Quest October 2018 by Bulldog Publishing

THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC October/November 2018

PLUS Access Diplomas Careers Civvy savvy Reserves Self-employment Transition support

TO WIN Daisy Coleman, champion powerboat racer

A CEN TU RY O F

Win a limited edition remembrance print

PREPARED

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT

1918â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2018 DE U T TI RA G

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www.gastectraining.co.uk

OUR W ORK PLACE MENT FREE IS - GUA AND G RANTEED ENUI NE

Gastec has more than 18 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over 1,000 successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!

NEW ENTRANT GAS Intermediate Domestic Gas Utilisation This course will allow you to register with the Regulatory Body "Gas Safe Register" to carry out Domestic gas installation and service work within the UK.

Viewing of our facility always welcome. Call now to arrange your visit.

Our pass rate exceeds 90% which confirms the high level of training we offer.

This is a fully recognisable national qualification from an Ofqual recognised Certification Body.

ELCAS Evaluation rating is second to none, please take time to check out our current evaluation rating

COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION

ABOUT US

Gastec is a leading supplier of training and assessment services to the utilities industries, We have been providing training services at all levels for over 20 years. Gastec offer the full portfolio of training and assessment services for the countries leading Certification Bodies. Our state of the art training and assessment centre is just off the M1 in Milton Keynes. This purpose-built centre contains air-conditioned classrooms, Smart Board technology and a range of facilities to make your time with us enjoyable as well as productive. Together with our tailor-made workshops and refreshment facilities it all combines to make the learning experience as easy and as pleasant as possible. We at Gastec recognise the commitment you have made whilst serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you embark on a new career path. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector.

NEW ENTRANT ELECTRICS EAL Level 3 Training Package Comprising:    

18th Edition Wiring Regulations Building Regulations for Electrical Installations Periodic Inspection & Testing Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

This course will allow you to register with a competent persons scheme to permit your work to be self- registered with any local building control office within the UK. This is a fully recognisable national qualification from an Ofqual recognised Certification Body.

COURSE CARRIES LEVEL 3 ACCREDITATION

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

EDITOR REMEMBRANCE DAY IS EVERY DAY …

Your October/November issue of QUEST is here and, as a departure from our usual introduction, we would like to take the opportunity to mark a very special occasion: the centenary of the end of the First World War. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, one hundred years ago, the Armistice agreement was signed that called to a close the ‘war to end all wars’. Fittingly falling on Remembrance Sunday this year – 11 November 2018 – Armistice Day is to be commemorated with events up and down the country marking one hundred years to the day since hostilities ceased and the guns finally fell silent. Events to mark the occasion have already been taking place throughout this year, and the annual Remembrance Sunday proceedings in London will be expanded to include families of First World War Veterans marching past the Cenotaph to commemorate the sacrifice of their loved ones. Church bells will ring out across the UK throughout the day, just as they did in 1918 to mark the end of the Great War. To mark this unique and solemn occasion, we would like to pay our own respects to the fallen of the First World War by featuring the work of remembrance artist Jacqueline Hurley. Jacqueline’s War Poppy Collection is her personal thank you and tribute to our Armed Forces, Veterans and

their families, and a commemoration of all those fallen and injured in past campaigns. She says that she paints to evoke emotion, reflection and remembrance. Being one of the final generation whose grandparents served during the Second World War, and whose great grandparents served during the First World War, Jacqueline has a strong desire to remind people through her imagery that the freedom they are blessed with today wasn’t free. Remembrance Day is every day. Jacqueline has very kindly donated a limited-edition signed print from her collection for us to give away to one lucky reader. Turn to page 50 to find out more. Elsewhere in this issue there’s the customary QUEST cocktail of useful advice on resettlement issues, funding, careers and courses – helping you all, we hope, to look ahead and be the best that you can be … never forgetting those who gave their futures for our tomorrow. Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

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

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October/November 2018

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 >>

Contents On this month’s cover: Former RA gunner Daisy Coleman

ME THE HO

ELC YTHING OF EVER vember

October/No

2018

page 06 Diplomas Access Careers vy Civvy sav Reserves yment plo f-em Sel support Transition

PREPAR

ion

mp eman, cha Daisy Col racer powerboat

ed edition Win a limit nce print remembra

YOUR ELC

TO WIN

RCES SES 4 FO G COURRS I RESETTLEMENT ORATIN REE INCORP I FUNDING I CA

A CENTUR YO FG RA

PLUS

DE TU TI

8–2018 191

e.co.uk questonlin

COURSES

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 30 Qualifications to further your Service career 32 On course: Health and safety 38 On course: Rail

44 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 46 Useful contacts 48 Education and funding planner

THE HUB 50 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

54 Practical advice: continuing your Ultimate Job Search 58 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 60 Meet the Reserves: Harry Macleod, Army Reservist 62 Transition factfile 66 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans

October/November2018 l questonline.co.uk

58 66 54

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR RESETTLEMENT: SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE

Driven

Ms Daisy

Joining up Not content with a career as a training consultant in y personal development journey engineering and a more-than-sideline as an international started the day I joined the champion powerboat racer, former RA ‘gunner’ Daisy military (after not doing very well in school). I joined 32nd Regiment Coleman is also working to encourage young people to Royal Artillery (RA), operating Unmanned pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Aerial Systems (UAS) for Intelligence, Maths) careers, to address the national skills gap. ‘With Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) purposes. I up to 20,000 Service leavers facing the resettlement chose 32 RA as I liked the idea of being challenge each year,’ says Daisy, ‘I stand testimony to the guaranteed service on Op TELIC. Sure fact that there is life beyond the Forces – and that we have enough, two months after my 18th a plethora of transferable skills.’ birthday, I was there in glorious Iraq! It

certainly forced me to grow up quickly

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

Artillery serving soldiers (historically, after

words you won’t miss: ‘Pssssttt you’re on

firing Artillery guns for all your career,

stag!’); large organisations pay for these

once your military career was up, where

sort of experiences for their top-flight

did you go and what did you do?) – I was

leaders, to improve their resilience in the

approached by individuals at the end

face of adversity. You’ve already done

of their service asking for advice and

that!

