex-Army regular contributor Ralph Straw has some more of his usual useful advice to help keep you civvy savvy. To further assist your resettlement arrangements, you’ll find full CTP course and events listings on page 60, followed by our ‘Transition Factfile’, gathering together helpful information from a range of sources. Holding all this together is ‘The Hub’, the place where you’ll find an array of information on training and course options, along with reader reports and transition news. Looking ahead once again to Armed Forces Day, we’d like to offer you our thanks for all you do, but we’d like to offer you our own brand of practical support too – as your handy, essential guide to training, support and careers.
For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk
Lynn Brown Editor
Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of
Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
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June 2017
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JUNE 2017 >>
Contents YOUR ELC
06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding
12
12 How to claim if you are still serving 14 How to claim after leaving 16 Avoiding queries or rejection 18 ELC dos and don’ts 20 Higher-level study 22 HE success story: Anthony Clarke is on course for success thanks to his impressive haul of qualifications – he’s also our first £250 prize winner! 24 Distance learning 26 Qualifications to further your Service career 28 On course: Driving instruction 32 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 34 On course: Logistics & distribution 38 On course: Project management 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts
THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
52 Success story: inspiration from those who’ve already made the transition. This month, electrical engineer Michael Harney 55 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Resettlement matters: medical insurance 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile
4
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Course notes
YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
Engineering your way to the top
Accredited Competence in General Locksmithing level 3 course
ELC 101
M
A
echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is Alexander Bill completed Knob sets conducted over a three‐week period, his MBA part‐time at Aston Pad locks comprising two weeks in the technical Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the transport business Alstom. Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for you to gain in‐ Alex began his career at 5 lever British Standard mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. to certain which is a single payment of up to and − – Service training found theubject commercial and eligibility Car opening You will be taught to strip business criteria side of selling and delivering advanced industrial (see page 8), the ELC £3,000 for those locks, with six or keys morefor them by− – civilian accredited Service training Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble make services exciting. Alex, ‘Following a really successfulyears of qualifying techniques hand and machine, pickwill them open. (unless scheme Says offers currently serving service,and which at least 30 hours extra work project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening or former Service personnel access to a count as all three awards. is involved, together with a separate about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using specialist equipment. You first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational l The PF FE/HE scheme provides assessment assignment) interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of youror course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that exam, one for myself. I’mhigher glad that I did! equivalent) orAnd a first education (HE) Service leavers and fees doing daily work on out with a locksmith are found on Service wooden,personnel aluminium and− – membership ‘It has had(e.g. a number of benefits, not just but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what to expect qualification a foundation degree orfor a myself, in their qualifying resettlement phase − – books and materials also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on first undergraduate degree or equivalent) with access to a first full level 3 or a − – normal Service sport and me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit free fromtime, tuition Here’s the basic first HE qualification (a foundation adventurous training. in situations that the same the fees. improvements to my skills when invaluable experience doors and grill‐type gates. presenting and communicating to…a wide range of audiences information you need to know degree or a first l Withdrawal payment been may arise, once especially dealinghas with the Alongundergraduate with all of the above you will – from shop floortier to very senior public if you have never done this given soundwith advice from professionals made l Thethe ELC lower offers upmanagers to three – have been degree orbeequivalent) support due to foreseeable postings/ very noticeable.’ before.activities Please note that we canmeant arrange with regard payments of up to £1,000 in three towards tuition fees.to the financial side of your Service will usually Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on separate financial years;tothe higher Only one ELC claim can be made in that no further claims will be allowed. carrying out my day job, going lectures, studying l at the at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how tier offers upfamily. to three payments upgreat, andany one financial year (April Service weekends and my However, Astonofwas Class hours are 9 am–4or pm. your vehicle should be to laidMarch). out and l If unexpected veryto flexible. When, towards the endfinancial of my second year, my mustequipped, and even whatto type of vehicle compassionate reasons cause your £2,000 in three separate l You make a contribution your daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams. This is without bestadvice locksmith to use. We will alsoofhelp to acquire withdrawal, years. learning of at least 20% theyou cost you doubt shouldthe seek Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply l The three separate years do not have (the ELC element includes VAT but from your Education Staff or Learning flexible. UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These to run and mayI learned be a was how to excludes accounts travel, accommodation, food, at Adviser. Q be awarded your level 3 NCFE ‘One of consecutively, the most valuable things you will will allow you to purchase, analyse and understand a wide range of complex National Accredited Certificate in trade price, stock for your van, tools and combination of both higher and lower and often books and materials). incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise specialist requirements levels. l You mustany discuss your plans with that you may Locksmithing. them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. You will also receive a full set of l ELC may be claimed for the same your line manager and education presentation that gets straight to the point. like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by learning if it continues for more and skills adviser before makinghelpline any financial SCHEME: ‘The MBAcourse definitely gave me the knowledge to 341257. a free 24‐hour should you have ELC progress career, me to be promoted thanmy a year, orhelping for a different learning to general commitment. LATEST STATS problems while trading. manager.’ purpose each year. l ELC are available for full- or part-time From its inception until the end of
The basics
S
onetouch course combines with others for GetIf in
l
single purpose these can be Tel: a0121 204 learning 3099 email: mba@aston.ac.uk combined to claim ELC. Web: www.aston.ac.uk
l
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
an aggregated lower-tier award, SeeIt’s the advertisement on page 2
Two‐week technical workshop Subjects covered above, asPin defined onlocks the NQF or SCQF, tumbler with an organisation on the approved Disc locks locks providersRadial list maintained by ELCAS. Pin‐tumbler locks bodies l You may not claim ELC for: UPVC lock bodies
study for a qualification at level 3 or
March 382,375 people had Get in2017, touch
Tel: 01432 341257 registered with the ELC scheme and
email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com 127,114 claims had been made, to the
Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk
value of £194.8 million.
See the advertisement on page 39
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
6WLYH[PVUZ 6MÄ JLY VY -SPNO[ +PZWH[JOLY
Open Learning Courses with ELCAS funding
Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
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6
48
June Spring2017 2016l/questonline.co.uk COURSES4FORCES
www.avtech2000.co.uk
01892 770250 www.courses4forces.co.uk
LEADING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY Diploma in Marine Purchasing & Supply Management Starts: 14 September MBA in Shipping & Logistics Starts: 18 September Diploma in Terminal Management Start: 26 September Certificate in Commercial Management and Procurement Starts: 26 September Diploma in Maritime Safety Policies and Regulations Starts: 27 September Diploma in Ship Superintendency Starts: 11 October
To see a full list of the courses we offer, visit our website: www.lloydsmaritimeacademy.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7017 7079 | Email: michael.ghansam@informa.com
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
l
qualify for full state subsidy.
The qualifying service required
Special eligibility criteria apply if you were
What about if you are medically
for both ELC lower-tier and FEHE
medically discharged from service before
discharged?
awards will increase from four to six
achieving the required number of years’
You are eligible to claim ELC at the
years from 1 April 2017. If you will
service. If this is the case, please seek
lower (£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier
already have accumulated four years’
advice from your unit education staffs.
depending on your length of service on
qualifying service before 1 April 2017,
l
l
In detail …
lower-tier award and FEHE.
When can you start claiming ELC?
completing six years of service, you may
If you left – or are due to leave –
You can start claiming when you have
be eligible to make claims at the lower-
service on or after 1 April 2016, you
accumulated the necessary qualifying
tier rate if the injury or illness was caused
are entitled to post-service access to
years of service. For example, if you
or significantly worsened, wholly or
ELC and FEHE for five years.
registered on the ELC scheme and have
predominantly by service, as defined by
If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31
been serving since 1 April 2000, you will
the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
March 2016 inclusive, you will have
have been entitled to start claiming at the
(JSP765).
until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted
What if you are no longer serving?
If you left before 1 April 2011, you
above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying
If you have already left the Service or are
will retain ten years of post-Service
service for lower-tier awards will increase
in your resettlement phase, you may be
access.
from four to six years. However, if you will
eligible to claim under the terms of the
have accumulated four years’ qualifying
Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher
service before 1 April 2017, you will still be
Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a
able to claim your lower-tier awards.
look at the feature on page 14 to find out
In brief … To take advantage of ELC support, you must: l
l
l
8
the date of discharge. Additionally, if
you keep your entitlement to use ELC
you are medically discharged prior to
more – or, for full details and to check the
have completed four years of full-time
What happens if you are made redundant?
detailed eligibility rules, visit
service or, from 1 April 2017, six years
Irrespective of whether or not you applied
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
have joined – or since April 2016
to be made redundant, you will cease
been automatically enrolled – on the
to accrue service for ELC eligibility on
Find out more
scheme and completed four years’ or,
the day you leave service. If you have
Much more detailed information is
from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying
accrued six or more years’ service since
available in JSP822, which can be
scheme membership
registering on the scheme by your last day
downloaded from the ELCAS website at
apply only for a first eligible FE/HE
of service, you will still be eligible to claim
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
qualification at the level for which you
ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have
are academically qualified to enter
accrued eight or more years’ service since
learning on leaving the Service
registering on the scheme by your last
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses st consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
MOD APPROVED FIRE SAFETY TRAINING In support of ELC Scheme Make the best use of your ELCs by gaining professional fire safety qualifications from the experts in fire training at Vulcan. We hold public fire training courses throughout the year, at venues around the UK, including 5 Day Fire Risk Assessor, Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma, which give you the confidence, competence and tools to be able to put into practice your knowledge at the end of your training.
Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11
Call 01925 211488 - Ask for Bethany
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisorswww.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk/elc BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
s of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses. Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media support groups. Courses available include: NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH National Construction Certificate NEBOSH National Fire Certificate NEBOSH National Diploma And many more... Contact us today for an informal discussion on how we can help with your training requirements.
33 March 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
9
Q
Distance learning
Distance learning YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS
What is distance learning?
D
istance learning allows people to study when and where they want, rather than on the same site as the institution that is providing the education (as is the case with ‘traditional’ study). As well as ‘distance learning’, you are likely to come across terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all these types of learning are likely to overlap, but, as a rough rule of thumb, open learning includes more face�to�face classes than distance learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are tutors and physical material available to help students. Distance learning ranges from courses of even as little as a few hours, to degrees and postgraduate qualifications that may involve several years’ study. So�called ‘short courses’ typically last days or weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those subjects with a strong practical element often have modules that are appropriate for distance learning. Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days, learning materials and support may be provided by either one or a combination of the following means: books, telephone, DVD, CD� ROM, email, the internet, podcasts and via mobile learning, where the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or throughLC a wireless server.for Some offerstudy coursefor elements via are available full-providers or part-time a the iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free of charge. Many qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the courses make extensive use of the internet. Others involve tutor National Qualifications Framework/Regulated groups, which may meet regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’ Qualifications Framework (NQF/RQF),* with an organisation duration for classroom education on top of regular, directed on the approved providers list held by ELCAS and viewable at coursework at a distance. www.enhancedlearningcredits.com It could be an A-level, or
ASK YOURSELF ‌ Does the course lead to the � Will there be an exam at qualification I want/need? the end? � Will the course train me to � Is the provider inspected or the level required (by me or accredited by an a potential employer)? independent body? � Can I view the training � If I choose to study for a materials first, before degree, do I have to committing? Or chat to complete it in three years? � Will I receive any special previous learners? � Do I have to pass an entry consideration for study test? problems as a result of � How much support is operational duties? � Is the course available via available? And in what learning tools that I will be form? � Can the whole course be able to access? (For done at a distance, or is it example, if you are in an necessary to attend training environment where IT sessions at specific times? availability is limited, you � How much time do I need should select a course to set aside for study? where it is possible to use l registration and accreditation fees � How much will the course paper and telephone, at l sports qualifications cost? least for a limited period.) l overseas qualifications �
How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding
E
an NVQ 3 or equivalent award. Convenience is the keyYou may also use ELC to fund
anything that, too, like university modules or The great above thing about distance learning – especially fornationally those in the recognised diplomas. This might include: Armed Forces, who may be posted anywhere in the world – is that it l foundation degrees puts you in control of your education. Once you have chosen and enrolled on your course (see below), you are free to study when, l postgraduate qualifications where – and, these days, how – you choose, so you can fit your l other academic qualifications education aroundself-development your current work and/or family commitments. l professional You might be an early bird, who works best first thing in the l accreditation of prior learning morning; or you might be a night owl, who finds the evenings the l vocational training best time to study successfully – it’s entirely up to you. And of course, in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile learning, Continued on page 10
A career in law without a law degreee Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition into a second ond career b byy studying studying MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` SLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` distance learning earning vider no. 1105
10
8
cilexlawschool.ac.uk and S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
June Winter2017 2015l/questonline.co.uk COURSES4FORCES
l
resettlement training (during last two years of service only).
To find out more about accessing higher-level study in particular, take a look at our feature on page 20.
APL AND CATS
CHOOSING A COURSE
Beforechoosing decidingaon a course, you should consider: When course, two terms to be aware of are l its relevance to your personal development plan accreditation of prior learning (APL) and the Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS). Both allow a l your abilityand to undertake it teaching credit to: l likelyorganisation disruptions to to give Service requirements â—? learning obtained elsewhere, and l the flexibility of the study method. â—? relevant experience at work in the subject concerned. You should always ask about APL and CATS, to avoid repeating * things The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is replacing the Qualifications you have already done. and Credit Framework (QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.
- UYEPM½IH EW E TVSJIWWMSREP “ - UYEPM½IH EW E TVSJIWWMSREP TLSXSKVETLIV SR PMRI ERH TLSXSKVETLIV SR PMRI ERH MR Q] S[R XMQI MR Q] S[R XMQI â€?
*SVQIV 7KX 7XITLIR +SH[MR SJ XLI /MRK´W 6S]EP ,YWWEVW *SVQIV 7KX 7XITLIR +SH[MR SJ XLI /MRK´W 6S]EP ,YWWEVW ERH RS[ E TVSJIWWMSREP TLSXSKVETLIV ERH RS[ E TVSJIWWMSREP TLSXSKVETLIV
*MRH SYX LS[ you GER UYEPMJ] EX *MRH SYX LS[ you GER UYEPMJ] EX [[[ TTXYXSV SRPMRI GSQ [[[ TTXYXSV SRPMRI GSQ 4 4VSJIWWMSREPP] VIGSKRMWIH VSJIWWMSREPP] VIGSKRMWIH UUYEPMJMGEXMSRW JVSQ 9/ XYXSVW YEPMJMGEXMSRW JVSQ 9/ XYXSVW ))QEMP JOHNBIGGLESTONE QEMP JOHNBIGGLESTONE
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ME COM ME COM
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
W Woodward SHE Ltd.
W W Your Training - Your Entitlement - Your Future
5 NEBOSH Qualifications For 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD
New Courses Launching in Catterick - Summer 2017
NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH International General Certificate Conversion NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety NEBOSH Inter. Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Safety NEBOSH National Diploma in Health & Safety NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management
Courses Also Available at Our Training Venues in Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Telephone ~ Sharon on 01228 - 592614 email ~ info@woodwardgroup.co.uk
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APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
E LC Logo 4435
PROVIDER NUMBER
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
11
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC
Making an application Your step-by-step guide
1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence
Direction and Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future. 3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/ learning staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online. 6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2017: th 30 June, 28th July, 25th August
to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme membership using the information on the ELC website. 8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee, so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it
Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com
will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822, which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
12
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Phoenix Health & Safety are the Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses.
Courses available include:
•
NEBOSH National General Certificate
•
NEBOSH National Construction Certificate
• •
NEBOSH National Fire Certificate
•
NEBOSH International Construction Certificate
support groups.
•
NEBOSH International Oil and Gas Certificate
Contact us today for an informal discussion on how we can help with your training requirements on:
• •
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And many more...
Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media
NEBOSH International General Certificate
NEBOSH International Diploma
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
3518
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
claim form to them at the relevant address
Royal Navy
is to encourage serving personnel
(again, see box), along with:
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
to pursue higher-level learning
l
evidence of your last day of Service,
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
that benefits both the learner and the
which could be a copy of your
PO2 8BY
Armed Forces, it also allows level 3-plus
discharge document, a copy of your
02392 625954
learning to be pursued during resettlement
P45 terminating employment or a
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
or for up to five years after leaving the
document stamped by your regiment
Services.* The majority of this learning
confirming your leaving date**
Army
a copy of a utility bill showing your
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
home address
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
full information about the course
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
future employer and, nationally, adding to
you wish to undertake and including
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
the UK’s skills base.
details of your registration date where
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
is likely to be vocational (learning new
l
skills or enhancing existing ones), with the qualification benefiting the learner and a
First of all, refer to the eligibility
l
applicable. Q
criteria listed on page 8. To make a
01264 381580 elc@detsa.co.uk
claim, download the appropriate form
The Army Single Service telephone helpline
from the ELCAS website and complete
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
it fully, except for Parts 4 and 5 – your
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
Single Service Representative (SSR) will
com for the expiration date of your claims.
Royal Air Force
complete these elements (you will find
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
Learning Credits Administrator,
their contact details in the accompanying
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
box). Send your otherwise fully completed
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
personnel can request details of discharge dates
IMPORTANT!
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845
NG34 8HB
All applications must be submitted to
6009663.
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the start of the course you wish to take. They will then submit approved applications to ELCAS. You should not submit your claim form direct to ELCAS.
14
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.
01400 268 183 22TrgGp-CTS-AandEWg-LCA@mod.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Develop Your Future Career with ®
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New Entrants or Technical Upgrades Qualifications at Level 2,3 & 4 • Property Management Services L3 • Energy Performance Certificate • Legionella Operative & Management • Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 • Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 • Electrical - Domestic & Industrial L2 & 3 • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration L2 & 3 • NEBOSH General Certificate NVQ Qualification L2 & 3 • Processing Hydrocarbons • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration • Electro Technical Electrician • Engineering Maintenance - Mechanical and Electrical • Design and Verification of Electrical Systems L4 For expert advice contact us:
01652 658151 www.crownship.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 1060
PROVIDER NUMBER
Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%
Next Course Date - 30th October
Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5
Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings.
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, Painting & Decorating, or level 1 Health & Safety/CSCS training “Don’t look anywhere else, this is the place to learn trade skills!” For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Jon Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk
Advanced Helicopter Training Training Pilots. Employing Pilots. Since 2005 we have been the leading provider of EC135 Type Ratings, Instrument Ratings and instructor courses. We now offer NVIS and GNSS training along with CPL and ATPL tests. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC PROVIDER NUMBER
2950
visit www.babcockpilottraining.com email Elly.Clark@babcockinternational.com or telephone +44 (0) 1452 856 007
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
15
Q
YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP
Avoiding queries or rejection How you can help things to run smoothly
E
LCAS deals with many claims that
minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the
and research and discuss your learning with
have to be queried or rejected: almost
NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is
your line manager and Service education or
not on the ELCAS approved providers list
learning adviser. This also applies if you are
failure to follow the correct procedure for
a qualifying ex-Service person using your
authorising the claim
ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place
the course not commencing in the
for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead
qualifying financial year
enough you could find yourself significantly
incorrect financial data, such as the
out of pocket as retrospective claims are not
authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS
learner’s contribution being less than
allowed under any circumstances.
learners failing to allow sufficient time
20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated
20% of claims received fail to comply
with the correct procedures. Some of the
l
main reasons for rejection include: l
applicants enrolling on a course – and
l
sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l
l
as exceeding the ELC award
offered by an approved provider are
incomplete details or errors in course title
automatically admissible under the ELC
so any claim submitted within 25 working
or course level (these account for 25% of
scheme. This is a common mistake: one
days of the start of the course will
all rejected/queried claims)
provider may supply many courses, but only
applicants not registered on the ELCAS
those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3
system
or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS
more than one active claim being
website may be considered for ELC purposes.
between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,
automatically be rejected l
form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also
16
l
l
a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation
l
Also, do not assume that all courses
l
processed for an individual in the same l
plan ahead and get it right first time
automatically rejected
To help avoid rejection on grounds such as
l
don’t buck the system or pay upfront
the course does not meet the necessary
those listed above, you should plan ahead,
l
complete your claim with care! Q
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
financial year.
So:
must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committingtotocourses courses Readers mustReaders consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
A career in law e without a law degree Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition ond career b y stud ying into a second by studying SLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` earning distance learning vider no. 1105
cilexlawschool.ac.uk and S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
20 weeks complete L3 domestic gas course
Kier Group is one of the leading construction, services, property and
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13
17
Q
YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS
ELC dos and don’ts Do:
it out on the ELCAS website at www.
your studies; if you don’t, and can’t
l
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
training and/or resettlement adviser if
personal development plan
you aren’t sure of the best way to use
plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days
funding for your resettlement training
provider status means that the entire
remember that the scheme operates a
portfolio of a provider’s courses meets
l
(CAN) l
automatically assume that approved
needing to book a course
strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;
be prepared to provide evidence that
if you are eligible and have used the
the course you would like to do is at
Aggregated Lower Tier award you will
financially without having first obtained
least level 3 (or equivalent) on the
not be able to use it again, so think
approval from your own Service and a
National Qualifications Framework
carefully before submitting a claim
(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit
l
l
commit any payment contributions
and line managers to discuss your
between submitting a claim and l
l
l
inform your Education Staff,
the level 3 requirement l
enrol on a course or commit yourself
CAN from ELCAS l
enrol on a course with a new provider
Framework (QCF),* and that it directly
Learning Adviser or Single Service
who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;
benefits the Service (unless your claim
representative if your last day in
wait until this has definitely been
is resettlement-related during your last
service alters from that originally
achieved – if this takes too long, look on
two years of serving)
stated
the ELCAS website for an alternative
complete and return the evaluation
provider. Q
ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.
18
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33
PROVIDER NUMBER
gh ll ou ss wi hr ce S t ro M you g p rt din n fu
From its inception until the end of exam, assessment or assignment) and an extra ELC authorised. All cases will 6781 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com December 2015, 371,405 people had � membership fees be judged on their merits. The cancellation registered withcommitting the ELC scheme Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE toand courses � books and materials and reinstatement process is published in 113,564 claims please had beenmention made, to the When responding to advertisements Quest � normal Service sport and adventurous JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance value of £167.2 million. training. on Training, Education and Skills. It is APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
gh ll ou ss wi hr ce S u t pro OM t yo ng or di pp un su he f t
VISIT OUR TRAINING SCHOOL OR CALL TO SPEAK TO EX-MILITARY INSTRUCTORS
ELC
PROVIDER NUMBER
8089
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Flexible study routesto- retrain, work-based, commencing If you’re looking upskill or start a new career, choose taught, mixed-mode programme or September 2017 at our from over 50 varied and practical distance learning courses Supported Distance Learning. at the University of Leicester, including our internationally training centre in Doncaster renowned MSc Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management. Start your journey e: dladvisers@le.ac.uk www.le.ac.uk/thisiselcas
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ELC
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Tel: +44 (0)1582 458 355 • ,EE $EIGHTON call now: 0845 1300 616 UK G S COM ELC CALL OR EMAIL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS 3228 www.oms.uk.com
PROVIDER NUMBER
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Our expertise, wherever you are
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The Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCIÂŽ) is the perfect program to start your new career within the network cable installation industry, it provides two qualifications, official certification and eligibility for an Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Datacomms Specialist card - a must to allow you to work on-site. The CNCIÂŽ 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 June 2017
19
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Aim higher!
I
f you’re thinking of embarking on a
career openings, but if it turns out
higher education (HE) qualification
you’re no good at it, you’re unlikely
that’s great – you can use your ELC
to end up with a good qualification
to fund anything above level 3, and that
at the end of it – and may even fail
includes university modules and nationally
altogether.
recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open
It’s a good idea to start by
to you for consideration include diplomas,
thinking about the qualifications
bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees
you already have and the subjects/areas you
and postgraduate qualifications. The only
have a flair for. Other things you might want
through students completing a number
problem you are likely to have is in deciding
to think about include the course provider’s
of modules, the distinction between HE
exactly what and how to study!
academic reputation (you can find university
(generally academic) and further education
league tables and subject ranking tables
(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.
online), its graduate employment rates, and
Credits from a selection of courses can often
You may already have a pretty good idea
links between the university or college and
be added together to gain degrees and other
of what you’d like to study at a higher
employers.
HE qualifications.
Choosing an HE course level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to
Having decided what you want to study,
With many qualifications being earned
Both HE and FE courses can be taken via
make sure you understand the nature of
you will be faced with a variety of ways of
distance learning. The difference between
the subject you are considering, especially
studying it.
these is not always clear-cut, though, and
if it’s something new to you. So do your
20
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.
in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),
research, and ensure you know exactly what
How do HE courses differ?
a course is offering you – topic areas, what
The most basic difference is between the
are modular; this means that you complete
the modules will cover, etc. Whatever else
levels of courses. While most HE courses
them in sections (modules), often of your
you take in to consideration, it goes without
lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree
own choosing, and credits gained from a
saying that you must have a strong interest
qualifications such as a Higher National
selection of such courses can be gathered
in the subject and the course content, as
Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma
together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE
you will be spending three years or more
(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,
qualifications.
occupied with it, which won’t be much fun
such courses will be shorter than a degree
if it turns out you’re not that struck with it
course, more vocationally orientated and will
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
after all!
have lower entry requirements. Some will be
Which? University is a free and
You are also likely to do better at a
linked to degree courses, though, giving you
independent website packed with
course if you already have an aptitude for
the option of progressing to a degree if you
everything you need to find the right
the subject. It might be a really fascinating
perform well enough on the early parts of
university course for you. See http://
course, which promises to lead to a host of
the course.
university.which.co.uk
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
both types are involved. Many qualifications
Please note that Service leavers cannot
usually takes three or four years to complete
access support under the FEHE scheme to
full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,
SOURCES OF ADVICE
commence studies at master’s level but they
can take five or six years).
Your line manager should be your
can utilise their ELC for study at this level.
first point of contact. Each unit has
Postgraduate qualifications
an education/learning specialist, and
popular higher-level course options you
Postgraduate qualifications are HE
each Service also has a network of
could choose from …
qualifications that require learners to have
educational and learning centres
already completed a bachelor’s degree.
where advice can be sought and ideas
Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)
Most types of postgraduate qualification will
explored.
generally fall into one of two categories:
in open learning, with distance learning
HNCs and HNDs are work-related
postgraduate certificate or postgraduate
generally catering for students who are so
(vocational) HE qualifications. While
diploma.
far away that they study almost entirely by
Here’s a rundown of some of the other
bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus
include taught and research elements. They
themselves.
designed to give you the skills to put that
Think you’re missing the necessary basics?
knowledge to effective use in a particular
If you aren’t already in possession of the
ELC funding for higher education
job. Highly valued by employers, both in
lower-level qualifications you would normally
The good news is that your ELC provides
the UK and overseas, they can also count
need to build on in order to secure your
you with access to a first full level 3 or a first
towards membership of professional bodies
place on an HE course, the Access to Higher
HE qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first
and other employer organisations. HNCs
Education (HE) Diploma – often referred
undergraduate degree or equivalent) free
can take one year to complete full-time and
to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma
from tuition fees. This commitment means
two years part-time (or via, say, distance
– could be for you. It’s a qualification that
that Service leavers who have joined at level
learning). HNDs take two years full-time and
prepares people for study at university,
2, say, and have taken the opportunity to
can also be taken part-time (which takes
and is designed for those who would like to
gain a qualification such as an advanced
longer). (The award of an HND requires more
study in HE but who left school without the
apprenticeship, or other accredited learning
units to be passed than for an HNC.) They
usual qualifications, such as A-levels. It is
at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to
equate to approximately halfway between
widely accepted by universities and colleges,
access their first higher-level qualification.
an A-level and a degree, although they are,
having been developed with their support,
as mentioned above, more practically based
and is designed to provide a good grounding
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
than the latter.
in the knowledge and study skills needed
Training and Education, which can be
to succeed in HE. Although equivalent to
accessed and downloaded at www.
Foundation degrees
A-levels, Access Diploma courses are put
enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
Foundation degrees combine learning with
together with people who haven’t studied
work experience if you decide you want
for a while in mind – and most don’t require
to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent
prior qualifications. Many are suitable for
COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses
of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this
study part-time or in the evenings, which
l
Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
is a fully flexible qualification that allows
adds to their flexibility. Most FE colleges
Compare official course data from
you to study full- or part-time to fit your
in England and Wales offer such Access
universities and colleges, including
lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240
courses, and a number are available through
student satisfaction and jobs after
‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full
distance learning, so you should be able
study (you have to apply to the college
account will be taken of any prior learning
to find a course that is convenient for you,
and experience you have accrued, too.
and that caters for your interests or career
l
UCAS: http://search.ucas.com
Recent developments, including university
ambitions. You can find out more about
Search and apply for full-time courses
partnerships and funding, make these
Access to HE courses, browse courses and
qualifications increasingly available to
read success stories on the Access to Higher
people in the Services.
Education homepage at www.accesstohe.
on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are
Full details can be found in JSP822
or university direct)
by course name, provider name or location l
Degree courses
National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/
ac.uk
advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
How to learn
academic study leading to a qualification
Qualifications can be earned through full-
such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor
time courses, part-time courses, day release,
Postgraduate study
of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known
night school, open and distance learning
l
as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s
(see the feature on page 22 of this issue).
degree is designed to give learners a
There will usually be more times when
thorough understanding of a subject, and
students get together for joint study periods
Search for full- and part-time courses
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses
l
Postgraduate Search: www. postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
21
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
On course for success … that’s Anthony Clarke, our first QUEST quarterly £250 prize winner. Thanks to his already impressive haul of qualifications he stands out as a shining example of how to use all the educational opportunities available to you while serving in order to prepare for a successful second career on leaving. Here’s his story so far …
S
quadron Leader Anthony Clarke, 36, enlisted in March 2000 and is currently serving as a Weapons Integration Programme Manager with the RAF, specialising as an
Aerosystems Engineer. Asked to tell us about the military and civilian qualifications he has obtained so far during his Service career, the list he gave us is so long we’ve had to put it in a
£250 PRIZE WINNER! ANTHONY’S ACHIEVEMENTS Military qualifications System Safety Practitioner course System Safety Process Manager course System Safety in Action course System Safety Awareness course Developing & Improving Supplier Relationships online training (DISROL) Investment Appraisal Training Finance Skills – Investment Appraisal Introduction to WOME online Risk Management training course Defence Leadership Development Programme (Virtual Ashridge) Human Factors Error Management Training for Middle Managers Pan Defence Human Factors Awareness Training Aircraft Structural Integrity course Post-Crash Management course Certificate in Terrorism Studies DSE Assessor Risk Assessor Joint Services Professional Facilitator Programme SpLD Awareness course Basic Air Warfare course (BAWC) Q-A HR7-CFS, Q-A-HR7 Airframe, Q-OPS, Q-A-C130J/K Managers course, JODP, ILMPD(A)
separate box! When asked when and why he registered for ELC, Anthony says: ‘I registered in November 2015 to start an MSc course in January 2016. I needed one full ELC credit to study this oneyear course, in addition to my personal contribution. It has been a truly immersive and rewarding course.’
DON’T WAIT, USE YOUR ELC! Talking about how he chose the course, he continues: ‘It was recommended to me by two RAF colleagues, and when I looked into it I was compelled to have a go and challenge myself further. Although I don’t graduate until July, I already have enough marks to graduate with an MSc in Engineering and Management from the University of Portsmouth with the grade of distinction. ‘It was a fantastic course. The benefits are that you can fit your learning around the busy periods at work and at home. It is also a chance to make a real difference at work with a relevant project and then receive an academic award at the same time. The course was done entirely via distance learning, as well as some tutorials with my supervisor. It was challenging at times but manageable.
