PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BRITISH EX-FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS June/July 2018
FROM SERVICE LEAVERS TO HIGH ACHIEVERS MEET THE WELL-DESERVED WINNERS
INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
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T
H
E
EDITOR YOUR BUMPER SUMMER ISSUE OF QUEST magazine has arrived – we think it’s
the only guide you’ll need to courses, funding, resettlement and careers, and hope you agree! Here, all in one place, you’ll find all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to get maximum benefit from it. There’s advice on how distance learning could open up new – and convenient – avenues of study for you, as could the Access to HE Diploma, which can help you get on to courses you may have considered out of reach. We investigate two career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but thinking ahead to their transition: driving instruction, and management and leadership. You’ll also find an in-depth look at MBAs on our website at www.questonline.co.uk as this month’s special online-only feature. Our comprehensive education and funding planner, meanwhile, summarises your education and personal development opportunities, with ideas on improving your career prospects and advice on accessing the available funding sources. You’ll also find the usual QUEST cocktail of practical advice on resettlement issues. Regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has tips on getting ahead of the game and taking the risk out of self-employment, while former Scots Guard Craig tells us how he’s benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll, whose new Centenary Lodge
is due to be declared open on 14 June. Find out more on page 54. And, offering further practical pointers for business start-up, chartered accountant, business adviser and author Allan Esler Smith is here with some tried-and-tested top tips for those entrepreneurs-in-waiting among you. As you’ll no doubt have spotted on the cover of this issue, we’re also celebrating the inspirational inaugural prize-giving at the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards and are delighted to bring you news of all the very worthy winners of this valuable new initiative. Who knows, next year, you might be following in their footsteps! At the heart of all this is ‘The Hub’, the place where you’ll find useful information on courses and training options, alongside reader reports and transition news. Wherever you choose to start reading, we hope you will find much to interest and inform you in our pages, whatever your future plans. 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 Tom Sheldrick ACCOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com 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.
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June/July 2018
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JUNE/JULY 2018 >>
Contents On this month’s cover:
H E BRITIS S R OF THS AWARD y 2018 SPONSO ES June/Jul PROUD ES IN BUSIN EX-FORC
The British Ex-Forces in Business Awards page 06
06
S E LEAVER SERVIC HIEVERS FROM S D WINNER IGHLL-DAC ESERVE TO THTHE WE MEE
YOUR ELC
RCES SES 4 FOLEMENT ETT G COUR ORATING I CAREERS I RES INCORP DIN COURSES
e.co.uk questonlin
I FUN
10 ELC 101: the basics 12 Are you eligible for ELC? 14 How to use your ELC funding 16 How to claim if you are still serving 18 How to claim after leaving 20 Avoiding queries or rejection 22 ELC dos and don’ts 24 Distance learning 28 Higher-level study 33 Qualifications to further your Service career 34 On course: Management and leadership 38 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 42 On course: Driving instruction 46 Useful contacts 48 Education and funding planner
THE HUB 50 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
54 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 56 Practical advice: top tips for self-starters 58 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile
4
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34
56 54
42
58
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COVER STORY: BRITISH EX-FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS FACTFILE
Transferable talent recognised
On 17 May the inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards ceremony took place at London’s iconic De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, bringing together 500 leaders and stakeholders for the UK’s largest ever celebration of military Veterans in business. As one of the programme’s proud sponsors, QUEST is delighted to bring you this report on the events of the night and – most importantly – the very special Service leavers recognised for their outstanding achievements. uncover the accomplishments of ex-Forces personnel who are now excelling in business and present them as important role models for Service leavers, showcasing the military-gained skills that have enabled their business successes.
Who was there? The awards ceremony gathered 500 business and military leaders at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, raising awareness of resettlement issues, encouraging new ex-Forces employment
T
schemes and promoting the value that military-gained skills can
workforce, as well as those employers that support current
many talented military Veterans recognised for their outstanding
and former members of the British Armed Forces. The aim is to
achievements in business. We find that many of the qualities that
he British Ex-Forces in Business Awards is a new – and most welcome –programme, created to celebrate the achievements of ex-military personnel in the UK
Young Leader of the Year – Winner: Linsey Vance, Datapipe, presented by Lyanne Maclean, Head of Fleet Services, Royal Mail (left)
6
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
provide to the UK economy if better utilised across the workforce. Said Gavin Jackson, UK managing director at headline sponsor Amazon Web Services (AWS), ‘We are thrilled to see so
Team Leader of the Year – Winner: Colin Sellars, Cornwall Council, presented by Bruce Hodge, Managing Director, Bulldog Publishing (left)
are foundational to military service are invaluable for our own organisation. Hiring transitioning military Veterans and military spouses is a fantastic opportunity for any company to grow its talent pool,
HIRING TRANSITIONING MILITARY VETERANS AND MILITARY SPOUSES IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY COMPANY TO GROW ITS TALENT POOL
and we are proud to support the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, which extol the virtues of these
Gavin Jackson, Amazon Web Services
men and women.’ As well as AWS, whose AWS re:Start programme equips Service leavers with the latest software development and cloud computing technologies to enable them to perform tech-related roles, other sponsors of the awards included FDM Group, Kuehne + Nagel, PwC, Santander, ForceSelect, Transport
EMPLOYERS MUST DO MORE FOR MILITARY VETERANS Andy McNab
for London and, of course, QUEST. Soldier On! was selected as charity partner. The 17 May ceremony not only gathered business leaders and Veterans to honour the winners, but also brought together top companies, key military personnel, politicians, journalists and other stakeholders to raise awareness of resettlement issues,
SAS Veteran Andy McNab calls on companies in the UK to recognise the transferable skills of military Service leavers, and provide them with more employment and training support
encourage further dialogue around the importance of ex-Forces employment initiatives, and promote the significant value that
In a rare public appearance, former SAS soldier and bestselling
military-gained skills can provide to the British economy if better
author Andy McNab called on employers across the UK to
utilised in the UK workforce.
provide more support to Service men and women when they
Opening this glittering night of recognition for this first trailblazing group of high achievers, host of the awards, broadcaster Julia-Hartley Brewer, welcomed keynote addresses
leave the military, saying it is ‘vital’ employers understand the value military-gained skills can provide to them. ‘It’s time that employers across the UK, large and small, truly
from Robbie Carroll, UK National Security & Public Safety at
recognise the transferable skills that Service men and women
AWS, SAS Veteran and bestselling author Andy McNab (see box),
gain during their time in the military. More than just doing the
as well as entertainment from the Military Wives Choir. Those
right thing for Veterans who have served their country in the
presenting awards on the evening included General Sir Mike
Armed Forces, this is about utilising a unique set of finely honed
Jackson, who headed the British Army as it entered the Iraq
qualities to help plug the numerous skills gaps that are holding
War in 2003, Julian Lewis, MP and Chair of the Defence Select
back our economy on the global stage.
Committee, and Lt General Mark Poffley, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff.
The aim of the Awards
‘Transitioning back to civilian life after leaving the military can be extremely difficult. But Service leavers don’t want sympathy – they just want a chance. Giving them that break and lending them a helping hand when they need it during their
During their time in uniform, Service men and women spend
resettlement period will pay off massively for employers in the
years adapting to roles and gaining valuable skills. They develop
long run, not to mention the UK economy as a whole.’
Outstanding Achiever of the Year – Winner: Edward Osborne, Virtualstock, presented by Robbie Carroll, UK National Security & Public Safety, AWS (left)
Lifetime Achievement – Winner: Jon Lamonte, Transport for Greater Manchester, presented by General Sir Mike Jackson, Former Chief of the General Staff & Chairman, ForceSelect (left)
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
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COURSESTORY: COVER FACTFILE CHOICES BRITISH EX-FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS GIVING SERVICE LEAVERS A HELPING HAND DURING THEIR
qualities that are readily transferable and in demand in the business world, but transitioning back to
RESETTLEMENT PERIOD WILL PAY OFF MASSIVELY FOR
civilian life and finding a place in the wider UK
EMPLOYERS IN THE LONG RUN, NOT TO MENTION THE UK
workforce can be a difficult proposition for many of the 16,000-plus military leavers each year. Despite so
ECONOMY AS A WHOLESAS Veteran and author, Andy McNab
many people having gone through a similar transition, Service leavers can often feel alone with a lack of visible role models. It was this thought that was the impetus for the creation of this new awards programme, which is dedicated to providing
l
Innovator of the Year: Richard Gill, Drone Defence
l
Inspiration of the Year: Ally Musthan, Artisan People
l
Lifetime Achievement: Jon Lamonte, Transport for Greater
a much-needed platform for uncovering and promoting the
Manchester
achievements of ex-military personnel who are now excelling in
l
New Service Leaver of the Year: Daniel Frost, Marks & Spencer
the business world – presenting them as important role models for
l
Outstanding Achiever of the Year: Edward Osborne,
other Service leavers who may be struggling with their transition
Virtualstock
to civilian life, as well as current Forces personnel anxious about
l
Rising Star of the Year: Damon Tyler, NHS Calderdale CCG
their own road ahead when the time comes for them to leave.
l
Role Model of the Year: Rowena Fell, EY
Just as intended, the event highlighted admirably the
l
Service Leaver of the Year: Lee Whitworth, A&E Harmonious
adaptable skills gained in the military, and recognised the
Compliance Training
organisations that exist to help Service leavers find their new
l
Team Leader of the Year: Colin Sellars, Cornwall Council
place in society through employment, training and other support.
l
Woman of the Year: Jane Wainwright, PwC
l
Young Leader of the Year: Linsey Vance, Datapipe
The 2018 winners
Says Ben Rossi, journalist and founder of the British Ex-Forces in
Fifteen winners were announced at the awards ceremony,
Business Awards, ‘Service men and women develop qualities that
whittled down from more than 250 nominations. QUEST extends
are easily transferable to roles in business, yet many employers
its congratulations to all winners and finalists, who are without
fail to recognise this or are deterred by common misconceptions.
exception, fantastic business role models to Service leavers.
We all have a responsibility to support Veterans where we can, but
The very worth winners included Woman of the Year victor
it’s also important from a purely business perspective that their
Jane Wainwright, the only woman to have a child with a terminal
skills are better utilised. We were overwhelmed by the talent on
illness while continuing to serve, and now director of security
display in the nominations received for the Awards and it was an
and data protection at PwC. Also recognised was RAF Veteran
absolute honour bringing together this special group of people to
Air Vice-Marshal Jon Lamonte, now CEO of Transport for Greater
promote the huge value military Veterans provide to businesses in
Manchester, who received the Lifetime Achievement award.
the UK.’
Here’s a full list of winners:
To find out more about the Awards, visit
l
Advocate of the Year: John Chantry, Barclays
http://exforcesinbusiness.co.uk/ Nominations for the 2019 Awards
l
Business Leader of the Year: David Wilkins, Goldman Sachs
will open in October 2018. Visit http://exforcesinbusiness.co.uk/
l
Employer of the Year: Jaguar Land Rover
newsletter/ to sign up for updates. Q
l
Entrepreneur of the Year: Tony Knights, Knights Group Worldwide
Entrepreneur of the Year – Winner: Tony Knights, Knights Group Worldwide, presented by Praseeda Nair, Editorial Director, Real Business (left)
8
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Innovator of the Year – Winner: Richard Gill, Drone Defence, presented by Steve Kershaw, Partner & Military Network Chair, PwC (left)
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Q
YOUR ELC ELC BASICS
l
ELC 101 The basics
Only one ELC claim can be made in any one financial year (April to March).
l
You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost (the ELC element includes VAT but excludes travel, accommodation, food, books and materials).
l
You must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment.
l
ELC are available for full- or part-time study for a qualification at level 3 or above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF, with an organisation on the approved providers list maintained by ELCAS.
l
You may not claim ELC for:
− – Service training − – civilian accredited Service training (unless at least 30 hours extra work is involved, together with a separate exam, assessment or assignment) − – membership fees − – books and materials − – normal Service sport and adventurous training. l
Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/ Service activities will usually meant that no further claims will be allowed.
l
S
ubject to certain eligibility
compassionate reasons cause your l
ELC may be claimed for the same
withdrawal, you should seek advice
criteria (see page 12), the ELC
learning course if it continues for more
from your Education Staff or Learning
scheme offers currently serving
than a year, or for a different learning
Adviser.Q
or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational
purpose each year. l
equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) first undergraduate degree or equivalent)
combined to claim ELC. l
A new ELC award was created in 2016.
free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic
It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,
information you need to know …
which is a single payment of up to
l
The ELC lower tier offers up to three
£3,000 for those with six or more
payments of up to £1,000 in three
years of qualifying service, which will
separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up
10
If one course combines with others for a single learning purpose these can be
qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a
l
If unexpected Service or
count as all three awards. l
The PF FE/HE scheme provides
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
to £2,000 in three separate financial
Service leavers and Service personnel
years.
in their qualifying resettlement phase
The three separate years do not have
with access to a first full level 3 or a
From its inception until the end of April
to run consecutively, and may be a
first HE qualification (a foundation
2018, 383,501 people had registered
combination of both higher and lower
degree or a first undergraduate
with the ELC scheme and 138,691
levels.
degree or equivalent) with support
claims had been made, to the value of
towards tuition fees.
£219.3 million.
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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T Q’ A P F H F E
Q
YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Are you eligible for ELC?
Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l
All Regular Service Personnel (SP)
have left the Service or entered your
day of service, you will be eligible to claim
currently in service will be auto-
qualifying resettlement phase on or
ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to
enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will
after 17 July 2008
meeting the other conditions associated
meet UK residency requirements to
with the scheme.
future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l
l
What about if you are medically
both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards
medically discharged from service before
discharged?
increased from four to six years as
achieving the required number of years’
You are eligible to claim ELC at the lower
of 1 April 2017. If you had already
service. If this is the case, please seek
(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier depending
accumulated four years’ qualifying
advice from your unit education staffs.
on your length of service on the date of
In detail …
award and FEHE.
When can you start claiming ELC?
of service, you may be eligible to make
If you left service on or after 1 April
You can start claiming when you have
claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury
2016, you are entitled to post-service
accumulated the necessary qualifying
or illness was caused or significantly
access to ELC and FEHE for five years.
years of service. For example, if you
worsened, wholly or predominantly by
If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31
registered on the ELC scheme and have
service, as defined by the Armed Forces
March 2016 inclusive, you will have
been serving since 1 April 2000, you will
Compensation Scheme (JSP765).
until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or
have been entitled to start claiming at the
FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
What if you are no longer serving?