guidance. The number of NCOs that had

NEVER PASS UP AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN CIVILIAN ACCREDITATION

The reality is that all soldiers,

not been recording their professional and

regardless of cap badge, rank or

personal development surprised me. Call

background, have a wealth of valuable

me a nerd, but my personal development

and transferable skills, and quite

record was much more than a doorstop.

often any idea that they don’t is just

I kept it up to date with any exercises,

a case of communication breakdown

deployments or activities I had taken part

or misinterpretation of terminology

in. Then, when I came to write my CV,

(i.e. military jargon). At the RACPD we

it was so much easier: reflecting on my

were able to bridge the gap between

experience, I could cherry-pick what was

civilian and military training to ensure

relevant to any potential employment role.

that soldiers gained recognised civilian

Particularly in the Artillery, as gunners we

qualifications for their vocational

organise the logistics, motor transport and

competence that they could take forward

comms ourselves. Although many would

to civilian employment. But it’s not only

argue that in the Artillery your skills aren’t

the RA that does this – there are a range

as transferable as those acquired in, say,

of educational opportunities across all

the REME, I would argue otherwise. Being

cores, and services for that matter. Never

in the RA I was able to dip my hand into

pass up an opportunity to gain civilian

different areas, which not only made me a

accreditation; that extra half hour of work

more rounded soldier, able to appreciate

could give you the competitive edge over

procedures in other domains, but also

other interview candidates. Also keep an

someone likely to be more employable in

eye out for companies who have signed

the civilian workplace (for me, systems engineering).

Translate your skills to civvy-speak Think about it in layman’s terms. You were on the mess committee for a year; that involved planning the summer and Christmas balls, and liaising with the relevant internal stakeholders (committee members, mess members, RSM, etc.) and external stakeholders (the local band that would be playing, caterers, etc.). You had – although I

to handle the budget, accounting for all

started off as

costs, then probably had to report back

an operator, my

on the success of the event. You’ve been

inherent curiosity

doing low-scale event management and

and thirst to look at the bigger picture saw me moved to Brigade HQ, where I thrived,

you probably didn’t even realise it! Experiences like this all add to your

able to have a more holistic, systems view

CV. Even down to being on exercise or

of the battlefield.

operations – yes, you were stuck in a field

Purposeful PD

in the middle of nowhere in the thick of winter, with your lips turning blue despite

Quite often in my first civilian employment

being covered in cam cream, your fingers

role (2013) at the Royal Artillery Centre for

frozen to your SA80 despite wearing

Personal Development (RACPD) – originally

gloves (and being woken up in the middle

set up to address the skills gap for Royal

of the night by your mucker with those

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT: CHOICES SUCCESS STORY

YOU HAVE AN EXCITING TIME AHEAD OF YOU AS YOU BEGIN THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR CAREER

up to the Armed Forces Covenant; they’ll

Funding: use it or lose it!

home a full pay packet but free to complete

know even more so how valuable your

You might be surprised to hear that a huge

whatever training you want. Don’t hoard

skillsets are.

amount of Service leavers don’t use their

your claims either and think that, because

resettlement entitlement, let alone their

you’ve got such a long time to use them,

SLC or ELC. I was fortunate to be on the

you’ll save them for a rainy day because

Another key thing to take away is the

higher tier for ELC when leaving, after

that day might not come and you might not

importance of networking. As many of

nine years of service. So I dipped in to my

get the opportunity to invest your time so

you reading this will already have started

entitlement to enrol on my L5 Diploma in

easily in the next chapter of your career

your resettlement period you’ll no doubt

Education and Teaching (formerly DTLLS).

(which reminds me, the time-frame has

have heard this before. Make use of any

Since leaving in 2013 I’ve been employed

changed so I need to start thinking about

contacts you meet, exchange business

in various teaching roles; I certainly think

what to study next). If you’re fortunate

cards, capitalise on the power of social

having that qualification helped get me

enough to find a great company to work

media – but only for business purposes.

through the door.

for, it will cover the costs for you to train

Grow your network

If you can, use your ELC in your

resettlement period. After all, you’re not

need), so spend your resettlement time

If you don’t have a profile yet, get one –

likely to be in this position again: taking

wisely and on something that you want to

even if it’s just your name and you don’t have the time to create a stellar profile right now. Then, on any course, trade show or any meeting with someone in industry, add the contacts as you go; you never know when they might come in handy. Another useful tip is, when you go to any interview, do your homework and check out the interviewers on LinkedIn. You may have similar interests and find some common ground that could help build rapport. Although don’t shoehorn this into conversations – it may come across as creepy! And, as with any social media platform, make sure you’re clued up on privacy settings.

to do the job (if it’s a legitimate business

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

do. Whatever job you end up doing, you

and I was thrown out on the racing line,

might not be afforded the time to take that

fortunately emerging relatively unscathed

three-week course in animal husbandry or

– aside from my pride (as we had been

whatever else floats your boat.

winning the championship up until then!)

Ah, I mentioned it … boats!