22
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Civilian qualifications MSc Engineering & Management, University of Portsmouth MSc Aerospace and Airworthiness, Cranfield University CMI level 7 Strategic Leadership and Management BSc (Hons) 2:1 Engineering Management, University of Lincoln Chartered Engineer (CEng) APM Professional Qualification (APM PQ) APMP Project Management Practitioner MSP Foundation and Practitioner HND Aerospace Engineering, RAF Cosford BTEC (ONC) Aeronautical Engineering Diploma in Administrative Management (DipAM) Advanced Modern Apprenticeship (AMA) Aircraft Engineering Maintenance including NVQ level 3 and Key Skills NVQ level 3 Information Technology European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) NCFE Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
‘I had a project in mind that I would
‘It was a fantastic course. It has a
registering for or using ELC, is to
have had to pursue anyway to try to
good mix of APEL (accreditation of prior
cultivate a good working relationship
improve support to operations. The MSc
experiential learning), distance learning
with your PLA/REC. Be proactive and
programme gave me the extra impetus
and research. I even had to interview
submit your claim as early as possible so
and focus to complete it with real depth
senior management, MoD SMEs and
that you can transmit your CAN/personal
and detail. It built on my engineering
industry executives. It really increased
contribution to your training provider
qualifications gained in the Service and
my confidence in this area.
and start on time, knowing all of the
included attendance at the Intermediate
‘Before I started, I hoped to be able
year/course is paid for.
Command and Staff Course (Air) at DA
to take time to reflect and study my core
Shrivenham, which I did in summer 2015.
role, produce a meaningful report (my
‘I try to relate my other CPD to
thesis), which my organisation could use,
my academic learning, so I attended
and achieve a master’s-level qualification.
a weapons technology conference
I certainly got my wish. I believe the
because my thesis subject was
course has enhanced my Service career
“Optimising complex weapons integration
prospects, and consolidated my learning
programmes in the defence air
in engineering, management and project/
THE BENEFITS ARE THAT YOU CAN FIT YOUR LEARNING AROUND THE BUSY PERIODS AT WORK AND AT HOME
programme management. I also think the course will help my subsequent civilian career as it is a relevant and valuable qualification in my field of aerospace/
‘Don’t wait, use your ELC!’ Q
MY ADVICE TO OTHER SERVICE PEOPLE REGISTERING FOR OR USING ELC, IS TO CULTIVATE A GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PLA/REC
airworthiness engineering. ‘My advice to other Service people
IT COULD BE YOU!
environment”. I also attended programme
Could you be our next quarterly £250 prize winner? To find out how, turn to page 47
management training to allow me to
or visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can find out more and download a copy of
study that area in my thesis.
the QUEST Questionnaire. We look forward to hearing from you …
READY TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER AFTER SERVICE? Develop your skills and increase your employability with a recognised University qualification We provide structured and supported undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and short courses that can be studied part-time online from anywhere in the world. Online learning offers you a flexible way of completing a University qualification both during and after your military service, equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to further your career.
Choose from a wide range of subject areas including: Accounting and Finance Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour Business and Management Environmental Sciences Computing and IT Health and Social Care
Hospitality Management Professional Engineering Psychology and Ergonomics
Ready to find out more?
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Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again
WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE
www.derby.ac.uk/military questonline.co.uk l June 2017
23
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
Remote control
Let the classroom come to you!
T
hanks to distance learning, you can
learning; the latter is where the student
have back-up and assistance as and when
study when and where you want.
accesses course content stored on a mobile
you require it. There are also likely to be
There’s no need to be physically
device or through a wireless server. Some
self-checks and interim tests to help ensure
on-campus to study or take (some)
providers offer course elements via the
that you are on target, and tutor-marked
training courses. And that, of course, is a
iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free
assessments to provide valuable feedback,
considerable benefit to those of you posted
of charge. Many courses make extensive
as well as a telephone helpline to call or
to far-flung locations, meaning that you can
use of the internet. Others involve tutor
someone to email for advice if you get
continue your studies wherever in the world
groups, which may meet regularly, or
stuck.
you may be. Nothing need come between
‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’ duration
you and your preparations for life in the
to provide classroom education that
ASK YOURSELF …
civilian world.
complements regular, directed coursework
l
As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as
Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?
l
Will the course train me to the
‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported
At your convenience
learning’. In truth, all of these types of
The great thing about distance learning –
learning are likely to overlap, but, as a
especially for those, like you, in the Armed
rough guide, open learning includes more
Forces – is that it puts you in control of
face-to-face classes than distance learning,
your education. Once you have chosen and
l
Can I chat to previous learners?
while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates
enrolled on your course (see below), you
l
Do I have to pass an entry test?
that there are tutors and physical material
are free to study when, where – and, these
l
How much support is available? And in
available to help students.
days, how – you choose, so you can fit your
What’s involved?
education around your current work and/or And, of course, in these days of laptops,
range from those taking as little as
notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
postgraduate qualifications that may involve several years’ study. So-called ‘short courses’ typically last days or weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those subjects with a strong practical element
are suited to distance learning. Thanks to the wide availability
employer)? l
location of your choice –
Can I view the training materials first, before committing?
what form? l
Can the whole course be done at a distance, or is it necessary to attend training sessions at specific times?
l
you can set up and study at a
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.
often have modules that
level required (by me or a potential
family commitments. It’s entirely up to you.
Courses delivered through distance learning a few hours, to degrees and
24
at a distance.
How much time will I need to set aside for study?
l
How much does the course cost?
home or work, at a cafe,
l
Will there be an exam at the end?
even while travelling.
l
Is the provider inspected or accredited
Importantly, too, you can work at your own
by an independent body? l
pace – there are no
I have to complete it within three
term times to be rigidly stuck to (although you
years? l
may have to sit exams,
specific times).
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of
which may take place only at To sum up, distance study enables
If I choose to study for a degree, do
operational duties? l
Is the course available via learning tools that I will be able to access? (For
of useful technology these days, learning
you take responsibility for your own
example, if you are in an environment
materials and support may be provided by
learning. However, although you will be in
where IT availability is limited, you
either one or a combination of the following
control, a good provider will offer support
should select a course where it is
means: books, phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email,
– so you will certainly not be alone, left
possible to use paper and telephone,
the internet, podcasts and via mobile
completely to your own devices, but will
at least for a limited period.)
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
How do I choose a course and provider?
there are also many commercial organisations that provide training
Although necessarily influenced by demand from learners, there are
to paying clients. Much of the training such providers deliver is
loads of courses available in distance learning form. And because
of excellent quality and targeted carefully at the needs of civilian
the choice of provider is huge, too, you are more than likely to be
employers in a specific market sector. Many commercial businesses
able to track down the course you are looking for. This may be
offering training use the premises of academic institutions to
something that will give you a general grounding or background
deliver courses, and may have contracts with employment agencies
in a particular subject or area (that you may go on to study in
to help their students find work.
more depth later), or you might be looking to focus on something
You are likely to have heard of some of the bigger distance
very specific – such as the entrance examinations of a particular
learning organisations, however – as mentioned above – there are
professional body.
many other providers out there too, also offering a wide range
Both higher education (HE) and further education (FE) courses can be taken via distance learning. The difference between these is not always clear-cut though, and in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees), both types are involved. Many qualifications are modular; this means that you complete them in sections (modules), often of your own choosing, and credits gained from a selection of such courses can be
of courses, some with discounts for Service people (ask your
Q
added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE qualifications.
education and training adviser for further information). Q
KEY CONTACTS
learndirect
It is not always necessary to have an undergraduate degree to gain
0800 101 901
a master’s; neither is it necessary to have one in order to achieve
www.learndirect.co.uk
many professional qualifications.
@learndirect
Increasingly, Service people like you are taking distance learning modules as part of the training that contributes to career
Open and Distance Learning Quality
progression. So, you could be studying with a view to gaining
Council (ODL QC)
qualifications that will help you while in the Forces or when you
020 8658 8337
leave, or just for personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a
www.odlqc.org.uk
particular subject. But how do you know who is a good provider and who is not? And exactly which course do you need? All this choice can prove confusing! In the accompanying ‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist that should help you.
Finding out more Service education and training staff, both within your unit and specialists, can often provide the best advice about what you might want and what it is actually possible for you to achieve. They can also provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and recommend the subjects that you should be encouraged to pursue – particularly with a view to a second career when leaving the Services. Increasing numbers of Forces learning and education centres and personal learning advisers also have access to e-learning opportunities. Information about courses is also available from learndirect (see ‘Key contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses and learning centres with tutor support, where students can undertake online learning, and that use ICT systems to enable users to access learning. Other information sources include direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’ (somebody who has first-hand experience of a course or a training provider), written prospectuses and, of course, the internet. The website of the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
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(ODL QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key contacts’).
Who are the learning providers? Many learning providers are neither HE nor FE institutions, although
Find out more at chi.ac.uk/aded
they may have links of varying strengths with one or more colleges or universities. Many companies run large training departments, and
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
25
Q
YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER
Boost your prospects
while serving
How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service
A
s noted elsewhere in this
that your Service role might require,
Skills with regard to building services
publication, the main purpose
but that are also highly likely to prove
engineering-related courses. A great many
of ELC is to encourage serving
useful once you leave the Forces, could
other areas are likely to serve you well in
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
include accountancy and management
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
that benefits both the learner and the
qualifications, or courses related to
your Service branch now, of course! Q
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
health and safety, and facilities or project
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
management. Depending on your Service
which state that any money provided for
role, you could find yourself in a position to
your personal development has to be of
embark on a range of studies that will turn
immediate benefit to both the Armed
out to have a very useful crossover into
Forces and the individual – if not, the
the civilian workplace when the time comes
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
for you to make the transition. as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
network of employers working to creating
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
those courses that will benefit your own
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
of study undertaken by individuals still
career and promotion prospects in the
been involved in putting together a
serving are exempt from taxation, either
Services – and ultimately help you find
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
employment on leaving – as well as offering
qualifications, which in these high-tech
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
a benefit to the Service while you remain
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
in uniform.
as they are while you remain in Service.
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
Similar work has taken place with Summit
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
accompanying box for more tax-related information.) The best of both worlds is offered by
Some of the areas of education
For example, thinking of IT training
This means that the Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
26
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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NOW DELIVERED ACROSS THE UK BABE – Edinburgh Napier University’s Innovative one year top up degree Entry requirements for BA Business and Enterprise include the vocational qualifications that go with forces rank, Personnel of Chief Petty Officer, Staff Sergeant, Flight Sergeant equivalent and above are eligible for direct entry* • Students attend local monthly workshops • Registered for ELCs, balance payable over 6 months More details can be found at: http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/courses/ba-business--enterprise-off-campus-undergraduate-distance-learning-part-time
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questonline.co.uk l June 2017
27
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: DRIVING INSTRUCTION
The road to
Does the road ahead of you lead to driving instruction? It’s a career that offers varied opportunities and flexible employment to those of the right disposition. So, mirror, signal manoeuvre … read on! What’s involved?
Register, as a Potential Driving Instructor you must pass three qualifying tests (see below, under ‘Get qualified!’). An ADI is someone who has passed all three parts and is currently registered with the DVSA. You will need to apply to the DVSA
D
time between lessons is unpaid. For this
before you start the qualifying tests.
riving instructors offer guidance
reason, some instructors work part-time,
Once you have passed the second part of
to their students on how to drive
fitting their driving instruction work around
the qualifying examination – the driving
all kinds of vehicles safely on the
another job.
ability assessment – you can apply for
charge to gain a full understanding of all
instructor in future, your biggest outlay
Although this allows you to be legally paid
aspects of driving in order to gain a full
will be for your car – as well as the initial
for giving driving instruction, it is not an
driving licence or improve their skills in a
purchase price, fuel and maintenance can
alternative to registering as an ADI.
particular area (take a look at the box titled
be expensive. However, if you choose to
‘The day job’, for more info). The bulk of
work for a franchise, you may be provided
a driving school or become self-employed.
the average driving instructor’s workload,
with a car as part of the deal, particularly if
Some ADIs choose to take additional
though, will involve learner drivers seeking
the franchise fee is high.
qualifications so that they can train drivers
roads, enabling the learner drivers in their
to pass their driving test in a car.
If you want to work as a driving
the trainee’s ‘licence to give instruction’.
Once registered, an ADI may work for
of large goods vehicles (LGVs), say, or
competitive as more and more people find
First stop: register as an ADI
they are attracted to the idea of working
Step one to becoming an instructor is
to satisfy the Registrar that they still meet
for themselves – when the time comes for
to register with the Driver and Vehicle
the DVSA’s standards for ability and fitness
you to leave the Armed Forces, this might
Standards Agency (DVSA) to train as an
to give instruction.
apply to you too. Remember, though, that
approved driving instructor (ADI). To do
the hours can be long and demanding,
so, you will need to meet the following
Skill up while serving
and driving instructors often work alone,
conditions:
Each Service has its own driving instructors
on a self-employed basis, even if they are
l
be aged 21 or over
based at the Defence School of Transport,
working as part of a franchise for a larger
l
have held a driving licence for at least
its satellite establishments, single-Service
three years
bases and with units – all of them trained
complete and pass enhanced CRB and
and qualified to DVSA standards. Some
motoring conviction checks.
will be on the appropriate register, others
This sector is becoming increasingly
driving school. This means that payment is received only for those hours when instruction is actually taking place and any
28
Before you can apply to join the ADI
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
l
fleet drivers. An ADI must also pass special ‘check tests’ at certain intervals. These are
have only three attempts to pass parts
Other vehicles
2 and 3. You must pass these within two
Motorcycle instructors may be trained
years of passing part 1. The qualifying
directly by Approved Training Bodies
process usually takes many months.
(the only organisations that can teach
Part 1, the theory test, comprises
Compulsory Basic Training, CBT) and/
two parts: a multiple-choice section and a
or complete a two-day assessment by
hazard perception section; it takes around
examiners at a specified DVSA centre.
1 hour and 45 minutes altogether. You
Further qualification is required to teach
must pass both parts at the same time
Direct Access courses.
to pass the test. There’s no limit to how
DVSA’s voluntary register take a similar
currently costs £81.
series of exams to those for ADIs. They can
The second part is the driving ability assessment test. It takes around an
Driving lessons usually follow instructor, you will be teaching
Lift truck instructors should pass a course with a trainer accredited by the
and a test of your ability to drive to a very
Health & Safety Executive.
Calm Patience People skills
confidence l
ambulance and MoD) are now recognised
thorough understanding
as a specialist category for the training of
of good, safe driving
drivers who are competent in emergency
techniques, and
situations. The three core competencies
that you can also
are:
demonstrate them.
