PROUD SPONSOR OF THE BRITISH EX-FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS May 2018
GET EXPERT ADVICE, ON THE HOUSE page 60
PLUS Self-employment Transition support
And get on course for these careers: Building trades Electrical and electronic engineering
THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT
questonline.co.uk
www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
* 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 .#&
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
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.
4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
CALL +44(0)1908 587665 Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
www.gastectraining.co.uk
T
H
E
EDITOR WELCOME TO YOUR NEW EDITION OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES 4 FORCES. As ever, it’s the home of all things ELC,
and the only guide you’ll need to funding, courses, careers and resettlement. Whether you’re a newcomer to QUEST, still serving or have already stepped out on your resettlement journey, we hope you’ll find much to interest and assist you in these pages. As usual we’ve gathered together in one place all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to make best use of it. Discover how distance learning could boost your quest for qualifications, as well as the benefits of the Access to HE Diploma, which can help you get on course even if you thought higher education was beyond your reach. We check out two career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but thinking ahead to their transition: building trades and the related field of electrical and electronic engineering. Our one-stop education and funding planner, meanwhile, summarises your education and personal development opportunities, offering ideas on improving your career prospects and highlighting the available funding sources. You’ll also find the usual QUEST cocktail of practical advice on resettlement issues. For the potential self-employed among you, regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has tips on avoiding ‘the dip’ – find out what that’s all about on page 62 – and former Royal Marine ‘Martin’ tells us how he’s benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll.
We also have two important announcements for you this month: first of all, as proud sponsor of the upcoming British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, QUEST is delighted to bring you news of the shortlisted candidates here. The ceremony itself takes place on 17 May and we’ll report on that in our June issue. Second – and as featured on our cover this month – we are very pleased indeed to be able to tell you about a new initiative between Veterans’ Gateway and the UK’s leading housing and homelessness charity, Shelter, to offer housing help to the ex-Forces community. To find out how to access this invaluable expert advice, turn to page 60. At the heart of all this is ‘The Hub’, the place for key information on courses and training options, alongside reader reports and transition news. A packed and, we hope you’ll agree, informative issue. Like the gentleman on our cover this month, stand at ease and start reading!
For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk
Lynn Brown Editor
Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of
Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
CONNECT WITH US questonline.co.uk questmagazine
questmagazine Quest Magazine Group: groups/quest Quest Magazine Company: company/quest Quest Magazine Profile: quest-magazine info@questonline.co.uk
May 2018
3
MAY 2018 >>
Contents On this month’s cover: housing help for the ex-Forces community from Veterans’ Gateway
H E BRITIS R OF THS AWARDS SPONSO ES 8 May 201 PROUD ES IN BUSIN EX-FORC EL H P HOME t advice,
Exper use on the ho e xx pag
page 60 Cover image: Michael Clement
PLUS
ployment Self-em support Transition
rse t on cou And ge careers: for these
trades Building and electronic l Electrica g engineerin
FIRST UP
ELC YTHING ENT OF EVER RESETTLEM HOMEDING I CAREERS I THE SES I FUN
e.co.uk questonlin
COUR
06 British Ex-Forces in Business Awards: proudly sponsored by QUEST, read about the shortlisted candidates here
YOUR ELC 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 34 Qualifications to further your Service career 36 On course: Building trades 44 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 46 On course: Electrical and electronic engineering 50 Useful contacts 52 Education and funding planner
THE HUB 54 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
YOUR RESETTLEMENT
58 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 60 COVER STORY: access expert advice on housing from Veterans’ Gateway 62 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 64 CTP courses and events 66 Transition factfile
4
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
36
58
06 60
62
46
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
5
Q
BRITISH EX-FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS FACTFILE
Military Veterans recognised for their business achievements
Sponsored by QUEST, the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards is a new awards programme that identifies business role models for Service leavers, to support them during resettlement and promote the value of military-gained skills in the wider UK workforce. Here we check out this year’s inaugural shortlisted candidates.
6
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
T
he British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, held in association with
British Ex-Forces in Business Awards finalists
Amazon Web Services (AWS),
Advocate of the Year
Inspiration of the Year
is the largest celebration of ex-military
Chris Coghlan, Bibimoney
Alex MacEwen, BlackRock
personnel in the UK workforce, and the
David Bruce, Global Cloud Xchange
Ally Musthan, Artisan People
employers that support current and
Hugh Andree, ForceSelect
Christopher McDonald, Network Rail
former members of the British Armed
John Chantry, Barclays
Daniel Richards, Academies Enterprise Trust
Forces. The awards are dedicated to
Mark Parr, KPMG
Darren Smith, Curbside Gaming
providing a much-needed platform
Neil Porter, BAM
Gareth Fulton, Experian
for uncovering and promoting the
Richard Quellyn-Roberts, Mitmark
Paul Bensley, Tarmac Building Products
achievements of ex-military personnel
Rory Mackenzie, RM Speaking
who are now excelling in the business
Business Leader of the Year
world, presenting them as important role
David Wilkins MBE, Goldman Sachs
Lifetime Achievement
models for current Service leavers.
Karl Havard, PA Consulting Group
Andrew Whitehorn, Workplace Solutions
Marcus James, CBRE
Collin Singer, Wagtail UK
Service men and women leave the
Mark Carnaghan, 2 Sisters Food Group
Craig Summers, Sky News
military. Despite having developed many
Mark Taylor, Taylor Consulting Group
David Dent, Parexel International
transferable qualities that are in demand
Robert Hughes-Penney, Rathbone Brothers
Dr Jon Lamonte, Transport for Greater
in the business world, some still find the
Scott Lane, Day Webster
process of resettling to civilian life and
Scott Porter, Top Conker
Each year, more than 16,000
finding a place in the wider UK workforce a challenge. The awards ceremony, due to
Manchester Gary Stockton, Komankra Julian Knight, Dynamic Capital Management
Employer of the Year
Major Scott Kirkwood, Advocate Design
Balfour Beatty
William McTavish Martin-Grayston,
take place in London’s De Vere Grand
Deloitte
Connaught Rooms on 17 May, will
Fieri
highlight these adaptable skills by shining
Jaguar Land Rover
New Service Leaver of the Year
a light on the business achievements
Siemens
Adam Meyer, Awareness Response Training
they have helped enable, and recognise
Transport for London
Ben Davis, Barclays Investment Bank
the organisations that have supported
Yodel
Daniel Frost, Marks and Spencer
Service leavers.
Sovereign FM
Iain Church, Moringa Miracles
Entrepreneur of the Year
Mark Willis, Goldman Sachs
hundreds of business leaders to reveal
Daryl Flack, BlockPhish
Richard Shepherd, Bring The Game Over
and honour the winners, as well as
Gavin Lumsden, Essential Teaching UK
Thomas Varty, JP Morgan
bringing together top companies, military
Guy Richardson, EIGER Performance
personnel, politicians, journalists and
Kevin Jefcoate, Blackhawk Network
other stakeholders to raise awareness
Richard Turner, Turner Tech Consulting
Outstanding Achiever of the Year
of resettlement issues, encourage the
Steve McCarthy, Hansei Technology
Andrew MacLeod, Hear Their Cries
development of ex-Forces employment
Stuart Pearce, SMARTech Energy
Andy Lewis, Cadent
schemes and promote the significant
Tony Knights, Knights Group Worldwide
Craig Henshaw, MedaPhor
The high-profile ceremony will gather
value that military-gained skills can
Darren Holmes, Wates
provide to the UK economy if better
Innovator of the Year
Edward Osborne, Virtualstock
utilised across the workforce.
Che Armstrong Chingang, HSBC
Jordan Wylie, JWC International
Haig Tyler, Herbert Smith Freehills
Steve Marshall, Aldi
director at AWS, ‘We are thrilled to see
John Flexman, Norton Rose Fulbright
Steven Higgs, Mezzanine International
so many talented military Veterans
Matthew Hopkinson, Didobi
recognised for their outstanding
Nicholas Mazzei, BT
achievements in business. We find
Richard Gill, Drone Defence
that many of the qualities that are
Simon Davies, Spectra Group
foundational to military service are
Tony Reeves, Microsoft
Says Gavin Jackson, UK managing
invaluable for our own organisation. 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 men and women.’
DOING MORE TO RECRUIT, TRAIN AND SUPPORT MILITARY VETERANS IS NOT ONLY THE RIGHT THING TO DO, BUT IS ALSO VITAL TO THE PROSPERITY OF OUR ECONOMY questonline.co.uk l May 2018
7
Q
COURSE EX-FORCES BRITISH FACTFILE CHOICES IN BUSINESS AWARDS Rising Star of the Year
Team Leader of the Year
nominations and include categories such
Damon Tyler, NHS Calderdale CCG
Bernard McPhail, Integral
as Business Leader of the Year, Employer
David Edgar, Barclays
Chris Hancock, Multrees Investor Services
of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year,
James Randall, Siemens
Colin Sellars, Cornwall Council
Innovator of the Year, Rising Star of the
James Stafford Allen, Moody’s Investors
Darren Lucas, Lambeth College
The awards attracted more than 250
Year, Woman of the Year, Young Leader of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.
Service
Gareth Evans, Cisco
Jamie Wood, Harniss
Gary Moore, Annodata
Lee Leyland, CIS Security
Michael Ellul, Encon Insulation
journalist and broadcaster Julia Hartley-
Mark Wilson, ConocoPhillips
Tim Eastwood, UBS
Brewer, who will welcome former SAS
Morgan Scrase, Rarden Safety Solutions
The ceremony will be presented by
soldier and bestselling author Andy
Woman of the Year
McNab as a guest speaker as well as
Role Model of the Year
entertainment from the Military Wives
Craig Dunbar, Scania
Choir. Those presenting awards on
Daisy Coleman, Coleman Racing
Caroline Neil, RPS Partnership
the evening include General Sir Mike
Jim Mathieson, Shell
Gemma Gardner, Holistic Dreamz
Jackson, who headed the British Army
John Allwood, Lead Forensics
as it entered the Iraq War in 2003, and
Neil Denton, Home Office
Jane Wainwright, PwC
Falklands War hero Simon Weston CBE.
Nick Onslow, Russell Ulyatt
Rebecca Halliwell-Coutts, Foran Solutions
Rowena Fell, EY
Sam Smith, KellyOCG
As well as Amazon Web Services, whose AWS re:Start programme equips
Angela Owen, Women in Defence UK and PA Consulting Group
Consultancy
Sean Molino, Forces Fitness
Service leavers with the latest software
Young Leader of the Year
development and cloud computing
Service Leaver of the Year
technologies to perform technology
James Hawker, KPMG
Benjamin Bobroff, BlackRock
roles, other sponsors of the awards
Justin Jones, Thomsons Online Benefits
Christopher Parkes, Julius Rutherfoord & Co
include FDM Group, Kuehne + Nagel, PwC,
Lee Whitworth, A&E Harmonious
Jamal Abbasi, UK Government’s
Santander and Transport for London.
Adam Ottway, Ecolog International
Compliance Training
Stabilisation Unit
Soldier On! has been selected as charity
Pete Thornton, Bidfood
partner and QUEST is supporting as
Peter Speight, Howdens Joinery
media partner.
Raoul Mooyaart, Korn Ferry Hay Group
Jon-Paul Brett, Burberry
Scott Hardisty, Pirtek
Linsey Vance, Datapipe
Stephen Childs, Debenhams
Sudershan Dadlani, Kinara International
Ben Rossi, journalist and founder of the British Ex-Forces in Business
James Bromfield, Barclays International Banking
Awards, comments: ‘Service men and women develop qualities that are easily transferable to roles in business, yet many employers fail to recognise this or are deterred by common misconceptions. Recognising these attributes and doing more to recruit, train and generally support military Veterans is not only the right thing to do, but is also vital to the prosperity of our economy. We were overwhelmed by the talent on display in the nominations received for the awards, and we look forward to recognising this unique and admirable group of people on 17 May.’ The finalists for the inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards – the
Guest Speaker
Host
largest ever celebration of military
ANDY MCNAB
JULIA HARTLEY-BREWER
Veterans in the UK workforce – were
Bestselling author and SAS Veteran
Broadcaster and journalist
revealed last month. You can read the shortlist in the blue boxes on pages 7 and 8. To find out more, visit: www.exforcesinbusiness.co.uk
8
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
HIRING TRANSITIONING MILITARY VETERANS AND MILITARY SPOUSES IS A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY COMPANY TO GROW ITS TALENT POOL
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.
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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
15%
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 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
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses Readers must consult their Single to Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
11
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk
13
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
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
W Woodward SHE Ltd.
W W Your Training - Your Entitlement - Your Future
5 NEBOSH Certificate Quals 1 ELC Claim Only from WOODWARD
Now taking course bookings for Autumn 2018 in Catterick.
NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH International General Certificate Conversion NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety NEBOSH Inter. Technical Certificate in Oil & Gas Safety NEBOSH National Diploma in Health & Safety NEBOSH Diploma in Environmental Management
Courses Available in Catterick, Edinburgh and Carlisle.
Telephone ~ Sharon on 01228 - 592614 email ~ info@woodwardgroup.co.uk
www.woodwardgroup.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
E LC Logo
PROVIDER NUMBER
4435
Rise above the rest, train with the best and join a team that works .... Train to become a driving instructor with Learner Driving Centre
Successfully training Armed Forces personnel for over 20 years Training available in over 50 locations throughout England, Scotland and Wales Train while you serve, training courses are exible to suit your service commitments Be your own boss, run your own driving school and work the hours you choose High potential earnings, our instructors charge between £23 and £35 per hour Guaranteed position with our driving school upon qualication DIA WINNERS 2016 TRAINING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR OFFICIAL REGISTER OF
ORDIT DRIVING INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
visit www.LDCForces.co.uk or call
Ref: 801
* Course fees apply
0800 197 0010 - 01977 691800 questonline.co.uk l May 2018
15
Q
YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC
Making an application Your step-by-step guide
1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction
and Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future.