Feeling the power While in my resettlement phase I was

IF YOU CAN, USE YOUR ELC IN YOUR RESETTLEMENT PERIOD

and turning up in the office the following

the sport by chance while I was in my

Monday with a black eye, chipped tooth

resettlement period.

and broken nose. I did get some funny

Your own relaunch

looks! I was awarded Powerboat P1’s Sports

Anyway enough about me. I’m writing this

introduced to the world of offshore

Personality of the Year and we went on

from my home office after finishing my

powerboat racing after being invited to a

to finish third again in the 2014 season.

dinner (takeaway – please don’t judge) and

corporate sponsorship day. Being a land

In 2015, we went one better and finished

came across the following quote in my

lover (a keen horsewoman since I was a

second, narrowly missing out on the top

fortune cookie, which seems quite fitting:

toddler) I’d never really been on a boat,

spot. To close my three-year partnership

fundamentally you have an exciting time

aside from a mackerel-fishing trip when

with John (who elected to retire) we made

ahead of you as you begin the next chapter

I was 8. I went on the mandatory race

our debut at an international event and

of your career.

training with seven times world champion,

stuck it to the Americans on their home

Neil Holmes, and was mocked throughout –

turf, winning in Tavares, Florida. At that

question the norm and believe in your

the only female in attendance and the only

point my brother, Sam, was managing the

abilities. You have a lot to thank the

person with no ‘boating’ experience.

Pertemps-backed boat for us. After many

Services for, and employers out there are

jibes about being ‘always the bridesmaid,

looking for skills like yours (even if you

race training had a typical 70% attrition

never the bride’, I gifted Sam a Neil

haven’t quite worked out what they are

rate, with 70% of attendees having to

Holmes’ Powerboat Centre voucher for

or if you weren’t completely satisfied with

come back for more training. I was the

his 30th birthday. It turned out he was

your career). Invest time in yourself and

only one to pass and later that week was

pretty talented in a boat despite having

remember that, out there, you’re a Mr or Ms

whisked off to the Isle of Wight to compete

no previous experience, which led to us

in the series’ toughest event on the

setting up Coleman Racing in the

calendar: a 35nm offshore race, Cowes–

winter of 2015, where we worked

Poole–Cowes. Navigating the team to its

hard to get sponsorship to invest in

only ever podium, we came third. Not too

our training prior to the 2016 season.

Turns out I did OK. I didn’t realise the

shabby for a rookie who barely knew her

Sibling success story

Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself,

– and everything is an opportunity. You never know where it might lead. Q

I was then scouted by ex-champion,

In our debut season racing together

DAISY DAY BY DAY

John Wilson, to step up into a bigger-class

we won the 2016 championship by a

Daisy is currently

boat. I was to start racing alongside John

resounding 47 points. This then took

employed by

for Pertemps Network, an award-winning

us to the World Championship event in

Thales, UK, and

national recruitment company, which has

Mumbai, India, to compete against some

has worked as a

been nominated for the Sunday Times

of the world’s finest powerboat racers. We

simulation SME

‘Best Companies’ list for eight consecutive

secured the quickest lap in qualifying then

and training

years. Pertemps is a huge advocate of

won every event to take the world title.

consultant in defence since leaving the

employing ex-Forces personnel, has been

It was pretty special, with all the racing

Armed Forces. Alongside her sporting

awarded the gold standard award under

televised live globally on ESPN and in front

achievements she also campaigns for

the Armed Forces Covenant Employer

of 250,000 spectators lining Marine Drive.

STEM education in a bid to inspire more

port from her starboard!

Recognition Scheme, and recently put me

Back in the UK, we went on to defend

individuals to pursue careers in Science,

through my Certificate of Professional

our national title in 2017 and are, to date,

Technology, Engineering and Maths

Competence (CPC) through its Driver

the only team pairing to achieve podium

(STEM).

Training Academy, which I would highly

at every event they’ve raced (our worst

recommend. The company has offices all

weekend result being second step on the

Daisy by following @P1Daisy on Twitter,

over the UK, so do get in touch.

podium), having generated more global

Instagram and Facebook, and keep up to

media coverage than any other team along

date with team news by searching for

the way.

@RacingColeman or #ColemanRacing

In my first full season racing P1 Superstock we finished third in the overall championship. It wasn’t all plain sailing,

It was quite surreal to be crowned with

Stay in touch with the latest from

Alternatively, if you’d like to get in

though. In my second ever event, in

our world title on a global stage at the

touch with the team via e-mail, write to

Plymouth (which took place over Armed

Sporting Monte Carlo in Monaco earlier

info@colemanracing.co.uk

Forces weekend), the boat high sided

this year, considering we only fell in to

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101 The basics

ubject to certain eligibility

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

criteria (see page 12), the ELC

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

− – Service training

scheme offers currently serving

which is a single payment of up to

− – civilian accredited Service training

or former Service personnel access to a

£3,000 for those with six or more

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

years of qualifying service, which will

is involved, together with a separate

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

count as all three awards.

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

− – membership fees

first undergraduate degree or equivalent)

Service leavers and Service personnel

− – books and materials

free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

in their qualifying resettlement phase

− – normal Service sport and

information you need to know …

with access to a first full level 3 or a

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

first HE qualification (a foundation

payments of up to £1,000 in three

degree or a first undergraduate

made due to foreseeable postings/

separate financial years; the higher

degree or equivalent) with support

Service activities will usually meant

tier offers up to three payments of up

towards tuition fees. l

years. l

Only one ELC claim can be made in

adventurous training. l

Withdrawal once payment has been

that no further claims will be allowed. l

If unexpected Service or

any one financial year (April to March).

compassionate reasons cause your

You must make a contribution to your

withdrawal, you should seek advice

to run consecutively, and may be a

learning of at least 20% of the cost

from your Education Staff or Learning

combination of both higher and lower

(the ELC element includes VAT but

Adviser.Q

levels.

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

The three separate years do not have

ELC may be claimed for the same learning course if it continues for more

books and materials). l

You must discuss your plans with

than a year, or for a different learning

your line manager and education

purpose each year.

adviser before making any financial

If one course combines with others for a single learning purpose these can be combined to claim ELC.

exam, assessment or assignment)

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

to £2,000 in three separate financial

You may not claim ELC for:

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS

commitment. l

ELC are available for full- or part-time

From its inception until the end of June

study for a qualification at level 3 or

2018, 383,632 people had registered

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

with the ELC scheme and 139,935

with an organisation on the approved

claims had been made, to the value of

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

£222.8 million.