If you left before 1 April 2011, you
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted
If you have already left the Service or are
will retain ten years of post-Service
above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying
in your resettlement phase, you may be
access.
service for lower-tier awards increased
eligible to claim under the terms of the
from four to six years. However, if you
Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher
accumulated four years’ qualifying service
Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look
before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to
at the feature on page 18 to find out more –
claim your lower-tier awards.
or, for full details and to check the detailed
must:
l
have completed four years of full-time
discharged prior to completing six years
eligibility rules, visit
service or, since 1 April 2017, six years
What happens if you are made redundant?
have joined – or since April 2016
Irrespective of whether or not you applied
been automatically enrolled – on the
to be made redundant, you will cease
Find out more
scheme and completed four years’ or,
to accrue service for ELC eligibility on
Much more detailed information is
from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying
the day you leave service. If you have
available in JSP822, which can be
scheme membership
accrued six or more years’ service since
downloaded from the ELCAS website at
apply only for a first eligible FE/HE
registering on the scheme by your last day
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
qualification at the level for which you
of service, you will still be eligible to claim
are academically qualified to enter
ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have
learning on leaving the Service
accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last
12
discharge. Additionally, if you are medically
your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier
To take advantage of ELC support, you
l
qualify for full state subsidy. Special eligibility criteria apply if you were
In brief … l
l
The qualifying service required for
service before 1 April 2017, you keep
l
l
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Y O U TA K E C A R E O F U S . W E TA K E C A R E O F Y O U . T O G E T H E R W E G O F U R T H ER. C U R R E N T O R F O R M E R M I L I TA R Y P E R S O N N E L C A N S A V E U P T O 2 0%* O N A N E W F O R D .
F O R D K U G A S T- L I N E S H O W N A VA I L A B L E W I T H
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C U S T O M E R S AV I N G .
TO FIND OUT MORE, VISIT FORD.CO.UK/MILITARYSALES Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for the Ford Kuga ST-Line range: urban 30.1-57.6 (9.4-4.9), extra urban 44.8-67.3 (6.3-4.2), combined 37.7-64.2 (7.5-4.4). Official CO2 emissions 173-115g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *Military Saving programme available to current and ex-Service Personnel. Including veterans and retired members of the UK Armed Forces. Customer savings of 4% to 20% off the Recommended On The Road price available across the Ford range (excluding KA+ and Focus RS) on vehicles contracted between 26th January 2018 and 31st December 2018 and registered between 26th January 2018 and 30th June 2019. Retail customers only. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with other manufacturer promotions or incentives. At participating Ford dealers – for terms and conditions, including the eligibility criteria, eligible models and customer savings visit: www.ford.co.uk/militarysales
Q
YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS
How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding
E
LC are available for full- or part-
l
professional self-development
time study for a qualification at
l
accreditation of prior learning
level 3 or above, as defined on the
l
vocational training
National Qualifications Framework/
l
registration and accreditation fees
Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/
l
sports qualifications
RQF),* with an organisation
l
overseas qualifications
on the approved providers list held by
l
resettlement training (during last two
ELCAS and viewable at
To find out more about accessing higher-
It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or
level study in particular, take a look at our
equivalent award. You may also use ELC
feature on page 28.
Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l its relevance to your personal development plan l your ability to undertake it l likely disruptions to Service requirements l the flexibility of the study method.
* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is
to fund anything above that, too, like
replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework
university modules or nationally recognised
(QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards.
diplomas. This might include:
14
years of service only).
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
CHOOSING A COURSE
l
foundation degrees
l
postgraduate qualifications
l
other academic qualifications
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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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.
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
3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning
to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee,
staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online.
so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being
6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they
withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims
are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver
process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822,
publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme
which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at
membership using the information on the ELC website.
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
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June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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UK Armed Forces service leavers train for just ÂŁ2,000. ELCAS Approved.
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING
No longer serving? Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services
A
Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).
lthough the main purpose of ELC
evidence of your last day of Service,
Royal Navy
is to encourage serving personnel
which could be a copy of your discharge
ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
to pursue higher-level learning that
document, a copy of your P45
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
benefits both the learner and the Armed
terminating employment or a document
PO2 8BY
Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning
stamped by your regiment confirming
02392 625954
to be pursued during resettlement or for
your leaving date**
NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
up to five years after leaving the Services.*
l
The majority of this learning is likely to be vocational (learning new skills or enhancing
address
Army
full information about the course you
Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,
wish to undertake and including details of
Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army
benefiting the learner and a future employer
your registration date where applicable.
Personnel Services Group, Home Command,
First of all, refer to the eligibility
l
a copy of a utility bill showing your home
existing ones), with the qualification and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
Ramillies Building, Army HQ
with payment by sending it, along with your
Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ
criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,
20% minimum contribution, to the training
Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently
download the appropriate form from the
provider.
closed until further notice; during this time
ELCAS website and complete it fully, except
When you have completed your course,
all enquiries are to be made by email elc@detsa.co.uk
for Parts 4 and 5 – your Single Service
you must also complete the evaluation form
Representative (SSR) will complete these
and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it
elements (you will find their contact details in
could jeopardise your next claim. If you have
Royal Air Force
the accompanying box). Send your otherwise
any doubts about any aspect of this process,
Learning Credits Administrator,
fully completed claim form to them at the
contact your single-Service education/
Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF
relevant address (again, see box), along with:
learning representative for advice before
Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room
submitting a claim. Q
221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell
IMPORTANT!
18
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
NG34 8HB
All applications must be submitted to
*If you left the Service before 31 March 2016, please
01400 268 183
SSRs for approval at least 25 clear
refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk
working days prior to the start of the
for the expiration date of your claims.
course you wish to take. They will
** If you were in the RAF, you can request a copy of
then submit approved applications to
your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures
ELCAS. You should not submit your
team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm Army
claim form direct to ELCAS.
personnel can request details of discharge dates from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.
l
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses Readers must consult their Singleto Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11
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11
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January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk
19
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
20
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/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
financial year.
So:
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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E LC
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questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
21
Q
YOUR 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
make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service
l
l
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
and line managers to discuss your
training and/or resettlement adviser if
(CAN)
personal development plan
you aren’t sure of the best way to use
plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days
funding for your resettlement training
provider status means that the entire
remember that the scheme operates a
portfolio of a provider’s courses meets
needing to book a course
strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;
the level 3 requirement
be prepared to provide evidence that
if you are eligible and have used the
the course you would like to do is at
Aggregated Lower Tier award you will
financially without having first obtained
least level 3 (or equivalent) on the
not be able to use it again, so think
approval from your own Service and a
National Qualifications Framework
carefully before submitting a claim
CAN from ELCAS
consult your education/learning staff
between submitting a claim and l
(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit
l
l
l
l
l
enrol on a course or commit yourself
enrol on a course with a new provider
Learning Adviser or Single Service
who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;
benefits the Service (unless your claim
representative if your last day in
wait until this has definitely been
is resettlement-related during your last
service alters from that originally
achieved – if this takes too long, look on
stated
the ELCAS website for an alternative
complete and return the evaluation
provider. Q
ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking
22
l
automatically assume that approved
Framework (QCF),* and that it directly
two years of serving) l
inform your Education Staff,
l
commit any payment contributions
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
23
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
Keep your distance! ... and let the classroom come to you
ASK YOURSELF … l
Does the course lead to the qualification I want/need?
l
Will the course train me to the level required (by me or a potential
T
What’s involved?
can study when and where you
Courses delivered through distance
want. There’s no need to be
learning range from those taking as
l
Can I chat to previous learners?
physically on-campus to study or take
little as a few hours, to degrees and
l
Do I have to pass an entry test?
(some) training courses. And that, of
postgraduate qualifications that may
l
How much support is available? And in
course, is a considerable benefit to those
involve several years’ study. So-called
of you posted to far-flung locations,
‘short courses’ typically last days or
meaning that you can continue your
weeks as opposed to months or years.
distance, or is it necessary to attend
studies wherever in the world you may
Even those subjects with a strong
training sessions at specific times?
be. Nothing need come between you and your preparations for life in the civilian world. As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’.
practical element often have modules
To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc.org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.
Can I view the training materials first, before committing?
what form? l
l
Can the whole course be done at a
How much time will I need to set aside for study?
l
How much does the course cost?
Thanks to the
l
Will there be an exam at the end?
wide availability of
l
Is the provider inspected or accredited
useful technology
by an independent body? l
If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three years?
these days, learning
In truth, all of these
materials and support
types of learning are
may be provided by either
rough guide, open learning includes
l
that are suited to distance learning.
likely to overlap, but, as a
24
employer)?
hanks to distance learning, you
one or a combination of the following means: books, phone, DVD,
l
Will I receive any special consideration for study problems as a result of operational duties?
l
Is the course available via learning tools that I will be able to access? (For
more face-to-face classes than distance
CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts
example, if you are in an environment
learning, while the word ‘supported’
and via mobile learning; the latter is
where IT availability is limited, you
usually indicates that there are tutors
where the student accesses course
should select a course where it is
and physical material available to help
content stored on a mobile device or
possible to use paper and telephone,
students.
through a wireless server. Some providers
at least for a limited period.)
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Do it for you… it’s your future Bournemouth & Poole College
use your enhanced Learning Credits for many of our courses
Leaving the armed forces or want to boost your CV? Learn a new skill and move up the career ladder. 01202 205205 thecollege.co.uk/eLC
THE COLLEGE OF
O S T E O PAT H S
www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk
UWTSD offers a wide range of degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
We pride ourselves on our excellent links with industry with many courses delivering dual awards - One example is our Computer Networks course which carries CISCO accreditation.
R
rankeecently in d 7th
Ever thought of becoming an Osteopath?
t
for Ache UK adem E ic
xperie
nce
Tim Studees Higher Ed nt Exp erienc ucation e Sur vey
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“I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers. There is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the students.”
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The College of Osteopaths offers courses which allow you to develop your career whilst carrying on with your current life: • Change your future • Train part-time • Be part of a supportive learning community • Gain a valuable profession. Contact us today for help and advice:
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questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
25
Q
YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING
offer course elements via the iTunes
depth later), or you might be looking to
and learning centres with tutor support,
Store, which can be downloaded free of
focus on something very specific – such as
where students can undertake online
charge. Many courses make extensive
the entrance examinations of a particular
learning, and that use ICT systems to
use of the internet. Others involve tutor
professional body.
enable users to access learning.
groups, which may meet regularly,
Both higher education (HE) and
or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’
further education (FE) courses can
direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’
duration to provide classroom education
be taken via distance learning. The
(somebody who has first-hand experience
that complements regular, directed
difference between these is not always
of a course or a training provider),
coursework at a distance.
clear-cut though, and in some cases
written prospectuses and, of course, the
(e.g. foundation degrees), both types
internet. The website of the Open and
are involved. Many qualifications are
Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL
The great thing about distance learning –
modular; this means that you complete
QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key
especially for those, like you, in the Armed
them in sections (modules), often of
contacts’).
Forces – is that it puts you in control of
your own choosing, and credits gained
your education. Once you have chosen
from a selection of such courses can be
and enrolled on your course (see below),
added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and
Who are the learning providers?
you are free to study when, where – and,
other HE qualifications. It is not always
Many learning providers are neither HE
these days, how – you choose, so you can
necessary to have an undergraduate
nor FE institutions, although they may
fit your education around your current
degree to gain a master’s; neither is it
have links of varying strengths with
work and/or family commitments. It’s
necessary to have one in order to achieve
one or more colleges or universities.
entirely up to you.
many professional qualifications.
Many companies run large training
At your convenience
And, of course, in these days of laptops,
Increasingly, Service people like you
departments, and there are also many
notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
are taking distance learning modules
commercial organisations that provide
you can set up and study at a location of
as part of the training that contributes
training to paying clients. Much of the
your choice – home or work, at a cafe, even
to career progression. So, you could
training such providers deliver is of
while travelling. Importantly, too, you can
be studying with a view to gaining
excellent quality and targeted carefully
work at your own pace – there are no term
qualifications that will help you while in
at the needs of civilian employers in a
times to be rigidly stuck to (although you
the Forces or when you leave, or just for
specific market sector. Many commercial
may have to sit exams, which may take
personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a
businesses offering training use the
place only at specific times).
particular subject.
premises of academic institutions to
To sum up, distance study enables you
But how do you know who is a good
deliver courses, and may have contracts
take responsibility for your own learning.
provider and who is not? And exactly
with employment agencies to help their
However, although you will be in control,
which course do you need? All this choice
students find work.
a good provider will offer support – so you
can prove confusing! In the accompanying
will certainly not be alone, left completely
‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist
some of the bigger distance learning
to your own devices, but will have back-up
that should help you.
organisations, however – as mentioned
and assistance as and when you require it.
You are likely to have heard of
above – there are many other providers
There are also likely to be self-checks and
Finding out more
interim tests to help ensure that you are
Service education and training staff,
of courses, some with discounts for
on target, and tutor-marked assessments
both within your unit and specialists, can
Service people (ask your education
to provide valuable feedback, as well as a
often provide the best advice about
telephone helpline to call or someone to
what you might want and what
email for advice if you get stuck.
it is actually possible for you to
How do I choose a course and provider?
achieve. They can also provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and
out there too, also offering a wide range
Q
and training adviser for further information). Q
KEY CONTACTS
Although necessarily influenced by
recommend the subjects that you should
demand from learners, there are loads
be encouraged to pursue – particularly
0800 101 901
of courses available in distance learning
with a view to a second career when
www.learndirect.co.uk
form. And because the choice of provider
leaving the Services. Increasing numbers
@learndirect
is huge, too, you are more than likely to
of Forces learning and education centres
be able to track down the course you
and personal learning advisers also have
Open and Distance Learning Quality
are looking for. This may be something
access to e-learning opportunities.
Council (ODL QC)
that will give you a general grounding
26
Other information sources include
Information about courses is also
or background in a particular subject or
available from learndirect (see ‘Key
area (that you may go on to study in more
contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
learndirect
020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest SR PYAC Uni Quest Reserve Forces advert May 18 R 1.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2018 15:49 Page 1
www.chi.ac.uk
GET INTO TEACHING Use you experience and retrain as a teacher*. We’re offering a bursary of £40,000 for ex-service personnel to retrain as teachers. Share your expertise with the next generation.
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School of Health Professions
PlymUniApply
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YOU CAN BE STUDYING FOR YOUR DEGREE IN 2018! Use your ELC and experience to enrol on our courses.
We have many courses currently listed on ELCAS including: • • • • •
Biomedical Science Criminology Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring PE and Sports Coaching Physiotherapy
• • • • •
Police Studies Sociology Psychology with Counselling Sport & Exercise Science Sport & Exercise Therapy
Don’t see what you’re interested in? Get in touch with our Admissions Team and we’ll support you to the next step in your career. E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk | T: 01904 876598
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
27
Q Aim higher! YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.