1. assessing the need for an emergency
of instructional ability,
to use vehicle controls with
Blue light vehicles (police, fire,
whether or not you have a
Part 3 is the test
your clients: l
they will need to re-register.
an eyesight test, vehicle safety questions
MUST-HAVES!
a similar pattern. As an
be certified for four years, after which time
hour, currently costs £111, and consists of
high standard. It will prove
THE DAY JOB
LGV instructors who wish to be on the
many times you can take the test, which
which measures your ability to
response 2. driving the vehicle safely to emergencies
to manoeuvre, turn, reverse and
instruct pupils and is generally considered
park safely
the most difficult of the three qualifying
when responding to emergencies.
l
the correct approach to road safety
tests. You must pass part 2 before you
Fleet driver training also has a voluntary
l
about driving laws and the Highway
book part 3. The test, which currently costs
registration scheme for trainers. Fleet
Code
£111, takes around an hour and includes
driver trainers, qualified to a higher level,
l
how to do basic vehicle checks
an assessment of core competencies,
teach more advanced driving, usually in
l
how to deal with emergency
instructional techniques and instructor
the corporate market; the register was
situations.
characteristics. During the test, the
introduced to set standards for those
examiner will assess these by playing the
who specialise in providing this type of
role of two different pupils. Once you have
training, and to help raise the profile of the
passed this test, you can apply for your
training on offer to fleet drivers and their
first ADI badge and join the ADI register.
employers. ADIs can qualify for the register
Source: National Careers Service
may not be. However, virtually every motor
3. demonstrating the correct attitude
transport pool is able to instruct people
Please note that all three parts of
to drive the vehicles it manages. Thanks
the ADI test work differently in Northern
touchscreen-based theory test, a practical
to the vast range of vehicles in use in the
Ireland (see www.gov.uk/browse/driving/
driving test and a practical instructional
Armed Forces, there are Service people
teaching-people-to-drive for further
test, or they can complete and pass an
holding every conceivable licence, not to
information).
accredited course.
mention those who have trained them.
You can find links to full information
through a three-part exam comprising a
about the three tests – plus to a host of
Use your ELC
other pages likely to be of interest – on
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
The three tests that you have to take to
the gov.uk website (again at www.gov.uk/
training can be taken, provided it is offered
become an ADI are:
browse/driving/teaching-people-to-drive),
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
1. computer-based test in two parts,
on the page headed ‘Teaching people to
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
drive’.
co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full
Get qualified!
theory test and hazard perception test 2. practical test of driving skills
The ADI qualification lasts four years.
details of how to make the most of your
3. practical test of teaching ability.
You will have to apply to renew your
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on
You must pass each part before taking the
registration before the end of your current
pages 6–26.
next. You can take the theory test (part
registration period, and have another CRB
1) as many times as you need to, but you
check.
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
29
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: DRIVING INSTRUCTION
FINDING A TRAINING PROVIDER As a potential instructor, you should ensure that the training provider you of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT)
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
lists suitably qualified and inspected
Driving instructors need to be
trainers and establishments, and anyone
accomplished drivers; they also need
seeking ADI training can approach them
flexibility, imagination and commitment.
knowing that they have achieved the
A Service background, with its social
required standards. Training costs vary,
interaction and self-discipline, offers
choose is reputable. The Official Register
so you should contact several providers
side, check the sorts of benefits it includes.
very good preparation. The ability
to compare fees before deciding which
For example, will you get:
to teach is vital, as are a high level
course offers the best value for your
l
a car included in the cost (although not
of driving skills, a knowledge of how
fuel expenses)
people learn, an ability to assess
personal circumstances. Be aware that many companies advertise in the
l
brand recognition
the performance of others, and
press, and there is no requirement to be
l
a guaranteed supply of students
communication and interpersonal skills.
l
a higher hourly rate?
registered with the ORDIT.
Finding employment
What can you earn?
Once qualified, there are several options:
The marketplace is diverse and
l
move into the profession gradually
offers many different earning
by fitting instruction around another
opportunities. As well as training
KEY CONTACTS
employment
learner drivers to pass both the theory
l
launch immediately as a sole trader
and practical elements of the test, there
l
become a franchisee with a local or
is the Pass Plus scheme, the Driver
0300 330 3000
national driving school
Improvement Scheme and retraining
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/
enter a partnership with other
people who have fallen foul of motoring
department-for-transport
instructors and pool efforts.
laws.
@transportgovuk
l
30
Q
Department for Transport
According to the National Careers
Working for a franchise
Service, full-time driving instructors can
If you decide to work as a driving instructor
earn around £18,000 to £20,000 in their
0300 200 1122
through a franchise, the fees you’ll have
first year. Established instructors can earn
customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
to pay are likely to vary considerably,
around £25,000 a year, and experienced
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/
depending on what’s included. (Clearly, this
or specialist skills instructors £30,000
driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency
may account for a significant proportion
or more. Income is based on the cost of
@DVSAgovuk
of your earnings, so you will need to give it
the driving lesson and the number of hours
careful consideration.) Working through a
worked. Lessons usually cost between £18
franchise, you would usually pay a weekly
and £30 an hour. Car maintenance and
020 8686 8010
fee of between £200 and £300, but be
other expenses, such as fuel, have to be
help@driving.org
provided with a car. You would also pay for
paid for too, so don’t forget to factor in
www.driving.org
your own fuel. If a fee seems on the high
these essential expenses. Q
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June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
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31
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Get AHED …
E
ducation plays an important role in individual personal development and, for many Access to HE students, the Diploma has helped them move into a graduate profession or
to gain promotion. Course tutors provide a supportive, encouraging, yet challenging, environment to help adults make the transition to higher education. Students also use their life experiences to support their studies and one another, developing strong support networks to
… with an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Even if you think you don’t have the necessary qualifications for HE, the Diploma can help you get on to the courses you need to pursue a graduate profession. Take a look at our beginner’s guide to what’s involved …
help them through the challenges of the course, and beyond. and Northern Ireland. See https://ava.accesstohe.ac.uk/SubSites/ ‘The other students were all of the same mind-set;
PublicSearch/Search.aspx?acceptcookies=true You can search by
they were there to change their career pathways.
postcode, to find something close to where you live, or by subject
There was a good atmosphere of mutual support,
area. There are Diplomas in subjects from art and design to sports
and to this day I am still in contact with many of
studies, from health professions to engineering. However, not all
my classmates.’
subjects are available in all locations, so you may prefer to search
Richard Deacon
by the name of the course provider to see if your local college offers
Bournemouth and Poole College
BSc Psychology University of Southampton
MSc Research Methods and Data Analysis
2015
Access to HE Diploma (Humanities)
2014
2011
the course of study you are looking for. If you think you would prefer
University of Southampton
to study at home, online, you can search by study mode and find a course that is offered by distance learning. As well as finding out what courses are available close to where you need to study, home or work, you also need find out what
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification to
subjects the universities you want to study at need you to have
prepare adults to succeed in higher education by giving them the
studied. Although many Diplomas have the same titles, this does not
skills, subject knowledge and confidence they need in a supportive
mean the detail of what you’ll study will be the same on each of these
and encouraging environment. It is equivalent to A-levels and is
courses because there is no national curriculum for Access to HE
recognised by UK higher education providers. Each year, around
Diplomas.
25,000 students successfully complete an Access to HE course and are accepted on to higher education courses; around half of them are aged 25 or older. Since QAA started collecting data in 1999, more
Finding a course is a two-pronged approach
than 330,000 of the mature students who gained an Access to HE Diploma have gone on to university and started a graduate profession
You’ve spoken to the college, you know when the course will
or moved up the career ladder; many of them left school with few
be taught and how you’re going to pay for it (Enhanced Learning
qualifications.
Credits? Publicly Funded FE/HE Scheme? Advanced Learner Loan?), but before you actually enrol, you may have an interview at the
Subject matters
course provider to make sure you understand what’s expected, of
The first step is to decide the subject you’re going to study, make
you. It’s a chance for you to show you’ve done some research into the
sure you have GCSEs and sort your funding options.
higher education course you’re interested in. You may also have to do a test (it’s only to make sure that it’s the right course of study for
Access
to Higher Education
PF
Getting started
-F
E/
Once you’ve enrolled and you’re ready to start studying, if you’ve
H
£
E
chosen to do your Access to HE Diploma from home, by distance
sc
he
m
e?
A
dv an ce
d
Le a
rn
er
Lo
an ?
you because everyone wants you to succeed).
or online learning, you can probably start straight way. If you have chosen to attend college you may have to wait a while until the course starts. Most Diploma courses start in September and last for one year (you will usually have to complete your final assignments by the end of June), although many courses start enrolling in the spring
Now to find an Access to HE Diploma … QAA’s Access to HE website has a publicly searchable database of QAA-recognised
community online to get to know other students before you start;
Access to HE Diplomas to help you find one of more than 1,300
there may also be some induction tasks to do.
named Diplomas at 380 providers throughout England, Wales
32
before the course starts. You might be invited to join the college
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
‘The tutors were fantastic and they quickly put us
published and, if you’ve met the terms of your university offer, you’ll
at ease, making allowances for the fact that mature
have your place confirmed through the UCAS system at about the
students often have to juggle home and family life
same time.
alongside their studies.’
University of Bristol
PhD Archaeology University of Bristol
2010
Strode College
BA (Hons) Archaeology
2004
Access to HE
1999
1995
Stuart Prior
‘If you are thinking about Access to HE, don’t let what might be stop you – let what could be drive you! The course will
Lecturer in Archaeology
provide all the skills you need to engage and be who you
Practice University of Bristol
really want to be.’
Alan Searle
The first few weeks These are likely to involve an induction programme, getting to meet your fellow students, and forming those important new friendships
Enrol
and support networks. Although most Access to HE Diplomas are studied full-time, that doesn’t mean you’ll be at college between 0900 and 1700. You will probably be expected to attend college for
Access to HE (1 or 2 years)
Graduation (3 years in HE)
After graduation
around 12 to 15 hours a week; some of this time will be teaching time,
Your route to higher success
some may be group study time, some may be tutorial time – time with
1. Take the first step … Think about what subject area you would
your personal tutor, either in a group or one-to-one sessions – there
like to study. Do you want to progress in your current career? Do
may also be time for you to spend in the library and on research. You will get your timetable, and find out where you need to be and when.
you want to change direction and try something new? 2. Find out more … Look on the Access to HE website, read the
You will also have your first lessons, which may include study skills,
real-life stories and search for Diplomas (by location, subject,
researching universities and making your university application.
provider or type of study). 3. Talk to your education advisors … (find out about doing maths
Aiming higher
and English GCSEs before you start if you don’t already have
It may seem a little daunting in your first few weeks to be making an application to university, especially if you haven’t been in a
them). 4. Check your funding options … Could you get an Advanced
classroom for a long time, but you will get support from your course
Learner Loan? (QAA-recognised Access to HE Diplomas are
tutors and fellow students. Take some time to prepare your personal
eligible for Advanced Learner Loans and the balance of the loan
statement – this is your opportunity to sell yourself. If you have
will be cancelled when you complete your HE studies.) Could you
relevant experience through your working or personal life, include
use learning credits? Could you use the publicly funded FE/HE
it. For example, if you’re interested in construction engineering, perhaps you’ve designed and built a playhouse for your children, or if
scheme? 5. Contact providers to get more information … When does the
you’re interested in teaching, perhaps you’ve shared your skills and
course start? Where will you be taught? How much teaching time
knowledge with colleagues in previous roles, or you’ve volunteered in
is there? How much time will you need to spend studying on your
a youth group.
own? What support can you expect? When and how do you sign up? (Do you need to have an interview or test before you enrol?)
‘The qualification does what it says on the tin, and it prepares
6. Look at UCAS and university websites/speak to higher
the student for university. Academics have the confidence to
education admission staff … What are the entry requirements?
know that students have the skills they need.’
(What qualifications do you need to get on the degree course?)
Lesley Griffin, University of Sunderland
Does the Access to HE Diploma you want to do meet these needs?
Getting stuck in
College-based full- and part-time courses usually start in September;
You’ll also start your first unit of study and do your first assignment.
distance learning courses tend to have different start dates
You will be given a brief to explain what’s required of you and you
throughout the year; some Diplomas are available for January starts.
will need to meet all the learning outcomes for each part of the assignment. Your tutor and other members of the group will be
On the course:
there to support you, and you will be able to support others too.
l
use your existing skills and learn new ones
Once you’ve successfully completed your first unit you’ll have the
l
develop a new support network.
first credits towards the 60 required to achieve the Diploma. You will also receive a provisional grade for the work – either Pass, Merit or
Find out more
Distinction.
You may also find these websites helpful:
Before long, you’ll be busy with assignments, juggling your
Access to HE website
https://goo.gl/C2bsJ2
commitments to fit things in, being supported by, and supporting,
Real-life stories
https://goo.gl/02mMHS
your fellow students as you work towards the final few assignments
Diploma database
https://goo.gl/pXdkS1
of the course. You may have to sit an exam or timed assessment
Advanced Learner Loans
https://goo.gl/awsUDx
so that you really are well prepared for your first year at university,
ELCAS https://goo.gl/GEidN2
but you will be ready and confident in your success. You will receive
UCAS https://goo.gl/6JKkuH
your confirmed results around the same time as A-level results are
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
33
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTION
Your next move Once you hang up your uniform, is a career in logistics and distribution for you?
What’s involved?
L
successful – a principle that will be familiar
groups:
to you if you have spent any time in Services
positioning of resources, or the
1. those that manage their own logistics
logistics. Many qualifications (see below)
strategic management of the total
supply chain. It covers the movement and supply of goods – from raw materials, through all stages of the manufacturing
system, known as ‘own account operators’, and 2. those that manage logistics on behalf of another company.
include all parts of the supply chain. Supply chains are becoming increasingly adaptive and agile as competition affects them, and
process, to the final delivery of the finished
The latter organisations are often referred
e-management of them is often the norm.
product to companies and consumers.
to as hauliers or third-party logistics
Indeed, IT and electronic communications
Logistics embraces an array of different
providers (3PL – see box). More than 60%
have become key competencies for
industries that work across all types of
of UK freight is carried for ‘hire and reward’
logistics managers, with the supply
transport and a variety of supply chains.
(i.e. 3PL) on behalf of another company,
chain at the heart of many e-commerce
Logistics is very often an ‘invisible’
emphasising the massive importance of
developments. Supply chains that
industry, despite the fact that it underpins
this industry to the UK, with the sector
start in Hong Kong can end in Harlow.
the economy. It includes the planning,
being worth in excess of £93 billion. An
Warehousing involves minimum holdings
routing and movement of freight across
incredible 1 in 12 working people in the UK
while satisfying customer expectations.
all transport modes (road, rail, sea and
are employed in logistics – that’s 2.3 million
The industry is suffering from major
air), as well as associated activities such as
people spanning some 196,000 companies!
skills shortages in some areas, in particular
warehousing and storage, removals, freight
34
Freight logistics companies fall into two
ogistics is the time-related
Although this article doesn’t deal with
of HGV drivers (see ‘Finding employment’,
forwarding and wholesaling. Ultimately,
transport, it is almost impossible to separate
below). Skills gaps have also been identified
logistics works to ensure the right goods are
it from other parts of the supply chain. It has
among junior and middle managers, and the
in the right place at the right time.
to be an integrated operation if it is to be
supply chain management credentials of
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
more senior managers are currently under
When you start your resettlement,
examination, too. The good news is that
you will find that there are a number
major employers offer significant training to
of providers offering training, as well
their staff.
as Chartered Institute of Logistics and
Skill up while serving
Transport in the UK (CILT(UK)) courses in transport and logistics management, and
Maybe you are already one of the Armed
supply chain management, available via
Forces’ highly trained and experienced
the CTP. Check the CTP website for more
logisticians, who support operations,
information: www.ctp.org.uk It is important
training and exercises, unit moves, static
to get qualifications that will remain valid in
bases, war stocks and equipment pools?
the months and years ahead, as logistics and
Such people work in Defence Equipment and
its qualifications are changing rapidly.
Support (DE&S), the MoD’s procurement and support organisation, on ships and in ports,
Get qualified!
in Army formations, and on air stations and
There are five main routes to the upper
detachments, to turn plans into reality.
echelons of logistics:
Every unit has its own logistics staff,
1. graduate training
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS Whatever the entry route, the following personal qualities are valued in this field. l Core technology skills: – IT literacy – machinery – warehousing – engineering – warehouse management – analysis. l People skills: – problem solving – leadership – communication – team building – decision making. l Personal qualities: - analytical - presentation - numeracy - decision making.
performing exactly the same functions but
2. postgraduate entry
at a lower level. They manage and deliver
3. with management experience
the essentials of fuel, ammunition, water,
4. school (or young Service) leavers
food, clothing and personal equipment to
5. professional qualifications.
the people actually involved in operations.