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
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
Operations Officer or Flight Dispatcher
Open Learning Courses MoD personnel 20% discount
Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations www.avtech2000.co.uk
16
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
01452 883249
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
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
The difference that makes the difference...
Ltd
i2i is the first choice for Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching training. Our holistic approach ensures that your training and development needs are at the heart of what we do,which allows you to give your new career the start you are looking for.
We specialise in: • NLP Practitioner Training • NLP Master Practitioner Training
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2018:
3836
PROVIDER NUMBER
25th May, 15th June, 20th July
• Presentation Training skills with NLP • ILM Accredited coaching and management programs up to level 7
NLP courses can be done in conjunction with ILM qualifications, i2i are also a ELCAS Approved Provider.
Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com
Tel: 0845 121 0475 www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com
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 May 2018
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
May 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
ELCAS Approved Locksmith Training Level 3 & 4 Locksmith Courses On-going Business Support
Keytek Academy - Accredited Locksmith Courses TM
The Keytek™ locksmith training academy offers a gateway to a career as a professional locksmith. Keytek are an NCFE approved training provider, with Approved Centre Status. Our locksmith training academy offers a Level 4 Locksmith Course which has been developed to meet the specific needs of our learners and has been accredited by the NCFE. With a variety of locksmith training courses in comfortable, state of the art facilities tutored by highly experienced industry professionals, the Keytek™ Locksmith Training Academy is the leading locksmith training provider in the UK. www.locksmiths-training.co.uk
Bespoke & tailored courses State of the art training facilities 24hr onsite technical help Potential of locksmith work offered ELCAS Approved NCFE Approved Training Provider Level 3 & 4 Courses Continued business support Discounted stock and tools
01202 711195
academy@keytek.co.uk
NEBOSH HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSES WE CAN HELP YOUR CAREER TRANSITION WITH OUR GLOBALLY RECOGNISED HEALTH AND SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS… Course One
Course Two
Course Three
NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety
NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management
Course Four
Course Five
Course Six
NEBOSH International Technical Certifcate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety
NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety
SPECIAL OFFER…
Choose any combination of three courses for one ELC claim. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
6781
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | London: 0207 194 84 33 E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www.ccas-ltd.com
questonline.co.uk l May 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
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
l
questionnaire when you’ve finished
Assistant Rail Signalling Installer Training program Based in Ipswich (Suffolk), our training services have been fundamentally recognised as being pro-active, effective and, above all, technically competent. This program gives the candidate the required competencies to become a railway Signalling Installer. The training is an intensive 6 week course, filled with all the safety critical, signalling, technical and electrical knowledge needed to pursue a career within the rail industry. All attendees of this program will be given employment interviews. 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 competences 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).
For further info please call (01473)242344 or email: info@rttsolutions.co.uk RT Training solutions Ltd registered in England and Wales: 8171597
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.)
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
FEEL FUTURE CONFIDENT WITH SOLENT’S BLENDED LEARNING COURSES
Do it for you… it’s your future Bournemouth & Poole College
Courses for all levels – FDA Business, BA (Hons) Business (Professional Development), MSc Management FLEXIBLE LEARNING Slow down or speed up your study depending on your circumstances RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING Gain exemptions using your previous professional qualifications and experience
use your enhanced Learning Credits for many of our courses
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Policies and procedures that will support you in case of unforeseen circumstances that could impact on your study
Leaving the armed forces or want to boost your CV? Learn a new skill and move up the career ladder.
ELCAS Use your enhanced learning credits towards your course fees
To find out more E. ask@solent.ac.uk T. +44 (0)23 8201 3039 www.solent.ac.uk
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
www.uwtsd.ac.uk/bsc-computer-networks We offer bursaries of up to £1000 to armed forces personnel, recognition of prior learning as well as excellent support from specialist staff. Get in touch today and take the first step back into education. info@uwtsd.ac.uk | www.uwtsd.ac.uk ELCAS number 1763
“I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers. There is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the students.”
Major Phil Waddell, Royal Signals .
The College of Osteopaths offers courses which allow you to develop your career whilst carrying on with your current life: • Change your future • Train part-time • Be part of a supportive learning community • Gain a valuable profession. Contact us today for help and advice:
London: Staffordshire:
020 8905 1937 01782 294 596
questonline.co.uk l May 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
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
learndirect
020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk
The UK’s market leader in providing Construction training courses for www.ableskills.co.uk v ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION v PLUMBING v GAS v PLUS MANY MORE
Visit our City & Guilds approved Centre ANY day of the week. Full time? YES! Part Time? YES! Flexible payments? YES! 0808 100 3245 7
www.ableskills.co.uk
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
May 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 44. 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 May 2018
29
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Project Management & IT QCF Level 3 Courses
£3,199
£2,499
£2,099
PRINCE2 Lean Six Sigma Change Management MSP Bundle
PRINCE2 Lean Six Sigma Change Management
PRINCE2 Lean Six Sigma Agile Project Management
Training & Official Examinations
Training & Official Examinations
Training & Official Examinations
We can also tailor packages to your preference. Let us know! • Microsoft • Citrix • Webmaster • Cisco • CompTIA • Oracle • Certified Ethical Hacker v10 • ITIL • Agile Scrum • PMP Contact Andy Smith on 0203 282 7122 or via andy.s@southstep.co.uk
It’s not too late to apply for September 2018 entry onto BSc (Hons) Podiatry. plymouth.ac.uk 01752 585858 School of Health Professions
30
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
PlymUniApply
BE BETTER EQUIPPED WITH AN OU DEGREE Preparing for the move to civilian life? Get a qualification that matters. You’ll find our qualifications are widely recognised in civvy street and come with the benefits of a practical approach to learning that’s ideal while you’re still in the Forces and beyond.
Find out how we can help you develop your career path for civvy street visit openuniversity.co.uk/quest
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
©Crown Copyright 2011
Q
Disabled?
Open up to free study The Open University (OU) recently launched the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, offering 50 disabled Veterans, injured in, or due to, military service, access to free OU education. In addition to free study, applicants will be offered further specialist careers and disability support. If this is something that could benefit you, read on …
T
he Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships 100 full fee-waiver scholarships
(or equivalent), alongside a wraparound disability and careers support service.
32
l
Fund (DVSF) will seek to fund
be starting OU study in the 2018/19
The DVSF will provide full fee waivers
academic year
up to a maximum of 120 credits per
l
be eligible for a UK fee
academic year, 360 credits in total and
l
be disabled as a result of, or in,
not exceeding £18,000 for the total
military service.
duration of the successful applicant’s
The Open University is offering 100
Full details of the terms and conditions
qualification. Awards will be strictly
scholarships in total split over two
can be found here: www.open.ac.uk/
limited to a single qualification.
years, so 50 places are available in each
courses/getattachment/courses/choose/
academic year 2018/19 and 2019/20. To
Tier-5/Disabled-Veterans-Scholarship/
funding via the DVSF will not be entitled
be eligible to apply for the fund, you must
Disabled-Veterans-Scholarship-Fund-
to claim concurrently for Enhanced
meet all of the following criteria:
Terms-Conditions-FINAL-210318.pdf.aspx
Learning Credits ((ELC) – JSP 822 Part
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Successful applicants who are offered
1 Section 6.5 refers) or Publicly Funded
this, along with your supporting evidence,
Further Education-Higher Education (PF
by the deadline. You can find the
FE-HE) Funding (JSP 822 Part 1 Section
application form here: www.open.ac.uk/
6.6 refers). However, those individuals
courses/getattachment/courses/choose/
All eligible applicants (whether successful
who subsequently successfully complete
Tier-5/Disabled-Veterans-Scholarship/
in gaining a scholarship or not) will be
the entire course with the OU or
Disabled-Veterans-Scholarships-Fund-
entitled to pre-entry careers information,
withdraw from the DVSF may still have an
Application-Form-201819-FINAL.pdf.aspx
advice and guidance. All successful
entitlement to any of their remaining ELC
applicants may also be entitled to receive:
to undertake other courses at level 3 or
Deadline
l
above.
Applications for the DVSF are to be made
WHAT SPECIALIST SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE? Careers support
specialist resources such as workbooks, webinars and forums
l
l
Additionally, those successful DVSF applicants who do not achieve a level 4
Applicants will be selected at random on 6
support for the duration of study
qualification at 120 credits or more via the
August, with successful applicants notified
additional support will be provided
OU DVSF initiative may still be entitled
by email and letter on or before 10 August.
subject to the requirements and career
to use the PF FE-HE scheme to do so. In
Q
goals of each student.
these circumstances, each instance will be carefully considered, on a case-by-
Disability support l
case basis, to ensure the individual fully
Successful applicants will be able
meets the PF FE-HE scheme eligibility
to request specialist equipment and
criteria and is still within their scheme
disability support. This will be in
membership period.
addition to any support provided via the l
to the OU by midnight on 1 August 2018.
ongoing career coaching/mentoring
KEY CONTACT
Disabled Student’s Allowance.
How to apply
Any additional support will be looked at
Before you apply for the scholarship
on a case-by-case basis, depending on
you will need to reserve a place on the
your requirements.
first module(s) you would like to study
Need more information?
this year. You can then download an
Call an OU adviser on 0300 303 5303
Full details can be found at www.open. ac.uk/courses/choose/veterans
application form, and complete and return
In a property or construction-related role in the Armed Forces? Why not study a Built Environment degree programme with UCEM? UCEM is a leading, supported online provider of accessible, flexible and cost-effective education producing leading talent for a better Built Environment.
“Flexibility and support was key for me as being in the Army I get deployed regularly… During these deployments I could not have wished for better support from the tutors and support staff.”
Andrew Dodson, BSc (Hons)
Construction Management student, WO2 – Deputy Facilities Manager, British Army’
1/4 page.indd 1
All our programmes are delivered via supported online education and we are an approved provider (1322) for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all our programmes are available under this scheme. See www.ucem.ac.uk for more information
19/12/2017 16:39 questonline.co.uk l May 2018
33
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.
34
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
BECOME A LEVEL 4 MASTER PERSONAL TRAINER
FULL TIME/ PART TIME
FREE COURSE TRANSFERS
YMCA ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS
NATIONWIDE VENUES EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
THE TIME IS NOW
Discovery Learning offers a range of Level 2, 3 + 4 fitness qualifications that can be funded through ELC credits. info@discovery.uk.com 0208 543 1017
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 is an NSARE approved provider of Overhead Akona Ltd is is anan NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd NSAR approved provider Overhead line Electrification Training which meets to Network Rail line Construction Training which meets toto Network Rail line Construction Training which meets Network 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)
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)
completed in in our indoor The course will be 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.
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
35
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
Trade up!
Want to turn your talents to a practical career on leaving? One of Britain’s widest-ranging industry sectors, the building trades, has a huge range of roles to choose from. Here’s how to ensure a firm foundation for your new-build future What’s involved?
36
Electrical installation and maintenance Electrical engineers deal with power generation and supply. Modern manufacturing techniques tend to make replacement of a faulty component more cost-effective for the
Construction is Britain’s biggest industry
Building trades careers in brief
and looks set to stay that way: private
Some of the major skills in which people
maintenance engineer has changed, with
housing, and industrial and commercial
who work in the building trades are trained
removal and reinstallation now the norm.
requirements in particular, are expected
include:
to continue to be the main drivers for the
l
electrical installation and maintenance
requirement is the 17th Edition Wiring
sector over the next few years.
consumer than mending it in situ. This means much of the traditional role of the
At the time of writing, the basic
l
plumbing
Regulations, which demonstrate that you
Work in this field covers an enormous
l
bricklaying
know the necessary regulations and how to
variety of roles – so, if you are a practical
l
plastering
use them; it is virtually impossible to start
person, interested in how things work
l
carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
in the industry without this qualification.
and are put together, why not consider
l
gas installation and maintenance
Please note, though, that the 18th Edition
the building trades as a possible way to
l
air conditioning and refrigeration.
to the Wiring Regulations will replace the
construct your ideal next career? Well-
We will look at each of these in turn.
17th Edition from this July. The design
trained, competent trades people are
of electrical installations is not required to
always in demand. Read on to get an idea
comply to the 18th Edition until January
of just some of the main roles that make up
2019 and, until July 2018, you can take only
this busy and diverse sector.
a 17th Edition Wiring Regulations course,
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
TRADES PROFESSIONALS IN DEMAND! So says Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) … ‘The construction industry is in the midst of an acute skills crisis and we are in dire need of more people, including women and ethnic minorities, to join us. ‘Our latest research shows that more than two-thirds of construction SMEs are struggling to hire bricklayers and 63 per cent are having problems hiring carpenters. This is a stark reminder of how the government’s housing targets could be scuppered by a lack of skilled workers.’ Electrotechnical Services NVQ at level 3,
City & Guilds domestic heating and
so you might want to think about allocating
plumbing courses cover the essential
your ELC funding to this. You may be
knowledge and skills needed for a
able to qualify through an apprenticeship
successful career in domestic plumbing and
scheme with an electrical contractor, but
heating. Areas of study include:
the range of apprenticeships available
l
domestic hot and cold water systems
will depend on the local jobs market and
l
central heating systems
the types of skills employers need from
l
sanitation systems
their workers. If you are not eligible for
l
environmental technologies
such a scheme, you could learn the theory
l
gas safety.
and some of the practical skills needed
The level 3 NVQ plumbing and heating
for the NVQ by taking the City & Guilds
qualification is aimed at anyone who has
Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical
already completed the level 2 qualification
Technology, levels 2 and 3, at a college.
or has some relevant experience and
However, to become fully qualified you
knowledge. You might want to consider
must complete the work-based NVQ.
using your ELC towards payment. If you
Industry bodies strongly recommend that
choose gas-related units at level 3 you will
you gain a placement or employment with
achieve the Gas Safe licence to practise on
an electrical contractor as soon as possible
successful completion of the course (see
after you start the Certificate, so that you
also ‘Gas installation and maintenance’,
can complete the NVQ.
below).
although course providers are, naturally,
Plumbing
Bricklaying
already offering course dates post-July for
Plumbers install central
This is the job most
18th Edition courses, so it’s probably worth
heating systems, controls
likely to spring to mind
waiting …
and pipework; sanitary
in connection with the
systems; drainage
building trades. And
and Testing of Electrical Installation award
systems; guttering and rainwater systems.
though not the be-all-and-
and, after that, further qualifications
Heating systems may be powered using
end-all, it’s still has a significant part to
to level 4 and beyond through Energy
electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel. Sometimes
play. Bricklayers use many different types
& Utility Skills (the UK authority on
refrigeration and water purification
of material to create different effects (such
professional development and employment
systems are also fitted (but see ‘Air
as ornamental walls and vaulted archways).
in the energy and utilities industries,
conditioning and refrigeration’, below).