I
f you’re thinking of embarking on a
the subject. It might be a really fascinating
the option of progressing to a degree if you
higher education (HE) qualification
course, which promises to lead to a host of
perform well enough on the early parts of
that’s great – you can use your ELC
career openings, but if it turns out you’re no
the course.
to fund anything above level 3, and that
good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with a
includes university modules and nationally
good qualification at the end of it – and may
through students completing a number
recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open
even fail altogether.
of modules, the distinction between HE
to you for consideration include diplomas,
(generally academic) and further education
bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees
the qualifications you already have and the
(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.
and postgraduate qualifications. The only
subjects/areas you have a flair for. Other
Credits from a selection of courses can often
problem you are likely to have is in deciding
things you might want to think about include
be added together to gain degrees and other
exactly what and how to study!
the course provider’s academic reputation
HE qualifications.
Choosing an HE course
(you can find university league tables and
Both HE and FE courses can be taken via
subject ranking tables online), its graduate
distance learning. The difference between
You may already have a pretty good idea of
employment rates, and links between the
these is not always clear-cut, though, and
what you’d like to study at a higher level but,
university or college and employers.
in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),
if you’re unsure, our advice is to make sure
Having decided what you want to study,
both types are involved. Many qualifications
you understand the nature of the subject you
you will be faced with a variety of ways of
are modular; this means that you complete
are considering, especially if it’s something
studying it.
them in sections (modules), often of your
new to you. So do your research, and ensure
28
It’s a good idea to start by thinking about
With many qualifications being earned
own choosing, and credits gained from a
you know exactly what a course is offering
How do HE courses differ?
you – topic areas, what the modules will
The most basic difference is between the
together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE
cover, etc. Whatever else you take in to
levels of courses. While most HE courses
qualifications.
consideration, it goes without saying that
lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree
you must have a strong interest in the
qualifications such as a Higher National
subject and the course content, as you will be
Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma
TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …
spending three years or more occupied with
(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,
Which? University is a free and
it, which won’t be much fun if it turns out
such courses will be shorter than a degree
independent website packed with
you’re not that struck with it after all!
selection of such courses can be gathered
course, more vocationally orientated and will
everything you need to find the right
You are also likely to do better at a
have lower entry requirements. Some will be
university course for you. See
course if you already have an aptitude for
linked to degree courses, though, giving you
http://university.which.co.uk
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
usually takes three or four years to complete
SOURCES OF ADVICE
access support under the FEHE scheme to
full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,
Your line manager should be your
commence studies at master’s level but they
can take five or six years).
first point of contact. Each unit has an
Please note that Service leavers cannot
can utilise their ELC for study at this level.
education/learning specialist, and each
Postgraduate qualifications
Service also has a network of educational
popular higher-level course options you
Postgraduate qualifications are HE
and learning centres where advice can be
could choose from …
qualifications that require learners to have
sought and ideas explored.
Here’s a rundown of some of the other
already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most
Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)
types of postgraduate qualification will include
students get together for joint study periods
taught and research elements. They generally
in open learning, with distance learning
fall into one of two categories: postgraduate
generally catering for students who are so
HNCs and HNDs are work-related
certificate or postgraduate diploma.
far away that they study almost entirely by
(vocational) HE qualifications. While
themselves.
on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are
Think you’re missing the necessary basics?
designed to give you the skills to put that
If you aren’t already in possession of the
ELC funding for higher education
knowledge to effective use in a particular
lower-level qualifications you would normally
The good news is that your ELC provides you
job. Highly valued by employers, both in
need to build on in order to secure your
with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE
the UK and overseas, they can also count
place on an HE course, the Access to Higher
qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first
towards membership of professional bodies
Education (HE) Diploma – often referred
undergraduate degree or equivalent) free
and other employer organisations. HNCs
to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma
from tuition fees. This commitment means
can take one year to complete full-time and
– could be for you. You can find out all
that Service leavers who have joined at level
two years part-time (or via, say, distance
you need to know about Access Diplomas
2, say, and have taken the opportunity to
learning). HNDs take two years full-time and
in our feature starting on page 38. It’s a
gain a qualification such as an advanced
can also be taken part-time (which takes
qualification that prepares people for study
apprenticeship, or other accredited learning
longer). (The award of an HND requires more
at university, and is designed for those who
at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to
units to be passed than for an HNC.) They
would like to study in HE but who left school
access their first higher-level qualification.
equate to approximately halfway between
without the usual qualifications, such as
an A-level and a degree, although they are,
A-levels. It is widely accepted by universities
– Defence Direction and Guidance for
as mentioned above, more practically based
and colleges, having been developed with
Training and Education, which can be
than the latter.
their support, and is designed to provide a
accessed and downloaded at www.
good grounding in the knowledge and study
enhancedlearningcredits.com Q
bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus
Full details can be found in JSP822
Foundation degrees
skills needed to succeed in HE. Although
Foundation degrees combine learning with
equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma
work experience if you decide you want
courses are put together with people who
COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses
to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent
haven’t studied for a while in mind – and
l
Unistats: http://unistats.direct.gov.uk/
of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this
most don’t require prior qualifications. Many
Compare official course data from
is a fully flexible qualification that allows
are suitable for study part-time or in the
universities and colleges, including
you to study full- or part-time to fit your
evenings, which adds to their flexibility. Most
student satisfaction and jobs after
lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240
FE colleges in England and Wales offer such
study (you have to apply to the college
‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full
Access courses, and a number are available
or university direct)
account will be taken of any prior learning
through distance learning, so you should
l
UCAS: http://search.ucas.com
and experience you have accrued, too.
be able to find a course that is convenient
Search and apply for full-time courses
Recent developments, including university
for you, and that caters for your interests
by course name, provider name or
partnerships and funding, make these
or career ambitions. You can find out more
location
qualifications increasingly available to people
about Access to HE courses, browse courses
in the Services.
and read success stories on the Access to
l
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx
Higher Education homepage at
Degree courses A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
National Careers Service: https://
Search for full- and part-time courses
academic study leading to a qualification
How to learn
such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor
Qualifications can be earned through full-
Postgraduate study
of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known
time courses, part-time courses, day release,
l
as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s
night school, open and distance learning
degree is designed to give learners a
(see the feature on page 24 of this issue).
thorough understanding of a subject, and
There will usually be more times when
Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses
l
Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
29
Empowering the defence and security sector through world-class research and education As an Enhanced Learning Credit Approved provider we support life-long learning amongst members of the Armed forces. With an unrivalled reputation in the defence and security sector, our expertise is trusted by governments, armed forces, industry and security services around the world. Cranfield Defence and Security’s staff and secure facilities are at the forefront of their fields, offering diverse capabilities across defence and security science, engineering and technology. • Short courses • Master’s courses
• Consultancy • Research
• Facilities • Symposia
Whether you’re a student interested in our wide portfolio of courses, or you would like to exploit our excellent research and test and evaluation capabilities, we offer a unique gateway to delivering practical education and solutions that make a real difference to the lives of our military, security and civilian personnel. To find out about joining the Cranfield community, visit www.cranfield.ac.uk/jobs
Come and meet us at Farnborough Airshow, 16-22 July 2018 in the Innovation Zone, Hall 3 For further information, please contact: E: info@cranfield.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1793 785810 www.cranfield.ac.uk/defenceandsecurity
Image © Crown copyright 2018
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
HE Q&A
with Marine Engineer Steven Pearson Enlisted: October 1996 Years served to date: 21 Service branch: Royal Navy Current rank: Chief Petty Officer Specialisation/trade: Marine Engineering Technician Hello Steven! Please tell us when and why you registered for ELC. I registered back in 2004, on advice from my Service Education
Will the course build on Service/civilian
How much study is involved in classes,
Advisers.
qualifications you have already achieved
at home, using e-learning?
while serving? [The qualifications
All my study was conducted at home.
Steven already holds are listed in the
This had to be carefully managed as only
THE COURSE
accompanying box.]
a few months into my course we had a
How did you select the course you are
Yes, it will build on qualifications I already
new member of the family arrive. A new
now undertaking?
hold. I chose this course as I have been in
baby, full-time job and studying to meet
I found out about it through a friend. It
a managerial role for a number of years
deadlines was a challenge!
was a bonus that I could use my ELC to
now but had no formal qualifications to
contribute towards the cost of the course.
evidence it.
What qualification do you hope to receive
Please describe the course.
It has certainly benefited my current unit
as a result of using ELC?
The course is delivered through the
as all my projects are based around my
BSc (Hons) Engineering and Management
Learning at Work department within the
work.
Studies.
University of Portsmouth. I had to provide
How do you think the course will help your military career?
evidence of my prior learning to the
How do you think the course will help
Who is the training provider?
university, to determine how many credits
any subsequent civilian career?
The University of Portsmouth.
I would need to obtain my degree. My
I commenced the course with my future
learning contract is a layout and a contract
career in mind. I want a managerial role in
Is the course well run and relevant?
with the university that determines how
my next career.
It was a steep learning curve as I have
I will achieve this. You can choose either
been used to being provided with
projects alone or you can also include
information and acting on it. The course
some taught units. What advice would you like to give to
has totally changed the way I learn. All the information needed is online through the university and I like that I can determine how I will obtain my degree.
STEVEN’S QUALIFICATIONS IN HAND
Is the course academic, vocational or a
other Service leavers going through resettlement and career transition? ELC are a great benefit for a Service person. Anybody who chooses not to register, in my opinion, has not been given
mixture?
Military qualifications:
It’s mostly academic, but a lot of the
l
Switchboard Operator Certificate
especially now that so many places that
learning is done in the workplace.
l
Marine Engineer Officer of the
offer training courses or further education
Watch 1 and 2
are enrolled as providers with ELC.
A NEW BABY, FULL-TIME JOB AND STUDYING TO MEET DEADLINES WAS A CHALLENGE!
32
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Civilian qualifications: l
NVQ level 3 Mechanical Maintenance
l
Foundation Degree Marine Systems
good advice on the ELC programme –
To find out more, visit www.port.ac.uk
Q
YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER
Boost your prospects while serving How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service
A
s noted elsewhere in this
include accountancy and management
publication, the main purpose
qualifications, or courses related to
of ELC is to encourage serving
health and safety, and facilities or project
personnel to pursue higher-level learning
management. Depending on your Service
that benefits both the learner and the
role, you could find yourself in a position to
Armed Forces. This is to comply with
embark on a range of studies that will turn
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,
out to have a very useful crossover into
which state that any money provided for
the civilian workplace when the time comes
your personal development has to be of
for you to make the transition.
immediate benefit to both the Armed
For example, thinking of IT training
Forces and the individual – if not, the
as an example, the Tech Partnership (a
TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING
MoD would be liable for tax! (See the
network of employers working to creating
Under the ELC scheme, most courses
accompanying box for more tax-related
skills for the UK’s digital economy) has
of study undertaken by individuals still
information.)
been involved in putting together a
serving are exempt from taxation, either
The best of both worlds is offered by
matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT
as income or as a benefit in kind, if they
those courses that will benefit your own
qualifications, which in these high-tech
can be justified as ‘work related’. In
career and promotion prospects in the
times will prove as useful to you on leaving
order for Service leavers to benefit fully,
Services – and ultimately help you find
as they are while you remain in Service.
too, HMRC and MoD worked together to
employment on leaving – as well as offering
Similar work has taken place with Summit
reach an agreement on tax exemption.
a benefit to the Service while you remain
Skills with regard to building services
This means that the Service leaver (or
in uniform.
engineering-related courses. A great many
their surviving spouse, civil partner or
other areas are likely to serve you well in
eligible partner, where appropriate) will
that your Service role might require,
future, too – not forgetting the benefit to
not be required to pay income tax on
but that are also highly likely to prove
your Service branch now, of course! Q
payments received under the ELC and
Some of the areas of education
useful once you leave the Forces, could
FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
33
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Lead on! Effective management is vital to every organisation. If you’ve already taken a leadership role while in uniform – maybe even with the institute membership and qualifications to back it up – you could already have a suitable skill set to transfer to the civilian workplace
standards and qualifications. These aim to equip those in management and leadership or supervisory roles with the skills they need to deal with the challenges and decisions they face throughout their careers – and help such individuals realise their own full potential as well as that of their organisations.
What’s involved?
spotlight, make effective management and
Skill up while serving
Management and leadership exist in every
leadership more of a challenge than ever
Service careers can involve a wide and
organisation – the two go hand in hand,
before.
varied experience of management – often in
but, in essence, they are about the control
34
Organisations such as the Institute
extremely difficult circumstances. Like many
and coordination of people and material
of Leadership & Management (ILM), the
Service people, you may have management
resources. The use of teams and project-
Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and
skills and experience, and perhaps institute
based working methods, the identification
the Management Standards Centre (MSC)
membership (see below) that reflects
of individual roles within the organisation,
are dedicated to raising the performance
these. General management is practised
and an increased emphasis on the best
of businesses in the UK by championing
by most of those in positions of authority
possible use of all resources, all under a legal
management via the provision of appropriate
and responsibility in the Forces and, these
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
management skills, and leadership and
(VRQs) to academic (e.g. foundation degrees,
management qualifications will certainly
bachelor’s degrees, master’s, doctorates)
enhance your CV.
and professional qualifications (see below).