Graduate training entrants join management
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK
They may have ranks and job titles that are
training programmes run by employers.
CILT(UK) is the independent professional
peculiar to a single Service, and in many
They will then often take the professional
body for individuals associated with logistics,
cases they have enough experience to gain
qualifications of the relevant institute.
supply chains and all transport throughout
qualifications – usually vocational ones – in the logistics field.
Postgraduate entry applicants will
their careers. It offers a number of
have completed an MSc or an MBA. Those
qualifications, most of which can be studied
without a first degree can often enter a
as stand-alone units). Visit its website
host of people who carry out many
postgraduate programme provided that
(see ‘Key contacts’) for full and up-to-date
logistics functions as an integral part
they are up to the academic demands of the
details.
of their everyday work, although they
course.
Each unit and sub-unit also has a
would probably never dream of calling themselves logisticians. Many other military people are also concerned with
Graduates with management experience may well see transport and logistics as their logical next career step and will need
logistics although they do not
to gain the extra knowledge to
themselves run facilities. If you are one of them, you may be involved with research, design, trials and tests, project management, procurement, development,
make it possible.
CILT JOBS BOARD Visit it here: http://ciltuk.org.uk/ Careers/Jobs.aspx
maintenance, finance, training, and so on.
If you already have
Many companies now outsource their logistics, or elements of this, to thirdparty logistics (3PL) providers. These subcontracted services can include: l primary and secondary transport and distribution l inbound logistics and consolidation l inventory management l order processing and case/unit picking l invoice and management reporting.
CIPS is the world’s largest procurement and supply professional organisation. It is the worldwide centre of excellence for purchasing and supply management
A-levels, you may want to
issues. It offers a portfolio of professional
start work at once. In which
qualifications. All of CIPS UK qualifications
case your best route into
are Ofqual accredited. To find out about
management might well be on-the-job experience.
them in more detail, check out the detailed guide at www.cips.org/en/qualifications
Professional qualifications must reflect the needs of the profession
WHAT IS 3PL?
Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply
Vocational qualifications
and employers, so they are under frequent
Although there are relatively few logistics
scrutiny to ensure they are relevant and
vocational qualifications, there are many
provide the right standards. They can enable
units that are relevant to logistics in
people like you to translate your Service
vocational qualifications offered by the
skills into their civilian equivalents.
Services. It is also possible to ‘grow’ an
CILT(UK) and the Chartered Institute
NVQ/SVQ through a military vocational
of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) offer
qualification office or a local college.
qualifications at a number of levels that
Higher National, and National Certificates
are valued in the industry. Both institutes
and Diplomas can also be gained through
will allow exemptions to various levels of
part-time study. Visit an education centre
qualification and individual subjects based
or local college to find out the necessary
on prior learning and experience.
information.
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
35
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: LOGISTICS & DISTRIBUTION
Use your ELC
Logistics service provision is a growth
Much (including salaries) depends on the
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
area as more organisations outsource
area of the industry and the size of the
training can be taken, provided it is offered
some or all of their logistic support,
organisation. Q
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
so that customer satisfaction will be a
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
prime goal of the service company.
co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full
l
l
Consultancy offers opportunities
details of how to make the most of your
for experienced logisticians
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages
to work either in-house or for
6–26.
an external business, to advise clients on supply chain matters.
Q
Finding employment
Prospects for employment are good.
With the huge variety of logistics jobs
Industry insiders point out that the UK
available, it is possible to highlight only a
freight transport sector is heading for a
few areas of employment here that you
massive shortfall in personnel over the
might consider.
next few years. With this in mind, a number
l
Manufacturing makes great use of
of training companies are focusing on
just-in-time (JIT) management to cut
helping Service leavers prepare to enter the
unnecessary costs, with materials
industry.
arriving in the right quantities and at
l
You should also note that logistics is
the right times to meet production
a very broad field, and any company or
schedules, and finished goods
department specialising in it will also need
despatched to customers.
staff working in the administrative, financial,
Retailing is a very competitive business
IT, human resources and marketing
and the supply chain for a major outlet
functions. A background in logistics
has to be carefully managed to maintain
is now accepted as a basis for career
profit margins.
development in general management and
KEY CONTACTS
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK 01536 740100 www.ciltuk.org.uk @ciltuk Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply 01780 756777 www.cips.org @cipsnews Freight Transport Association (FTA) 03717 11 22 22 www.fta.co.uk @newsfromfta
a board-level position in a major company.
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NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
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SPECIAL OFFER…
Choose any combination of three courses for one ELC claim. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
6781
36
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com
We exist to provide a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. We support up to 100 front line charities and specialist organisations – such as SSAFA, Combat Stress, Royal Star & Garter and the NSPCC – to deliver help on our behalf. We also make direct grants to some 5,000 individuals, ranging in age from 6 months to 105 years old. Through our network of support, our work touches the lives of around 80,000 people worldwide, every year. Donate or get involved in fundraising at www.soldierscharity.org facebook.com/soldierscharity
instagram.com/soldierscharity
@soldierscharity ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189). Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB, Tel: 020 7901 8900, Email: fundraising@soldierscharity.org
Gary Jamieson, former Scots Guardsmen, injured in Afghanistan in 2010, Charity Beneficiary. © Malcolm Cochrane
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Stand for PM!*
What’s involved?
M
odern project management (PM) started in civil engineering, where proper management was essential
simply because the costs of not having it were too high! At first, other industries did
*It may be election time, but that’s project manager not prime minister – both vitally important roles, but with the former likely to offer you a more realistic route to utilise your organisational and change management skills in a rewarding career that spans all industries
not share civil engineering’s recognition of the importance of PM, so there were a
exactly what a project means for the way the whole business is
number of hugely expensive disasters because:
conducted.
people did not know what they were trying to achieve
the business benefits of the change were not understood
is measured before it even starts – and that it covers the precise
customers kept changing their minds
amount of change that was envisaged at the outset.
change was not adequately controlled
late technological changes were incorporated into projects at
Skill up while serving
disproportionate cost.
Many Service people will have delivered projects of varying
… which is why the role of the project manager is now so vitally
complexity, whatever their rank or specialisation, although it is
important.
vital to distinguish between planning and carrying out relatively
Today, the project manager is the person on the ground
38
Effective PM will ensure that the result of a project process
simple routine activities and specific projects like the refit of a
delivering the customer’s wishes and dealing with suppliers,
warship or the design of a cockpit. However, experience gained
although any contractual relationship is usually between customer
by, say, moving a unit to a new base or running an NCOs’ course
and supplier. It is essential that top management understand
would certainly be relevant.
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
PRINCE2 and outputs, together with the specific objectives to be achieved and activities to be
Have you got what it takes?
carried out. The project is split into manageable stages, enabling efficient control of
PM knowledge and experience are crucial
PRINCE2 is a processed-based approach; each element is defined with its key inputs
resources and regular monitoring of progress. The process is product based; plans focus on delivering results and are not simply a set of timelines by which various actions must have occurred. The project is driven by the business case, describing the organisation’s justification, commitment and rationale
THE METHODOLOGIES YOU NEED
regularly to ensure that the business objectives (which to have an organised and controlled start, middle and end, with a series of processes that cover all necessary activities.
in mind, consider enhancing your project-related skills, particularly leadership, team building and risk management. PM is an
PRINCE2
for the deliverable (or outcome). This case is reviewed may change) are being met. PRINCE2 enables projects
skills in many civilian jobs. With this
increasingly useful discipline – good project managers
Atern
are in great demand, both
Managing Successful Programmes
The project manager organises and controls the project team, which actually does the work. The customer pays for the
Management of Risk
within the Services and outside. It is also an industry that is expanding into new areas every year. The basic skills required to manage a project are: recognising what it is that needs
project, the user will use its outcome, while suppliers (or specialists)
l
have the expertise to carry it out.
to be delivered l
planning how to deliver it
delivered within budget, on time and to the appropriate quality. Project assurance
l
using the resources available
provides an independent view of how the project is progressing.
l
organising the project from start to
All will be represented on the project board to ensure that the right outcome is
There are two qualification levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation exam must be taken before the Practitioner exam.
finish.
Get qualified!
Foundation exam
Practitioner exam
PM is a field in which there are specific
1 hour allowed
2.5 hours allowed (no reading time added)
qualifications as well as general ones that
Multiple-choice format
Objective testing format
include an element of PM within them.
75 questions per paper
8 questions – 10 question items per
Many degrees, for example, have modules
5 questions to be trial and not counted in
question, each worth 1 mark – total
on PM and yet more test students by
scores
number of marks available per paper 80
requiring them to carry out a project as
35 marks required (out of 70 available) to
44 marks or more required to pass (out of
part of the qualification.
pass = 50%
80 available) = 55%
Closed book
Open-book exam (official PRINCE2
project management. Some of the most
manual only)
important are Atern, Management of Risk
Several methodologies are used for
and Managing Successful Programmes, but the most common generic methodology You can sit both exams in the same week or even day, or you can split them and
is PRINCE2 (see separate panel). It is
sit them months (or even years) apart. You do not have to take a course to sit the
not cheap, though, and you may have
examinations – it’s up to you!
to meet some of the costs yourself. The
Foundation level will provide enough knowledge to enable you to act as an
Practitioner certificate is mandatory for
informed member of a project management team – it indicates understanding of the
civilian project managers employed in the
principles and terminology. Practitioner, though, is necessary for those who need the
MoD.
competence to run and manage specific projects. APMGInternational administers the exams, and also accredits training providers to teach PRINCE2
CPD IS KEY
Continuing professional development is required to keep abreast of changes in the PM world
and conduct the exams. (APMG-International also offers a number of other qualifications relevant to this sector.) PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners must
Another source of advice is the Association for Project Management (APM). It publishes a Body of Knowledge that provides basic information on the competences required by a project manager. There are also training courses and education programmes for those who
take a re-registration exam every three to
want to advance their knowledge in this
five years, to maintain their certification.
field. It has aligned its qualifications with
This is a similar exam to the original
the standards set by the International
Practitioner paper, except it is only one hour with three scenario-based questions.
Project Management Association (IPMA). Visit the relevant websites to find out more (see ‘Key contacts’).
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
39
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Short courses in PM are run regularly throughout the UK, and the
Finding employment
APM can provide a list of approved training providers (again, see
One obvious employment area Service leavers is the defence
‘Key contacts’). Many British universities and institutes offer a
industrial sector, with many projects to choose from. This has
range of PM courses and programmes. Some are specialist, while
the benefit of immediate skills transferability, possibly working
others are aimed at the general project manager.
on familiar equipment but from a different perspective. But it’s true to say that PM
Use your ELC
PM TO THE POWER OF THREE
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of training can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved
skills are of great value and in high demand in every conceivable occupation.
To sum up PM, three factors make up every project: 1. time 2. cost 3. performance. These are interdependent, so any changes made to one will impact on one or both of the others.
provider listed on the ELC website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages 6–26.
CONTROL PANEL
The more junior ranks will tend to be employed on the basis of their technical skills and expertise, while if you have been in a managerial role in the Services, your management – and specifically PM – skills will be attractive to
The crux of Projects in Controlled Environments prospective employers. If you are (PRINCE), now in version 2 (PRINCE2 see below), thinking of working freelance, there is embodied in the phrase ‘Controlled Environments’, are agencies, magazines and other which means: intermediaries that can help you; if you l tight, agreed specifications want to find an employer, the job-finding process is Passout l quality control of the product and the process much the same as for other kinds of employment. Q l reliability Call us now on 01284 763040 or email mod@oaktree-training.co.uk l full participation of the customer throughout l involvement of suppliers so requirements are understood l no surprises on delivery.
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30/03/2015 17:15
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
I DID IT! Name: James Pope Final rank: WO1 Years served: 31 Current job: Project co-ordinator/manager (self-employed contractor)
aving enlisted in 1985, former Royal Navy WO1 James Pope, 48, left the Armed Forces in October 2016 because of ‘life aspirations’. He says that, ‘After 32 years and several high-profile jobs the challenges had started to dry up somewhat. What was on my CV was hot at the time and it was the right time for me to leave, although only two years prior to my extended TX date.’
H
are used to thinking service and ops first. But this is your payback time, and course places and the availability of those courses do not work around current operational commitments in your job. It’s easier to say than do, and we are used to working as a team, but when it comes to resettlement, to get the most out of it you have to put yourself first.’ As well as the above-mentioned course, with an eye to self-employment in future, James also took courses in running your own business and consultancy management, to accrue ‘further insight into running my own business, taxation etc., on top of what I had already learned from working with many contractors over the years’.
James’s qualifications
New working horizons
While serving, James specialised in communications and information systems (CIS), gaining several trade-related qualifications during his career. He also racked an impressive array of civilian qualifications too: English, Maths, PRINCE2 Practitioner, Agile Practitioner, APMP (the Association of Project Management Professional Qualification – since renamed APM PMQ, the APM Project Management Qualification) and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) v3, also obtaining MAPM (member of the Association for Project Management), MCMI (member of the Chartered Management Institute), MinstLM (member of the Institute of Leadership & Management), and applying for Fellow and MCMI status.
Asked to tell us how he found his first civilian job after leaving the Forces, James says: ‘I did five interviews over summer leave and had three positive responses. Two of those were for contract roles and one for a permanent role. I registered with a recruiting agency, updated my LinkedIn profile and attended employment fairs, literally touting my CV in my areas of specialisation/ interest. You will find that if you have done a good enough PR job getting yourself out there, the calls and interview offers will come.’ Now working as project co-ordinator for Regional South 2 and 3 Site Readiness, as part of the Defence as a Platform Programme, James explains: ‘I have a number of MoD sites, both military and mixed with industry, from Bristol down to Poole.’ This involves him in ‘stakeholder management with the site, ensuring they are ready for each stage of the programme of upgrades that are planned over the next couple of years. I liaise with the suppliers’ project managers to ensure we gain customer buy-in for each stage, from surveys, design, approvals and installation to migration over to the new provider and service. Embedded with the MoD regional customer manager teams, it’s a fast-paced and versatile role that allows me to be proactive and customer facing. Reporting to the Joint Programming Office, it’s a varied and diverse role. ‘I enjoy stakeholder management and gaining customer buy-in, as well as working in a manner where you get judged on your outputs and the ability to arrange your own diary to deliver them. Getting out of the office and conducting site visits, whether for meetings, presentations, surveys or installations, is also something I enjoy about the job. You are involved at every stage, and you are working with industry and the MoD.’
Use of ELC James says he registered for ELC when they were first introduced, and ‘used them for the most expensive courses, but with dual outputs – for example, PRINCE2 Practitioner and APM combined/bundled and split over two months. I have also used ELC to renew my PRINCE2, as it had expired, and gained my APMP. I have one more ELC to use and will do so via the route of post-exit.’ James’s PRINCE2 Practitioner and APM combined course was taken with QA via CTP. He says ‘The course was well run, but you need to follow the instructions for the prep work and do it! If not, you will be behind the curve from day one.’ The course was a mixture of academic and vocational: ‘You can gain PRINCE2 academically only,’ says James, ‘but you need to have experience and express it with examples in your answers for the APM PMQ.’ He reiterates: ‘The pre-course prep work is important, no matter how experienced you feel you are. This is true for both the APM PMQ and PRINCE2 Practitioner courses. While on the course, you will have homework each evening and, if you can detach yourself from work and home distractions and live on camp while on course, it will help you to focus and manage your time better.’