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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 two to 106 years old. Through our network of support, our work touches the lives of around 70,000 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

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

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:

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

discharge. Additionally, if you are medically

your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier

To take advantage of ELC support, you

qualify for full state subsidy. Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

In brief … l

The qualifying service required for

service before 1 April 2017, you keep

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

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

Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2018:

26th October, 30th November, 14th December

Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on 0800 5870170 or visit our website: Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11 www.thesurveillancegroup.com Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

How to use your ELC funding When your claimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approved, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wide choice of where to spend your funding

LC are available for full- or part-

professional self-development

time study for a qualification at

accreditation of prior learning

level 3 or above, as defined on the

vocational training

National Qualifications Framework/

registration and accreditation fees

Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/

sports qualifications

RQF),* with an organisation

overseas qualifications

on the approved providers list held by

resettlement training (during last two

ELCAS and viewable at

years of service only).

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

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:

CHOOSING A COURSE

foundation degrees

postgraduate qualifications

other academic qualifications

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

and Guidance for Training and Education. 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and your future.

8. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Allow time for any new publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the scheme, as the registration process can take several weeks. Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application

3. Discuss this with your line manager and education/learning

to study with them. 9. Providers are expected to waive any initial registration fee,

staff. 4. Get the necessary approval to enrol. 5. Go to the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC application form online.

so don’t pay any of your own money towards the cost of their tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded. 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of a course – if you don’t, it could result in support being

6. Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the course you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules. 7. If you wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure they

withdrawn. 11. Start learning, and make the most of your life! ELCAS has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims

are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver

process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822,

publicly funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme

which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at

membership using the information on the ELC website.

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

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ELCAS ELCAS Provider Provider ID: ID: 1358 1358 ELCAS Provider ID: 1358

P P RE RE MI MI ERGLO ERGLO BAL.CO BAL.CO .UK .UK

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

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

lthough the main purpose of ELC

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).

evidence of your last day of Service,

is to encourage serving personnel

which could be a copy of your discharge

Royal Navy

to pursue higher-level learning that

document, a copy of your P45

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

benefits both the learner and the Armed

terminating employment or a document

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning

stamped by your regiment confirming

PO2 8BY

to be pursued during resettlement or for up to five years after leaving the Services.*

The majority of this learning is likely to be

your leaving date**

02392 625954

a copy of a utility bill showing your home

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

address full information about the course you

Army

existing ones), with the qualification

wish to undertake and including details of

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

benefiting the learner and a future employer

your registration date where applicable.

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

vocational (learning new skills or enhancing

and, nationally, adding to the UK’s skills base.

On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

with payment by sending it, along with your

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,

20% minimum contribution, to the training

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

download the appropriate form from the

provider.

Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently

First of all, refer to the eligibility

ELCAS website and complete it fully, except

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

When you have completed your course,

closed until further notice; during this time

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

the accompanying box). Send your otherwise

any doubts about any aspect of this process,

Royal Air Force

fully completed claim form to them at the

contact your single-Service education/

Learning Credits Administrator,

relevant address (again, see box), along with:

learning representative for advice before

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

submitting a claim. Q

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

all enquiries are to be made by email Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

IMPORTANT!

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

All applications must be submitted to

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

01400 268 183

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear

for the expiration date of your claims.

Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk

working days prior to the start of the

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

course you wish to take. They will

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

then submit approved applications to

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

ELCAS. You should not submit your

personnel can request details of discharge dates from

claim form direct to ELCAS.

the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

NG34 8HB

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

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

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

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

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims 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

a second or third ELC claim being submitted before the course evaluation

Also, do not assume that all courses

processed for an individual in the same financial year.

So: l

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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

THE COLLEGE OF

O S T E O PAT H S

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

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

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

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

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

automatically assume that approved

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

two years of serving) l

inform your Education Staff,

commit any payment contributions

questionnaire when you’ve finished

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE & PUBLIC POLICY SCHOOL OF SECURITY STUDIES

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

Keep your distance! ... and let the classroom come to you

hanks to distance learning, you

What’s involved?

can study when and where you

Courses delivered through distance

want. There’s no need to be

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

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

Can I view the training materials first,

learning range from those taking as

Can I chat to previous learners?

physically on-campus to study or take

little as a few hours, to degrees and

Do I have to pass an entry test?

(some) training courses. And that, of

postgraduate qualifications that may

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

Can the whole course be done at a

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

practical element often have modules

and your preparations for life As well as ‘distance learning’, you may come across other, related, terms such as ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’.

learning.

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.

In truth, all of these

what form?

How much time will I need to set aside

How much does the course cost?

Thanks to the wide

Will there be an exam at the end?

availability of useful

Is the provider inspected or accredited

If I choose to study for a degree, do

for study?

technology these days, learning materials

by an independent body?

and support may be

I have to complete it within three

provided by either one or a combination of the

years? l

following means: books,

types of learning are

email, the internet, podcasts

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

phone, DVD, CD-ROM,

likely to overlap, but, as a rough guide, open learning includes

before committing?

that are suited to distance

in the civilian world.

ASK YOURSELF …

operational duties? l

Is the course available via learning

and via mobile learning; the latter

tools that I will be able to access? (For

more face-to-face classes than distance

is where the student accesses course

example, if you are in an environment

learning, while the word ‘supported’

content stored on a mobile device or

where IT availability is limited, you

usually indicates that there are tutors

through a wireless server. Some providers

should select a course where it is

and physical material available to help

offer course elements via the iTunes

possible to use paper and telephone,

students.

Store, which can be downloaded free of

at least for a limited period.)