The British Army website
There is also learning available that is not
(www.army.mod.uk) highlights the following
officially accredited – for instance, the sort of
accreditation opportunities that are available
group learning acquired at conferences.
to reserve soldiers and officers …
There is some overlap between these types of qualification – for example, courses
Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) level 3 Certificate in First Line Management
leading to vocational or professional
Available to soldiers and officers who
lead to accredited qualifications.
successfully complete the Range
qualifications are often delivered by academic institutions, and group learning is a feature common to many of the courses that Of the qualifications mentioned
Management qualification (Parts 1–3)
above, three types relate directly to the
delivered by Regional Training Centres
National Occupational Standards (NOS) for
(RTCs). A portfolio of evidence is compiled
management and leadership: NVQs, SVQs
using assessed coursework from the RMQ
and VRQs. Like S/NVQs, VRQs are based
course.
on the NOS, but differ in that they are taught courses that deliver the knowledge
HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? The following personal qualities are
Chartered Management Institute (CMI) or ILM level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management
and understanding found in the standards;
Available to DE officers who successfully
nationally accredited management awarding
complete the Army Reserve Commissioning
bodies. NVQs and SVQs represent national
course. Completion of a personal
standards that are recognised by employers
development plan is required, which is
across the country.
externally assessed by the awarding organisation.
for each level of management there will be a number of VRQs available from the
As well as those listed above, there are many other courses on offer, with most business schools and the aforementioned
helpful in management and leadership l
tough-mindedness
l
decisiveness
Chartered Management Institute level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management
l
an extrovert nature
Available to LE officers who successfully
l
capacity to tolerate uncertainty
complete the Late Entry Officers course
l
ability to think on one’s feet
(LEOC). Completion of an additional
Courses and training options
l
intuitive understanding of others
assignment is required and this is externally
There are many courses available to
l
high tolerance of stress.
assessed by the CMI.
help people move in to management and
roles:
institutes offering a number of certificates
(verification) qualifications.
and diplomas in management, as well as assessment and quality assurance
leadership positions, whether you want a days, is increasingly recognised with formal
In addition to qualifications, the possession
quick skills update or a longer, more in-depth
qualifications.
of certain personal qualities can be beneficial
course of training. Short courses (from one to three
The awarding of certificates and the
to those who ultimately wish to pursue a
opportunity to earn other qualifications
career in management (see ‘Do you have
days) include a variety of areas (such as
by some additional work on top of Service
what it takes?’). In fact, due to the roles and
facilitation skills, consulting skills, effective
courses mean that all levels of Service
responsibilities you may have taken on while
delegation, employment law, psychology
management can now be recognised, so
serving, you could well be equipped with a
of management, middle management
that military training can be translated
range of management skills without even
development, managing change, project
into terms that civilian employers will
realising it!
management, and an introduction to
understand – which may be something you
management) that will provide a solid base
want to consider for the future, when the
Get qualified!
time comes for you to leave. Leadership
A large number of different types of
brush-ups for existing managers at all levels.
and management are core skills for all
management and leadership qualification are
Course costs can start at around £450
military personnel, and are among the most
available within the UK. These range from
for one day and rise to £2,000 for three
transferable of skills into the civilian world.
vocational qualifications such as Scottish
days. Some are run in-house, and some are
The majority of civilian employers endorse
and national vocational qualifications (S/
residential.
the need for appropriate leadership and
NVQs) and vocationally related qualifications
to build on. Alternatively, they work well as
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
35
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Intensive short courses take around
Certificate and diploma courses
five days and cost in the region of £1,600
offer the opportunity for those with little
featured in this article offering a number of
upwards. These courses are for those
or no management experience to learn in
certificates and diplomas in management,
wanting to learn about leadership and
more depth. For example, an NVQ level 3
as well as assessment and quality assurance
management in the workplace, or to revise
Certificate in Management, which typically
(verification) qualifications.
their existing skillset. Completion sometimes
covers how to be a dynamic leader and
comes with a recognised certificate – e.g.
how to improve team performance, is
Use your ELC
APMG Change Management Practitioner.
aimed at those with an interest in becoming
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
first-line managers. Meanwhile, a level 7
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
Management/Leadership Diploma is more
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
suited to existing senior management
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
personnel. These courses are typically taken
com and is at level 3 or above. For full details
as distance learning options. An NVQ at
of how to make the most of your ELC, refer
level 3 could take 9 to 12 months and start
to our in-depth features on pages 10–33.
ARMED FORCES MEMBERSHIP OF THE ILM ILM membership can provide an excellent platform to help you make the transition to a civilian career. More than 10% of ILM members are serving or have served in the Armed Forces. The ILM understands the issues you face with the transition from the Services to civilian life and getting started on a second career. It can help you gain recognition for the skills and training you received while in the Forces. ILM membership offers: l excellent networking and profilebuilding opportunities – it will connect you with 35,000 professional managers and leaders, in its online community and at regular ILM events l its career centre, offering a jobs board, career planner and careers-related help and information l resource centre, allowing you to get up to speed with the latest management and leadership thinking in hundreds of free online articles, journals and books l the LearningZone, with free videos, seminars and in-depth e-learning resources on key management and leadership topics, by leading business experts. Military rank equivalencies ILM recognises military ranks and has mapped them to its own membership grades, according to your levels of achievement, experience and qualification. This means that, even if you don’t have formal management-related qualifications, you can still join the ILM at a membership grade that recognises your achievements and/or military training. If you have any queries, please contact the ILM’s membership team, who are always happy to help (see ‘Key contacts’). Source: www.institutelm.com/membership/ armed-forces-membership.html
at around £1,250; an SVQ at level 5 in, say, Operational Management could take up to
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Professional bodies
VRQ at level 7 in Strategic Management and
The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM)
Leadership would take around 12 months and
The ILM’s nationwide accredited centres
cost around £1,800.
deliver training on a huge range of courses
18 months and cost around £1,770, while a
Foundation degrees (e.g. Leadership
each year in management and leadership.
and Management in Social Care, Leadership
All members enjoy access to its information
for Change and Growth, and Leadership
service and publications. Underpinned by
and Management in Early Years) degrees
a strong focus on developing workplace
typically take into consideration the needs
performance, the ILM’s extensively available
of employers and the skills students need for
qualifications, at many different levels, are
the workplace, and so learning is part work
designed explicitly to meet the needs of
based, and part classroom/distance learning
managers and their organisations.
based. Students may be expected to have
Its multi-level qualifications cover areas
achieved 120 UCAS points in order to take
such as:
an FD. However, non-standard qualifications
l
leadership and management
and work experience may be taken into
l
effective management
consideration in the absence of these points.
l
principles of leadership and management
Additionally, an FD can then be used to count
l
executive management
towards a full bachelor’s degree.
l
leadership and management skills
l
leading with integrity, and
have entry requirements, and sometimes
l
strategic leadership.
not) typically cost from about £6,000 to
In addition, it also offers qualifications at
just under £10,000, and offer a range of
various levels under the banners of Coaching
related learning, such as problem-solving
and Mentoring, Business and Enterprise, and
skills, decision making, collaborative
Specialist.
Bachelor’s degrees (which sometimes
working, strategy and reflective thinking. An
The ILM has special membership
undergraduate degree can be the stepping-
arrangements in place for Forces personnel
stone to master’s study, which in turn can
(see box).
be the stepping-stone to PhD study (if you for this kind of study tend to start at close
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
to £10,000 and rise to in excess of £60,000.
Chartered professional body the CMI
However, there may well be funding
is dedicated to promoting the highest
opportunities. Subject areas for this level
standards in management and leadership
of study include, for instance, leadership
excellence. All members enjoy access to its
development, international management,
management library – one of the largest
leadership and organisational change, and
in the UK. Its approved and registered
management consulting.
centres support students worldwide. It offers
are looking for a natural progression). Costs
As well as those listed above, there are many other courses on offer, with
36
most business schools and the institutes
qualifications at multiple levels in areas including:
l
strategic management and leadership
a relevant professional body, such as the
Membership of the Institute of Leadership
l
leadership coaching and mentoring
examples highlighted below, will enhance
& Management (ILM)
l
management and leadership
your CV …
Similar criteria apply to regular and reserve
l
management coaching and mentoring
l
first line management
City & Guilds Senior Awards
l
coaching and mentoring
The Senior Awards are a professional
l
team leading.
recognition award, recognising
personnel. Refer to the details in the box
Chartered Manager status is also offered for
competence and career experience
senior managers.
gained over a period of time in rank. The criteria and procedure for
above and the ILM website. Q
Q
KEY CONTACTS
Professional recognition awards and membership of professional bodies
applying for a Senior Award in leadership
This type of accreditation is not linked to
required to apply for a Senior Award is Sgt.
01536 207307 www.managers.org.uk
specific military training courses, says the
Defence Information Note 2010DIN07-182
@cmi_managers
British Army website, but recognises an
is the reference. Senior Awards are also
individual’s experience in a vocational/
used by a number of Arms and Services to
professional area, gained over a period
recognise competence in vocational or trade
01543 266886
of time. Professional recognition awards
skills. A one-off payment is required and
usually require a one-off payment and may
City & Guilds confers the right to use post-
membership@institutelm.com www.institutelm.com
confer the right to use post-nominals (letters
nominals.
@InstituteLM
and management are identical for regular
Chartered Management Institute
and reserve personnel. The minimum rank
placed after your name to denote your qualification/membership status); note that
Membership of the Chartered Management
membership of a professional body requires
Institute (CMI)
the continuing payment of an annual
Similar criteria apply to regular and regular
membership fee and will usually confer the
personnel. The reference is 2010DIN07-77.
Institute of Leadership & Management
Management Standards Centre 020 7421 2725 management.standards@managers.org.uk www.management-standards.org
right to use post-nominals. Membership of
ILM Coaching & Mentoring Qualify at Levels 5 or 7 – Certificate or Diploma Start any time. Receive prompt and expert tutorial support that is personalised to your needs. Combine flexible distance learning with high quality training workshops. Suitable for beginners and experienced coaches. “The first training day of my ILM coaching course with inspired2learn was eye opening – I am in the Army and it was very beneficial to experience the different backgrounds and perspectives of the other delegates. I hadn't realised there were so many variations in coaching and styles of coaching. For my learning, it was good to have the variety of people that were non-military.” Army Officer, Germany.
CMI Management & Leadership (Levels 3 to 7) also available by distance learning Tel:
01380 609313
Email: clare@inspired2learn.co.uk Web:
www.inspired2learn.co.uk questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
37
Q
YOUR ELC THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA
It’s never too late! The Princess Royal, Patron of the Institute of Learning and Work, recently said that adult education is good for people’s health, self-esteem and employability. A report by the funding body for higher education in England1 says graduates are more likely to feel satisfied with their life, be happier and feel more worthwhile than non-graduates. Good reasons to think about going back to education. Find out how an Access to HE qualification could help …
A
dult learning plays a vital role in society, and it can make you more employable. In October 2017
BBC News2 ran a story about the oldest www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-41573213
undergraduates in the UK, focusing on students at a university in London who were studying Law at the ages of 65-plus. They were learning because they wanted to help the communities they lived in. They also wanted to meet new people. In some ways their stories are similar to those of the ex-Service personnel who took part in research by Dr Mel Macer of Bath Spa University:3
38
1
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
2 3
www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/year/2017/201731/ www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-41573213 http://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/8454/1/8454.pdf
‘When I left the Navy, I was sitting
Access to HE Diplomas are equivalent to
around doing nothing … I really
A levels and are recognised by UK higher
needed to have known about
education providers. Every year, more than
Access to HE before I came out.’
25,000 students successfully complete an
ex-Navy personnel
Access to HE Diploma and are accepted on to higher education courses. Around half of
‘Access [to HE] courses need
these students are aged 25 or older. Many
promoting to the military as a
left school with few qualifications.
structured provision to support
THE ACCESS COURSE FOR ME WAS A CASE OF DEPROGRAMMING THE ARMY AND REPROGRAMMING THE CIVVY
Many people worry that they won’t be
the cultural shift from military to
able to afford university. You don’t need to
civilian life.’
pay money in advance – tuition and living
Credits (ELC) towards the tuition fees
cost loans are not like commercial loans. If
for an Access to HE Diploma, and, if
you live in England, you may also receive
you’re eligible, you may use the publicly
And lifelong learning is exactly that:
a childcare allowance grant that doesn’t
funded FE/HE scheme to pay for your
lifelong. Throughout your Service career
need to be repaid. You can see if you get
Access to HE and university studies. It
you will have learned many skills you can
help for childcare using the calculator here:
is important to look into your funding
transfer to your new civilian life, but you
www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Many
options carefully to make sure you
might want to try something new, and it’s
universities also offer funds to help with
make the best choice for you. Access to
never too late to learn new skills and
the cost of going to university.
HE providers, your education officer or
Careers adviser
build on those you already have.
You may also use Enhanced Learning
transition staff should be able to help you
The Access to HE Diploma has
choose the best route.
changed the lives of many people and
There are more than 300 providers of
helped them pursue a graduate profession
Access to HE Diplomas covering England,
or to gain promotion. Nursing is one
Wales and Northern Ireland. The Diploma
example of a graduate profession. There
search on our website lists all QAA-
are almost 400 Access to HE courses in
recognised Diplomas and providers. A
health-related subjects and nearly 200
number of these providers and Diplomas
specifically designed for progression to a
are also listed on the ELCAS website.
degree in nursing. Each year around 50% of Access to HE students study diplomas in health, public services and care.
Unlike many other qualifications, there Tuition fees for Access to HE Diplomas
is no national curriculum for Access to HE
vary. However, if you take out an Advanced
Diplomas, therefore the subjects studied
Learner Loan to pay for your Access to
may vary between different Access to HE
from Emsi, more than 22,000 new nurses
HE studies, the fees will be around £3,350.
providers. If you are studying a Diploma
will be needed in the UK by 2022. Access
This government-backed scheme makes
designed for progression to a degree in
to HE students can help to meet this need
Advanced Learner Loans available to
nursing you can expect to study subjects
(source: Emsi 2017.1 data. All data sourced
eligible students aged 19 and over. More
including human biology, psychology and
from Emsi UK Analyst; career information
information is available at www.gov.uk/
the context of health (including the role of
taken from Emsi occupation data).
advanced-learner-loan
the profession in supporting the health of
According to labour market information
Students successfully completing a
people, the origins of public health and an
‘The Access to HE course is
QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma
awareness of the role of government and
nothing like school. The tutors
will have the balance of their Advanced
other bodies in health professions).
are very supportive, and I think
Learner Loan cancelled when they
they recognise how life changing
complete their university studies.
the Access to HE qualification can
Advanced Learner Loan repayments
be. Life skills, experiences and
currently start when you earn more than
personal stories are all valued on
£25,000 per year, which means you may
the Access to HE course, as well as
be paying back the loan while you study if
the main study curriculum, which
you are still working.
I have found very interesting and challenging.’ Simon Hatch
IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK INTO YOUR FUNDING OPTIONS CAREFULLY TO MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
39
Q
YOUR ELC THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA College-based full- and part-time courses usually start in September; distance learning courses tend to have different start dates throughout the year; some Diplomas are available for January starts.
Access to HE Harrogate College
BSc (Hons) Midwifery University of Leeds
‘I wanted to get back to work but I
2007
2004
2001
On the course: Midwife
same type of office work I’d done
GCSEs before you start if you don’t
push myself to something new, to achieve something.’ Gabrielle Holmes
l
3. Talk to your education advisors … (find out about doing maths and English already have them).
use your existing skills and learn new ones
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
just couldn’t face going back to the previously. I felt a strong desire to
l
develop a new support network and make new friends
l
make your university applications (midNovember)
l
4. Check your funding options …
receive your university offers (around February/March)
Could you get an Advanced Learner
l
graduate from college (July)
Loan? (QAA-recognised Access to HE
l
start university (September).