Resettlement James says that his education adviser recommended he, ‘Take his resettlement and courses regardless of what is going on at work. It goes against your working ethos I know – we
Service and civilian crossover Asked what training or experience gained during his Service career James is now finding useful in civilian life, he responds: ‘The ability to coach and mentor to get the best out of people, as well as engaging stakeholders and winning their buy-in.’ There are similarities between his Service and civilian careers too: ‘Most definitely! The ability to capture an audience and instil enthusiasm, taking people on the journey that is your project is what SNCOs do on a daily basis but just see it as part of their job. Yes, there are professional and academic
JAMES’S COURSES IN DETAIL l
PRINCE2 Practitioner – Projects in Controlled Environments: This is all about the PM process and methodology. You will need to do the Foundation course too, unless you already have it. The validity of Practitioner status is five years. l PRINCE2 Agile for PRINCE2 Practitioners: As for PRINCE2 but working in a fast/sprint agile fashion on fast-moving projects. l APM PMQ – Association of Project Managers Project Management Qualification: This is knowledge and experience based, and tests your skills on project management tools and techniques.
skills you must possess too, but leadership and the ability to win over your followers/stakeholders are key SME skills if you are working in your specialist area. I have found that anyone with leadership skills and a proactive self-starter type approach is in great demand, both in the public and private sectors. We underestimate ourselves in HM Forces, and our ability to lead as well as manage.’ As for differences: ‘People are now your “clients”, or “customers”, so you may find you have to know your audience to pitch your sell accordingly. And, oh yes, a little more thought is required about what to wear each day now! My tie-matching to shirt and suit colour is improving slowly.’
Money matters ‘I am self-employed now, with my own limited company, and the salary difference is significantly better, however that doesn’t mean selfemployment is for everyone. You have to be comfortable without the security that permanent employment brings and also financially prepared to ride out any dry spell between contracts. New IR35 regulations in the public sector have hit hard, with many contractors leaving. However, depending on your daily rate and experience you can still earn much more than you were previously.’
Some final words of advice … ‘Use your ELC wisely and ensure you plan well in advance,’ says James. ‘For instance, you can use only one ELC in each financial year, so you might find yourself planning two or three years in advance. Be prepared to part with some of your own money so you get the best and most relevant course(s) for your chosen path/career. ‘Plan, adjust as necessary and plan again … well in advance! Be prepared to rewrite your CV multiple times, but bear in mind that not all advice is good advice – it depends on what sector you are aiming for. Book your courses early, remembering that, if you’re in your last two years, you come first not work when it comes to resettlement, so there is no need to check the work calendar first!’ Q
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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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 22.
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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
Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Sponsored by
Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits
Q
The SLC scheme allows personnel to obtain financial assistance for learning costs. You are able to claim 80% of your course fees, up to a maximum of £175 per financial year. To qualify for SLC funding, the course of study must lead to a nationally recognised qualification, have substantial developmental value and directly benefit the Service.
Enhanced Learning Credits
Q
The ELC scheme offers currently serving or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years. A new Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education ELC was created in 2016. It’s an aggregated lower-tier award, which is a single payment of up to £3,000 for those with six or more years of qualifying service, which will count as all three awards. You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost, and must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment. Detailed information about ELC can be found in the first half of this magazine. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)
Q
The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
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 Professional and Career Development Loans
Finding a job
These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900.
The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant
Q
The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC), Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract (called Contract Funded training). These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of the £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the students, but other allowances may be available to help with those.
Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).
Benefits
If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.
Armed Forces Champions
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 June 2017
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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
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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 Quest January 2016_2015 22/12/2015 09:27 Page 11 future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.
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 where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …
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>> ARMED FORCES DAY
A chance for Britain to say thank you!
University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) is running a free MOOC course entitled Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June, is Digital.Me: Managing your digital self. The course aims to build relevant skills and the British public’s chance to show its knowledge around understanding the quality of your digital footprint, harvesting the support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: ‘power of the web’ to your advantage, and increasing your ability to use technology to from currently serving troops to Service improve your professional and personal life. families, Veterans and Cadets. People In today’s digital world, it is increasingly important to manage your digital across the country are getting involved and organising identity. There are growing numbers of tools and technologies available that can be events to show their support. Celebrations will begin on used to maintain a suitable digital reputation, to ensure personal details remain safe Monday 19 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised and secure, to access new learnings or to develop new contacts and network with on buildings and famous landmarks around the country. A others with similar interests sister event – Reserves Day – on 21 June, will also provide an The course starts from June 2017, building over six modules in six weeks (two hours opportunity for the country to recognise its Reserve Forces. study recommended per week). After each module you gain a digital badge for your The main national event for 2017 will be held in CV and an e-certificate of completion is awarded once the course is completed. By Liverpool, while local events will take place across the country. You can search for events here: www. completing the course you can expect to develop skills in: armedforcesday.org.uk/find-events and, to find out more • fostering a positive digital reputation across the web about the day in general, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk • managing your life and engaging with online communities effectively • understanding the positive effects and managing the technology around you • collaborative living and working by embracing technology • new approaches to learning and new meanings of the classroom in a digital era. If you are looking to create a positive digital reputation and harness the opportunities that the web and other technologies present, then this is the course for you. It doesn’t take months to learn how to write a CV that works, but it does take a few hours. UDOL is the thriving distance Knockout CV, by best-selling careers author, John Lees (McGraw-Hill, learning division of the University of £10.99) is designed to take any new job seeker through that process Derby UK. It offers a broad range of online quickly, with some shortcuts that are sure to put you on the ‘yes’ pile. courses, including undergraduate and Features include: postgraduate studies, free courses and • step-by-step approach to building a CV from scratch CPD opportunities – all with the flexibility • detailed advice on getting bullet points and a profile right of studying at times to suit you. • example CVs To find out more, visit: • demystifying CV formats and styles. www.derby.ac.uk/online/free-courses If you want to know why we still need CVs in a digital/social media age, whether a TED talk is really the latest CV must-have and how See the advertisement on page 23 to make a CV work for you, John Lees’ book can provide the latest insight.
>> SELL YOUR SKILLS
Find out how to write a CV that really works for you
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June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
>> FUNDRAISING
>> BUSINESS START-UP
‘Shiny Sheff’ remembered with new beer
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces
A Sheffield-brewery has teamed up with joined by local dignitaries, were given a surviving crew members to mark the sneak preview. It’s an easy-drinking beer, 35th anniversary of the sinking of HMS designed to be enjoyed on a summer’s day, Sheffield by producing a brand new brew, with hints of citrus and floral notes, and with proceeds from every pint going available for a limited time only. to support war veterans. The new beer, To find out more about Stancill a 4.0% golden ale named Shiny Sheff Brewery and where you can sample this (so-called because on all Royal Navy special beer, while stocks last, visit ships, there are brass fittings, while on www.stancillbrewery.co.uk HMS Sheffield, some of these were made from Sheffield stainless steel), has been developed by Stancill Brewery and launched to help raise funds to support Penistone’s Armed Forces Day, one of a number of events taking place throughout the UK on 24 June. The idea for producing a special beer to remember HMS Sheffield and the 20 members of its crew who lost their lives on the ship in May 1982 was developed by Royal Navy veteran Spike Mayston, who served aboard HMS Arrow, the first ship on the scene after HMS Sheffield was hit by the Argentinian air force. Survivors from HMS Sheffield (clockwise from left rear): During a recent special weekend John Galway, Dave Glaseby, Richard Morana and Steve event, veterans from HMS Sheffield, Iacovou
I DID IT!
From Royal Navy engineer to super yacht engineer … Glenn Beer, MEM, served for four and a half years before leaving the Royal Navy in 2006 to embark on a career in the super yacht industry. Glenn is now serving as 2nd engineer on MY Paraffin, a 60-metre private super yacht, and was previously 3rd engineer on MY C2, a 78-metre private super yacht for three years, with a worldwide itinerary. Glenn tells us about how his resettlement journey … What were your main reasons for leaving the Forces? ‘I left the Services to move in to a new career away from military life for long-term plans. I was unaware of the yachting industry when I left in 2006, so took a position as a power plant operator. I then joined the super yacht industry in 2010 and have never looked back!’ What attracted you to a career in that industry? ‘The life experiences to be gained in such a diverse industry. The chance to save money and invest in my future, travel the world to amazing places and meet new people of all nationalities.’ What transferable skills did you have from the Navy? ‘Exemption from completing AEC (the entry-level qualification needed to work aboard super yachts) and exemption from STCW95 basic training. Years of sea-time from the Navy shortened the sea-time requirements to complete my Yacht Chief Engineer licence at an earlier stage.’ How did you get your job and what was the interview/selection process like? ‘I got my first and second job through a yacht crew agency, YPI Crew. They have been very helpful, assisting me through the process from day one of making the switch to yachts. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I am very grateful for how they have helped me.’ What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from leaving the Navy and now working on board super yachts? ‘The Royal Navy didn’t suit me as a long-term career. Working on-board super yachts, however, suits me very well. It’s the best move I’ve made!’ What advice would you give to other Service leavers who are considering a long-term career in the super yacht industry? ‘Depending on your life goals, working on super yachts is a great career with so many benefits. It’s a big decision because working on yachts becomes a lifestyle; it’s not just a job. You’ve got to be willing to be away from home and family for a long time but it’s a fantastic industry.’ What are the best things about being a super yacht engineer/working on-board super yachts? ‘Travelling to top destinations around the world and getting paid for it! Good salaries, being well looked after, free food (catered for by top chefs), life experiences, people you meet, new friends, plus the thought of having the chance to set myself up well for the future.’ www.ypicrew.com
THE BUSINESS PLAN By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces Our series of articles – courtesy of X-Forces, in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – aims to support potential entrepreneurs by answering some of the FAQs received from those either thinking of embarking on selfemployment or scaling up and employing staff. If you’re a potential small business owner, we hope you will find these short and to-thepoint features a valuable addition to your own preparation. In this instalment we explore the reasons why a business plan is so important when you are preparing to start a business … Research and test your business idea Before starting, you need to establish who and where are your competitors, and how your offer will compare in terms of price, content, convenience, and so on. You then need to develop a plan that shows how you will win customers – including a sales forecast by week or month for the first two years. Researching the market and your business proposition’s place in it will help improve your chances of success. It will also give you a better understanding of your target market and anticipated demand. It helps shape the decision to go ahead as well as clarifying issues such as where to locate premises, how much to spend on promotion and how much start-up finance will be required. Will my business support me? A business should provide you with a satisfactory income in exchange for the time you put into it. For example, you can reduce risk by beginning on a part-time basis or, if you are thinking of opening a shop, say, try hiring a stall at a market first. Before starting work on a full-time basis, you need to be as certain as you can be that the business will generate enough profit. This would usually involve preparing a business plan, which will not only help clarify your own vision but also convince others (such as the bank) that your business has a future. Your business plan should answer some key questions, such as: • What is the cost of setting up the business? • What is the anticipated trend in sales growth? • How long will it be before the business breaks even? • What cash flow or financing is required? A business plan is also essential if you wish to raise finance! X-Forces case study: Pothead & Panface Pothead & Panface is an urban bistro/café in the heart of Tidworth. The business launch came about when Irene and her family decided to focus on their passion for food. This led to the use of a gazebo, which allowed them to operate as a street food company, before they went on to purchase their own premises. The renovation has drastically improved the business and, with this continued success, Irene plans to invest in a second premises. Here are some words of advice from Army veteran Irene: ‘Practise your industry first. If you want to buy a franchise in tailoring, get a job working in a tailor’s shop first, etc. When you cost a shop fit, add at least 40% on to the final figure – it always goes over budget.’ For more information about Pothead & Panface, visit its Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/potandpans
Ready to go? Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com
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THE HUB
Paul nets the perfect job at the Valley! Name: Paul Bailey Service branch: Royal Navy Course: combined programme package – ILM Leadership and Management Certificate/NEBOSH NGC and Fire Provider: Oak Tree Management & Training Ltd Current role: Operations manager, Charlton Athletic Football Club I found Oak Tree in Quest soon after making the decision to leave the Royal Navy after 12 and a half years. I had researched a few companies who offered NEBOSH and ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) courses approved for ELC and, after a long day spent calling various companies, I spoke to Steve Crowe at Oak Tree and my choice was made! He was very helpful and genuine, and – even though we had not met – he made me feel very reassured. I decided to book on to Oak Tree’s ILM Leadership and Management Certificate and NEBOSH NGC and Fire combined programme package. I was unsure what to do, so Steve offered his experience in dealing with the process of using my ELC and helped me to complete the process with no fuss. The programme consisted of classwork and numerous assignments. The latter are qualifications that are made up of a broad range of units. They cover skills in six core areas: working with people, managing yourself and personal skills, providing direction, facilitating innovation and change, achieving results, and using resources. The flexibility in unit choice allows the qualification to be tailored to meet the needs of both individual and employer. These assignments helped me use core management techniques to drive better results, develop my ability to lead, motivate and inspire my teams, provide strategic leadership, as well as day-to-day management throughout my team/ teams, and benchmark my managerial skills. Each one of the tutors I had was very experienced in the sectors I was studying, and also worked after-hours to help me out if I needed their assistance. The courses were intense as I had only a little managerial background as a junior manager. The tutors catered for all students’ needs as our experiences differed. They also offered further instruction if required. I successfully passed my course programme with good results, which surprised a few people – especially my wife and family! All course books and materials were provided by Oak Tree as part of the package. I also believe that this experience and qualification, together with Oak Tree’s CV and interview techniques coaching, enabled me to secure my current role – as Venue Operation Manager at Alexandra Palace – on my first attempt at securing employment and within two months of leaving the Royal Navy. I would recommend Steve and the team at Oak Tree 110% to all Service levels due to their professionalism and the support offered to me as I was leaving. Without their help I would not be in the position I’m in today. Not only did they help with the course I booked with them, they conducted interview techniques with me, which to be honest I was blown away by as I had never really been in that situation before; they went through everything I could possibly ask for and I used the information in my interviews for the job I currently hold and love dearly. After 12+ years in the Royal Navy an interview could have seemed unsettling, but thanks to Oak Tree my confidence grew and I was offered a job following my first interview. When I’m ready I will probably look at booking ILM level 5 and NEBOSH Environment and Construction certificated courses to enhance my managerial skills. To find out more, visit www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod
Get in touch 01284 763040 steve@oaktree-training.co.uk www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod See the advertisement on page 40
New NEBOSH training provision at Catterick Woodward delivered the first NEBOSH National General Certificate resettlement course at Catterick Garrison in March 1993, and we’ve been delivering NEBOSH resettlement training to Service leavers ever since, with excellent results. However, we’ve noticed over the last few years that MoD budgetary constraints, especially around hotel accommodation, have led to fewer and fewer Service leavers being able to get permission to attend our open courses in Carlisle and Edinburgh … So we’ve decided to take our NEBOSH training courses home to Catterick! This summer we are launching our first 27day NEBOSH training course package in Catterick, so you can get excellent value for your ELC claim and Graduated Resettlement Time, with the added convenience of being able to choose to stay on base at Catterick Garrison during the course. 27-day resettlement package • NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management • NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
Funding: course fees • NEBOSH General, Construction, Fire and Environmental Certificate resettlement course package £2,504 • ELC claim £2,000 (higher-tier ELC) • Personal contribution £504 (IRTC grant) Funding: subsistence costs • Food costs £12 per day for 27 days £324.00 (GRT allowance) Contact Sharon to book your place now! This first course package is limited to 20 delegates, so if you are interested don’t hesitate to contact us. Get in touch 01228 592614 info@woodwardgroup.co.uk www:woodward-group.co.uk/militaryresettlement/ See the advertisement on page 11
Airline ops and dispatch: meeting the challenge of change Some things don’t change but, being at the forefront of technology, aviation does – constantly. Operational standards, and training, must meet the challenges of such changes. Operations and flight dispatch personnel are responsible for flight planning and preparation for flights, so that pilots don’t need to spend their vital duty periods doing it themselves. In the USA there is a Dispatchers Licence, but in the rest of the world, the nearest thing to verified approval is the City & Guilds accredited award. Both have their origins in the recommended syllabus from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which seeks to promote safe standards that are common worldwide. As air transport advances, so does training. Programmes to meet these standards are often available only ‘in house’ as airlines provide for their own staff, and some locations in the USA provide classroom courses tailored to US standards and procedures. Courses designed according to worldwide procedures are also available via open learning, which enables candidates to take the full City & Guilds course in their own home at their own speed. Exams can
be taken in the UK or at British Councils around the world. Avtech2000 provides such programmes and is ELC approved, so you need only pay a small proportion of the total cost of course and exams. It’s a considerable qualification involving five exams totalling nine hours (or add another extra two-hour exam if you have no previous experience and need the foundation course as well). Avtech is currently making significant upgrades to all of its units to keep up to date, so not surprisingly it is used not only by UK military personnel on resettlement, but also intercontinental airlines like Qantas, many major European carriers and indeed the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Get in touch 01892 770250 administrator@avtech2000.co.uk www.avtech2000.co.uk See the advertisement on page 6
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 29 June 2017, Bristol CTP Employment Fair 18 July 2017, Newmarket 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
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June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l
opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
>> CALLING ALL VETERANS!