They also use a variety of specialist tools
focusing in particular on for power, gas,
Maintenance work includes routine
to spread mortar, cut bricks or blocks to
waste management, water and renewables)
servicing and emergency repairs. Repair
size, and to check that walls are perfect.
and other bodies.
work involves finding faults, replacing or
If you’re considering this role, you should
repairing damaged parts, carrying out
enjoy working outdoors and be happy at
the construction industry and a partner in
tests and making sure everything works
heights. You should also be physically
ConstructionSkills) predicts that there will
properly. A range of hand and power tools
fit, careful, accurate and able to follow
be a growing need for qualified electricians
are used to cut, bend and join metal and
detailed instructions from architects.
over the next couple of years, so the
plastic pipes.
Bricklayers often travel around the
ELECTRICIANS EARN THE MOST!
According to the 2018 Trades Salary Survey, electricians’ salaries are still higher than those of other trades, with the average electrician earning £30,784 Source: Trade Skills 4U blog, 14 November 2017
The next step may be the Inspection
CITB (the industry training board for
prospects are good. However, if you want
Most plumbers in the UK work directly
country, and sometimes abroad.
to qualify as a civilian electrician you will
for a plumbing or maintenance firm, while
Wage rates are set annually by the Building
find that this involves a significant amount
others, particularly in the domestic sector,
and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council
of study/training (even if, while serving,
are self-employed. Plumbers work in a
(BATJIC). Overtime and incentives are
you have been an electrical fitter or
team or alone, and, on domestic repair
often available, and some bricklayers
mechanic, or even an electrical artificer).
and maintenance, tend to deal with clients
progress to technical, supervisory and
Would-be electricians must pass the
direct.
managerial roles.
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
37
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
Plastering
Wage rates are set annually by BATJIC, with
engineers install, service and maintain the
Most people know about
overtime and incentives often available.
systems that control and preserve air quality,
plasterers applying wet
Carpenters and joiners sometimes move
temperature and humidity in locations such
finishes to walls, ceilings
into other allied occupations, including
as schools and offices. Both may also work
and floors; this is known
formworking, shopfitting, bench joinery,
on construction sites, depending on the type
as solid plastering. Fibrous
maintenance work and interior systems
of work in which they specialise.
plastering involves making ornamental
installation; some move into management or
plasterwork in a workshop – the kind you
run their own businesses.
might see on decorative ceilings. Plasterers
plan to use your ELC for the latter. After that, there is additional training you will
will spend most of their time indoors. Again,
Gas installation and maintenance
wage rates are set annually by BATJIC.
Anyone working on gas
qualified. Although most people start out as
Currently, demand for skilled labour outstrips
appliances or fittings
an apprentice straight from school or college
supply so overtime and incentives are
must be competent and
and train on the job, if you are 25-plus you
often available. Payment to subcontracted
registered with the Gas Safe
can still take an NVQ/SVQ without doing
labour tends to be at an agreed price per
Register (GSR). Competence
an apprenticeship – however, to gain this
linear metre of partition installed, so speed
can continue to be proven under the
qualification, you must be in a position to
and accuracy can be important. The work
Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS)
be assessed on site, carrying out work on
provides a high level of job satisfaction, with
through a distance learning programme.
real installations. As with an apprenticeship,
plasterers often progressing to higher roles
ACS has a two-day core domestic gas safety
you should be prepared to achieve the
or even owning their own companies.
assessment and a number of appliance
qualification over a number of years, not
assessments that take half a day each. A
weeks or months – there is no quick fix to
Carpentry and joinery (woodworking)
competent student should take five days to
gaining the right qualifications and it is likely
pass the full domestic suite of qualifications.
to take around four years.
Carpenters and joiners
Energy & Utility Skills has developed a set
prepare and put in place
of occupational standards and qualifications
working in this sector, and about relevant
most of the wooden
at levels 1 to 4. The objective is that the
training providers, on the websites of
parts of buildings – from
resulting qualifications will be as common as
the Chartered Institution of Building
floorboards and roof
possible across industries to enable workers
Services Engineers, the Air Conditioning
trusses to expertly crafted windows
freedom of employment in the entire sector.
and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)
have to be prepared to work at heights, and
and doors. They use very specialised
need to complete in order to become fully
You can find more information about
and SummitSkills (the standard-setting organisation for the building services
different kinds of wood. They often work
Air conditioning and refrigeration
in teams and have to be able to calculate
The refrigeration and air
these, see ‘Key contacts’).
angles and dimensions to make sure
conditioning (RAC) industry
everything fits. They need mathematical
is growing in importance:
aptitude and generally have to be just as
ensuring that the air in
good with their heads as their hands.
particular environments
woodworking tools and work with many
is neither too hot nor too cold calls for
THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME The CSCS was set up to help the construction industry improve quality and reduce accidents. CSCS cards are increasingly demanded as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover hundreds of building trades-related occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles (for example, ‘Craft and Operative’ cards include those for bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, formworkers and plasterers). To find out more, visit: www.cscs.uk.com
38
To start out in this sector, you will need an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3, so you could
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
specialist skills. This is an environmentally friendly and highly technical industry – part of the RAC engineer’s job is to ensure people and businesses are using energy as efficiently as possible, by working with renewable technology (special types of gas that don’t damage the ozone layer) and seeing how consumers can reduce their energy consumption. Careers in this industry may be roughly divided into two areas. Refrigeration engineers install, service and maintain refrigeration systems in establishments like supermarkets, hospitals and food-processing plants. Air conditioning
engineering sector) (for details of all of
Get qualified!
eventually becoming fully professionally
savvy move. University students graduate
Many of the trades discussed above are
qualified, perhaps even with a degree.
with an average £50,800 of debt, according
learned on the job, but the construction
to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, while
industry also has training schemes that
What can you earn?
combine working and education to produce
FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry says,
debt free. Not only that, apprentices earn
qualifications that you can build up over time
‘Money talks, and when it comes to annual
while they learn, taking home around
to develop expertise in a particular area.
salaries, a career in construction trumps
£17,000 a year.’
While one person might start by learning
many university graduate roles.
the basics of a trade, and go on to become
‘The average university graduate earns
apprentices pass the finish line completely
Use your ELC
an expert in a particular part of it, another
£32,000 a year, whereas your average
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
might build a portfolio in a number of skills
brickie or roofer is earning £42,000 a
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
to qualify them for a supervisory role then
year across the UK. Indeed, in London, a
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
general management.
bricklayer is commanding wages of up to
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
It is becoming increasingly necessary to hold
£90,000 a year.
com and is at level 3 or above. For full details
Q
registration or certification of competence
‘Pursuing a career in construction is
of how to make the most of your ELC, refer
and/or training in particular aspects of
therefore becoming an increasingly
to our in-depth features on pages 10–34. Q
building skills to secure employment in the industry. Ambitious people can start by gaining vocational qualifications in any of the trades
KEY CONTACTS
described here while working, and develop
General
their skills through technical training,
Find out more about the Building and Allied
03333 218230
perhaps gaining certificates or diplomas,
Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), via:
administration@jib.org.uk
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
www.jib.org.uk
0330 333 7777
Joint Industry Board
@JIBelectrical
reception@fmb.org.uk
Why choose the National Construction College?
It’s CITB’s network of colleges, training and assessing construction skills UK-wide www.citb.co.uk/trainingcourses/why-choose-nationalconstruction-college
www.fmb.org.uk
Semta (the Science, Engineering,
@fmbuilders
Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance) 0845 643 9001
Chartered Institution of Building Services
customerservices@semta.org.uk
Engineers (CIBSE)
www.semta.org.uk
020 8675 5211
@SemtaSkills
membership@cibse.org www.cibse.org
Plumbing, bricklaying, plastering,
@CIBSE
woodworking CITB
CSCS Ltd
0344 994 4400
0344 994 4777
www.citb.co.uk
customerservice@cscs.gb.com
@CITB_UK
www.cscs.uk.com @CSCS
Gas installation and maintenance Energy & Utility Skills Limited
SummitSkills
0845 077 9922
020 7313 4890
www.euskills.co.uk
enquiries@summitskills.org.uk
@EUSkills
www.summitskills.org.uk @SummitSkills
Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500
Electrical installation and maintenance
enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk
City & Guilds
www.gassaferegister.co.uk
0844 543 0000
@GasSafeRegister
centresupport@cityandguilds.com www.cityandguilds.com
Air conditioning and refrigeration
@cityandguilds
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) 020 8254 7842 www.acrib.org.uk
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
39
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: BUILDING TRADES
Building trades Q&A with Able Seaman Specialist, Liam McGough Enlisted: November 2008 Years served: 9 Exit date: November 2017 Service branch: Royal Navy Specialisation/trade: Seaman Specialist, Warfare
Before you started, what did you hope the course would give you? I hoped it would set me up for a career on the outside and it did! It gave me a whole new career as a fully qualified gas engineer – and now the possibilities are endless. What advice do you have for other Service people registering for or using ELC? It’s a great system to help educate you further or to get you started on a new career. What is your current job? I work for property development, management and maintenance company, Bernicia Homes, as a gas engineer. Please describe what this job involves on a day-to-day basis? I service and repair gas appliances. The job Hello Liam! Please tell us your reasons for
What qualification have you achieved as a
leaving the Services.
result of using ELC?
I left for family reasons, and also because I
A gas engineer qualification, taken with
What training or experience gained during
wanted a new career and challenge.
NGST Newcastle. The course was very
your Service career are you now finding
well run. The staff were all pleasant – very
useful in civilian life?
Did you attend a Career Transition
professional and approachable – and the
My ability to talk to people.
Workshop and, if so, where?
course was a mixture of academic and
Yes, in Portsmouth. It helped me understand
vocational study.
is different every day and gets you thinking.
What are the major differences between your Service role and your current job?
how to write my CV so it would stand out. How much study was involved?
Finishing times, overtime pay – and now I get
Tell us when and why you registered for
There were two or three weeks of class work
to go home at the end of the day!
ELC?
and the placement was seven to ten weeks,
When I joined, I was offered ELC and I
depending on what qualification you already
Is there a significant difference in salary
registered as soon as I could as I saw it as a
had. On the course I learned how to service
(good or bad)?
good opportunity.
and repair all gas appliances and become Gas
I earn more now than I did in the Services.
Safe registered – a career to be proud of. How did you select your course?
40
What advice would you like to give to
I used the ELCAS website – it was very easy
Did you attend any other related courses
other Service leavers going through their
and straightforward.
and, if so, which?
own resettlement and career transition?
Yes. I also did my unvented with NGST
Get as much information as you can from
Newcastle.
your Resettlement Centre. Q
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
41
PGL TRAINING LTD www.pgltraining.com
WORK PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE
New 5 week City and Guilds Level 3 package in Property Maintenance including, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling Work Experience with MJ Stevens
PLUMBING
ELECTRICAL
GAS
CONSTRUCTION
An exciting opportunity for work experience and placements for Plumbing / Electrical students with our partners Clearvac Group in Marine Engineering. Genuine gas placements & work experience available APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
2181
Situated 4 miles from Lympstone training camp.
For more information, contact us on
01392 437373 Clyst Works, Clyst Road, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0DB
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
New for 2018/19 - Electrical Awareness, 18thEdition, PAT Testing, Vehicle Charging, Site Management, Plumbing & Heating
Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)
Develop Your Future Career with ®
Crownship
New Entrants or Technical Upgrades Qualifications at Level 2,3 & 4 • Unvented Hot Water L3 • Legionella Operative & Management L3 • Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 • Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 • Gas New Entrant Managed Programme • Domestic Electrician L2 & L3 • Industrial Electrician L3 • Air-conditioning New Entrant 10 day Course L3 • NEBOSH General Certificate
Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from Junction 23 of the M5
Our most popular 5 Week City & Guilds Level 3 ELCAS funded course in Sustainable Property Maintenance/Renovation: This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing and Tiling. You will learn how to maintain and convert properties, the environmental impact of buildings and the range of different methods used in sustainable construction. This course is fantastic for those looking to maintain or renovate domestic dwellings.