Diplomas are eligible for Advanced Course tutors provide a supportive,
Learner Loans and the balance of
Find out more
encouraging, yet challenging, environment
the loan will be cancelled when you
You may find the following websites
to help adults make the transition to higher
complete your HE studies.) Could you
helpful.
education. Students also use their life
use learning credits? Could you use the
Access to HE website:
experiences to support their studies and
publicly funded FE/HE scheme?
www.accesstohe.ac.uk
one another, developing strong support
5. Contact providers to get more
Real-life stories: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/
networks to help them through the
information … When does the course
Access/Pages/AHE4SP.aspx
challenges of the course, and beyond.
start? Where will you be taught? How
Diploma database: https://ava.accesstohe.
much teaching time is there? How
ac.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/search.aspx
‘The other students were all of the
much time will you need to spend
Advanced Learner Loans:
same mind-set; they were there
studying on your own? What support
www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
to change their career pathways.
can you expect? When and how do
ELCAS:
There was a good atmosphere of
you sign up? (Do you need to have an
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
mutual support, and to this day I
interview or test before you enrol?)
UCAS: www.ucas.com
am still in contact with many of my classmates.’ Former bricklayer, Richard Deacon
Follow your dreams and get on course to higher success
6. Look at UCAS and university websites/speak to higher education
For more information, sign up here for our
admission staff … What are the entry
email newsletter for Service Personnel,
requirements? (What qualifications do
their families and advisers: http://qaa.us3.
you need to get on the degree course?)
list-manage.com/subscribe?u=005201c8e9
Does the Access to HE Diploma you
f59dec787dc820f&id=de268c74ae Q
want to do meet these needs?
1. Take the first step … Think about what subject area you would like to current career? Do you want to change
History of Access to HE and the role of QAA
direction and try something new?
QAA regulates the Access to HE Diploma by
2. Find out more … Look on the Access
licensing Access Validating Agencies (AVAs)
study. Do you want to progress in your
to HE website, read the real-life stories
to award the Access to HE Diploma. QAA
and search for Diplomas (by location,
manages the Diploma specification, which
subject, provider or type of study).
governs the structure of the qualification, and
ADULT LEARNING PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN SOCIETY, AND IT CAN MAKE YOU MORE EMPLOYABLE
the licensing criteria that detail how AVAs must manage the qualification. The qualification was established in the 1970s and continues to be designed to increase participation in higher education by individuals who are under-represented. More than 250,000 Access to HE students have started university since 1999.
40
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
41
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: DRIVING INSTRUCTION
Mirror, signal, manoeuvre … … and set off on your new career as a driving instructor. It’s a profession that offers varied opportunities and flexible employment to those of the right temperament. What’s involved?
D 42
This sector is becoming increasingly
time between lessons is unpaid. For this
riving instructors offer guidance
competitive as more and more people find
reason, some instructors work part-time,
to their students on how to drive
they are attracted to the idea of working
fitting their driving instruction work around
all kinds of vehicles safely on the
for themselves – when the time comes for
another job.
roads, enabling the learner drivers in their
you to leave the Armed Forces, this might
If you want to work as a driving
charge to gain a full understanding of all
apply to you too. Remember, though, that
instructor in future, your biggest outlay
aspects of driving in order to gain a full
the hours can be long and demanding,
will be for your car – as well as the initial
driving licence or improve their skills in a
and driving instructors often work alone,
purchase price, fuel and maintenance can
particular area (take a look at the box titled
on a self-employed basis, even if they are
be expensive. However, if you choose to
‘The day job’, for more info). The bulk of
working as part of a franchise for a larger
work for a franchise, you may be provided
the average driving instructor’s workload,
driving school. This means that payment
with a car as part of the deal, particularly if
though, will involve learner drivers seeking
is received only for those hours when
the franchise fee is high.
to pass their driving test in a car.
instruction is actually taking place and any
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Once you have passed the second part of
A SERVICE BACKGROUND, WITH ITS SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SELFDISCIPLINE, OFFERS VERY GOOD PREPARATION
the qualifying examination – the driving
assessment test. It takes around an hour,
ability assessment – you can apply for
currently costs £111, and consists of an
the trainee’s ‘licence to give instruction’.
eyesight test, vehicle safety questions and
Although this allows you to be legally paid
a test of your ability to drive to a very high
for giving driving instruction, it is not an
standard. It will prove whether or not you
alternative to registering as an ADI.
have a thorough understanding of good,
Once registered, an ADI may work for a driving school or become self-employed. Some ADIs choose to take additional
Part 3 is the test of instructional
of large goods vehicles (LGVs), say, or
instruct pupils and is generally considered
fleet drivers. An ADI must also pass special
the most difficult of the three qualifying
‘check tests’ at certain intervals. These are
tests. You must pass part 2 before you
to satisfy the Registrar that they still meet
book part 3. The test, which currently costs
the DVSA’s standards for ability and fitness
£111, takes around an hour and includes
to give instruction.
an assessment of core competencies, instructional techniques and instructor characteristics. During the test, the
Each Service has its own driving
examiner will assess these by playing the
instructors based at the Defence School
role of two different pupils. Once you have
of Transport, its satellite establishments,
passed this test, you can apply for your
single-Service bases and with units – all
first ADI badge and join the ADI register. Please note that all three parts of
standards. Some will be on the appropriate
the ADI test work differently in Northern
register, others may not be. However,
Ireland (see www.gov.uk/browse/driving/
virtually every motor transport pool is able
teaching-people-to-drive for further
to instruct people to drive the vehicles
information).
it manages. Thanks to the vast range
to register with the Driver & Vehicle
also demonstrate them. ability, which measures your ability to
of them trained and qualified to DVSA
Step one to becoming an instructor is
safe driving techniques, and that you can
qualifications so that they can train drivers
Skill up while serving
First stop: register as an ADI
The second part is the driving ability
You can find links to full information
of vehicles in use in the Armed Forces,
about the three tests – plus to a host of
there are Service people holding every
other pages likely to be of interest – on
conceivable licence, not to mention those
the gov.uk website (again at www.gov.uk/
who have trained them.
browse/driving/teaching-people-to-drive),
Get qualified! The three tests that you have to take to
on the page headed ‘Teaching people to drive’. The ADI qualification lasts four years.
become an ADI are:
You will have to apply to renew your
1. computer-based test in two parts,
registration before the end of your current
theory test and hazard perception test
registration period, and have another CRB
Standards Agency (DVSA) to train as an
2. practical test of driving skills
approved driving instructor (ADI). To do
3. practical test of teaching ability.
so, you will need to meet the following
You must pass each part before taking the
conditions:
next. You can take the theory test (part
THE DAY JOB
l
be aged 21 or over
1) as many times as you need to, but you
l
have held a driving licence for at least
have only three attempts to pass parts
three years
2 and 3. You must pass these within two
complete and pass enhanced CRB and
years of passing part 1. The qualifying
motoring conviction checks.
process usually takes many months.
Driving lessons usually follow a similar pattern. As an instructor, you will be teaching your clients: l to use vehicle controls with confidence l to manoeuvre, turn, reverse and park safely l the correct approach to road safety l about driving laws and the Highway Code l how to do basic vehicle checks l how to deal with emergency situations. Source: National Careers Service
l
Before you can apply to join the ADI
Part 1, the theory test, comprises
Register, as a Potential Driving Instructor
two parts: a multiple-choice section and a
you must pass three qualifying tests
hazard perception section; it takes around
(see below, under ‘Get qualified!’). An
1 hour and 45 minutes altogether. You
ADI is someone who has passed all three
must pass both parts at the same time
parts and is currently registered with the
to pass the test. There’s no limit to how
DVSA. You will need to apply to the DVSA
many times you can take the test, which
before you start the qualifying tests.
currently costs £81.
check.
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
43
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: DRIVING INSTRUCTION
FINDING A TRAINING PROVIDER
MUST-HAVES! Other vehicles Motorcycle instructors
Calm Patience People skills
series of exams to those for ADIs. They can be certified for
may be trained directly
four years, after which time they
by Approved Training Bodies
Lift truck instructors should pass a
Compulsory Basic Training, CBT) and/
course with a trainer accredited by the
or complete a two-day assessment by
Health & Safety Executive.
examiners at a specified DVSA centre.
Blue light vehicles (police, fire,
Further qualification is required to teach
ambulance and MoD) are now recognised
Direct Access courses.
as a specialist category for the training of
LGV instructors who wish to be on the DVSA’s voluntary register take a similar
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Driving instructors need to be accomplished drivers; they also need flexibility, imagination and commitment. A Service background, with its social interaction and self-discipline, offers very good preparation. The ability to teach is vital, as are a high level of driving skills, a knowledge of how people learn, an ability to assess the performance of others, and communication and interpersonal skills.
44
will need to re-register.
(the only organisations that can teach
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
As a potential instructor, you should ensure that the training provider you choose is reputable. The Official Register of Driving Instructor Training (ORDIT) lists suitably qualified and inspected trainers and establishments, and anyone seeking ADI training can approach them knowing that they have achieved the required standards. Training costs vary, so you should contact several providers to compare fees before deciding which course offers the best value for your personal circumstances. Be aware that many companies advertise in the press, and there is no requirement to be registered with the ORDIT.
drivers who are competent in emergency situations. The three core competencies
training, and to help raise the profile of the
are:
training on offer to fleet drivers and their
1. assessing the need for an emergency
employers. ADIs can qualify for the register
response 2. driving the vehicle safely to emergencies 3. demonstrating the correct attitude when responding to emergencies. Fleet driver training also has a voluntary
through a three-part exam comprising a touchscreen-based theory test, a practical driving test and a practical instructional test, or they can complete and pass an accredited course.
registration scheme for trainers. Fleet
Use your ELC
driver trainers, qualified to a higher level,
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
teach more advanced driving, usually in
training can be taken, provided it is offered
the corporate market; the register was
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
introduced to set standards for those
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
who specialise in providing this type of
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
details of how to make the most of your
side, check the sorts of benefits it includes.
on your location and competitors’ charges.
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages
For example, will you get:
Car maintenance and other expenses, such
10–33.
l
a car included in the cost (although not
as fuel, have to be paid for too, so don’t
fuel expenses)
forget to factor in these essential
Finding employment
l
brand recognition
Once qualified, there are several options:
l
a guaranteed supply of students
l
l
a higher hourly rate?
move into the profession gradually by fitting instruction around another
Q
employment
What can you earn?
l
launch immediately as a sole trader
The marketplace is diverse and offers
l
become a franchisee with a local or
many different earning opportunities. As
national driving school
well as training learner drivers to pass both
enter a partnership with other
the theory and practical elements of the
instructors and pool efforts.
test, there is the Pass Plus scheme, the
l
expenses. Q
KEY CONTACTS
Department for Transport 0300 330 3000 www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ department-for-transport @transportgovuk
Driver Improvement Scheme and retraining
Working for a franchise
people who have fallen foul of motoring
If you decide to work as a driving instructor
laws.
through a franchise, the fees you’ll have to pay are likely to vary considerably,
According to the National Careers Service, full-time driving instructors can
depending on what’s included. (Clearly, this
earn around £15,000 to £20,000 in
may account for a significant proportion
their first year. Established instructors
of your earnings, so you will need to give it
can earn around £20,000 to £30,000 a
careful consideration.) Working through a
year, and experienced or specialist skills
franchise, you would usually pay a weekly
instructors £30,000-plus. Income is
fee of between £200 and £300, but be
based on the cost of the driving lesson and
provided with a car. You would also pay for
the number of hours worked. You’ll charge
your own fuel. If a fee seems on the high
between £15 and £30 an hour, depending
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency 0300 200 1122 customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk www.gov.uk/government/organisations /driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency @DVSAgovuk Driving Instructors Association 020 8686 8010 help@driving.org www.driving.org @the_DIA
questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
45
Q
YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE
Useful contacts
Need to know more? Here’s who can help …
F
or general enquiries about
Education and Resettlement Staff
RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk
the scheme, eligibility and
seeking further clarification of sS
(
qualifications, seek advice from
instructions should contact SO3 EL3R,
Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264
381580)
at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET
resettlement staff in the first instance,
SO3C’ (
not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer
625954)
Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF
Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392
l
RAF: Personal Learning Advisors
the following single-Service education and
(PLAs), and Resettlement and
Army: Individual Education and
Learning Centres. Education and
guidance on eligibility or education/
Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army
Resettlement Staff seeking further
learning or resettlement needs. Policy
Education Centres, which must be used
clarification of sS instructions should
helpline details are as follows.
by Service leavers on resettlement.
contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:
RN: RN/RM Education and
Education and Resettlement Staff
’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (
Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval
seeking further clarification of sS
95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)
Education and Training Support
instructions should contact the relevant
Officers (NETSOs) and Naval
SO2 Retention and Resettlement in
In addition, advice on any aspect of the
Resettlement Information Officers
Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-
ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:
(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.
ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-
applications, not provide advice and
l
l
Mil:
People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q
NVQ Level 33 Diploma Diploma Railway in Railway NVQ Level Diploma inin Railway NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Railway Overhead Line Construction Engineering Line Construction Engineering Technician Competence Engineering Overhead Line Construction (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) (RQF) Akona Ltd Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd isis a aTraining Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd is aTraining Training Solutions Company specialising the delivery various vocational training packages. inin the delivery ofof various vocational training packages. in the delivery of various vocational training packages. We offer variety rail courses and 2014 We offer a awide variety ofof rail courses and ininin 2014 We offer awide wide variety of rail courses and 2014 opened new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a abrand new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a brand brand new indoor practical rail training centre. Akona Ltd an NSARE approved provider Overhead Akona Ltd isisis an NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd an NSAR approved provider of Overhead lineConstruction Training whichmeets NetworkRail line Training which toto Network lineElectrification Construction Training which meets meets to NetworkRail Rail Standards. Standards. Standards.