Sailing charity launches crew search for Round Britain Challenge 2017 Sailing charity Turn to Starboard is launching a recruitment drive with a difference – to find adventure-seeking military Veterans for another round-Britain sailing expedition on board a classic tall ship. Last summer, the Spirit of Falmouth set sail on the Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge 2016. The crew sailed anti-clockwise around the British Isles, clocking up more than 2,000 nautical miles. A total of 38 Veterans took part in the epic voyage, with some completing shorter sections of the route. Now the charity is calling out for new crew members – with or Spirit of Falmouth on the River Tyne at Newcastle during the Round Britain Challenge 2016 without sailing experience – to join a second expedition, this time heading in the opposite direction. A total of 21 Veterans, who have been affected by military operations, either physically or mentally, are being sought for the eight-week voyage, setting sail on 1 August. Seven of the crew will sail for the complete journey while 14 others will complete half of the challenging route. The team will live, sleep and work on board the tall ship donated by The Prince’s Trust. At 92 feet and weighing 88 tonnes, the vessel is as long as seven cars and weighs the equivalent of a blue whale. Turn to Starboard was set up four years ago by former RAF leader Shaun Pascoe. Says Shaun: ‘Since completing last year’s expedition, 15 crew members have gone on to achieve Yachtmaster status or are close to gaining that coveted qualification. Our follow-up research also found that the experience had a positive impact on participants’ lives and many are now engaged in another form of activity or employed. ‘Sailing experience is not required, as guidance will be given by our highly skilled crew in a fun, unique and supportive environment,’ he adds. ‘So whether you, or someone you know, is interested in being part of once-in-alifetime expedition, please ask them to get in touch.’ To make an application or for more information call Ellen on 01326 314262 or email ellen@turntostarboard.co.uk You can watch a film about last year’s Round Britain Challenge here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrQ7mdcgLeQ And, to find out more about the charity’s work, visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk
>> TRANSITION SUPPORT
Homes for heroes
Work is about to begin on the UK’s first housing and enterprise project for Service Veterans. The project, at the former Erskine Barracks near Salisbury, will see it transformed into a community-based campus for Service Veterans, with homes and an innovative enterprise hub. A total of 44 homes are being built on the site. Veterans will rent the units for a period of between 6 and 24 months while they receive business and skills training at the enterprise hub. The unique development is the creation of regeneration and development specialists Our Enterprise, and it will be the first time in the UK that a major new housing development has been built that combines homes for Veterans with on-site training and business incubator facilities alongside local businesses. It will sit beside two new housing developments where families will live alongside Veterans to create a new, integrated community.
The crew of the Round Britain Challenge 2016
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 3368
PROVIDER NUMBER
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YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE
A successful new
career – engineered! – which is an approach we at QUEST always advocate – and his dedication is clearly demonstrated by the long list of qualifications and certifications he has achieved to date (see box).
Use of ELC ‘I registered for ELC in 2002,’ he says, ‘with the intention of completing further education in trade subjects. I wanted to build on the foundation courses that were
MAKE SURE YOU SPEND YOUR ELC WISELY
given to me by the RAF and eventually prepare myself for my future transition to the civilian workplace. Most recently, I used my ELC for an HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, which I completed in January 2015. I wanted to build on my BTEC ONC in the same subject, so chose the next higher course. I undertook the
Wanting to take his electrical engineering career in a different direction, former RAF Chief Tech Michael Harney hung up his uniform for the final time last September and is now working as a reliability maintenance engineering technician for the largest internet consumer company in world. He tells us how he planned his route and has plenty of sound advice for QUEST readers too!
HNC some 20 years after I had completed the ONC, and the modules reflected what employers and industry saw as relevant. Most of the civilian positions I was interested in wanted an HNC as a minimum qualification.’
On course ‘I took the course at Grantham College for the University of Bedfordshire. It was very well run – a mixture of academic and vocational topics. I found some of the topics challenging (e.g. business management and programmable logic
A
controllers) because they had not been fter 28 years with the RAF,
time to enjoy the wider family, as well as
covered in the ONC that I completed in
former Chief Tech Michael
to pursue a more hands-on job role and
1994. Even so, the course naturally built
Harney, General Technician
take my electrical engineering career into
on my ONC qualification as well as the
a different area.’
City & Guilds qualifications I had received
Electrical, left the Forces in September 2016, wishing – among other things – to
52
Planning his future direction –
from my basic training. It gave me a
give his family more stability. ‘My eldest
professionally as well as personally – has
depth of knowledge that complemented
son was approaching secondary-school
clearly been of utmost importance to
my trade experience in the RAF.
age,’ he says, ‘and I wanted to live in my
Michael’s successful transition to civvy
own home in an area of my own choosing.
street. It’s something he started thinking
students, so is well prepared for the
I also wanted to give my wife and children
about seriously while he was still serving
possibility of them being either deployed
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
‘The college is used to Service
or posted away during the course, which
MICHAEL’S MILESTONES
I discovered for myself halfway through
Military qualifications
my course when I was posted to another
NVQ level 3 Electrical and Electronic Engineering
unit. The college continued to offer me
CMI levels 4 & 5 Management and Leadership
distance learning support, however, and
Quality Management Audit Skills ISO9001/2000
I arranged to attend practical lessons
Defence Instructional Techniques
there. My managers were understanding
Manual Handling Instructor Techniques
and supportive too.
Managing Safely
‘The course topics were very relevant
Risk Assessor
to what employers in industry required
ADB Aeronautical Ground Lighting Training
– one of the reasons I undertook the
Lean Fundamentals and Techniques Facilitator
course was to keep abreast of my civilian
Baines Simmons Occurrence Investigator and Error Management System
counterparts. I have found in my current
Coordinator
job that topics such as programmable logic controllers, motors in conveyance
Civilian qualifications
systems and means of detection in
ONC Electrical and Electronic Engineering
automation are very relevant. I wanted
HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering
the course to take my understanding of
17th Edition IEE Regulations
electrical engineering to a new level. I
C&G 2377 Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
had hoped for a wide spectrum of topics
IPAF Instructional Techniques for PAV Access Equipment
that reflected what was current in the engineering sector. The course did not disappoint and in retrospect was very
Resettlement
Techniques helped me plan my interviews
relevant to the engineering sector.
To complement the impressive tally
and gave me useful tips – things I might
of qualifications noted in the list
have overlooked without the course.’
‘The most enjoyable part of the course for me was the project – it
above, Michael also attended several
gave you free rein to project manage
resettlement courses, at RRC Tidworth
New working horizons
the design and build of an electrical/
and Aldershot:
Now employed as a reliability
electronic device or machine. I chose
l
Networking
maintenance engineering technician
to build a musical instrument called a
l
Interview Techniques
(RMET) by Amazon UK, Michael says: ‘I
Theremin [see https://en.wikipedia.org/
l
Financial Aspects of Resettlement
was contacted by their HR department
wiki/Theremin], using old circuit designs
l
Verification of Inspection and Testing
after leaving my details and CV on
(C&G 2394)
various Armed Forces leavers job-search
Periodic Inspection and Testing (C&G
sites. Now, as an RMET team member,
2395).
I have a direct impact on the customer
and electronic components from the 1970s. The project had to be compiled into an extensive report and finally
l
presented to a group of lecturers – a bit
‘Networking identified all the various
experience and directly influence the site,
like in the TV series Dragons’ Den.
ways to expand my profile footprint,
its productivity and operation. The role
which is something I did using the many
impacts on all operational staff within
especially in the evenings after finishing
‘I found study challenging at times,
online media available, such as LinkedIn.
the Facility Centre (FC), specifically
work, but it was worth it and, looking
It’s thanks to social media outlets like
those using conveyance, sortation or
back, I enjoyed it.’
that, and through website registrations,
MHE (material handling equipment) in
that I found my current job. Interview
the warehouse. ST responsibilities are daily maintenance activities on shift and
MICHAEL’S HNC IN DETAIL The course was split into two semesters, broken down as follows. Semester 1: Electrical power, engineering science, analytical methods for engineers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), project, combinational and sequential logic, and utilisation of electrical energy. Semester 2: Business management techniques, project, utilisation of electrical
an expedient fault-finding capability to quickly resolve issues; this can have a significant service and financial impact during peak times. ‘My role provides a reactive and proactive, multi-skilled engineering maintenance service to all end users,
energy, analytical methods for engineers and PLCs.
and for operational equipment and
Michael comments: ‘The PLC modules used Allen Bradley PLCs and the associated
facilities infrastructure within the FC.
Rockwell software, this being a very common PLC in industry. This module was an
Working in MAN1 FC, equipment ranges
excellent introduction to PLCs in industry and had the student develop a ladder
from robotic drive units, multiple receive
programme for selected working models – for instance, my own was a conveyor
lines, cardboard compactors, ARSAW
section used in quality control.’
pick stations and lift conveyors, to tote
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
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COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY
conveyance including spiral conveyors,
Managing Safely, COSHH, Risk Assessing
multiple pack lines, automated sorters,
and Manual Handling – are all completely
pack stations, various pick carts, stow
relevant in the engineering environment.
carts, Rebin walls and so on.
Lean fundamentals and techniques
‘I like the fact that I am working for
l
Ensure that you have time in your personal life to complete any extra study and work the course demands.
l
Ask the learning provider (if on
training completed during my time in the
day release) whether they support
the largest internet consumer company in
RAF is vital in my new environment and
members of the Armed Forces during
world. There are lots of staff benefits, and
I have already utilised the techniques.
hard work and positive input are openly
And, as I will take on the role of safety
rewarded. The journey to work is well
champion in future, I feel that the training
can. Don’t make the mistake of rushing
within civilian average travelling times too.
I received during my time as Local Error
into a course simply because time is
And, as Amazon likes to employ ex-Forces
Management System Coordinator and
staff, I have a lot in common with the
Investigator (Baines Simmons) should
majority of team members.
prove useful in diving deep towards the
and constantly evolve it following
root causes of issues.’
creditable feedback – it is a living
‘I’m not so keen on the swing shifts, but I do enjoy the four days’ rest after
times of deployment or even postings. l
running out. l
Start developing your CV now
document.
each shift as it gives me time to work on
Looking to the future
home improvement projects.’
‘I would like to progress further towards an
Service and civilian crossover
Try to enrol on courses as soon as you
l
HND or foundation degree in engineering,’ says Michael. ‘My current role as an RMET demands that I be both electrically and
Spread your profile footprint by using social media services such as LinkedIn.
l
Clean up your Facebook page before applying for jobs, as employers will search you out. Think first impressions!
‘My world-class trade training is naturally
mechanically proficient, so I am going to
Finally, ‘Never lose hope if you don’t get
essential in my new role! My leadership
also look at relevant mechanical courses.’
the first job you apply for – there really is
training is useful when I’m required to
a lot of work available. A lot of managers
step up and take the lead on certain
Michael’s top tips
issues, but I am equally happy to follow
l
Make sure you spend your ELC wisely.
understand the pressures you have faced
within the team. The health and safety
l
Take time to research what the course
and the kinds of qualities you possess. You
entails and its relevance.
really are a goldmine for them.’ Q
courses I did while serving – such as
are in awe of ex-Service people as they
NHS Ambulance Services Recruitment Qualifying Courses ELCAS funding approved
FutureQuals Level 4 Diploma Associate Ambulance Practitioner
4 weeks home-based on-line learning, plus 10 weeks classroom based learning (Mon - Fri)
£4,150
Clinical Practice Placement Hours (paid) provided. This course is designed to support progression to the Diploma in Paramedic practice.
LIFESKILLS MEDICAL UK Emergency Medical Services Authority
BIRMINGHAM
Courses in Feb, Jun, & Oct 2017
FutureQuals Level 3 Certificate Emergency Response Ambulance Driving “Blue Light” emergency driving course 4 weeks (Mon - Fri)
£2,800
Category C1 on Driving Licence is required. This is the only emergency response ambulance driving qualification recognised by the NHS Ambulance Services.
0121 515 5205 info@lifeskillsmedical.com www.lifeskillsmedical.com contact us for course dates and full details
Courses every month throughout year
These two courses meet the educational requirement for entry to the NHS Ambulance Service Trusts, Independent Ambulance Services, or Independent Medical Services, and are Ofqual regulated through FutureQuals Awarding Organisation. All charges plus VAT
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June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Ambulance Service Institute UK Training Centre
Career Transition Partnership Approved Provider
Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) Approved Courses
Approved by Future Awards & Qualifications to deliver RQF Courses
YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
Q
Helping Veterans build a brighter future The majority of Service leavers make a successful next few years, had to have numerous operations. transition to civilian life, but not all of them. Leading Despite this Georgina managed to provider of supported housing for Veterans, Stoll, helps keep serving for a further 14 those who are the most vulnerable, providing them years, but it eventually with an affordable home to rent and the support became too much. She The charity, Walking was also suffering from they need to lead independent lives. This month With The Wounded, depression and other we hear from Stoll’s outreach worker Sophie provides Stoll with an mental health issues employment advisor to Brassington (pictured above) and Georgina, a due to her injuries, and support Veterans to get was signed off work for Veteran who was housed by Stoll after leaving a job or training. two years. After that she the Forces. him … was medically discharged
and it was at this point that Sophie Brassington has worked at Stoll
‘Many of the Veterans I support are
she was put in touch with various
for 18 months. Here she tells us why she
about to leave the Army, either because of
housing authorities to help her find suitable
loves her job and the vital role that Stoll
injury or because they feel it is time to move
accommodation.
plays in helping vulnerable Veterans …
on. The overarching priority for me and my
She was referred to an open day for
colleagues is to make sure we support each
medically discharged Veterans and came
‘My uncle and grandfather both served in
Veteran until they are back on their feet
across Stoll. She got in touch with the
the Army, and I’m grateful to all serving and
and able to confidently navigate civilian
Outreach team at the charity and, within
ex-Service personnel because I know first-
life. I see them go through an incredible
two months, was given a flat at the Stoll
hand the sacrifice many Veterans make.
journey – often going from feeling utterly
Mansions in Fulham. She has been living in
I previously worked in mental health, so I
helpless, facing homelessness and perhaps
her flat since mid-December 2016.
was looking for a charity role that could
experiencing addiction or health issues, to
combine both passions. I’ve been working at
gaining confidence, and a sense of purpose
chauffer company that employs Veterans
Stoll as an outreach worker since December
and hope about what lies ahead. The key
from the Armed Forces, and is now positive
2015 and I can honestly say it is the most
to these individuals rebuilding their lives is
about her future.
rewarding job I’ve had – each Veteran and
finding them a safe and affordable place to
each day is completely different.
live. This is the first, essential building block
‘I cannot speak highly enough of them.
to them getting their lives back.’