Experienced Worker Distance Learning NVQ Qualification L2 & 3 • Processing Hydrocarbons • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration • Electro Technical Electrician • Engineering Maintenance - Mechanical and Electrical
We recommend that you book at least 10 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability. Book now for courses: 2nd July, 10th September, 5th November L3 Block Release - Use your ELC and IRTC to enrol on a City & Guilds L3 Diploma in Brick, Carpentry or Plumbing and Heating
For expert advice contact us:
01652 658151
L3/4/6 Flexible NVQs - already know what you are doing, obtain an NVQ to enable you to work on site as a qualified trades person, supervisor or manager.
enquiries@crownship.com www.crownship.com
Short Skills Courses - Use your IRTC/SLC’s to gain skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Plumbing, Tiling, 18th Edition, Vehicle Charging, PAT Testing, CITB SSSTS or SMSTS qualifications
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
For advice and guidance speak to our dedicated Resettlement Co-ordinator Rachel Allen Call: 01458 274043 or Email: forces@train4all.co.uk or visit Web: www.train4all.co.uk
1060
PROVIDER NUMBER
Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%
Be inspired
RA
DE
RAISING STANDARDS DELIVERING RESULTS
The essential skills you gained in the Military can enable you to adapt to a career in the Lifting Industry.
• Appointed Person • Crane Supervisor • Slinger Signaller • Mobile Crane Operator • Courses and NVQs
New NVQs for 2018:
• Telescopic Handler • Crawler Crane • Compact Crane
We are one of the of train • Gain a CPCS (Construction Plant Competenceprovider’s Scheme) card that gets you on any Contractors Group (UKCG) site operations. throughout the UK • Access to Interview opportunities throughout the UK • We can help guide you through the ELCAS Process • Access to reduced cost accommodation
We deliver training to i take place including con Many of our team are ex-military and have a wealth of experience in the transition to civilian life. We are here to help you. transportation, renewabl
Ainscough Training Serv Tel: 0844 225 0240 Email: info@ ainscoughtraining.co.uk Credited Test Centre offe Web: www.ainscoughtraining.co.uk
• Appointed Person • Crane Supervisor - a • Slinger / Signaller • NVQ Assessment Se • CITB Health, safety & questonline.co.uk 2018 bespoke co • l May Specific 29/09/2017 11:49 APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
EL C 5163
PROVIDER NUMBER
Advert 87x126.indd 1
43
Q
YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY
Find a new place to belong
Higher education is not for everyone, but it could be your route through transition. Access to HE qualifications have already been the stepping stone to new careers for many members of the Forces family. Find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma changed the lives of Mark, Tommy and Susan …
course gave me a
T
he Access to Higher Education (HE)
tutors, it provided me with the tools and,
level of fulfilment
Diploma is designed for adults and
above all, the self-belief to undertake a
that I hadn’t
is taken by people of all ages and
higher education course.’
experienced
backgrounds. It’s a nationally recognised
He was a little nervous about starting
before’
Susan Nelson
qualification designed for people who left
the course as he hadn’t particularly
school with few qualifications but want to
enjoyed school and had few formal
get into higher education. Many are looking
qualifications. To his surprise, he found he
to transition to a new career. Joining an
really enjoyed studying and sharing ideas
Access to HE Diploma course may help
with other students. He recalls moving to
Course coordinator (Army child)
you, too, to build support networks outside
the local pub to continue discussions over a
Sue’s father was in the Army, meaning she
the patch. Access to HE students have a
pint when a study group was thrown out of
moved around a lot when she was growing
common bond – they have achieved against
college by a caretaker who was locking up!
up. She’d been to 11 schools by the time she
Before starting his degree, Mark’s plan
was 12 and felt it messed up her education.
the odds.
Susan Nelson
had been to train as a teacher. However,
She left school at 15 with no qualifications
‘Access to HE
he enjoyed the course so much that he
and went to work as a goods inward clerk.
gave me renewed
decided to continue studying and returned
confidence in my
to university to complete a Master’s in
more and more frustrated. She worked
ability to learn’
Public Administration. While studying for
in a series of unskilled jobs because she
this, he was awarded a studentship to
could never prove to anyone she could do
cover his tuition fees and living expenses,
anything more challenging. But all the time
allowing him to carry out three years of
she felt sure she was capable of a lot more.
Senior Lecturer in Politics and Public Policy (former Chief Petty Officer)
doctoral research. He received his PhD
At 43 years old, and the mother of
Dr Mark Field
Dr Mark Field
As time went by, she started to feel
in European Politics in 2015 and around
two school-aged children, a friend told
the same time was appointed Senior
her about the Access to HE course. Her
Mark did his Access to HE course part-
Lecturer in Politics and Public Policy at the
family decided they could manage without
time, two evenings a week, over two years.
university.
her earnings for a year while she did the
During this time he continued to work full-
Mark says: ‘I never imagined that I
course, so she signed up.
time as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal
would end up as part of the university’s
Navy.
academic community, but study changes
level of fulfilment she hadn’t experienced
us. That I did is entirely thanks to the
before. She says: ‘The tutors introduced us
who, like me, didn’t have a wholly positive
friendly and supportive atmosphere that
to subjects and ideas that we’d never come
experience of school, and as a result spent
the Access to HE course provided.
across before – it opened our eyes to a new
‘There are probably a lot of people
years assuming that academic study wasn’t
44
‘The Access to HE
‘If you have a sense of curiosity, and
for them. For me, undertaking an Access to
you’re willing to commit time to study,
HE course changed that view. With the help
an Access to HE course is a fantastic
of supportive, good-humoured and patient
opportunity.’
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
The Access to HE course gave her a
way of seeing things. The course was really well planned. ‘The tutors were so enthusiastic and understood our learning needs really well.
When your confidence was beginning to
l
the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the
wobble they’d step in with the right advice.
higher education course must be done
As the course progressed, I learned how to
immediately after the Access to HE
get the best out of myself and I continued
courses)
to apply those skills throughout my time at
l
university.’
The publicly funded FE and HE scheme
Tommy Sharpe
would pay for your Access to HE Diploma and degree, as long as the Diploma is in a subject leading to degree and is
Tommy joined the Royal
more information. You may prefer to use
Marines at 21 but had
learning credits (ELC or SLC) to pay for
to leave after 12 years
your course – many Access to HE providers
because of ill health.
are listed on the ELCAS website.
done immediately before your degree studies. Your education officer will have
don’t currently start until you start to earn
He had no plans for his
more than £25,000 per year. And if you
future.
successfully complete a QAA-recognised loan will be cancelled when you complete
Veterans in the care system, so he decided
your higher education course. For more
he wanted to follow his sister into social
information about Advanced Learner
work and to work with Veterans. He’d left
Loans visit www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-
school with few qualifications but a call to
loan
Diploma. ‘I had very low confidence, believing
pport prefer a su network?
dy need to stu ? rs u o h d d o
Classroom based
Online or distance learning
happy working alone?
receive a childcare allowance grant that doesn’t need to be repaid. You can see if you get help for childcare using the
system. The Access to HE course gave me
calculator here: www.gov.uk/childcare-
self-belief. I didn’t realise it at the time but,
calculator Many universities also offer
looking back on it, some of the problem of
funds to help with the cost of going to
my lack of confidence came from not being
university.
With the support of other students, he
ted?
self-motiva
If you live in England, you may also
that I didn’t belong in the education
very good at reading.’
dy need to stu e? m o h to close
Access to HE course, the balance of the
made him aware of the challenges faced by
a university pointed him to an Access to HE
g in a like workin team?
Advanced Learner Loan repayments
Marines, and it was over.
His experience in military hospitals
Online or distance learning
Advanced Learner Loan.
Undergraduate student, University of East Anglia (former Royal Marine)
His life had been the
Classroom based
like working in a team? prefer a support network?
self-motivated? need to study odd hours?
It is important to look in to your funding options carefully, to make sure you make
achieved his Access to HE Diploma and was
the best choice for you and your family.
able to take up the offer of a place to study
Access to HE providers, your education
social work at university. He is currently
officer or transition staff should be able to
Find out more
enjoying his work placement.
help you choose the best route.
For more information, sign up here for our
‘I genuinely believe that becoming a social worker will have as big an impact on
Once you’ve got your funding in place …
email newsletter for Service Personnel, their families and advisers: http://qaa.us3.
when I was a 21-year-old bloke. And now,
You’re ready for that new start, you’re ready to enrol
using what I learned on my Access to HE
You might be interviewed to make sure the
You may also find these websites helpful:
course and my experience in the Marines,
course is right for you.
l
my life as the Marines did. I couldn’t have been any more ready to join the Marines
I feel like I couldn’t be more prepared to
f59dec787dc820f&id=de268c74ae
Find out about courses at your local
go in the direction that I want to go in:
college and check the ELCAS website. And
working with Veterans.’
think carefully about how you like to work.
But doesn’t this all come at a cost?
list-manage.com/subscribe?u=005201c8e9
Are you happiest working as part of a
www.accesstohe.ac.uk l
Service leavers have several options to
you prefer to work alone, online learning
fund their studies:
could be better, although nowadays
l
Enhanced Learning Credits (if you’re
most courses have some parts that are
registered)
completed online.
Real life stories – www.accesstohe. ac.uk/Access/RealLife
l
team? If so, perhaps learning that involves some classroom activity is best for you. If
Access to HE website –
Diploma database – www.accesstohe. ac.uk/SubSites/PublicSearch/
l
Advanced Learner Loans – www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
l
ELCAS – www.enhancedlearningcredits. com
l
UCAS – www.ucas.com
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
45
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
Release your potential Power up your future with a career in electrical or electronic engineering, whose applications span a host of diverse industries What’s involved?
I
Electrical and electronic engineering
tend to make replacement of a faulty
includes such areas as informatics,
with power generation and power supply,
component more cost-effective for the
control, electronics and communications,
while electronic engineering is about the
consumer than repairing it. This means
power management, manufacturing and
way electricity is used to control equipment.
that much of the traditional role of the
science, and engineering and technology.
However, the very close association of the
maintenance engineer has changed,
Its associated industries span aerospace,
Institute of Electrical Engineers with the
particularly in the electronics field, with
construction, media and communications,
British Computer Society demonstrates that
removal and reinstallation of faulty chips
medical technologies, railways and road
the line between electrical and electronic
and boards the norm.
transport.
engineering is blurred.
46
Modern manufacturing techniques
n simple terms, electrical engineers deal
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Skill up while serving
in a relevant electronics subject (e.g.
All three Services have electronic
electronic/electrical engineering or
engineering specialists, working on
engineering technology). An employer may
sophisticated and complex instruments,
accept qualifications in related subjects
vehicles, engines (including nuclear
if electronics was covered as part of
reactors) and other equipment.
the course. Examples include software
Qualifications range from NVQ level
engineering, computer science and
2, national certificates and diplomas
aerospace engineering.
(NCs and NDs), through apprenticeships to master’s degrees, with institute
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website has details of
membership at the appropriate
colleges and universities offering
grade being available to most professional engineers. Electrical engineering is somewhat different. In general, Forces electricians work on equipment that moves rather than static
suitable courses, as well as
FIND OUT MORE
More specific information on some aspects of electronic engineering can be found in our articles on computing and IT, and telecommunications, which you can find at www.questonline.co.uk
installations, although
(There is more about the IET in the section on ‘Professional organisations’, below.) For electrical engineering, the basic requirement is the 17th Edition Wiring
Royal Engineers electricians
Regulations, which demonstrate
work across the whole spectrum
WHEN LOOKING FOR YOUR FIRST JOB, IT MAY HELP YOU TO HAVE SOME WORK EXPERIENCE
advice about applying.
that the individual knows the necessary
of power supply, from generation
regulations and how to use them – it is
to distribution, often in difficult and
virtually impossible to get started in the
dangerous environments. The Royal Navy’s
industry without this qualification. Please
engineers are very familiar with electrical
note, however, that the 18th Edition to
generation and distribution on-board ship.
the Wiring Regulations will replace the
Get qualified!
17th Edition from this July. Find out more about this, and other useful information
It is necessary to have appropriate
on electrical installation, engineering and
qualifications to work in any branch of
maintenance careers in our in-depth look
engineering. The academic ones include
at the building trades, on page 36.
degrees, diplomas and certificates, while
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS If you have the following skills and abilities, a career in electrical or electronic engineering could be for you: l independent thought l imagination and vision l an innovative approach l above-average intelligence l a keenness to learn, combined with logical reasoning l an aptitude and liking for mathematics l ability to work independently as well as part of a team. To succeed as an engineer, you must be able to identify a problem and then try to find the best solution as quickly as possible – and at the lowest cost. And, sometimes, finding the optimum solution will call for ‘unlogical’ thinking.
vocational qualifications include A-levels,
Professional organisations
apprenticeships, and national and Scottish
The Engineering Council UK is the
vocational qualifications (NVQs/SVQs).
profession’s lead body and registers
You will also need colour-normal vision for
all engineers who have met standards
this type of work.
of education, training and professional
To become an electrical engineer,
competence. It holds the national registers
you would usually need to complete an
of:
HNC, HND or foundation degree, degree
l
Chartered Engineers (CEng)
in electrical or electronic engineering
l
Incorporated Engineers (IEng)
or related subject (e.g. building services
l
Engineering Technicians (EngTech),
engineering). Many appropriate courses are widely available, in areas including: electrical or electronic engineering,
and l
Information and Communications Technology Technicians (ICTTech).
mechanical engineering, aeronautical
It also sets and maintains the
engineering and building services
internationally recognised standards of
engineering. With a degree in a relevant
competence and ethics that govern the
subject, you may be able to join a
award and retention of the above titles.
company’s graduate trainee scheme. To become an electronic engineer,
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is the second-largest
you would, again, normally need an HNC
professional engineering body in the world.
or HND, foundation degree or degree
It has active networks of members across
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
47
Q
YOUR ELC ON COURSE: ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
the world and five categories of individual
including productivity, skills levels and
Institution of Building Services Engineers
membership. You can read about these in
wages. It also runs the Electrotechnical
will give you access to CPD schemes,
detail on its website (see ‘Key contacts’).