ContactUs Us Contact
Contact Us Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Email: info@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Rail Course List: Rail Course Rail Course List: AC Personal Track List: Safety Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety DCCR OLEC 1 11 OLEC OLEC OLEC 2 22 OLEC OLEC OLEC 3 33 OLEC OLEC NVQ Level 3Level Diploma in in Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ Diploma in Railway Railway Engineering NVQ Level 3Level Diploma Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ 3 3Diploma in Engineering Line Construction (QCF) Line Construction (QCF) Technician Competence (RQF) Overhead Line Construction (QCF)
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This Level 33 Qualification includes: This Level Qualification includes: This Level 3 Qualification includes: • • Personal Track Safety DCCR (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) • • Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Safely at Heights, Moving and Handling, Safely at at Heights, Manual Handling, Safely Heights, Manual Handling, Manual Handling, Harness Safety,and Fire Harness Safety, Fire Awareness Harness Safety, Fire Awareness and Awareness and Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 Common Induction (ICI) • Industry Industry Common Induction (ICI) (OLEC 1) • • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 1 Overhead Line Electrification Level Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 (OLEC 1) 1) (OLEC (OLEC 2) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 Overhead Line Electrification Level • Overhead Line Electrification Level 3 2 (OLEC 2) (OLEC (OLEC 3) 2)
The course will be completed in in our indoor The course will completed our indoor The course will bebe completed in our brand practical rail training centre and includes practical rail training centre and includes new indoor practical rail training centre practical training sessions, classroom practical training sessions, classroom and includes practical training sessions, sessions and assessments. sessions and assessments. classroom sessions and assessments. For this qualification we can offer you a rail AsAs Akona is is anan ELCAS approved Akona Ltd ELCAS approved sponsor andLtd employment opportunities. training provider this qualification can bebe training provider this qualification can funded byby Enhanced Learning Credits. funded Enhanced Learning Credits. As Akona Ltd is an ELCAS approved training provider this qualification can be funded by Enhanced Learning Credits.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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Consisting of 9 qualifications, this program is delivered in accordance with the IRSE (Institute of Rail Signal Engineers) licensing scheme conditions. As such, the program satisfies the knowledge requirements that enable delegates to apply for licensing after the appropriate experience criteria has been met. This program is mapped towards achieving IRSE category 1.2.110 (installation). It is also mapped towards category 1.4.100 and includes the competance required for registration with the Engineering council at the grade of EngTech. (The Engineering Council stipulates a minimum education requirement Equivalent to BTEC L3 or NVQ L3).
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Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.
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Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
CALL +44(0)1908 Personal development and587665 education opportunities Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
What is Personal Development (PD)?
www.gastectraining.co.uk
PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons
>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide
Other sources of information include:
Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)
A PD  Route Map
>> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Individual decides: >> subject to be studied and qualification (if any) >> level of study (basic/key skills, GCSE, S/NVQ, A-level, degree, postgraduate) >> mode of study (e.g. short courses, distance learning)
unit education or training officer in-Service publications in-Service education centre local library or civilian college the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: questonline.co.uk
Q
In-Service
Local colleges or training providers
Distance/ open learning
eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)
PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel
A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure
College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available
There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk
Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!
Distance Learning
Q
Distance learning allows you to study at your own pace, no matter where you are. A range of schemes and courses are available but it requires discipline to organise your study time. Most colleges readily offer help and advice to their students. Standard Learning Credits (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) can be used for many of these courses but certain conditions may apply (see Sources of advice and finance).
To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on page 24.
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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
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 Costs grant
Q
The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract, called Contract Funded (CF) training. These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of their £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access to up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the student, but other allowances may be available to help with these. The CTP also offers a range of courses that are not within the MoD contract. These are known as Non-Contract Funded courses and you can use your IRTC grant or ELC to pay for these.
Professional and Career Development Loans These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900. You can also check online to see if you are eligible – visit www.gov.uk/career-development-loans
QUEST questonline.co.uk
Key: Q Service personnel
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Q
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation. For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well. If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com
University Short Courses
Q
The University Short Course Programme (USCP) exists to enhance the general educational development of Service personnel through providing short courses at a range of universities in topics such as leadership and management, regional and strategic studies, and languages. Course fees and accommodation costs are funded by the Services. Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.
learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help. Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning. The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.
Jobcentre Plus Finding a job
Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).
Benefits
If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.
Armed Forces Champions
Q
Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)
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HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
Tandem ride tribute Injured soldiers to pay tribute to Second World War airborne forces with training tandem ride to Pegasus Bridge, France Last month, injured soldiers who will be taking part in the Pilgrim Bandits gruelling 1500-mile recumbent cycle expedition in New Zealand later this year complemented their training with a dedicatory ride from Dorset to Pegasus Bridge, France, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Second World War mission codenamed Operation Deadstick – a critical part of the Normandy Landings that saw the Airborne Division, based at Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, successfully secure what is known today as Pegasus Bridge (renamed in honour of the Airborne Forces). A crucial shakedown training ride, it saw Operation Ride UK teams leave Tarrant Rushton to cycle the 76 miles to Portsmouth for the overnight ferry crossing and then spend the next four days taking part in the D-Day celebrations and visiting military cemeteries. To find out more about Operation Ride itself, which will take place later this year, in October/November, visit http://opride.org
Why choose BSc (Hons) Podiatry with the University of Plymouth? Podiatry is a rewarding healthcare profession involving understanding of musculoskeletal function and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lower limb issues. BSc (Hons) Podiatry On this programme, you will learn about the key concepts and theories of podiatric practice, including anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and podiatric medicine, as well as minor surgery. The programme delivery focuses on work-based learning, as well as practical teaching. Fee waiver If you meet our requirement of 120 UCAS tariff points, then you will be eligible to apply for our £1,500 fee waiver, awarded to applicants for their first year of fees. Your future As a podiatry graduate, you will be a highly skilled health professional who can work confidently with a variety of different patients in a range of settings. In the 2016 National Student Survey, 95 per cent of our graduates went on to work or undertake further study with an average salary of £21,000 as a result of their qualifications. Get in touch
www.plymouth.ac.uk See the advertisement on page 27
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Somerset artist celebrates the anniversary of the Dambusters
Drone report reveals industry ready for take-off
Drone Major CEO Robert Garbett shares his view on the future of the drone industry and its impact on the UK economy following the release of a new PwC report … A recent PwC report* into the impact of the drone industry on the UK’s economy, jobs, productivity and quality of life is both positive and welcome but what is more exciting is that this is just a small fragment of the wider drone picture. What many will not realise, but what is becoming widely accepted, is that the drone industry is shifting away from being an air-focused industry to one that is breaking down traditional environmental barriers to give rise to a new understanding of the term ‘drone’. As technology advances in this field, we are witness to the emergence of a new wave of hybrid drone systems which are able to operate across different environments, from ground vehicles that can fly to aircraft which can dive into the sea, monitor and inspect underwater and then move out of the water to become airborne again. Indeed, there are now systems available that are integrated surface (marine), underwater and air drone systems combined, such as those being developed by Marine Advanced Research, an American company that embraces the concept of the ‘hybrid’ drone system. It is the emergence of such concepts and the advancement of autonomous systems across all environments (surface, underwater, air and space) that has led to the emergence of a new definition for a ‘drone’, incorporating ‘any vehicle, ship, aircraft or hybrid system that is autonomously or remotely controlled’. When we consider the drone industry from this perspective, the impact on the UK economy, jobs, productivity and quality of life takes on a whole new meaning and a much larger figure. If you are thinking of a career in this burgeoning new industry, take a look at our drone careers feature at www.questonline.co.uk/ careers/career/drones Drone Major Group’s website is at www.dronemajorgroup.com
On the anniversary of the famous Dambuster raid, Somerset artist Mike Fuller has stepped in to raise money for 617 Squadron Association, which keeps alive the history of the famous squadron. Mike has produced two limited-edition prints and for every one sold a donation will be made to the Association. Says Mike, ‘For many years I was an aircraft illustrator with BAC at Brooklands and used to walk by replicas of the grand slam and tall boy bombs that 617 Squadron used on their famous raids. Since then I have turned my technical illustrator skills into producing highly detailed prints of famous aircraft, ships and motorcars. I am particularly proud that I have been given to opportunity to produce prints of Johnny Johnson’s Aircraft T-Tommy, which was involved in the famous raid.
He has even signed a few prints, which we will be offering over the next few weeks.’ The second print Mike has produced is of Laurence (Benny) Goodman’s Lancaster, which attacked the Arnsberg viaduct on 19 March 1945. ‘Benny has signed this print,’ says Mike, ‘so to have two famous Veterans endorsing my work is fantastic.’ The artist-signed prints, which are limited to 1,000 of each and include the Association’s ‘dams’ logo, can be obtained direct from Mike and money from each will be donated to the 617 Squadron Association. A4 prints cost £25 plus posting and packing, and A3 prints £35 plus p&p. If you wish to purchase a print, please email profileprintsgallery@gmail.com or call 01643 821782 and leave a message.
* www.pwc.co.uk/dronesreport
Make a splash at Victory Swim 2018! The Victory Swim 2018, the annual waterbased challenge supported by the Royal Navy, will take place on 6 September at Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, Lake 32 Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, raising money for the Felix Fund. The Felix Fund supports the country’s brave disposal experts, the EOD community and their families. Entries are now being accepted for the Victory Swim 2018, priced at £20 per competitor. Swimmers will have an option of swimming 400m, 700m, 1500m or more.
A BBQ and refreshments will be available. The café will also be open and there is camping available, should you wish to extend your day. To find out more visit www.ukwatersports.co.uk/triathlon-andopen-water-swimming and, for full details of how to enter the Victory Swim 2018, go to https://helmtickets.com/events/1277/ the-victory-swim
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THE HUB
Terrorism Studies at the University of St Andrews
To mark Armed Forces Day, KNect365 Learning is pleased to announce a 50% discount on individual modules for serving members of the Armed Forces and Army Reserves for the University of St Andrews Terrorism Studies course. Dr Tim Wilson, Director at the Handa Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence, has this message: ‘Handa CSTPV at the University of St Andrews very warmly welcomes applications to our Certificate programme from serving members of the Armed Forces. As the oldest such centre in Europe dedicated solely to understanding the threat of terrorism, we have very long experience of offering guided learning to practitioners from a wide variety of counterterrorism backgrounds, but the military has always occupied a central place for us within that wider learning environment. We recognise that terrorism often arises from complex military contexts such as insurgencies and occupations. And we recognise, too, that a careful and calibrated deployment of military capability often lies at the heart of successful counter-terrorist efforts as well. ‘The Certificate is designed to offer an experience of studying terrorism that balances both breadth and depth of knowledge, and does so in a format that is both explicitly flexible and digestible for individual learners. Students can study at their own pace, while being able to select from a wide variety of available modules. Our aim is that this format will allow you to concentrate on core areas of interest, and to fit that learning around the demanding and unpredictable challenges of military life. In short, we very much hope you will consider the Certificate as your own learning pathway.’ For more information please visit www.terrorismstudies.com/AFD-Quest See the advertisement on page 23
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Military Veterans win big at the Chelsea Flower Show
A team of Veterans and students have won a Gold Medal and Best Discovery Exhibit award at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The Force for Good garden was designed and created by military Veterans and horticulture students to tell the powerful story of the role horticulture plays in the recovery and ongoing support of injured British Armed Forces personnel, Veterans and their families. Gill Parker, an RAF Veteran who lives with PTSD, has been working on the project. She began studying horticulture with Help for Heroes last year and was delighted to get involved in the collaboration between the military charity and Sparsholt College. ‘Working on this project has been an amazing opportunity, not only have I seen the flowers bloom, I’ve seen myself bloom and my confidence has grown. To get a Gold Medal is incredible, and then to win Best Garden in Section is even better. All our hard work has paid off.’ Sparsholt College lecturer Chris Bird, adds: ‘It is always an honour to exhibit at RHS Chelsea and this year feels particularly meaningful given the show’s theme of health, well-being and happiness and the powerful story it has enabled us to tell in collaboration with our partner Help for Heroes. Not only have our students won another Gold Medal at the world’s most famous flower show, but they have had the privilege of working alongside military Veterans who have been inspiring, motivating and made an invaluable contribution to this year’s garden.’ The design of the garden was inspired from conversations between students and the Veterans. These personal experiences have been brought to life through the planting to illustrate the positive impact gardening activity can have on mental health and the role horticulture plays in ongoing support and recovery. After RHS Chelsea 2018 the garden’s legacy will continue its good work, with elements being rehomed and donated to community groups, to help more people learn, grow and heal through gardening. Find out more about the garden on the Help for Heroes website: https://helpforheroes.org.uk/see-the-difference/rhs-chelsea-flower-show-2018/ For more information about Help for Heroes, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Theatre of hope A group of injured Veterans are to perform in a series of epic outdoor performances this summer to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War …
Former infantryman Kirk Bowett, who served with the Mercian Regiment and lost his left arm below the elbow while conducting security duties in Iraq in 2013, during an aerial training session
This Is Not For You, part of 14–18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, pays moving tribute to Britain’s wounded war Veterans, men and women whose contributions to history often go unnoticed. It chronicles their fight for respect and remembrance, told with wry humour, with audio description and sign language as integral parts of the production. Through snapshots of three Armistice Days, audiences are taken on a journey that spans 100 years of history; this is a story of past and present sacrifices and a continual fight for respect, rights and remembrance. Through song, movement and physical
theatre, the production explores the reality of returning from war that often juxtaposes with the vibrant celebrations of peace. The production, directed by Jenny Sealey, written by Mike Kenny and performed by Members of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, will be premiering in Woolwich as part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival on Armed Forces Day (30 June) and Sunday 1 July, alongside performances in Woolwich and Stockton on 2 and 3 August, respectively. Among the Blesma cast performing are amputees, wheelchair users, and those who have visual impairments and brain injuries. Some have lost limbs to IED blasts, while others have been devastated by accidents. The injured Veterans have been especially trained for the piece by Graeae (pronounced grey eye), the UK’s flagship theatre company for D/deaf and disabled artists and the National Centre for Circus Arts. Performer and Blesma Member Carole King, who had her leg amputated in 2006, says: ‘To be back in a troop of like-minded people, to grow and see where we started and to where we will end will give me back the confidence that I have lacked over that past two years. I can’t sit back any more, and what a way to say, “Hey I’m back and raring to go!”’ Find out more about This Is Not For You, and where to see it, at http://tinfy.org/ For further information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, visit www.blesma.org and, for more about Graeae, go to www.graeae.org
Armed Forces Week returns for 2018 Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week is back with a celebratory and heart-warming line-up of events and entertainment to honour the nation’s military personnel. The annual event has been celebrated in Blackpool since 2006 and is now an integral fixture in the resort’s events calendar. From 25 June until 1 July, the resort will unite in welcoming serving military personnel, Veterans and cadets, with a wide range of activities designed for them and their families, as well as the many thousands of people visiting the resort. As well as a host of other events and entertainments, Coral Island has chosen to once again say thank you to our Armed Forces by inviting them for a free meal. On 28 June, it will play host, offering Veterans and their families a generous invitation to dine out and enjoy a free carvery. On 29 June, the Service of Dedication at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum will take place to commemorate our Armed Forces and Veterans, while the evening sees what many Veterans consider the highlight of the week, the Grand Gala Dinner. Armed Forces Day itself is on 30 June, with a full day of entertainment across the town centre and Blackpool Promenade. It is hoped the public will once again turn out in their droves to show their support for our brave soldiers and military personnel, past and present. For the full programme for Armed Forces Week, and more details about individual events, news and tickets, visit www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 5 July 2018, Chelmsford CTP Employment Fair 27 September 2018, Leeds These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies l a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! In addition, the full list of Employment Fair dates for 2018 are now available and ready to book (see right). If you wish to book on to any of these dates, call the CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit https://www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.