I honestly don’t know where I would be
‘Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for
properties across four sites in London and work with housing providers across the UK to house hundreds more in the community.
Speaking about Stoll, Georgina says:
without Stoll now; they were so helpful and Georgina has been living
vulnerable Veterans. We have more than 259
Georgina is now working full-time for a
Stoll supports vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
We provide a unique
at the Stoll Mansions in Fulham for six months. She told us about her experience after leaving the
Q
Forces and how she overcame the significant challenges she faced …
combination of housing, health and well-being support
supportive. I’m so happy in my flat and with
Georgina, 38, from London,
to vulnerable and disabled ex-Service men
joined the Army in 2003. In 2004 she was
and women, as well as providing access
sent to serve in Canada but was hit by a
to specialist services to help vulnerable
drunk driver, which caused major injuries
Veterans improve their physical and mental
to her leg. She suffered from severe
health.
nerve damage and, over the course of the
my independence, and that is down to them.’ Q
KEY CONTACTS
Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 info@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall
questonline.co.uk l June 2017
55
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT MEDICAL INSURANCE FACTFILE
Take cover! Providing medical cover for serving personnel comes under the responsibility of the MoD, but what happens when you leave? Peter Allen, former Royal Marines Officer and healthcare consultant, has the lowdown on how responsibility for care continues after active service
with bespoke and discounted private medical, everyday health, dental and travel insurance policies provided by a range of insurers, including AXA PPP healthcare, Bupa and Medicash. Currently The Health Insurance Group insures more than 5,000 lives across its Armed Forces policies, and that number is growing. Key to the relationship from the start was the fact that the FPS was keen to
the Armed Forces has medical
D
not know this, but they are not entitled to
age and that previous medical conditions
cover provided by the Defence
medical or dental services from the MoD
should be covered. This has been achieved
Medical Services (DMS), the organisation
unless they are serving overseas on an
for the travel, dental and healthcare cash
within the MoD that ensures Service
accompanied basis. Dental and healthcare
plan policies, and the UK and international
personnel are healthy, ready and medically
cash plan policies offer a very attractive
medical insurance policies, while
‘fit for task’. However, this excellent
private alternative to the scarce resource
underwritten, have no age limit.
level of care does not normally continue
of NHS dentists and delays in state primary
when you leave the Services and injuries
care provision.
uring active service, everyone in
sustained during active service, whether as
Families of serving personnel may
Like everyone else, serving personnel
should not discriminate on the basis of
The closer ties also mean that FPS members benefit from a more intimate relationship with an established partner
a regular or reservist, can often become a
and their families need travel insurance for
that truly understands the health needs
problem in later life.
holidays, and this can sometimes be harder
of military personnel. Discussing health
Younger people tend to think nothing
to obtain as a travel policy that disregards
matters is personal and, at times, difficult,
will go wrong with them and rightly know
any medical health history is required.
so anything that helps put someone at
their medical needs will be met by the
If you happen to carry a host of health
ease is welcome. The Health Insurance
Service. Additionally, private medical and
and injury problems then a policy that
Group always makes sure these kinds of
health insurance policies exclude cover for
compensates is particularly advantageous.
conversations take place with a trained
war and terrorism, so why would there be a
The majority of people looking for
need to take out private insurance?
adviser, not at all like the faceless internet
insurance are retired or older Service
transaction you might get elsewhere. We
personnel and their dependants, who
see it as a priority that FPS members know
where private medical insurance for
understand the value of what private
that they are being looked after.
serving personnel can be beneficial.
medical insurance provides, but younger
There are actually many instances
Service people are increasingly recognising
Find out more …
hadn’t been due to enemy action (i.e. they
that they, too, need to ensure that their
If you are interested in finding out about
had been injured in training, playing sport
medical needs and those of their families
the policies, please contact The Health
or while travelling) and this became a
are properly catered for. They hear and
Insurance Group on 01344 627602 or visit
problem later in life after having left the
know that the biggest challenge comes
www.healthinsurancegroup.co.uk/forces Q
Services, then seeking private medical
when you eventually leave the Forces, for
insurance cover at this late juncture is very
then you are traversing the rapids like the
likely to be refused by the underwriters
rest of us. This is where a specialist insurer
on the grounds of a previous medical
can help.
If someone sustained an injury that
condition. Most injuries sustained in the
56
ensure that its policies, where possible,
The Health Insurance Group has formed
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Peter Allen, a former Royal Marine who
Forces (enemy action excluded) are either
a mutual partnership with the Forces
served in Europe, the Far East, South
hip, knee or ankle-related, conditions
Pension Society (FPS), a not-for-profit
Africa and the Middle East, is founder
usually associated with long NHS waiting
organisation that campaigns and lobbies
and MD of PBGM Consultancy Ltd, and
lists. Taking out a low-cost policy before
for the pension rights of Service men
consultant and mentor to The Health
injuries are sustained, and maintaining it,
and women – a relationship established
Insurance Group, which offers policies
will ensure cover for conditions at a later
for more than eight years. The Health
to serving and retired personnel of the
stage in life.
Insurance Group provides FPS members
Armed Forces and their families.
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
� How much time do I need should select a course the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or to set aside for study? where it is possible to use through a wireless server. Some providers offer course Readers must elements consultvia their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses � How much will the course and telephone, at the iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free of charge. Many When responding to advertisementspaper please mention Quest cost? least for a limited period.) courses make extensive use of the internet. Others involve tutor groups, which may meet regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’ duration for classroom education on top of regular, directed coursework at a distance.
MOT
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Continued on page 10
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uest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:31 Page 44 vider no. 1105
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questonline.co.uk l June 2017
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY
RALPH STRAW
W
hile serving, I always hoped that the next posting
would provide the employment paradise I was seeking. But, after a while, I would become exhausted and frustrated with the same old stuff. As far as I can tell, there isn’t an ‘ideal job’, either in or out of the Forces. You take
Positive benefits
was very needy and made this guy’s life a nightmare. My dad told me that one day she phoned his friend while he was there visiting him. The guy was quite short and cold, although he remained polite. He ended the call by saying ‘I’m sorry, I can’t help you.’ My dad remarked that he
yourself with you to every
thought he had been really
job, and it’s up to you to make
harsh with her. His friend
every period of employment
replied: ‘In the end, you have
as rewarding and enjoyable as
to learn that you have a
possible.
responsibility to yourself.’
IT’S UP TO YOU TO MAKE EVERY PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT AS REWARDING AND ENJOYABLE AS POSSIBLE
… which I would echo as sound advice. It’s not about being selfish, it’s about looking after you. Serving in the military teaches us to put our mates before us – for good reason, as people are trying to kill you. Since being on civvy street, not many people have planted
But, a few years ago, if I had
IEDs on my route to work, but
been asked what the perfect
there has always been more
job was, I would have replied
than one person at every job
‘anything’, because I had lost mine. It was a new experience for me; I had to borrow food from my mother in order to feed my family. I put on my dressing gown, went under the duvet, and cried.
Regular QUEST contributor and ex-Army Training Regiment instructor, Ralph Straw, reports from the resettlement frontline on the importance of knowing when to put yourself first
interview I have attended, and we all wanted that one position! So look after yourself, stay positive and don’t be vexed by rejection. Like my correspondent says:
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF, STAY POSITIVE AND DON’T BE VEXED BY REJECTION
Thankfully, this didn’t last long, and I bounced back
every week. I have been to
lucky they get back to me, but
when a new, exciting and
various bespoke employment
the answer is still the same:
more lucrative opportunity
fairs, but the range of careers
‘No.’
came up through the power of
on offer do not match my skill
networking. Which leads me
set.
looking for work … and come
a Service leaver who had been
employment websites and still
out of work for more than 16
there is nothing going. I also
months:
regularly review both my CV
I would like to relay to you all
apart from getting me fit, the
and covering letters to totally
a story my dad told me, that I
Army also taught me never to
I have been unemployed
match potential job specs – and,
passed on to him:
quit.
before, for two years, and
again, nothing.
currently I can see myself
58
support. I go out every day I regularly visit countless
on to a letter I received from
I live alone. I have no
I have applied for hundreds
home every day with nothing. I keep going out there, because
My dad used to have a friend
Be well,
passing that record. I am on a
of different jobs and followed
whose 40-year-old daughter
Ralph Q
work programme and attend
up with a phone call and if I’m
was somewhat troubling. She
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from July to August 2017 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RC Aldergrove
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
03 July 2017
05 July 2017
04 July 2017
06 July 2017
03 July 2017
05 July 2017
25 July 2017
27 July 2017
14 August 2017
16 August 2017
10 July 2017
12 July 2017
07 August 2017
09 August 2017
22 August 2017
24 August 2017
14 August 2017
16 August 2017
CTW Mixed Class
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
RRC Cottesmore Central London
10 July 2017
12 July 2017
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer)
05 July 2017
11 July 2017
13 July 2017
17 July 2017
20 July 2017
17 July 2017
19 July 2017
RC Northolt
Employment Support Programme Wksp
CTW Officer/SNCO
12 July 2017
12 July 2017
03 July 2017
17 August 2017
17 August 2017
18 July 2017 07 August 2017
10 August 2017
24 July 2017
26 July 2017
FAR All Ranks
22 August 2017
24 August 2017
14 August 2017
16 August 2017
27 June 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp
CTW Officer/SNCO
13 July 2017
27 June 2017
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 25 July 2017
27 July 2017
08 August 2017
10 August 2017
04 July 2017 06 July 2017
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE
31 July 2017 02 August 2017
CTW Mixed Class
03 July 2017
05 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness
Employment Support Programme Wksp
24 July 2017
26 July 2017
07 August 2017
09 August 2017
03 July 2017
13 July 2017
03 July 2017
RRC Colchester
17 July 2017
17 July 2017
07 August 2017
07 August 2017
CTW Officer
rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
10 July 2017
12 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness
31 July 2017
02 August 2017
CTW Mixed Class
START DATE END DATE
02 August 2017
(Course location Brize Norton)
CTW Mixed Class
14 August 2017
10 July 2017
12 July 2017
RC Germany
17 July 2017
19 July 2017
03 July 2017
05 July 2017 16 August 2017
(Course location Brize Norton)
CTW SNCO 18 July 2017
20 July 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 20 July 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp
FAR All Ranks
03 July 2017
20 July 2017
03 July 2017
21 July 2017
20 July 2017
02 August 2017
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks
27 July 2017
12 July 2017
Housing
31 August 2017
13 July 2017
CTW Mixed Class 13 July 2017
09 August 2017
CTW Officer/SNCO 04 July 2017
06 July 2017
01 August 2017
03 August 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp 10 July 2017
10 July 2017
(Course location Cyprus) 31 July 2017
31 July 2017
German CV Writing 17 July 2017
17 July 2017
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
27 July 2017
FAR All Ranks
27 July 2017
(Course location Cyprus)
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Employment Support Programme Workshop
29 August 2017
Self Employment Awareness 09 August 2017
25 July 2017
11 July 2017
60
17 July 2017
12 July 2017
13 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness 06 July 2017
06 July 2017
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 10 July 2017
12 July 2017
CTW Mixed Class 03 July 2017
05 July 2017
11 July 2017
13 July 2017
24 July 2017
26 July 2017
31 July 2017
02 August 2017
14 August 2017
16 August 2017
CTW Officer/SNCO
CTW SNCO
17 July 2017
19 July 2017
17 July 2017
19 July 2017
07 August 2017
09 August 2017
14 August 2017
16 August 2017
11 July 2017
02 August 2017
13 July 2017
CTW Officer/SNCO 24 July 2017
26 July 2017
13 July 2017
13 July 2017
08 August 2017
10 August 2017
27 July 2017
25 July 2017
25 July 2017
22 August 2017
24 August 2017
24 August 2017
(Course location Faslane)
Employment Support Programme Wksp
20 July 2017
27 July 2017 24 August 2017
CTW Officer
31 July 2017
Employment Support Programme Wksp
Employment Support Programme Wksp 20 July 2017
CTW Officer/SNCO
FAR All Ranks
17 August 2017
17 August 2017
CTW SNCO
29 August 2017
29 August 2017
04 July 2017
06 July 2017
FAR All Ranks
(Course location Faslane)
18 July 2017
20 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness
04 July 2017
30 August 2017
01 September 2017
20 July 2017
06 July 2017
06 July 2017
20 July 2017
RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 03 July 2017
05 July 2017
CTW Mixed Class
04 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness
Self Employment Awareness
03 August 2017
05 July 2017
RRC Tidworth
05 July 2017
RRC Rosyth
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class
Employment Support Programme Wksp
03 August 2017
04 July 2017
04 July 2017
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
18 July 2017
18 July 2017
27 July 2017
27 July 2017
START DATE END DATE
01 August 2017
01 August 2017
15 August 2017
15 August 2017
CTW Junior Ranks
29 August 2017
29 August 2017
03 July 2017
05 July 2017
03 July 2017
05 July 2017
12 July 2017
10 July 2017
12 July 2017
FAR All Ranks
10 July 2017
17 July 2017
19 July 2017
02 August 2017
19 July 2017
18 July 2017
31 July 2017
17 July 2017
18 July 2017
20 July 2017
31 August 2017
23 August 2017
(Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)
29 August 2017
21 August 2017
(Course location Faslane)
29 August 2017
31 August 2017
24 July 2017
26 July 2017
08 August 2017
10 August 2017
CTW Mixed Class
31 July 2017
31 July 2017
30 August 2017
30 August 2017
CTW Officer 24 July 2017
26 July 2017
15 August 2017
17 August 2017
21 August 2017
23 August 2017
01 August 2017
03 August 2017
29 August 2017
31 August 2017
15 August 2017
17 August 2017
18 July 2017
Self Employment Awareness
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
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questonline.co.uk l June 2017
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
June 2017 l questonline.co.uk
Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
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Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement provision. Entitlement All Service Leavers, other than those discharged as Early Service Leavers, are entitled to receive the resettlement support detailed in the table below. Principle Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased resettlement time. All Medically Discharged Service Leavers automatically qualify for the maximum entitlement. Entitlement includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training. Years’ Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
CTP GRT(1) No 0 No 0 ESP 0 FRP 20 FRP 25 FRP 30 FRP 35
CTP GRT(1) FRP 10 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 35
IRTC No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Outflow
<4 Years’ service or administratively discharged IRTC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 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 ‘actuals’ 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 Leavers’ 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 ‘Local Training First’ policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Transition services and entitlements
• Vulnerability Assessment • Resettlement Brief • Resettlement Interview • Gateway to 3rd Sector: – Housing – Finance – Social Benefits – Employment – Pensions – Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Years’ Service
• Job-Finding Service • ‘RightJob’ Access • Consultant Interview • Housing Brief • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Years’ Service
• IRTC Grant (£534) • Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) • Career Transition Workshop (3 days) • Other Workshops – Self-Employment Awareness – Small Business Start-Up – CV Writing – Interview Skills – Networking • Career Consultancy • Travel Warrants (up to 7) • ‘RightJob’ Access • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Housing Brief • Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant - Officers with 9 years service up to £14,686 - Other Ranks with 12 years service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,302 - Officers (9 years) and Other Ranks (12 years) who are AFPS 05 up to £10,302
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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 Darren Bickerstaffe, 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
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Making the transition Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armed Forces, you are still strongly advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), along with any other that you will find of benefit, such as CV Writing or Interview Techniques. The purpose of these workshops is to help you to recognise and assess your options and learn
skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you don’t go – you won’t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering products and services to meet customers needs. In this case, you are the product, the customer is your next employer. Your task is to persuade the customer that the range of benefits, which you bring, match his or her needs.
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
Define the product
Understand the world of work
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Demonstrate your value to the employer List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile – your USP >> major achievements – the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichés, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
Proactive networking >> >> >> >>
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
Research the market
Networking advice
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employer’s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
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