Certification Scheme (ECS), under
news on industry developments and
The Science, Engineering and
which people are issued with cards that
opportunities for further training. If you
Manufacturing Technologies Alliance
show their overall level of competence,
have a relevant degree, you may be able
(Semta) is an employer-led not-for-profit
specialisations and qualifications (see box).
to join your employer’s graduate training
organisation responsible for developing
Use your ELC
of UK industry. Says its Chief Executive,
Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of
prospects by working towards incorporated
Ann Watson: ‘The demand for talented
learning can be taken, provided it is offered
(IEng) or chartered (CEng) status. To
and qualified employees has never
by an approved provider listed on the ELC
do this, you should register with your
been greater. We act as the catalyst to
website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.
relevant professional body and apply to
reconnect education and industry, and
com and is at level 3 or above. For full
the Engineering Council. You can find out
create the highly skilled and dynamic
details of how to make the most of your
more on the Engineering Council website
workforce needed to re-energise UK
ELC, refer to our in-depth features on
(see ‘Key contacts’). As an incorporated
industry and drive its future success.’
pages 10–34.
engineer, you would specialise in the
With this very much in mind, Semta has
You could also improve your career
day-to-day management of engineering
developed a series of engineering national
Training and development
occupational standards (NOS) at levels
Once in a role, you may benefit from
have a more strategic role, planning,
1 to 5, which underpin the qualifications
on-the-job training courtesy of your
researching and developing new ideas, and
relevant to study in this field (further
employer. In any case, it is important
streamlining management methods.
information is available direct from Semta
that you continue to develop your
– see ‘Key contacts’).
skills and knowledge throughout your
(degrees and above) generally plan
career, through continuing professional
and manage electrical and electronic
Joint Industry Board regulates relations
development (CPD). Membership of a
engineering projects, with the next level of
between employers and employees,
professional body like the IET or Chartered
expertise supervising their implementation,
The Electrical Contracting Industry’s
THE ELECTROTECHNICAL CERTIFICATION SCHEME (ECS) An ECS card is instantly recognisable within the electrotechnical industry and allows you to demonstrate your credentials to others – from employers and clients to business contacts and colleagues. The card displays your qualifications and main electrical occupation, shows you have been H&S assessed and proves your identity on site. You will find it increasingly difficult to get employment on building sites without one because many UK employers specify that holding the appropriate ECS card is compulsory for those working with electricity on their sites. To find out more, visit www.ecscard.org.uk
48
scheme.
engineering skills to support the future
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
operations. At chartered level, you would
The most highly qualified people
and the least skilled people actually doing
gain experience. Once they have worked
qualified people, starting at about
the work. Experience leads to bigger
for a while on a number of projects, and
£25,000, and with an upper limit
and better jobs, while gaining academic
have a good reputation and the necessary
that depends entirely on the type of
and vocational qualifications will make it
qualifications, they can set up on their
work done, the contract terms, the
possible for you to develop and move up
own. All contractors must inspect and test
seniority of the individual, and the
the career ladder.
their own work. They may also inspect and
company. The average income for a
test other electrical work for landlords,
qualified chartered electrical engineer is
Finding employment When looking for your first job, it may help
insurance companies and major builders.
£50,000. l
you to have some work experience. You
What can you earn?
can gain this through a work placement as
As this is such a wide-ranging industry, the
part of a course or by arranging your own
following figures can give only a very
placement with a relevant company.
rough guide to salaries in this sector.
In the electrical engineering industry,
l
Adult trainee electricians aged
and electronic engineers can earn
Q
projects are usually contracted and
21-plus will probably start on
then subcontracted to many different
about £17,000, with improvers
entities. Most people start out in the field
on around £20,000 and approved
as an electrician’s mate or work for a
electricians on about £25,000. They will
contractor for a minimum of two years to
also receive shift pay and overtime. The estimated starting salary for a graduate
INFORM YOURSELF You may find the following useful resources for finding vacancies and general background reading: l CIBSE Journal Jobs: http://jobs.cibsejournal.com l JustEngineers: www.justengineers.net l The Engineer: www.theengineer.co.uk l Universal Jobmatch: www.gov.uk/ jobsearch
electrical engineer is £20,000. l
EngTechs might expect to earn around £28,000, while IEngs could start on £20,000, rising to £35,000 as they gain experience, and up to £50,000 for senior people. CEngs are the most
In general terms, experienced electrical between £25,000 and £40,000 a year, and senior electronic engineers between £40,000 and £55,000. Q
KEY CONTACTS
Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) 020 8675 5211 membership@cibse.org www.cibse.org @CIBSE Electrical Contractors Association 020 7313 4800 membership@eca.co.uk. www.eca.co.uk @ECALive Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) 01923 260000 ecitb@ecitb.org.uk www.ecitb.org.uk @ECITB_Skills Engineering Council UK 020 3206 0500 www.engc.org.uk @EngCouncil Institution of Engineering and Technology 01438 313311 postmaster@theiet.org www.theiet.org @TheIET
TO SUCCEED AS AN ENGINEER, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY A PROBLEM AND FIND THE BEST SOLUTION AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
Joint Industry Board 01322 661600 administration@jib.org.uk www.jib.org.uk @JIBelectrical Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Alliance (Semta) 0845 643 9001 customerservices@semta.org.uk www.semta.org.uk @SemtaSkills
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
49
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
Electrical Courses Ltd Train to become an Electrician! We offer the following industry recognised courses for aspiring and already qualified Electricians; •
Level 2 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365)
•
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (2365)
•
Level 3 NVQ in Electrotechnical Systems (5357)
•
Level 3 17th Edition Regulations (2382)
•
Level 3 Inspection and testing courses (2391)
For more information call 01223 834062 or email info@electricalcoursesuk.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
E LC 6414
PROVIDER NUMBER
www.electricalcoursesuk.co.uk
50
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
CALL NOW 01752 724 000
CYBER SECURITY AND IT RESETTLEMENT TRAINING ELC FUNDED COURSES
HIGHER APPRENTICESHIPS
CISCO • MICROSOFT • COMPTIA • CISSP • CISM
FULLY FUNDED • QUALIFICATIONS • EXPERIENCE
WORK PLACEMENTS SECURITY • NETWORKING • HELP DESK
T: +44 (0) 1752 724 000 E: ELC@BLUESCREENIT.CO.UK W: WWW.BLUESCREENIT.CO.UK
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
51
Q Plan ahead! 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
OUR W ORK YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDINGFRPLANNER PLACE MENT 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 DU TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF Q FSGFDU B QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS . Z UIBOL .Z UIBOLT UP BMM 4VF ,JOH .#&
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION
EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST E XJUI UIF TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG
EE - G IS UA AND G RANTEED ENUIN E
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
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.
4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH
COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ TVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO BOE SF JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF
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.
52
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
College Courses
Q
You may prefer to attend a part-time class, or short course, at a local college. Your education officer may have this information to hand and most colleges publish a brochure. Some people prefer to study in this more structured environment. You must gain authority from your unit to attend and it is worth seeking unit guidance before making any financial commitment. You may also be able to claim the SLC and ELC. In addition, many in-Service education centres run classes specifically for Forces people and families, especially overseas. Some are free and most are discounted for families. Contact your education/training officer for details.
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Q
Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development. Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.
Key: Q Service personnel
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.)
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
53
Q
HUB THE
THE HUB
>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports
Woodward signs up to the Armed Forces Covenant
Woodward delivered the very first NEBOSH National General Certificate resettlement course at Catterick Garrison in March 1993, and we’ve been delivering NEBOSH resettlement training to Service leavers ever since – with excellent results. In March 2018 we were delighted to be able to further demonstrate our support for the Armed Forces Community by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. In doing so we commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces community. We recognise the value that Serving Personnel (both Regulars and Reservists), Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country. Part of this commitment is offering discounted training courses to members of the Armed Forces Community through our discounted NEBOSH training package scheme.
Five-course, 30-day NEBOSH Resettlement Package Our five-course NEBOSH Resettlement Package, offered at our Catterick training venue, allows you to get amazing value for your ELC claim, with the added convenience of being able to choose to stay on base at Catterick Garrison during the course. It comprises the following elements: l NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health l NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health l NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health l NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management l NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management
Other options We also have two-, three- and four-course NEBOSH Resettlement Packages available. However, each course is limited to 20 delegates, so if you are interested in booking please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Get in touch 01228 592614 info@woodwardgroup.co.uk http://woodward-group.co.uk/military-resettlement See the advertisement on page 15
54
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
>> COURSE NEWS
Ever thought about a career in osteopathy?
Join the College of Osteopaths at its next open day and get a real feel for the college and the people … In 2012 Barney Polden decided to study at the College of Osteopaths. The part-time structure, which continues for the entire length of the five-year course, allows students to continue to work full-time if necessary. This was a key factor in Barney’s decision to study at the College of Osteopaths as he wished to continue his Service with the RAF. The course is listed with ELCAS, which enabled Barney to access some funding towards the fees. The College of Osteopath’s unique part-time degree pathway allows you to study while you continue with your current lifestyle, be that full- or part-time work, or otherwise. We are a small college with a big heart, and we want everyone who joins us to succeed. We know how important this commitment is to you and we want you to feel comfortable with us. You’ll have to do most of the work but we will be right there behind you. Join us for a presentation and the chance to ask questions about what it is like to study with us – and what it’s like once the studying is over! To find out more, visit www.collegeofosteopaths. ac.uk/open-days See the advertisement on page 25
>> FREE COURSE OFFER! >> TEACHER TRAINING
New bursary to get Veterans into teaching
Get a cyber security career in your sights
A new government bursary of £40,000 will be available from September 2018 for ex-Service personnel to retrain as teachers … Pupils across the country are set to benefit from the leadership and world-renowned expertise of our Armed Forces as the government unveils a £40,000 bursary for ex-Service personnel to retrain as teachers. From September, courses at universities nationwide will offer the incentive to Veterans who have left full-time employment in the British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy in the last five years, or anyone leaving before training begins. Through leadership, teamwork and problem solving, Veterans are ideally suited to a career in teaching once they leave the Armed Forces. The incentive will help ex-Service men and women – who have spent their career honing the discipline, motivation and unique skills needed to become great teachers – make the transition to the classroom, where they can share their expertise with the next generation. The bursary will be offered on priority undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, computing, maths and modern foreign languages, and will replace the existing Troops to Teachers Programme, providing Veterans with greater flexibility and enabling them to train with any Initial Teacher Training provider, while still receiving the same level of financial support. In addition to the bursary, trainees will also have access to further support through the government’s Get Into Teaching service and other financial incentives. Ahmed Al-Nahhas, partner in the military claims team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, comments: ‘This new bursary should be welcomed with open arms. It is very encouraging to see the Department for Education taking its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant seriously. Veterans have had such rich life experiences and this, coupled with their training, discipline and problem-solving skills, makes them excellent teachers. It would be great to see more resettlement programmes like this introduced across specific sectors, where Veterans could make a real difference.’ Applications for 2018 courses are now open. Applicants must: l be undergraduates (i.e. not already have a degree) l have left full-time employment in the British Forces in the past five years l be interested in studying and qualified to study the priority subjects of secondary maths, biology, chemistry, physics, computing or modern foreign languages l meet the appropriate initial teacher training (ITT) eligibility criteria.
Military Veterans are invited to apply for places on a free specialist cyber security course to boost their job prospects. The new three-day course, organised by IBM’s Security Division and Veteran employment specialists SaluteMyJob, is designed to introduce transitioning and former Service men and women to the functions of a security operations centre (SOC), and the roles of the SOC analyst and manager. It will also certify them as users of IBM’s Resilient tool – the market-leading incident response platform for cyber response teams worldwide. It follows on from the success of the free IBM i2 Notebook Analyst and QRadar training programme, a partnership between SaluteMyJob, IBM and the Corsham Institute, which has seen more than 140 Veterans gain an IBM Open Badge certification. Course attendees will train in Resilient, a tool in which analysts use dynamic response plans to work on the activities needed to remediate an incident. The course is particularly suitable for Service leavers with an operations background who are looking to move into cyber security and are keen to work within a security operations centre.
SaluteMyJob’s Managing Director Brigadier (Retd) Andrew Jackson thinks ex-Forces personnel could be ideally suited to a career in cyber security: ‘Military Veterans have been trained to use “standard operational procedures” in response to operational incidents. They are also used to regularly adapting to different roles, new teams and different responsibilities. Therefore, they are ideally placed for training as security operations centre (SOC) analysts, whether or not they have previous IT experience. ‘Furthermore, many Veterans are familiar with working in fastpaced, high-intensity operations rooms. The experience they have gained, often in hostile environments under huge amounts of pressure, makes them highly employable in information security roles in the commercial world.’ The course runs from 19–21 June and the closing date for applications is 25 May. The course is free but attendees must pay for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Find out more at www. salutemyjob.com/ibm/resilient/ training/for/exmilitary
>> CHARITY CHALLENGE
Amputee war veteran takes on D-Day 44 challenge Former soldier Rob Copsey will be running 44 miles along the Normandy coastline for the relaunched D-Day 44 Challenge on 6 June, to raise money for military charity Blesma, The Limbless Veterans. The challenge, which consists of a 44-mile run or 22-mile walk, was set up in 2009 by Army surgeon Lt Col Mike McErlain to commemorate the 1944 Allied invasion of occupied France on the anniversary of D-Day. However, in 2013, the event
was cancelled when Mike tragically collapsed and died while taking part. Five years on, Mike’s widow, Jo, has restarted the event and three military charities – Blesma, Combat Stress and Blind Veterans – will benefit from the challenge. Participants in the challenge are also asked to run in support of one of the three charities and, as a member of Blesma, Rob wanted to give back to them. ‘It’s a fitting challenge,’ he says, ‘as Blesma was set up in the aftermath of the First World War, so
cared for amputees from both the First and Second World Wars. They were there for me when I was injured, and I’ve benefited from their help and rehabilitation activities, so it’s my way to give back. If another amputee is inspired along the way and it motivates them then that’s an added bonus.’ If you would like to support Rob, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robcopsey1 For more about the work of Blesma, go to blesma.org
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
55
Q
THE HUB
Driving force!