Event Date South East/East Employment Fair
5 July 2018
North East Employment Fair
27 September 2018
South Coast Employment Fair
11 October 2018
West Midlands Employment Fair
29 November 2018
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FACTFILE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
Support where it’s
needed
The majority who leave the Armed Forces make a successful transition back into civilian life, but some don’t. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, with its new Centenary Lodge due to open in June – helps the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. Craig is just one example …
C
raig joined the 1st Battalion Scots
he was in a new relationship in 2014 that
made the call. It was to an agency called
Guards in 1987 and served in the
his new partner began to question his
SPACES.’
Army for 11 years. During that time,
behaviour. ‘I had always been a very social
he did four tours of Northern Ireland, was
person but I began to withdraw. I would
for the Ex Services (SPACES) provides
deployed in the Gulf War and posted to
get up, go to work, come home and sit in a
an accommodation placement service for
Cyprus and Germany.
room on my own.
single personnel being discharged from
‘I loved my time in the Army,’ says
‘I just thought it was me plodding
all three military services. It was able to
Craig. ‘It felt more like a family than a job.
through life, but I had a bit of a breakdown
connect Craig to Mike Jackson House
I’m still in touch with a lot of my friends
really. My relationship ended and it left me
in Aldershot and linked him into mental
from the Forces. There was a lot of support
homeless. I went into survival mode. I was
health services in the Aldershot area.
in the Army, but being away so much put
living in a tent in the woods.
strain on my marriage so, in 1999, I decided it was time to leave and change career.’ After leaving the Forces, Craig began
‘During that time, I bumped into an old Army friend and we were catching up. I really didn’t see anything wrong with my
his transition into civilian life. ‘I found it
situation – I thought it was completely
really hard to settle into civvy street. It
normal and I was fine. But, speaking to
took me around 18 months before I was in
him, he made me realise I might need some
the routine of civilian life. Life seemed very
help.
mundane and I found it hard to stay in a job. Life just seemed boring.’ Sadly, Craig’s relationship came to an end and he got divorced. It wasn’t until
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June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
‘He passed on a number that I could call for advice on housing. I couldn’t have slumped any lower. I kept the number in my pocket for a good few weeks before I
‘It was really from 2014–17 that I turned my life around. I had a new property in Mike Jackson House and things began to
CENTENARY LODGE IS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE FOR STOLL AS IT IS THE CHARITY’S FIRST HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE LONDON
Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
change for me. I’m ready for
Centenary Lodge consists of
the next step and to move
34 units, including 27 one-
into my own flat at Stoll’s
bedroom flats, accessible flats
Centenary Lodge. When I saw
for those with disabilities,
the property, I thought it was
and family accommodation.
absolutely stunning. Without
The development includes a
these services, I couldn’t tell
number of communal spaces
you where I’d be today. I’m
for training, therapy and
ready to grab this opportunity
community activities, as well
with both hands and I’m ready
as gardens surrounding the
for the future.’
building.
Centenary Lodge
significant milestone for
On 14 June, Centenary Lodge
Stoll as it is the charity’s
will be declared officially
first housing development
open – ready for disabled
outside London. Stoll already
and vulnerable Veterans
provides accommodation in
to move into 34 brand-new
west London, and works with
purpose-built homes in Evelyn
housing associations and
Avenue. Says Stoll CEO Ed
local authorities to provide
Tytherleigh, ‘We are proud to
accommodation for Veterans
be naming the new building
across the UK, through the
Centenary Lodge as a mark
Veterans’ Nomination Scheme:
of remembrance for the
www.stoll.org.uk/housing/vns/
millions of lives lost in the
100% Guaranteed Work Placements
Centenary Lodge is a
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lives.’
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KEY CONTACT
Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 outreach@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall
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questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
55
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Top tips for self-starters support is also available in the following locations. – England: the Local Enterprise Partnership at www.lepnetwork.net – Northern Ireland: www.nibusinessinfo. co.uk – Scotland: www.mygov.scot/business – Wales: www.business.wales.gov.uk
Top ten top tips Added to that, I’d like to share my current top ten tips with you. In no particular order, these are as follows. 1. Talk – and talk – with other former Forces’ personnel who have started a business, to understand their lifestyle, the quality and consistency of their work and, importantly, how they get their work. 2. Underestimate the importance of your Allan Esler Smith, chartered accountant, business start-up expert and author of the Good Retirement Guide 2018
network in getting work at your peril (especially those great people you
Chartered accountant, business adviser and author Allan Esler Smith has helped hundreds of people start up in business. Perhaps that could include you … but where can you get help and what are the current top tips? Allan’s here to help you get started on your self-employment journey.
worked with ten years ago – where are they now?). Tip: Try LinkedIn and don’t burn any bridges as it is a small world out there. 3. Poor planning is a hallmark of many businesses that have struggled, however I do understand why many folk
L
struggle with the concept of a business
et’s start with the big picture. The
Where can I get help?
government views small business
There is free government-funded help out
Tip: I’ll simply borrow a quote from
as one of the main growth engines
there and your starting point will be here:
the man who led the D-Day landings
l
You will find free government help
in this 70th anniversary year:
tax rates are succeeding in encouraging
at www.gov.uk – searching from
Eisenhower said, ‘I have always
big business to see the UK as a good place
this homepage will take you to the
found that plans are useless, but
to do business. Small business ultimately
government’s online resource for
planning is indispensable.’ I promise
feeds off big business. This backdrop
businesses.
that planning will help you tease
You should also check out the
out opportunities (or threats). If
changes that could help you leverage
government-backed initiatives
you struggle with this, try asking a
earnings from a small business to great
www.startupbritain.org and www.
colleague who now runs a business
effect – particularly when you can involve
greatbusiness.gov.uk for inspiration
or your accountant for some to help
your husband/wife/partner.
and ideas. Regional or country-specific
to get you started.
of the UK economy. Lower corporation
is now boosted by the radical pension
56
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
plan.
Enhanced learning credits – what they are and how to claim them
Tax
Most work�related learning undertaken I PROMISE THAT during service will not be treated as income PLANNING WILL or a taxable benefit. WithHELP effect from September 2012, ELC payments to Service YOU TEASE OUT leavers (SL) were also exempted from tax.
OPPORTUNITIES (OR Advice THREATS)
Before deciding on learning, people should consider: 4. sure your is qualified, � Make its relevance to accountant their personal development plan to practise, and holds a certificate � knows their ability undertake the course how totohelp you leverage tax � breaks likely disruptions from and mitigate tax service risks. requirements Tip: Check out who will be your � theday-to-day flexibility of the study contact andmethod. then, after Individuals must discuss their plans with taking a deep breath first, ask their line manager and education adviser for the firm’s hourly rate, who before making any financial commitment. regulates them, check they hold Withdrawal once payment has been professional indemnity insurance made due to foreseeable postings/Service and that they know your activities will usually result in nobusiness further claims sector. being allowed. If unexpected Service 5. Invest in yourself through training, or or compassionate reasons cause withdrawal, ELC may be carried forward buy in specialist skills. for twoTip: years or a refund be possible Marketing andmay selling skills do and an not extra ELCeasily authorised. All cases will come to everyone, but be judged merits. The youon aretheir never too old tocancellation learn new and reinstatement process is published in tricks! JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills. It is
supplemented by detailed guidance from an individual’s education 6. Understandsingle�Service the differences between authority. the trading options available to
Learning purposes partnership or working as a sole trader. you. These include a company or a
ELC are available for full�time or part�time In addition, some contractors may work study for a qualification at level 3 or above, throughon anthe ‘umbrella as defined NQF orcompany’. SCQF, with an Tip: If you get your work throughlist an organisation on the approved providers agency, you will probably find that held by ELCAS. This might include: it has rules on the type of business � foundation degrees � postgraduate qualifications set-up it wants. � Join otheraacademic qualifications 7. professional or trade association � that professional providesself�development a free legal helpline � accreditation of prior learning for business questions and tax � vocational training investigations insurance. � registration and accreditation fees Tip: Consultants and contractors, � sports qualifications check out www.ipse.co.uk and, for � overseas qualifications other businesses, try www.fsb.org. � resettlement training (during last two ukof service only). years 8. Consider benefitsfor: of insurance ELC may not the be claimed (public liability insurance, professional � Service training indemnity insurance, product insurance � civilian accredited Service training (unless at least 30 hours extra work is and more). involved, together a separate Tip: Some firmswith offer these as a exam, assessment or assignment) bundle for a slight discount so do � membership feesand ask other business shop around � books and materials owners for recommendations. � normal Service sport and adventurous training.
Next steps
� Readthe JSP898 Defence Direction and, 9. Buy Good–Retirement Guide 2018 Guidance on Training, Education and which is packed with general advice on Skills. finance, leisure, tax and contains more � Register for the scheme in accordance than 30 pages of guidance on starting with published guidelines. a small business (and also volunteering, � Think about what fits your personal if that’s your thing). You’ll all the development plan and yourfind future. details at the end of the article. � Check that the course you wish to enrol 10. Don’t end up wishing done on is allowable under you the had rules. this (or at least thought about it) years � Get the necessary approval to enrol. � Talkas with manager andunder ago youyour can line get the journey education/learning way now with some staff. clear thinking and � Start learning, to make the most of planning. your life.
The Good Retirement Guide 2018, by Allan Esler Smith (272 pages), is
published by Kogan Page in e-book and IMPORTANT REMINDER!
paperback formats. Visit www.koganpage. If you left the Armed Forces in 2006 and have com/product/the-good-retirementyet to use your ELC, time is running out. You have ten years after leaving Service to make out available Amazon yourmore. claim,Also so act now. Useon it or lose it! at
guide-2018-9780749481735# to find
www.amazon.co.uk/Good-RetirementGuide-2018/dp/0749481730 Q
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
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questonline.co.ukwww.courses4forces.co.uk l June/July 2018
57
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT
STEVE BULLEYMENT
L
et’s be honest, it’s all
Feeling lucky?
and your family – the people
about odds …
who matter – you stand a much
Crossing the street,
better chance.
driving your car, choosing a
well guide us as to whether we
What can you do to stack the odds in your favour?
try and make a go of it. We don’t
Here are a few ways that will
think we’re calculating the odds
help your business idea stand a
of making it safely when we
better than 50% chance.
partner, and so on. The odds that our choices will work out
cross the road, but it’s all done in an instant, and most of the
l
The problem comes when our emotions take over from logic. A child gets excited and runs across the road when they see grandma. They lose control of logical thinking because emotions take over. Likewise, we go to the car sales to buy a family car and drive off in a two-seater. Emotions again, driving our decision making. We have the same problem
lucky when I chose to sell
‘This is for you, if you are thinking about starting a business,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘Especially if you’re thinking about using your gratuity to fund it. Or maybe you don’t have a gratuity and you’re going to borrow the money, like I did. Either way, this article is about getting your best odds at the gambling table.’
car keys. Although I knew that people needed them, I didn’t realise that the market is as large as it is. So I now have a successful business because I’m selling something that people need. Will people pay you money for your idea? Ask your friends and family, sure, but then ask
when starting a business, as we set out down the resettlement
your colleagues. These Logically, it’s a completely
do) and gave it everything,
are people who don’t mind
path. I believe our emotions
stupid decision. There’s a 50%
more than half of the people
hurting your feelings! Do
lead us as much as logic does,
chance you’d lose everything.
that started with you would no
they need it? Have they
and this can be a real problem
However, did you know that
longer be in business.
ever needed it? Those
when large sums of money are
these are better odds than
involved.
those you get when you start a
you stop being in business, all
that seem like a bargain to
business?
that time, money and effort is
get hold of – does anyone
gone for ever. The shop gets
actually want them? Are
a new sign. The letterheads
you solving a problem that
Gambling with your gratuity If you told everyone you were going to the casino to put your gratuity money on the roulette table, how do you think they’d react? Especially if
First, a few facts … If you’d started a business in 2011, the chance of
Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/ TheCarKeyMan
you chose to put on one spin of either
you still being in business in 2016 would have been less than
The sad thing is that, when
left-handed bottle openers
and business cards that were so important go in the skip.
no one is bothered about? l
Have you got the money
What you are left with is some
in the bank that will give
experience – and a hole in your
your business a chance to
bank balance.
succeed? Can you live off
That doesn’t mean you
your partner’s money? Do
half – just
shouldn’t start a business.
you have a pension that will
44%.* Think
When I write these articles,
get you by? If you get two
it might seem that I’m trying
years down the road and
to put you off. Well, I am:
start to get the business
£40,000, or your gratuity, is a
working well but run out of
lot of money to lose. However,
money to live on, you may
about it. If you took a big chunk
the whole amount
58
Sell something that people need. I was very
time we choose correctly.
of money in 2011 and had a fantastic
black or red. What do you think
business idea, worked really
if you understand the odds,
as well not have started at
they’d say?
hard (like all business owners
and are honest with yourself
all. It’s the single biggest
*Government statistics at: www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/activitysizeandlocation/bulletins/businessdemography/2016
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
reason why people give up.
in the face of other advice
money for your family,
We all need money to live,
you will get and isn’t the
there will be many
so you have to give up and
romantic idea that people
times over the
get a job.
have about business, but
first five
Do something that’s been
it’s the truth. Its OK to copy
years when
done before. There are no
a successful business – in
you’ll feel
special prizes for coming
fact, I believe that’s what
like giving
up with a brand new idea –
you should do. It’s all about
up. Believe
Facebook, Uber, Apple and
increasing your odds of
me, it’s as
success.
certain as
Last, but not least, choose
the sun coming
make it work is overrated.
something you love.
up. This is normal,
The fairy-tale is magical,
Although loving your work
just like going through
are for me and my family. So if
but the reality is that if it
won’t guarantee success,
training in the Forces. It
you are thinking about it, give
hating it will end in certain
doesn’t mean you’ve failed,
yourself the best odds possible.
failure. Even though having
it just means things are
Come to the roulette table with
a business is about making
getting tough. If you love
a plan and know the odds. If
Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition ond career b y stud ying into a second by studying KEY SKILLS S L N H S X \ H S P Ä J H [ P V U MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPÄJH[PVU I` Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist autoI` earning Launching in distance learning locksmith company covering Lincolnshire.
what you do, the odds that
you do that, you’ll be better
you’ll keep going increase.
prepared than most businesses
However, if you’re just
at start-up.