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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

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.

rankeecently in d 7th

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

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We have many courses currently listed on ELCAS including: • • • •

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26/09/2018 13:29:05

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

charge. Many courses make extensive

the entrance examinations of a particular

learning, and that use ICT systems to

use of the internet. Others involve tutor

professional body.

enable users to access learning.

groups, which may meet regularly,

Both higher education (HE) and

or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’

further education (FE) courses can

direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’

duration to provide classroom education

be taken via distance learning. The

(somebody who has first-hand experience

that complements regular, directed

difference between these is not always

of a course or a training provider),

coursework at a distance.

clear-cut though, and in some cases

written prospectuses and, of course, the

(e.g. foundation degrees), both types

internet. The website of the Open and

are involved. Many qualifications are

Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL

The great thing about distance learning –

modular; this means that you complete

QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

especially for those, like you, in the Armed

them in sections (modules), often of

contacts’).

Forces – is that it puts you in control of

your own choosing, and credits gained

your education. Once you have chosen

from a selection of such courses can be

and enrolled on your course (see below),

added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and

Who are the learning providers?

you are free to study when, where – and,

other HE qualifications. It is not always

Many learning providers are neither HE

these days, how – you choose, so you can

necessary to have an undergraduate

nor FE institutions, although they may

fit your education around your current

degree to gain a master’s; neither is it

have links of varying strengths with

work and/or family commitments. It’s

necessary to have one in order to achieve

one or more colleges or universities.

entirely up to you.

many professional qualifications.

Many companies run large training

At your convenience

And, of course, in these days of laptops,

Increasingly, Service people like you

departments, and there are also many

notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,

are taking distance learning modules

commercial organisations that provide

you can set up and study at a location of

as part of the training that contributes

training to paying clients. Much of the

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

to career progression. So, you could

training such providers deliver is of

while travelling. Importantly, too, you can

be studying with a view to gaining

excellent quality and targeted carefully

work at your own pace – there are no term

qualifications that will help you while in

at the needs of civilian employers in a

times to be rigidly stuck to (although you

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

specific market sector. Many commercial

may have to sit exams, which may take

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a

businesses offering training use the

place only at specific times).

particular subject.

premises of academic institutions to

To sum up, distance study enables you

But how do you know who is a good

deliver courses, and may have contracts

take responsibility for your own learning.

provider and who is not? And exactly

with employment agencies to help their

However, although you will be in control,

which course do you need? All this choice

students find work.

a good provider will offer support – so you

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

will certainly not be alone, left completely

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

some of the bigger distance learning

to your own devices, but will have back-up

that should help you.

organisations, however – as mentioned

and assistance as and when you require it.

You are likely to have heard of

above – there are many other providers

There are also likely to be self-checks and

Finding out more

interim tests to help ensure that you are

Service education and training staff, both

of courses, some with discounts for

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

within your unit and specialists, can often

Service people (ask your education

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

provide the best advice about what you

and training adviser for further

telephone helpline to call or someone to

might want and what it is actually possible

information). Q

email for advice if you get stuck.

for you to achieve. They can also

How do I choose a course and provider?

provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies, and recommend

out there too, also offering a wide range

KEY CONTACTS

Although necessarily influenced by

the subjects that you should be

demand from learners, there are loads

encouraged to pursue – particularly

of courses available in distance learning

with a view to a second career when

form. And because the choice of provider

leaving the Services. Increasing numbers

0800 101 901

is huge, too, you are more than likely to

of Forces learning and education centres

www.learndirect.co.uk

be able to track down the course you

and personal learning advisers also have

@learndirect

are looking for. This may be something

access to e-learning opportunities.

that will give you a general grounding

Other information sources include

Information about courses is also

learndirect

Open and Distance Learning Quality

or background in a particular subject or

available from learndirect (see ‘Key

area (that you may go on to study in more

contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses

020 8658 8337

depth later), or you might be looking to

and learning centres with tutor support,

www.odlqc.org.uk

focus on something very specific – such as

where students can undertake online

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

Council (ODL QC)

P ROUD SUP PORTERS OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

RESETTLEMENT ON YOUR DOORSTEP Delivering accredited qualifications and employability skills for service personnel and their families. Use your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) to start your training programme two years before your intended leaving date and for up to 10 years after leaving. Combine it with Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) and get more for your money! Health & Safety NEBOSH, IOSH, HABC Leadership and Management ILM Licensed Hospitality HABC Forestry & Arboriculture LANTRA, NPTC, NPORS Pesticides C&G, NPTC

For more information Phone: 08453 452235 Email: resettlement@wiltshire.ac.uk Website: wiltshire.ac.uk/training/military ELC 1217

PROVIDER NUMBER

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim ! r e h g i h

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.

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

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

October/November 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:

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

most don’t require prior qualifications. Many

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:

and experience you have accrued, too.

be able to find a course that is convenient

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

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

http://search.ucas.com

Search and apply for full-time courses

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

Higher Education homepage at

Degree courses

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

Compare official course data from

Search for full- and part-time courses

www.accesstohe.ac.uk

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 Prospects:

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

www.prospects.ac.uk/

postgraduate-courses l

Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

Boost your prospects while serving How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service

s noted elsewhere in this

but that are also highly likely to prove

other areas are likely to serve you well in

publication, the main purpose

useful once you leave the Forces, could

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

of ELC is to encourage serving

include accountancy and management

your Service branch now, of course! Q

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

qualifications, or courses related to

that benefits both the learner and the

health and safety, and facilities or project

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

management. Depending on your Service

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

role, you could find yourself in a position to

which state that any money provided for

embark on a range of studies that will turn

your personal development has to be of

out to have a very useful crossover into

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING

immediate benefit to both the Armed

the civilian workplace when the time comes

Under the ELC scheme, most courses

Forces and the individual – if not, the

for you to make the transition.

of study undertaken by individuals still

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

For example, thinking of IT training

serving are exempt from taxation, either

accompanying box for more tax-related

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

information.)

network of employers working to creating

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

those courses that will benefit your own

The best of both worlds is offered by

been involved in putting together a

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

career and promotion prospects in the

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

reach an agreement on tax exemption.