>> GARDENING FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Students and Veterans work together to create RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden
Phil Coleman served in the Army (Infantry) for nine years and joined LDC in March 2017 to train as a driving instructor. ‘After leaving the Army in 2009 I found myself working as an air-conditioning engineer for a couple of years before going on to the close protection scene in Iraq. After doing that for five years I wanted to return to working in the UK – I also, however, wanted to enjoy the freedom of being my own boss and working hours that fitted in nicely with family life. ‘Following plenty of research into becoming a driving instructor, I chose to train with LDC. This decision was helped due to the fact that I could take advantage of my Enhanced Learning Credits to help with the cost – however, that was not the sole reason. The level of support, training and opportunities that I felt were on offer from LDC were also key factors in my decision. ‘I proved to have made the right choice. The support was there from first point of contact and continues to this day (I have now been qualified for nine months). The training was second to none. All the learning materials were provided from the start to enable you to learn at your own pace and the practical training was all done locally. The level of training was top-notch, giving me all the information and tools to not just qualify as an ADI but to have the confidence to get out there and teach learners a life skill, in some cases changing their lives in a big way. With all the great support and training from LDC I was able to pass my Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 exams first time! ‘Now nine months into my new career, business is going great. My diary was full by week three. This was done with the help of LDC-generated learners, along with self-generated learners. The latter were gained with the advice and knowledge passed on by not only the LDC office staff, but also the larger LDC ADI community across the country, via a closed group on social media, constantly offering help, advice and tips. I am left to run my own business without being micromanaged, however all the advice and help is there on the other end of the phone, drop of an email or through regular training days if you wish to attend – not just for the teaching side of the job but for advice on running the business too. ‘So if this is your chosen path, then I wouldn’t hesitate to call LDC and get the ball rolling. In fact I recommended them recently to a good friend at the end of his 24 years’ service – something I wouldn’t do lightly.’
Get in touch 0800 197 0010 01977 691800 www.LDCForces.co.uk See the advertisement on page 15
56
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Help for Heroes and Sparsholt College are partnering to create a garden for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Their garden, The Force for Good, will tell the powerful story of the role horticulture plays in the recovery and ongoing support of injured British Armed Forces personnel and their families. Individual stories are told through the three elements of the garden as the team of college and former military gardeners inform visitors of the journey from injury or illness through to recovery and beyond. The Force for Good garden is a demonstration of how horticulture has given these individuals a second chance at life and how everyone can benefit from its therapeutic benefits. Rachel Willis (pictured bottom right), an Army Veteran from Salisbury travelled all over the world during her 21year career until a back injury resulted in her medical discharge: ‘My injuries left me in constant pain and fatigue. It was another ten years until I was diagnosed with PTSD and fibromyalgia in 2017.’ Speaking of the project she says, ‘Getting involved in creating The Force for Good garden has made me realise there is more to me than just being ex-Army. It is opening lots of avenues in life I thought were closed or would never open. I’ve realised I can and actually want to learn – my brain was so frazzled before, I didn’t even want to think, let alone concentrate or take on board new information.’ The positioning and grouping of plants in the ‘Surviving’ section of the garden will show the disorientation, conflicting emotions and mental state of those being supported by Help
for Heroes before they enter any recovery programme. As they progress through their journey to ‘Stability’, the garden will portray a number of horticultural activities undertaken at the four Recovery Centres nationwide, with a focus on crop production and horticulture skills. The third and final section of the garden, ‘Support’, will show how planting and landscaping, including a still pool and seating, can create an area promoting recovery and ongoing support. The stage when an individual becomes an active member of their community again, and can make a positive impact in society once more. l To read in detail about the project, and to watch a video, visit www. helpforheroes.org.uk/see-thedifference/rhs-chelsea-flowershow-2018/ l For more information about Help for Heroes, visit www.helpforheroes.org. uk l For information about Sparsholt College’s horticulture-related courses, visit www.sparsholt. ac.uk/subject/horticulture-highereducation/?f=undergraduate
>> SIA SECURITY LICENSING MATTERS
>> SPORTS SUPPORT
Jon-Allan Butterworth, a Paralympian and military Veteran who lost his arm following a rocket attack in Iraq, has been announced as the latest driver to join Team BRIT, a team of disabled drivers that is looking to be the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 Hours. It is revolutionising the motorsport industry through its use of adaptive technology, which allows its disabled drivers to compete equally with able-bodied drivers. Jon-Allan, 32, is the country’s most successful military Paralympian and the first to ever win a gold medal. He joined the RAF in 2002, and served in Afghanistan in 2005 and Iraq in 2007 as a SAC(T) Weapons Technician. On 4 August 2007 he was involved in a rocket attack on Basra Air Station, Iraq. He was operated on by doctors in a battlefield hospital who carried out an above the elbow amputation of his left arm. While recovering at the defence medical rehabilitation centre, Headley Court, in Surrey, Jon-Allan first made contact with British Cycling coaches at a Paralympics GB talent day in Loughborough. He joined the Para-
cycling Development Programme in 2009 via Help for Heroes’ partnership with British Cycling and the British Paralympic Association to introduce military personnel to Paralympic sport. In his first international event – the 2011 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships – Butterworth set a world record and won a gold medal in the kilo, performances that were followed by three silver medals at the 2012 London Paralympics and further success at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in 2014 and 2016. The majority of Team BRIT’s drivers are injured military Veterans. Jon-Allan will join the team as a rookie driver as it competes in the UK Fun Cup Championship this year. He says: ‘I’m really excited to be joining Team BRIT and racing in the Fun Cup series this summer – the first step on the journey to Le Mans. I look forward to the challenge and hope that I can emulate my cycling success!’ Read more about Team BRIT at www.teambrit.co.uk
The licensing process: telling you what our decision will be When you apply for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, we will decide on whether to grant you a licence or refuse your application. If we think that our decision will be to refuse your application we will write to you before we make that decision. This is so that you have the opportunity to appeal in a way that won’t incur court costs. When we write to you, we will tell you: l what our decision is likely to be l the reason we are likely to refuse your application l what you can do that might lead us to decide that we can grant you a licence. Please read the letter carefully. It will explain exactly what you can send to us that might mean we can grant you a licence. The process doesn’t replace your right of appeal through the courts. It is an additional route of appeal that we offer. We write to you before making our decision because we don’t have the legal powers to change our decision once we have made it. We can only change our decision if: l we are instructed to do so by the courts as the result of a legal appeal, or l it was found to have been based on information that is factually incorrect. To read more about security licensing and security industry matters in general, visit the SIA website at www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/home.aspx
© SWPix
© David Archer, Kingsize Photography
Britain’s most successful military Paralympian joins motorsport’s most inspirational team
>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 6 June 2018, Bristol CTP Employment Fair 5 July 2018, Chelmsford 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 West Employment Fair
6 June 2018
South East/East Employment Fair
5 July 2018
North East Employment Fair
27 September 2018
South Coast Employment Fair
11 October 2018
West Midlands Employment Fair
29 November 2018
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
57
Q Strong foundations FACTFILE YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT
at how things turned around so quickly and so drastically for me: once I had my own home, a place that I knew I could stay, things began to fall into place. I could walk out of my front door and not take everything with me. I had my own address.’ Martin now works as a freelance security driver with several celebrity clients and is hopeful about the future. Stoll houses more than 250 vulnerable and disabled Veterans across its four sites in London, as well as 100-plus more every year across the UK through other housing providers. But we’re more than bricks and mortar – we also provide a wide range of support services and make
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Most who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not all. Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers – like Martin – by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
a real difference to the lives of hundreds of ex-Service men and women. We know that a number of Veterans find themselves at risk of homelessness, experience rough sleeping or reside in inadequate accommodation. We’re here to help. Please contact us to discuss your housing and support options, and to receive more information.
‘I’d always wanted to be a Marine. There was nothing else I wanted to do.’
even spent some time working back in Iraq.
Find out more
Martin relocated to London in 2007 and
Stoll has been providing support to
worked in the security industry. Sadly, due
the Veteran community for more than
Martin left school and, in 1987, began
to the time he spent working away from
100 years and is here to support the
training to become a Royal Marine – his
home, his long-term relationship ended.
next generation of Veterans. For more
lifelong dream. Over the next 13 years, he
‘I really lost everything. My relationship
information about finding a home with Stoll
went on to serve his country in Bosnia,
ended, I didn’t have any rights to where
or accessing support, please visit www.
Iraq and the Gulf, and took part in both
I lived any more … I went from thinking
stoll.org.uk or call the Outreach Team on
NATO and UN operations. ‘I had such pride
everything was OK to being homeless in
in being a Corporal in the Marines. Having
the blink of an eye.
that title was a real badge of honour for me.’
‘I spent some time renting and moving between B&Bs, friends’
Unfortunately, in 2000, Martin
sofas, my car … It was difficult
Q
020 7385 2110. Q
KEY CONTACT
sustained lower-limb injuries as a result of
having all my belongings in two
his Service and was medically discharged.
holdalls and not knowing where I’d be from
Stoll
‘The toll of such physical activity built
one week to the next. It made taking on
up and I got impact injuries in my ankles,
work hard. It was a precarious time.’
446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT
shins and knees. When I moved into civvy
One evening, Martin was with some
street, I thought everyone would want to
fellow Veterans, one of whom was a
020 7385 2110 outreach@stoll.org.uk
employ a Marine. But I soon realised that
resident at Stoll. ‘My mate was bragging
www.stoll.org.uk
some people have a perception of Veterans
about his flat and how he overlooked
that isn’t true: as aggressive, beer-drinking
Chelsea Football Club. He said I should
characters.’
get in touch and see if there was anything
Martin forged a way forward and was based in the south-west. He worked building mobile telephone rigs, as a
58
scaffolder, started his own business and
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
available.’ After Martin contacted Stoll, he moved in to his own home in 2014. ‘I was surprised
Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall
When responding to advertisements please mention Quest Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest
100% Guaranteed Work Placements
The Dog House 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.
Norfolk 01328 853373
www.thedoghouse-protrain.co.uk
CLEARING THE WAY FOR BUSINESS AND PEOPLE
TDI have contract posi�ons available for Project Managers, EOD and IEDD Trainers and Mentors, Technical Field Managers, EOD qualified staff, Mechanics, Engineers, Medics and all associated support personnel. Since 2005, TDI has successfully provided various services to organisa�ons both in humanitarian and commercial sectors including landmine clearance, UXO disposal, MRE, IEDD and Search Training, Fleet Maintenance and Remote Logis�cs Solu�ons.
Brookhouse Training Centre is the UK’s Number One gas, plumbing and electrical training and assessment specialist. We offer full and part time training courses with Level 3 Qualifications. So, if your next move is a career in gas engineering or domestic electrical contracting, you need to speak to us first. Call today for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to one of our open mornings
0844 415 2700
Go to www.brookhousetraining.com/MOD
Interested? Please contact us at: twi�er.com/TDI18 www.thedevelopmen�ni�a�ve.com info@thedevelopmen�ni�a�ve.com
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
59
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT HOUSING SUPPORT
Housing help for the ex-Service community
Veterans’ Gateway has partnered with Shelter, the UK’s leading housing and homelessness charity, to raise awareness of some of the key issues faced by the Armed Forces community and how they can access the right information and help with their housing concerns
on tour in Canada, Germany, Cyprus and Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, Josh was
A
medically discharged in August 2017. After
service launched last year,
‘I have been helping serving and ex-serving
a potential flatmate let him down, Josh
Veterans’ Gateway provides a
personnel and their families with housing
ended up living in a caravan. He heard
first point of contact for Veterans
issues for a number of years now, and as
about Stoll at his Personal Recovery Unit
who need support, connecting them with
the spouse of an Army Veteran myself, I
and was recommended to apply to Stoll’s
the right organisation that can help them
understand how challenging these issues
Veterans’ Nomination Scheme (VNS).
with a range of issues, including housing,
can be.’
finance, mental health and employment. Since Veterans’ Gateway began,
More than six housing partners can be
‘Within six weeks of first applying to the VNS, I had the keys to my flat. I wanted
accessed via Veterans’ Gateway, including
a property in London because the job
housing advice has been the second
Alabaré, Haig Housing and Stoll – the
prospects are better here, and I even have
most common subject that Veterans
leading provider of supported housing for
a garden for my rescue dog Mowgli. Stoll
and their families have been seeking
Veterans (see our feature on page 58).
sorted me out in six weeks when I was in
Army Veteran Josh spent six years
dire straits – I couldn’t recommend them
is a specialist housing advisor at the
serving with the Royal Engineers. He joined
enough. I’m looking ahead to the future
service, on hand to offer one-to-one
in 2011 at the age of 20, and spent time
and I’m excited to see what it holds.’
help and guidance about. Jackie Steven
support to Veterans and their families. She encourages anyone who is confused, worried or threatened by housing problems to seek help early. ‘I know that housing issues can be really confusing and the amount of information available can be overwhelming,’ she says. ‘In my role, I can listen to individual circumstances and give advice on the best options available. In my experience, the earlier you seek help and advice, the easier it will be to address your housing needs.’ Working at the contact centre in Cardiff, Jackie is one of a team of advisors who can offer housing advice to those needing help and support. She continues,
60
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Jackie Steven is one of a team of advisors offering housing advice to Veterans needing help and support
‘Stoll sorted me out in six weeks,’ says Josh. ‘I even have a garden for my rescue dog Mowgli’
Veterans’ Gateway is available whether
When he received the news that
THE EARLIER YOU SEEK HELP AND ADVICE, THE EASIER IT WILL BE TO ADDRESS YOUR HOUSING NEEDS
there is a simple question you need
Alabaré would be able to provide him
answering or you have a case that may
with accommodation, John cried tears of
need specialist care. Contact the service
delight. He now has somewhere warm and
and our experts will do the rest. Working
safe to live and can begin to get back on
with Shelter as our expert housing advice
his feet. He has since undertaken courses
partner, our #HelpWithHousing campaign
to improve his IT skills and would also like
eventually became so bad that he was
includes a range of handy top tips, useful
to do a course related to photography. His
forced to go on sick leave from his job
videos, new housing law updates that will
long-term ambitions are to get back in to
at a local college. Being entitled to only
benefit Veterans, FAQs, and factual advice
full-time work. However, in the meantime,
statutory sick pay and having no savings,
and information.
he is keeping busy with a number of
Michael was left with no other option but to
courses aimed at making him more
seek immediate help with housing.