2004, Steve spotted an opportunity tono. solve the problem of vider 1105 replacing lost and stolen car keys.cilexla The company now offers wschool.ac.uk and workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. box. Contact S in the searchRecognising L Voffers U free owners, \[ TVYit the needs of concerned vehicle S H ^ ' J P S L _ S H ^ Z J O VS HJ \R consultations to find an affordable solution to theVgrowing number of car key problems.
go and get a job. When you
l
YouTube, there aren’t many of them. Being the first to
l
Aisn’t career law alreadyin being done successfully, then probably e without a law degree no one wants it. This flies
There are so many good reasons to have a business. I love it –
Read Steve’s regularly updated blog at: http://steveoncivvystreet. co.uk/
not always, but most of the time. I don’t do anything I don’t want to do, I can never get the sack,
and when I put in extra work the rewards
doing it for the money, then start a business, you invest so much of yourself in it (alongside the money), it’s
And, lastly, just like with roulette, good luck! Q
Get in touch 07832 147601 or 01522 514141
not easy to just change
Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com
direction.
thecarkeyman.com Q
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For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies studies and and training trainingcourses. courses. questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018 March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
13
59
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from July 2018 to September 2018 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RC Aldergrove
RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Senior Officer
09 July 2018 11 July 2018 14 August 2018 16 August 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018
02 July 2018 04 July 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 30 July 2018 01 August 2018 06 August 2018 08 August 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 04 September 2018 06 September 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018 CTW Mixed Class 23 July 2018 26 July 2018 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018
03 July 2018 05 July 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 30 July 2018 01 August 2018 06 August 2018 08 August 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 04 September 2018 06 September 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018 18 September 2018 20 September 2018 24 September 2018 26 September 2018
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 26 July 2018 26 July 2018 21 August 2018 21 August 2018 13 September 2018 13 September 2018
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 07 August 2018 09 August 2018 11 September 2018 13 September 2018
CTW Mixed Class
02 July 2018 04 July 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 (Course location Brize Norton)
CTW Officer 03 July 2018
05 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 17 July 2018 17 July 2018 18 September 2018 20 September 2018
FAR All Ranks 04 September 2018 04 September 2018
Self Employment Awareness 01 August 2018
01 August 2018
RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
CTW Officer/SNCO 17 July 2018 19 July 2018 18 September 2018 20 September 2018
CTW SNCO 14 August 2018
16 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 10 July 2018 10 July 2018 13 August 2018 13 August 2018 03 September 2018 03 September 2018
New Horizons in Retirement
START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
28 August 2018
28 August 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 31 July 2018 02 August 2018 03 September 2018 05 September 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 July 2018 16 July 2018 10 September 2018 10 September 2018
FAR All Ranks 01 August 2018 01 August 2018 (Course location Cosford) 13 September 2018 13 September 2018 (Course location External Venue)
Self Employment Awareness 09 July 2018 09 July 2018 31 August 2018 31 August 2018 17 September 2018 17 September 2018
RC Germany
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 04 September 2018 06 September 2018
10 July 2018 12 July 2018 21 August 2018 23 August 2018 25 September 2018 27 September 2018
FAR Senior Officers 06 September 2018 06 September 2018
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 23 July 2018
23 July 2018
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 09 July 2018 23 July 2018 30 July 2018 03 September 2018 24 September 2018
11 July 2018 25 July 2018 01 August 2018 05 September 2018 26 September 2018
CTW Officer
16 July 2018 18 July 2018 06 August 2018 08 August 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 02 August 2018
02 August 2018
FAR All Ranks 27 September 2018 27 September 2018
Self Employment Awareness 12 July 2018 12 July 2018 25 September 2018 25 September 2018
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks
26 July 2018 27 July 2018 06 September 2018 07 September 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO
09 July 2018 11 July 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018
10 July 2018 12 July 2018 25 September 2018 27 September 2018
CTW Mixed Class
Employment Support Programme Wksp
04 September 2018 04 September 2018
Self Employment Awareness
RRC Cottesmore Central London
17 July 2018 17 July 2018 10 September 2018 10 September 2018 17 September 2018 17 September 2018
Self Employment Awareness 20 September 2018 20 September 2018
02 July 2018 04 July 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 24 July 2018 26 July 2018 (Course location Culdrose) 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 11 September 2018 13 September 2018 (Course location Culdrose) 24 September 2018 26 September 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO
16 July 2018 18 July 2018 06 August 2018 08 August 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018
60
June/July 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Employment Support Programme Wksp 05 July 2018 05 July 2018 06 September 2018 06 September 2018
FAR All Ranks 05 July 2018
05 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness 11 July 2018 11 July 2018 27 September 2018 27 September 2018
RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 04 September 2018 06 September 2018
CTW Mixed Class
23 July 2018 25 July 2018 28 August 2018 30 August 2018 24 September 2018 26 September 2018
CTW Officer
16 July 2018 18 July 2018 21 August 2018 23 August 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018
FAR All Ranks 10 July 2018
10 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness 05 July 2018 05 July 2018 07 September 2018 07 September 2018
RRC Rosyth
START DATE END DATE
RRC Tidworth
CTW Officer/SNCO
CTW SNCO 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
12 July 2018 12 July 2018 20 September 2018 20 September 2018
CTW SNCO
02 July 2018
04 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
19 July 2018 19 July 2018 26 July 2018 26 July 2018 (Course location Faslane) 16 August 2018 16 August 2018
10 July 2018 12 July 2018 21 August 2018 23 August 2018 04 September 2018 06 September 2018 18 September 2018 20 September 2018
18 September 2018 18 September 2018
Self Employment Awareness
09 July 2018 11 July 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 (Course location Faslane) 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 07 August 2018 09 August 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 20 August 2018 23 August 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 28 August 2018 30 August 2018 (Course location Faslane) 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) 10 September 2018 12 September 2018 18 September 2018 20 September 2018 (Course location Faslane) 24 September 2018 26 September 2018
31 July 2018 02 August 2018 29 August 2018 31 August 2018 25 September 2018 27 September 2018
FAR All Ranks
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Officer/SNCO
12 September 2018 12 September 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 13 September 2018 13 September 2018 27 September 2018 27 September 2018 (Course location Faslane)
02 August 2018
02 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
12 July 2018 12 July 2018 26 July 2018 26 July 2018 09 August 2018 09 August 2018 30 August 2018 30 August 2018 13 September 2018 13 September 2018 27 September 2018 27 September 2018
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018 06 August 2018 08 August 2018 20 August 2018 22 August 2018 28 August 2018 30 August 2018 03 September 2018 05 September 2018 10 September 2018 12 September 2018 17 September 2018 19 September 2018
FAR All Ranks
19 July 2018 19 July 2018 (Course location External Venue) 06 September 2018 06 September 2018 (Course location External Venue)
Self Employment Awareness
CTW Mixed Class
23 July 2018 25 July 2018 24 July 2018 26 July 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 24 September 2018 26 September 2018 CTW Officer 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 17 July 2018 19 July 2018 11 September 2018 13 September 2018
30 July 2018 30 July 2018 30 August 2018 30 August 2018 24 September 2018 24 September 2018
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
VACANCY
The Dog House
LEEA Training Specialist
Dog Grooming Training
A Career in Dog Grooming? Start your own business from home, mobile or find employment... City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 dog grooming training & qualifications cover both the theory & practical skills required to groom all dog breed & coat types to enable you to work as a professionally qualified dog groomer. Bathing, drying, handling, breed lines, head shapes. Canine health & first aid are studied along with animal welfare, industry regulations & legislations.
Norfolk
Level 2 & 3 Dog Grooming
At The Dog House we also offer inclusive business advice including branding, marketing & customer service to help your transition into this new exciting industry.
LEEA is a not-for-profit Trade Association supporting and delivering services to over 1200 members working in the lifting industry worldwide. We have been providing specialist training services to our members for over 60 years and have our own dedicated training centre in Huntingdon Cambridgeshire. In addition, we provide training at members’ premises worldwide, supplemented by our highly interactive online learning courses. LEEA is looking for a Training Specialist with a good knowledge of lifting equipment. The ideal candidate will hold a teaching or recognised training delivery qualification or be able to demonstrate experience in training and instructing. A thorough knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, specifically LOLER and PUWER, is advantageous. Development training will be given to successful applicants. If you are interested in this opportunity, please visit
Norfolk 01328 853373
www.thedoghouse-protrain.co.uk
www.leeaint.com/uk/careers or call
01480 432801 questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
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
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Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 555834 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) * XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training Gastec Training has for many years worked courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement closely with Britain’s armed forces as 4VF ,JOH .#& they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we provision. recognise the commitment you have made
Transition services and entitlements
while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as
you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION Entitlement Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS discharged All Service Leavers, other than those asinteresting Earlyand lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST utility sector. Call now for a special reduced E XJUIresettlement TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF to receive UIF pricing offer on this course. Service Leavers, are entitled the support QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG detailed in the table below. 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
Principle COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF resettlement time. All Medically Discharged ServiceTVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO Leavers BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF automatically qualify for the maximum DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH entitlement. Entitlement 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
Outflow
<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
CTP GRT(1) IRTC CTP GRT(1) IRTC Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ No 0 No FRP 10 Yes enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk www.gastectraining.co.uk No 0 No FRP 30 Yes ESP 0 No FRP 30 Yes FRP 20 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 25 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 35 Yes FRP 35 Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Training Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
â&#x20AC;¢ Vulnerability Assessment â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Gateway to 3rd Sector: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Housing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Social Benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Employment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ Job-Finding Service â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Consultant Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ IRTC Grant (£534) â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Career Transition Workshop (3 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Other Workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Self-Employment Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Small Business Start-Up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CV Writing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interview Skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Networking â&#x20AC;¢ Career Consultancy â&#x20AC;¢ Travel Warrants (up to 7) â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant Officers with 9 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service up to £15,505 Other Ranks with 12 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,596 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 05 up to £10,883 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no rate currently available
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Please always contact the Forces Pension Society for the most up-to-date information Tel: 020 7820 9988 Web: www.forcespensionsociety.org
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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 Richard Jones, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 872949/2922 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 798614 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and Veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving. Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served. We are the leading provider of job opportunities and employment advice for ex-Forces men and women. We have thousands of job opportunities with employers who value military experience. We advise you on careers suited to you and we know which employers are recruiting in your area. We work with you so that you have a good CV, and support you through the application and interview process. To register with us … Tel: 0121 2360 058 Website: www.rfea.org.uk
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CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Making the transition OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
* XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL 4VF ,JOH .#&
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we
Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armedrecognise Forces, you are still the commitment you have madestrongly while serving and welcome the opportunity advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), with other to ensure you havealong a prosperous futureany as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION that you will find of benefit,COURSE such as CV Writing or Interview The Entrant GasTechniques. Course will prepare you for anpurpose EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS interesting and lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST sector. Call now foroptions a special reduced of these workshops is to help you to recognise and utility assess your and learn
skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION products and services to meet case, are 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS customers needs. In this %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ you the EFE NBproduct, OZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ customer OPX B WFSZ that the the customer is your next employer. the OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF Your task is to persuade TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF range of benefits, which you bring, DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH match his or her needs. 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG
pricing offer on this course.
Define the product >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ Demonstrate yourenquiries@gastectraining.co.uk value to the employer www.gastectraining.co.uk List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your USP >> major achievements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichĂŠs, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
Understand the world of work >> >> >> >> >> >>
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
Proactive networking >> >> >> >>
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
Research the market
Networking advice
>> >> >> >> >> >>
>> >> >> >> >> >>
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk questonline.co.uk l June/July 2018
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When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
A NEW CAREER THAT IS REFRESHING, CHALLENGING AND ENGAGING… AND YOU MAY ALREADY HAVE MOST OF THE SKILLS WE NEED. CTV Outside Broadcasts is the leading TV Outside Broadcast service provider in the UK. We deliver numerous high-profile, live television events across all TV genres from Sports to Entertainment. We are looking for enthusiastic professionals to join our TV Rigging team. CTV will provide you with the training and expertise to have a successful career as a Rigger-Driver within the Outside Broadcast industry. CTV will provide a structured training programme consisting of both classroom based and on the job training. We will provide all equipment (harnesses and PPE), as well as an IPAF (3a & 3b) qualification and First Aid training. The Successful applicants must: • Have proof of their eligibility to work in the UK. • Possess a clean C+E Driving Licence. • Possess a Drivers’ CPC card (desirable, not essential). • Possess Tachograph card. • Be able to work at height and handle heavy lifting. • Be happy with travel and occasional extended working periods away from home. • Be polite, enthusiastic, hardworking and professional. CTV is based in High Wycombe, Bucks. The package we are offering is the role of Rigger-Driver over a 6-month fixed term contract period for which we will pay a competitive salary plus travel and subsistence. Upon successful completion of this period, you will be offered the opportunity to join our permanent staff Rigging department with a competitive salary with benefits. If you believe you have the right skills and are interested in joining our team then please send your CV and covering letter to careers@ctvob.co.uk The closing date for applications is 22nd June 2018.
More info about CTV can be found at www.ctvob.co.uk/what-we-do
QUEST RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY Ricky Burt left the army in 2014 after 7 years of service... like many, he didn’t easily find his feet in civilian life... then he discovered the “key” was to become a locksmith!
Just 3 years on Ricky is earning £4000 a month running his own Lockforce business. Here’s Ricky’s resettlement story in his own words: I read about Lockforce in an issue of QUEST that was given to me during my resettlement. I joined Lockforce because I wanted to be my own boss. I’m doing a job I love, but have a network of colleagues who are there to help – as well as head office, just a phone call away. I have had someone to teach me about running a business, and to provide me with the training I needed. The training worked very well - it started in a classroom and then we would go out doing jobs with real customers, so I actually got hands-on training while doing live jobs, which is how I like to learn. Running the business is great! I work the hours I want to and I am earning more than I ever could have running a business alone. My business is still growing and I get directly rewarded according to how hard I work.
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I have children so I get to spend time with them now, which I didn’t while I was in the forces, so now I get to make up for that. When they finish school I can be there to pick them up – I can make my work revolve around my life now, which I couldn’t in the past. I feel confident that my future with Lockforce will be exciting and lucrative. If you’re thinking of starting your own business and want some help, support and camaraderie along the way then becoming a Lockforce franchisee like Ricky could be the answer Get on task quickly and start earning from week one with help from our expert team. For a FREE Information Pack call Gayle on
01491 225026
www.lockforcefranchise.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 4436
PROVIDER NUMBER
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER WITH THE OPEN UNIVERSITY Preparing for the move to civilian life? Whether or not you already have a career option in mind, take a look into the exciting and relevant qualifications that we offer. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy the reassurance that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a world-leading provider of distance learning and that over 1,500 forces personnel are currently studying with us.
Find out how we can help you develop your career path for civvy street visit openuniversity.co.uk/quest