Services – and ultimately help you find

qualifications, which in these high-tech

This means that the Service leaver (or

employment on leaving – as well as offering

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

their surviving spouse, civil partner or

a benefit to the Service while you remain

as they are while you remain in Service.

eligible partner, where appropriate) will

in uniform.

Similar work has taken place with Summit

not be required to pay income tax on

Skills with regard to building services

payments received under the ELC and

engineering-related courses. A great many

FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw

Some of the areas of education that your Service role might require,

maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

In safe

hands In their quest to protect the working population, today’s health and safety professionals take a proactive, preventative approach to problems such as injury, accidents and equipment failure. Many who leave the Armed Forces are attracted to a career in this field – after all, the role is primarily about inspiring groups of people to take a disciplined approach to avoiding life-threatening and harmful situations, which means it can really suit them. Perhaps you have what it takes to join this important mission?

reactive, accident-based management and towards a more preventative approach, as highlighted by NEBOSH’s Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work. HSE officers (or advisers) are based in

What’s involved?

a huge range of organisations – from small

employers and employees abide by safety

consultancies to multinational firms – and

hese days, health and safety roles

legislation, and that safety policies and

work together with many different people,

often include an environmental

practices are adopted and observed.

from employees and employers to trades

remit, so those working in such

They play a vital role in preventing

unions and directors. As an HSE officer,

areas are typically referred to as HSE (or

and controlling operational losses and

you will help to plan, implement, monitor

SHE) officers for short. HSE officers use

occupational health problems, as well as

and review the preventative and protective

their skills and knowledge to promote a

accidents and injuries. These days, HSE

measures that companies are required, or

positive HSE culture, ensuring that both

roles have moved several steps away from

choose, to follow, and work to minimise

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

NEBOSH Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work For the skills and knowledge to tackle health and well-being at work www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications/certificate/default.asp?cref=570&ct=2

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS The skills and qualities essential for an HSE professional are very likely to be familiar to military people like you:

accidents and injuries, occupational health

The day job

l self-confidence

problems and operational losses.

So, if you are thinking of a career as an

an eye for detail

HSE officer or adviser, what are you likely

problem-solving skills

general or don’t fit into a specific area.

to find yourself doing on a day-to-day

systematic approach to work

For instance, product safety consultants

basis? l

diversity of work environments

good communication skills (for

Many jobs in the HSE field are

help to make sure products meet

situations

As your aim is to prevent health

necessary standards before reaching

problems, accidents and injuries at work,

the marketplace. Other possible careers

part of your role will call for you to draw up

include work as a marine surveyor, cargo

health and safety policies, and make sure

surveyor, petroleum inspector, compliance

that both the employees and employers

l flexibility

investigator, or insurance claims and

stick to them, as well as following national

wide-ranging responsibilities

insurance analyst. You could also work as a

safety legislation. Depending on the kind of

the ability to analyse what went

safety director, technician or engineer.

organisation you are working in, your role

wrong and, importantly, how to put

could cover areas such as occupational

it right.

The law requires employers to appoint ‘competent’ people with responsibility

health, noise, safe use of machinery,

for HSE matters, irrespective of the size

fire safety and control of hazardous

of the organisation or the field in which

substances.

it operates. A ‘competent’ person is

writing reports, or dealing with both employers and employees)

Skill up while serving

Your other key tasks might include:

It almost goes without saying that most

carrying out inspections and risk

Service people work for at least some

training, knowledge and/or other qualities

assessments, and thinking about how

of the time in potentially hazardous

to undertake the role, particularly risk

risks could be reduced

environments or with dangerous

investigating accidents and

equipment, or both. Across all branches

recommending improvements to safety

and trades there are those with practical

standards

experience and awareness of HSE at work

keeping records of accidents and

– you may well be one of them! Indeed,

inspection findings

many Service people actively involved in

writing reports to suggest

HSE work may not even recognise that is

improvements

what they are doing, or might consider it a

advising on protective clothing and

relatively unimportant part of their job.

somebody with the necessary experience,

assessment. Because organisations

are obliged by law to employ such a person, training and experience are legal requirements for the management of HSE.

A breach of HSE law is a criminal offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, or

both. In smaller organisations, the HSE

‘competent’ person function might form

safety equipment

Forces-run modular training courses

one part of a wider role, with the individual

ensuring equipment is safely installed

in HSE, leading to a certificate, offer an

concerned responsible for it as part of

organising safe disposal of hazardous

opportunity to gain relevant qualifications

substances (e.g. asbestos)

while you are still serving. You may

providing training (to both managers

currently be in a post that enables you

and employees) in HSE issues and risks

to gain significant HSE qualifications

staying up to date with changes in the

(e.g. N/SVQs or NEBOSH awards). There

law.

are also courses you could take that are

their job while having other responsibilities too. Larger organisations will employ

a specialist (or specialists), or use a consultancy.

WHERE DO HSE PROFESSIONALS WORK?

On an average day, you will probably also

aimed at the potential manager who sees

be required to wear protective clothing like

HSE as part of a job description (e.g. the

Common areas of employment include:

overalls, ear defenders and safety glasses.

IOSH Certificate in Managing Safely) or

You will also need a clean driving licence

the person looking to specialise in this

l construction

if your job calls for you to travel between

field (e.g. the NEBOSH National General

sites.