You can speak to one of our team by phone or via email. Our number is free
employable.
to call in the UK; from overseas you will
After becoming aware of the work of Alabaré through a Veterans’ outreach
be charged at a local call rate or you can
Michael
service, Michael submitted an application
select the Live Chat option to avoid any
Michael served in the Army for five years.
for accommodation and came to live at one
costs. Additionally, you can send direct
In addition to financial problems, his
of Alabaré’s dedicated Homes for Veterans.
messages on Twitter or Facebook.
relationship deteriorated to such an extent
Our team is available 24 hours a day,
In his time living with Alabaré, Michael
that it became an untenable situation,
has been able to access the help and
seven days a week, including all bank
with Michael also suffering from domestic
support he needs in order to address his
holidays, to put you in touch with the right
abuse.
financial issues. He is currently receiving
help you need quickly, or direct you to the information you are looking for.
It soon became evident that he
advice on his finances and is also waiting
would have to leave the family home but,
to see if he can return to work. He is
on doing so, Michael found the lack of
motivated to turn things around and is
affordable accommodation a real problem.
taking positive steps towards achieving his
John
With joint debts in his name and also
aims.
After serving in the Royal Electrical and
attempting to maintain joint mortgage
Mechanical Engineers, John moved to
payments, Michael’s financial situation
KEY CONTACT
America, where he was an investor in a
made it very difficult for him to find
To contact Veterans’ Gateway …
successful company. He always invested
accommodation.
Call: 0808 802 1212
Case studies
his annual bonus back in to the business. However, there was a tragic turn of events,
To compound the issue, his debilitating back problem was getting worse and
Visit: www.veteransgateway.org.uk Text: 81212 Q
as the CEO of the company, and John’s good friend, died. Following the death of the CEO, the board of directors assumed control of the business and things took a dramatic turn
HOUSING PARTNERS AVAILABLE VIA VETERANS’ GATEWAY l
for the worse. The financial situation quickly deteriorated until the debts began to mount and the company was ultimately forced to
l
fold. John soon found himself unable to pay his rent. As the effects began to cause strains on the relationship between John and his wife, it led them to separate, with
l
l
John deciding to move back to the UK. As John received only a modest income
l
from his salary, he found it difficult to secure any affordable housing and found
l
himself living in a caravan. This was never likely to be a long-term solution given that
l
it was cold, damp and infested with rats. John’s outlook seemed bleak, but it was just as he was reaching his lowest ebb that an outreach worker referred him to Alabaré.
l
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Its work enables vulnerable and disabled Veterans in need of support to live fulfilling, independent lives: www.stoll.org.uk Alabaré is a charity that supports vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people. It helps them transform their lives, providing accommodation, and helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to live a fulfilled life: www.alabare.co.uk Haig Housing Trust is the UK’s largest charity providing housing to Veterans in need: www.haighousing.org.uk Seafarers’ Advice and Information Line (SAIL) provides free and confidential advice to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Veterans, their families and carers: http://sailine.org.uk The Royal British Legion provides life-long support to members and Veterans of the British Armed Forces and their families: www.britishlegion.org.uk The Scottish Veterans’ Garden City Association (SVGCA) houses disabled Veterans in Scotland: www.svgca.org.uk Scottish Veterans Residences is a charity established in 1910 to provide accommodation and help for homeless Veterans: www.svronline.org Erskine helps honour those who didn’t come home by helping to care for those who did. Proud to have served the ex-Service community since 1916, the charity has now cared for more than 85,000 veterans: www.erskine.org.uk
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
61
Q
YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT
STEVE BULLEYMENT
Ready for your next road trip?
W
hen you’re setting off
have any money left? Or are
on a trip in a car there
you like many of us, left with too
are some basics you
much month for the money? Be
need. Good music and bags of
honest with yourself. Come up
sweets to entertain you along
with a number, a monthly wage
the way. A map of the route
that you need to pay yourself to
and, of course, your destination.
survive and live. Great. Then add
Lastly, and most important, you
on the emergency money and
need to know you have enough
funds for the holiday you think
fuel.
you can do without (you need it,
If you’re nipping out locally, most of these aren’t necessary. Let’s face it, you probably know the address and the route and if you’re low on fuel you’ll know where the petrol stations are. More than that, if disaster did strike and you ran out, you’re close to home and can sort the problem out easily. If you’re thinking about starting a business, you have a
honest), the rent rise or interest
‘I love to travel,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘They say you can be addicted to it. If so, that’s me and it’s why I loved flying so much in the RAF. Visiting so many amazing places with a great crew was so rewarding. And travel is very much like starting a business …’
fantastic opportunity. You could
Bank of England, and finally the dentist, car repairs, vet bills, etc. Now you’re closer to the real amount. Let’s say for easy numbers, you need £30,000. Let’s hope, you need less, not more. This should be your staring point for everything in your resettlement. The job you try to get, the business you try to
spend your days doing what you
trip. One day I’ll go to America
budgets, calculating
love instead of being told what
with my wife Caron, and we’ll
living costs and
to do (let’s face it, you’ve had
drive from Connecticut to
working out how
plenty of that already). If this is
Maine to see New England in
much you can
your plan you’ll be reading lots
the autumn. It’s something
you live on. I
about business plans, marketing
we’ve talked about for years.
totally agree
yourself on social media, and
Obviously, this will take a lot of
with all this but,
networking. These things matter,
planning, but it will work as long
to be honest,
but to me they are the sweets
as we have money to fill up the
you already know
and the radio and the phone.
petrol tank every day. This is the
how much you need.
They’re things to entertain you
life of the small business owner.
What do you bring into the
and distract you.
To me, it’s the deciding factor as
house at the moment? Do you
the near future, then it’s unlikely
to whether you should start up
have a partner that earns money
you’ll step into, or stay in, that
or not. Can you afford it?
or could do? Are you leaving
perfect £30K job immediately.
with a pension? What’s your
If you manage to, amazing,
total monthly income?
respect, you’ve done it right! Put
Do you have enough fuel? long now it may get repetitive.
How much cash do I need?
However, if this is your first
I’m no expert at business, but
day, or week, as a would-be
I have specialised in being
business owner, then I hope
completely skint and beyond, so
you’ll read this and think about
this small area I know very well.
it hard before spending money
I’m passionate about stopping
on courses, business cards or
just one other person making the
websites.
same mistake. So, let’s start at
I’ve banged on about this for so
My perfect road trip I love the idea of a proper road
62
rate rise soon to come from the
the beginning … When you start resettlement, you’ll hear about survival
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
build, or maybe your
Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/ TheCarKeyMan
Do you, month on month,
retirement plan (if you’ve been really clever) is all based on this number. So, if you’re living on £30K at the moment, and this is
where you need to be in
this down and go and play golf.
KEY SKILLS Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist auto locksmith company covering Lincolnshire. Launching in 2004, Steve spotted an opportunity to solve the problem of replacing lost and stolen car keys. The company now offers workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. Recognising the needs of concerned vehicle owners, it offers free consultations to find an affordable solution to the growing number of car key problems.
For the rest of us, there will
How long can you afford to
be some distance between where
rack up debt? This is the answer
we are and where we want to be.
to how much cash you need to
We’ll call this ‘the dip’.
start a business, or even just
What is the dip?
Cash = Fuel = Survival time in business My finances after leaving
leave the Forces at all.
help subscribers all around the
important than a road trip, but I
world and, by the time this goes
I remember my last pay packet
year, the graph is either red or
got it all wrong. I underestimated
to print, we’ll have passed two
when I left the RAF, around
black. Red is bad. Every month
what I needed for equipment
million views. It’s going to lead
£2,200 in the bank. The
you’re in the red, you’re going
to start up. My guess was £15K.
somewhere new and exciting I’m
following month I could only
backwards.
I spent nearer £25K. More
sure.
afford to pay myself £500 (my
You can see every month, or
In my YouTube life, I regularly
the Forces were much more
importantly, once I’d started up
This is something I could
Then the next month only £200.
The road trip from hell
Some months it might be £1500.
Back to our road trip. If we need
ever have imagined. My fag
But, please, before you start
However, my wages dipped
£500 for the fuel to drive to
packet guess was so far off I’m
your own business, before you
below where they needed to be,
Maine, New England, and I only
embarrassed to admit it.
spend a single penny, sit down
and the difference between my
allow for £300, I’m going to get
target wage and what I could
stuck. I’ll be halfway through the
of £2200, for nearly ten years.
to get through the dip. I made it
afford should have set the alarm
trip and will fairly soon realise
However, I paid us that money
simply because I had to. I was so
bells ringing immediately. The
that upgrading the compact
and borrowed to make up the
far in debt that I had no choice. I
trouble is, I was heads down,
automatic to the Ford Mustang
difference. I didn’t deliberately
burnt nearly £10,000 a year, for
trying to make it work, learning
means I’ll need more money
plan to borrow more, but I did
ten years … £100,000 cash gone.
so much and distracted by all
for fuel. Instead of looking at
whatever I had to, just to keep us
I couldn’t afford to. I shouldn’t
those other things we take on
the golden leaves, the beautiful
moving. The credit card bills got
have. We sold our house and
our journey. I didn’t pay myself
buildings and miles of forest,
bigger, and there were more of
downsized. It was very tough and
£2200 a month for the first
I’ll be watching the fuel gauge,
them. The overdraft got bigger
I put my wife through so much
five years – in fact, closer to ten
counting the fuel money and
and any equipment I bought
worry.
years. To understand this better,
worrying about whether we’ll
went on HP. More debt.
the diagram at the bottom of the
have enough to make it. That’s
page shows how I think of it.
no way to enjoy a trip. In fact,
enjoy the view. If I’d sat down
Can you make it through the dip?
As soon as you leave the
I’ll be lying awake every night,
and done this exercise, I wouldn’t
Good luck with whatever you
Forces, you’ll probably see
wondering if we’re going to make
have set off at all.
decide to do. Self-employment is
a drop in your wages. This is
it at all. Getting stuck in the
normal. If you’re starting a
middle of New England without
business, it should be expected.
any money to fill the tank will
Now, if you get a job, there may
leave us in big trouble.
business didn’t even make that!).
be opportunity for overtime. Or
On top of this, do you know
and left the Forces, I was burning
never have foreseen and I really
much more fuel than I could
do bounce out of bed every day.
I didn’t earn my target wage
It wasn’t a fun trip. I didn’t
So, should you set off on the road trip of your life, starting a business?
and work out how you’re going
amazing if you have enough fuel in your tank. Enjoy the next 18 months of resettlement. It will go so fast and, whatever you decide to do, it will be quite a trip.
maybe your partner can earn
if there is another fuel stop
There’s good reason to. For me,
more. Whatever your situation,
nearby? Will the garage take
14 years on, every day is new.
as soon as you go below your
credit cards or can you get your
I’m doing what I love, building
target wage – in this case
hands on any more cash? This is
a fantastic business, meeting
£30,000 – you start to rack up
what starting up feels like. Can
kind, supportive customers and
Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com
debt. This is bad.
you get yourself any more cash?
so many interesting characters.
thecarkeyman.com Q
-
Get in touch 07832 147601 or 01522 514141
The dip
-
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
63
Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE
This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from June 2018 to August 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
18 June 2018 09 July 2018 14 August 2018
04 June 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 02 July 2018 04 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 CTW Mixed Class 23 July 2018 26 July 2018 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 11 June 2018 13 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018
04 June 2018 06 June 2018 11 June 2018 13 June 2018 25 June 2018 27 June 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
Employment Support Programme Wksp
Employment Support Programme Wksp
rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk
20 June 2018 11 July 2018 16 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 26 June 2018 26 July 2018 21 August 2018
26 June 2018 26 July 2018 21 August 2018
FAR All Ranks 28 June 2018
28 June 2018
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk
START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 26 June 2018 28 June 2018 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 07 August 2018 09 August 2018
CTW Mixed Class
17 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 05 June 2018
05 June 2018
Self Employment Awareness
18 June 2018 20 June 2018 (Course location Brize Norton) 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)
13 June 2018 01 August 2018
CTW Officer
CTW Mixed Class
03 July 2018
05 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 17 July 2018
19 July 2018
CTW SNCO 12 June 2018 19 June 2018 14 August 2018
14 June 2018 21 June 2018 16 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 19 June 2018 10 July 2018 13 August 2018
19 June 2018 10 July 2018 13 August 2018
Self Employment Awareness 19 June 2018 19 June 2018
New Horizons in Retirement 18 June 2018
Self Employment Awareness 08 June 2018 28 August 2018
29 June 2018 27 July 2018
08 June 2018 28 August 2018
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
23 July 2018
23 July 2018
RC Northolt
rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
CTW Mixed Class
18 June 2018 18 June 2018
FAR All Ranks 07 June 2018 07 June 2018 (Course location External Venue) 01 August 2018 01 August 2018 (Course location Cosford)
Self Employment Awareness
RC Germany
28 June 2018 26 July 2018
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer)
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
Employment Support Programme Wksp
14 June 2018 12 July 2018 23 August 2018
05 June 2018 07 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 02 July 2018 04 July 2018 31 July 2018 02 August 2018
rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk
04 June 2018 06 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 16 July 2018 18 July 2018
12 June 2018 10 July 2018 21 August 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO
19 June 2018 09 July 2018 31 August 2018
14 June 2018 14 June 2018 (The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
18 June 2018
13 June 2018 01 August 2018
RRC Colchester
FAR All Ranks
64
17 July 2018
RRC Cottesmore Central London
19 June 2018 09 July 2018 31 August 2018
rcgermany@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 12 June 2018 14 June 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018
CTW Officer/SNCO 05 June 2018 07 June 2018 10 July 2018 12 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 18 June 2018 16 July 2018
18 June 2018 16 July 2018
German CV Writing 19 June 2018
19 June 2018
04 June 2018 25 June 2018 09 July 2018 23 July 2018 30 July 2018
06 June 2018 27 June 2018 11 July 2018 25 July 2018 01 August 2018
18 June 2018 16 July 2018 06 August 2018
20 June 2018 18 July 2018 08 August 2018
CTW Officer
Employment Support Programme Wksp 21 June 2018 02 August 2018
21 June 2018 02 August 2018
Self Employment Awareness 12 July 2018
12 July 2018
RC Plymouth
rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 11 June 2018 09 July 2018
13 June 2018 11 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class 25 June 2018 27 June 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
CTW Officer/SNCO 18 June 2018 16 July 2018 06 August 2018
20 June 2018 18 July 2018 08 August 2018
14 June 2018 05 July 2018
14 June 2018 05 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
FAR All Ranks 05 July 2018
05 July 2018
11 July 2018
11 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness
NEBOSH HEAL www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibili
WE CAN HELP YOUR CA RECOGNISED HEALTH A
RC Portsmouth
RRC Rosyth
RRC Tidworth
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
START DATE END DATE
CTW Junior Ranks
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Junior Ranks
rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk
04 June 2018 02 July 2018
06 June 2018 04 July 2018
CTW Mixed Class 25 June 2018 27 June 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 28 August 2018 30 August 2018
CTW Officer 18 June 2018 16 July 2018 21 August 2018
20 June 2018 18 July 2018 23 August 2018
CTW SNCO 11 June 2018 09 July 2018
13 June 2018 11 July 2018
14 June 2018 28 June 2018 12 July 2018
14 June 2018 28 June 2018 12 July 2018
FAR All Ranks 10 July 2018
Self Employment Awareness 05 July 2018
05 June 2018 07 June 2018 (Course location Faslane) 11 June 2018 13 June 2018 (Course location Kinloss) 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 09 July 2018 11 July 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth) 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 (Course location Faslane) 16 July 2018 18 July 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)
CTW Officer/SNCO 02 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
10 July 2018
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk
05 July 2018
04 July 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp 14 June 2018 20 June 2018 19 July 2018 26 July 2018 16 August 2018
14 June 2018 20 June 2018 19 July 2018 26 July 2018 16 August 2018
NEBOSH HEALT
rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
11 June 2018 14 June 2018 18 June 2018 20 June 2018 25 June 2018 27 June 2018 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
CTW Mixed Class
05 June 2018 07 June 2018 23 July 2018 25 July 2018 24 July 2018 26 July 2018 13 August 2018 15 August 2018 APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF CTW Officer THE ELC SCHEME 19 June 2018 21 June 2018 03 July 2018 05 July 2018 PROVIDER NUMBER 17 July 2018 19 July 2018
E LC 6781
CTW Officer/SNCO 31 July 2018 29 August 2018
02 August 2018 31 August 2018
21 June 2018 21 June 2018 (Course location Lossiemouth)
Self Employment Awareness
14 June 2018 02 August 2018
Course 14 June 2018 14 JuneOne 2018 21 June 2018 21 June 2018 NEBOSH National 28 June 2018 28 June 2018 12 July 2018 12 July 2018 General Certificate 26 July 2018 26 July 2018 Occupational 09 August 2018 09 August 2018 and2018 Safety 30 August 2018 Health 30 August
in
WE CAN HELP YOUR CAR RECOGNISED HEALTH AN FAR All Ranks 19 July 2018 19 JulyFour 2018 Course (Course location External Venue)
NEBOSH Course OneInternational
New HorizonsTechnical in Retirement Certifcate
National 25 June 2018 NEBOSH 25 June 2018 in Oil and Gas General Certifi cate
in Self Employment Awareness Operational Safety Occupational 26 June 2018 26 June 2018 30 July 2018 Health 30 July and2018 Safety 30 August 2018 30 August 2018
Co
NE Ce Co an
CALL US TODAY AN Co A BROCHURE OR V NEBOSH International NE Course Four
Technical Certifcate Ipswich: 01473 212535in| in E: Oilinfo@ccas-ltd.com and Gas | Ma w Operational Safety
CALL US TODAY AND A BROCHURE OR VIS
CTW SNCO
FAR All Ranks
14 June 2018 02 August 2018
Employment Support Programme Wksp
12 June 2018 14 June 2018 APPROVED BY MoD 26 June 2018 28 June 2018 OF IN SUPPORT THE ELC SCHEME 10 July 2018 12 July 2018 21 August 2018 23 August 2018 PROVIDER NUMBER
E LC
Ipswich: 01473 212535 | Lo E: info@ccas-ltd.com | www
6781
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
✆ 0800 3800 007 Fancy yourself as a Civil Aviation Authority Accredited Commercial Drone Pilot?
Gain your Permission for Commercial Operations (PfCO) and join the rapidly growing Drone Industry at the right time. Use your IRTC, SLC and JPA Accommodation credits towards a short residential training course that will enable you to earn money using your drone commercially. Residential Course includes: • • • • • •
•
Theory Training and Examination Practical Flying Training - try our huge range and exciting fleet of drones Flight Assessment - at no extra cost Operations Manual - writing workshop Proofing and Submission of Paperwork to CAA Drone Pilot Academy Membership - includes members industry day - Add your name to our database of pilots No resit fees
Discounted Rate for Service Personnel
£895 plus VAT (Usually £1095 plus VAT)
Starter bundles available including training and equipment – details on request: (quote QSTOCT17) Contact the Drone Pilot Academy
0800 3800 007 or visit us online
Flexible study routes - work-based, taught, mixed-mode programme or Supported Distance Learning.
commencing January and May 2018 at our training centre in Doncaster
If you already have aviation experience then a shortened course may be available.
Photography | Video | Survey | Crop Analysis | Topographical Surveys | Inspections
www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
65
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
66
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 555834 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52
Sponsored by
www.gastectraining.co.uk
01908 587665 l enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk l www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) * XPVME MJLF UP FYQSFTT NZ HSBUJUVEF UP BMM BU (BTUFD 5IF GBDJMJUJFT BOE DPVSTF TUSVDUVSF SJHIU UISPVHI UP UIF EFMJWFSZ XFSF DU QFSGFDU BOE B SFBM FZF PQFOFS Q FSGFDU B .Z UIBOLT UP BMM . Z UIBOL
VIEWING OF OUR FACILITY IS ALWAYS WELCOME. CALL NOW TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT.
GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training Gastec Training has for many years worked courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement closely with Britain’s armed forces as 4VF ,JOH .#& they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we provision. recognise the commitment you have made
Transition services and entitlements
while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as
you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION Entitlement Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an EFS GPS )BWJOH DIPTFO (BTUFD BT UIF QSPWJEFS GPS discharged All Service Leavers, other than those asinteresting Earlyand lucrative career in the gas NZ SFTFUUMFNFOU USBJOJOH BGUFS ZFBST ZFBST utility sector. Call now for a special reduced E XJUIresettlement TFSWJDF * XBT DPNQMFUMZ JNQSFTTFE XJUI UIF to receive UIF pricing offer on this course. Service Leavers, are entitled the support QSPGFTTJPOBMJTN BOE IFMQ BGGPSEFE NF CZ CZ BMM UIF JOTUSVDUPST BOE TUBGG detailed in the table below. 4HU + . .PSHBO 3FUE
Principle COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION 0VS QBTT SBUF FYDFFET BOE PVS %VSJOH NZ UJNF JO UIF BSNZ J IBWF BUUFOEFE NBOZ EFE NBOZ Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased DPVSTFT BOE TFFO NBOZ JOTUSVDUPST CVU UIF MFWFMT PG IF MFWFMT PG &-$"4 FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH JT TFDPOE UP JOTUSVDUJPO BU (BTUFD XBT FYDFMMFOU * BN OPX B WFSZ OPX B WFSZ OPOF 1MFBTF UBLF UJNF UP WJFX UIF resettlement time. All Medically Discharged ServiceTVDDFTTGVM TFMG FNQMPZFE HBT TBGF FOHJOFFS BOE SFNBJO Leavers BOE SF &-$"4 XFCTJUF UP DIFDL PVU PVS JO DPOUBDU XJUI (BTUFD XIP XJMM BMXBZ PGGFS BEWJDF automatically qualify for the maximum DVSSFOU FWBMVBUJPO SBUJOH entitlement. Entitlement 8BZOF $IBOU &Y 3PZBM "SUJMMFSZ
includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service 1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+
Normal Discharge
Medical Discharge(2)
Outflow
<4 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service or administratively discharged
CALL +44(0)1908 587665
CTP GRT(1) IRTC CTP GRT(1) IRTC Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ No 0 No FRP 10 Yes enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk www.gastectraining.co.uk No 0 No FRP 30 Yes ESP 0 No FRP 30 Yes FRP 20 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 25 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 30 Yes FRP 35 Yes FRP 35 Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;actualsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Local Training Firstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
â&#x20AC;¢ Vulnerability Assessment â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Gateway to 3rd Sector: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Housing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Social Benefits â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Employment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pensions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Health
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ Job-Finding Service â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Consultant Interview â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service
â&#x20AC;¢ IRTC Grant (£534) â&#x20AC;¢ Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Career Transition Workshop (3 days) â&#x20AC;¢ Other Workshops â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Self-Employment Awareness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Small Business Start-Up â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CV Writing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Interview Skills â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Networking â&#x20AC;¢ Career Consultancy â&#x20AC;¢ Travel Warrants (up to 7) â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RightJobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Access â&#x20AC;¢ Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Housing Brief â&#x20AC;¢ Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses â&#x20AC;¢ Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) â&#x20AC;¢ Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credits Access to first FE/HE qualification Resettlement Grant Officers with 9 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service up to £15,505 Other Ranks with 12 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,596 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 05 up to £10,883 Officers and Other Ranks who are AFPS 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no rate currently available
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk
Please always contact the Forces Pension Society for the most up-to-date information Tel: 020 7820 9988 Web: www.forcespensionsociety.org
questonline.co.uk l May 2018
67
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
68
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
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 May 2018
69
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Is your future with Turners?
A career in law e without a law degree
Class 1 drivers required Nationally
Tramping/Days/Nights out/Markets/Supermarkets
Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition ond career b y stud ying into a second by studying SLNHS X\HSPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVU I` MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVU I` earning distance learning vider no. 1105
cilexlawschool.ac.uk and S in the search box. Contact \[ TVYL VU SH^'JPSL_SH^ZJOVVS HJ \R
Class 1 Training available
Please phone or email for an application form or for more information on the following
Trudy Crane T: 01205 820972 ext 1216 E: trudy.crane@coolfoodmovers.com
turners-distribution.com
Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind
16 week BPEC Foundation Course leading to ACS for those service leavers with little or no experience. Guaranteed placement & interview at the end.
Kier Kier Group Group is is one one of of the the leading leading construction, construction, services, services, property property and and Kier Group is one ofinthe leading construction, services, property residential companies the UK with 23,000 staff worldwide residential companies in the UK with 21,000 staff worldwide and and an an and residential in the UKsatisfaction with 16,000 staff worldwide annual turnover ÂŁ4.3bn. Wehave have 99% satisfaction score from annual turnover of ofcompanies ÂŁ3bn. We a a99% score from our and an annual turnover ofofÂŁ3bn. 298 people have trained our previous learners, most of them ďŹ nding work after ďŹ nishing.on one previous learners, withwith most them finding work after finishing. of our courses and 93.4% of previous learners are in employment. Give us a call to get started. Give us a call to get started.
For more more information, information,contact contactus uson on0191 0800643 9992233 5427 or gastraining.info@kier.co.uk gastraining.info@kier.co.uk Visit www.gastrainingatkier.co.uk thelatest latestnews, news, www.kier-gastraining.co.uk forforthe case studies studies and and training trainingcourses. courses.
70
May 2018 l questonline.co.uk
March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
13
We provide a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families. Each year, we support a wide range of front line charities and specialist organisations, such as SSAFA, Combat Stress, Royal Star & Garter and the NSPCC, which deliver help on our behalf. We also make direct grants to thousands of individuals, ranging in age from 9 months to 105 years old. Through our network of support, our work touches the lives of around 75,000 people worldwide, every year. It is because of the generosity of people like you that we are able to do this vital work – today and in the future.
Donate online or get involved in fundraising at
www.soldierscharity.org
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (039189) Registered Office: Mountbarrow House, 12 Elizabeth Street, London SW1W 9RB Tel: 020 7901 8900, Email: fundraising@soldierscharity.org
Left to right: Siobhan Weller, Les Fryatt, Kenneth Kwogyenga – Charity beneficiaries
Looking for a new career? Considered the NHS? • Over 300 non-clinical roles • Supportive employers across the country • 60 healthcare apprenticeships
Step into Health is open to all service leavers, veterans, spouses/partners and dependants. It is an incredible opportunity for you to explore the extensive career options available. Whether you are interested in catering, maintenance, administration, finance, communications, management, or a role in one of the clinical services, this programme will benefit you. The NHS is keen to invite you to explore your transferable skills and the potential training and career opportunities available.
www.militarystepintohealth.nhs.uk
#StepintoHealth