Certificate, seen as the essential minimum

chemicals and allied industries education and training

l engineering

qualification for any full-time health and

hospitals and clinics

safety job).

local government

l manufacturing l

oil and gas

l transport

NEBOSH National General Certificate The essential first step to a career in HSE www.nebosh.org.uk/qualifications/certificate/default.asp?cref=26

l telecommunications.

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

NEED TO KNOW 1. Health & Safety Executive – the government body that ensures risks to health and safety from work situations are properly controlled 2. Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – the professional body for HSE practitioners 3. National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) – an independent awarding body for health, safety and environmental management qualifications (universities and other bodies also provide qualifications

practice will provide you with good

NEBOSH

recognised by IOSH)

career opportunities. N/SVQ level 3 is

The NEBOSH National Diploma in

equivalent to a NEBOSH Certificate (level

Occupational Health and Safety is seen

3) recognised by IOSH for TechIOSH

as the qualification for aspiring HSE

membership. Other NVQs are at level 5,

professionals, designed to provide students

while the NEBOSH Diploma is at level 6 and

with the expertise required to undertake a

is recognised for GradIOSH membership.

career as a safety and health practitioner.

NEBOSH Certificates can be achieved in

The National General Certificate is

two weeks, however the Diploma takes

not a mandatory entry requirement

longer to achieve (it can be done in a year

for the Diploma, however it is highly

but may take longer).

recommended.

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

NEBOSH offers the following HSE-

Get qualified!

but, if you’re looking to use your SLC for

related courses:

To become an HSE adviser, you can either

training that is below the level 3 threshold,

study for health and safety qualifications

you might want to consider, say, the

once you already have a job, or take a

level 2 Award in Health and Safety in

relevant training course before you look

the Workplace, which provides essential

for a trainee position. The type of training

knowledge and understanding of health

you choose will depend on the industry you

and safety in the workplace. There is also

work in, or wish to work in. All workplace

a level 1 Award in Health and Safety in

HSE practitioners need a basic core of

a Construction Environment, if you are

knowledge in order to practise effectively.

looking to work in a HSE-related role in the

If you are new to HSE, you can start

construction industry; this qualification

by taking an introductory course that

will give you the essential knowledge to

covers the basics (health and safety in the

manage health and safety, and holding it

workplace, regulations, risk assessment

will also allow you to take your CITB test

and basic accident investigation). Courses

and apply for your CSCS card.

are usually available on a part-time basis

To work as a full-time health and safety

or can be done via online and distance

officer, you may need a higher level of

learning. Courses for which you could use

qualification approved by the IOSH (see

your ELC include:

below). You can progress to more advanced

level 3 Award in Health and Safety in

qualifications as your skills develop and

the Workplace

your level of responsibility grows.

National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (level 6)

International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (level 6)

Diploma in Environmental Management (level 6)

National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (level 3)

Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate (level 3)

National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (level 3)

International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (level 3)

National Certificate in Environmental Management (level 3)

National Certificate in the Management of Health and Well-being at Work (level 3)

International Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (level 3)

level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety.

In particular, N/SVQs at levels 3 and 4 in occupational health and safety

ELC and SLC cannot be used together

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

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

FIND JOB VACANCIES AT …

FIND OUT MORE …

l HealthandSafety-Jobs

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

www.

healthandsafety-jobs.co.uk l

Safety and Health Practitioner magazine www.shp4jobs.co.uk

details of how to make the most of your

to meet business needs or for personal

IOSH Magazine www.ioshmagazine.com

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

development.

Major online job sites and recruitment

pages 10–30.

agencies, such as HSE Recruitment l

What can you earn?

Network and Shirley Parsons

Finding employment

Websites of large organisations and

As noted above, most HSE officers/

multinationals

advisers get into this role by either

Websites and publications relating to

completing a qualification and then looking

Salaries vary widely depending on role

the industry you’re interested in, e.g.

for work or studying while working. Note,

and responsibilities, location and type of

construction

though, that it is becoming more common

company. They can range from £22,000

National and local media

for advisers to enter the profession with

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

a degree-level qualification. Some good

exact role. The current average salary for

International Technical Certificate in Oil

advice is that employers tend to favour

HSE professionals with up to four years’

and Gas Operational Safety (level 3)

job applicants who have good people

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

NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process

management and interpersonal skills.

those with up to nine years’ experience.

Safety Management (level 3)

Health and safety professionals should

HSE trainers are also well paid by today’s

NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Health and

also keep their skills up to date. And, if

standards. A NEBOSH National Diploma

Safety Leadership Excellence (level 3).

you can bring a range of additional skills

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

– such as being able to provide in-house

depending on experience and managerial

IOSH

training in areas like manual handling

responsibility. With experience and more

Membership of the IOSH is seen as

or first aid – that’s another benefit as

responsibility, senior HSE advisers could

essential by most HSE professionals who

far as employers are concerned. In

earn £50,000 or more. Q

are beyond ‘competent’ person status and

addition, the Management of Health

specialists in their field. Membership grades

and Safety at Work Regulations

depend on a combination of qualifications,

outline the legal requirements for

experience and achievement. The IOSH

safety management issues and, if

also runs a series of courses that promote

anything, this increases the need

a culture of safe working, such as its

for companies to employ ‘competent’

Managing Safely course. You can find out

persons themselves, as opposed to dealing

more on its website (see ‘Key contacts’).

with safety issues via consultants.

Other qualifications

employing an individual to a major

Scientific, engineering or technical degrees,

organisation that has an entire safety

HNDs, HNCs, National Diplomas and National

team. Some companies specialise in HSE

Certificates are particularly appropriate

issues such as planning supervision,

for HSE roles. There are also postgraduate

safety audits, engineering surveying and

qualifications in HSE, with particular

insurance company safety assessments.

emphasis on occupational, environmental

Facilities management is another sector

and hygiene aspects. Some universities

where employment possibilities are

have MSc distance learning programmes

enhanced by a safety qualification. As

that focus on HSE and can lead to corporate

noted above, many employers look for HSE

membership of the IOSH (see above) within

advisers to have training qualifications, and

a year. Training can be expensive, but there

to be able to assess the need for, design

is financial help available.

and deliver safety training.

Use your ELC

inspectors and other staff through an

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

online recruitment process. Trainees

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

will usually spend their first two years

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

training in the Field Operations Directorate.

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

After that, some may be deployed into

com and is at level 3 or above. For full

the Hazardous Installations Directorate

Note: the following figures are intended as a guideline only.

Jobs range from a small company

The Health & Safety Executive employs

KEY CONTACTS

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 0300 003 1747 advice@hse.gsi.gov.uk www.hse.gov.uk @H_S_E Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) 0116 257 3100 reception@iosh.co.uk www.iosh.co.uk @IOSH_tweets National Compliance & Risk Qualifications (NCRQ) 01244 893575 enquiries@ncrq.org.uk www.ncrq.org.uk @NCRQ_UK National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) 0116 263 4700 info@nebosh.org.uk www.nebosh.org.uk @NEBOSHTweets

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

HE Q&A

with Chief Petty Officer Mark Campbell location, course dates), it was clear that

list them on my CV, changing ‘Result

Woodward offered the best value for

Pending’ to ‘Achieved’. I’ve recently

money by far. After using one of my ELCs

applied for a variety of health and safety

to pay for the majority of the total cost,

positions, ranging from HSEQ manager to

I was left with a small balance to pay,

health, safety and well-being consultant

which was pretty much covered by my

and environmental officer, all of which

resettlement grant. The booking process

required a NEBOSH qualification. I’ve got

was very simple and straightforward, and

two interviews on the horizon and a couple

was handled superbly by Sharon Long

more job closing dates to expire, but the

at Woodward, who is an admin ninja. My

future is looking promising.

booking confirmation and all the necessary

If you are considering gaining any

course documentation were supplied

NEBOSH qualification as part of your

quickly and efficiently by Sharon, who also

resettlement, I would certainly recommend

sent me regular updates too.

using Woodward SHE Ltd. They are very

over six weeks and all took place at

value for money. I can’t thank Woodward

consider which courses to apply for during

Catterick Leisure Centre spanning a ten-

enough for helping me gain my NEBOSH

my resettlement period, and pursuing a

week period. The extra weeks scheduled

health and safety qualifications, especially

career in health and safety seemed the

between the courses were great for

Alan Springhall, who made everyone feel

obvious path to follow. In fact, you could

two reasons: first, they allowed you

welcome and valued – and made everything

say it was a no-brainer. As a member of

valuable time to complete your module

seem like common sense. Q

the Armed Forces, regardless of rank, you

projects, which had to be submitted by

are embroiled in a strong health and safety

specific deadlines; and second, they gave

culture whether you like it or not, always

your brain time to recover after being

WHAT’S IT REALLY LIKE?

being encouraged to follow the rules,

bombarded with information.

To get a real idea of what it’s like to

fter completing 22 years in the Royal Navy, I reached the point when I needed to seriously

and enforce the correct procedures and

My five NEBOSH courses were split

Our instructor for the majority of the

professional and friendly, and offer great

transition from the Armed Forces to an HSE

practices, all while embracing a ‘work safe,

courses was Alan Springhall, who was

role, take a look at the following reports

home safe’ attitude.

fantastic throughout and proved to be

from other former Service personnel who

a health and safety guru. He was highly

studied with NEBOSH and did just that:

package through Woodward SHE Ltd, which

professional and extremely knowledgeable

consisted of five NEBOSH certificates.

in all health and safety matters, which

and Security Manager, Royal Yacht

These included the General Certificate,

truly helped when explaining the content

Britannia, former Royal Navy www.

the International General Certificate, the

of the modules. Alan’s expert knowledge

nebosh.org.uk/fileupload/upload/

Construction Certificate, the Fire Safety

of the subject, coupled with his plethora

Darren%20Culshaw%20%20

and Risk Management Certificate and the

of examples, scenarios and situations,

Final2822018271137.pdf

Environmental Management Certificate.

gave everyone an excellent base on which

When I compared other companies that

to build. All the modules culminated in a

former Royal Marine www.nebosh.

were offering similar NEBOSH packages,

closed-book two-hour written exam, which

org.uk/fileupload/upload/Adam%20

and taking everything into account (cost,

was policed and adjudicated by James

King%20Renewi3172018261435.pdf

I decided to take a combined NEBOSH

AS A MEMBER OF THE ARMED FORCES, REGARDLESS OF RANK, YOU ARE EMBROILED IN A STRONG HEALTH AND SAFETY CULTURE WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT

Duggan following the strict NEBOSH

Darren Culshaw, Health, Safety

Adam King, Head of SHEQ, Renewi,

Mark Stevens, Health and Safety

guidelines and rules to the letter. After

Advisor, The Building Safety Group,

completing the exam, it was time to endure

former Royal Engineer www.

the agonising wait for the results – a

nebosh.org.uk/fileupload/upload/

gruelling 12-week period.

Mark%20Stevens%20Case%20

It’s now been six months since I started my first NEBOSH certificate back

Study2112017541146.pdf l

Mark Richardson, Health and Safety

in February 2018, and I’ve received all my

Manager, Vue Entertainment,

results. I passed all the certificates with

Army Reservist www.nebosh.org.

flying colours and I can now legitimately

uk/fileupload/upload/Mark%20 Richardson221220175895.pdf

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

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

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RAIL

Light at the end of the tunnel

Like many youngsters, you may have dreamed of becoming a train driver one day – that’s still a possibility, of course, but the modern rail industry offers so much more scope than that, with jobs covering a huge range of areas, from signaller to site manager, engineer to HR officer. Does rail offer the route you’ve been looking for?

contractors. Designing and building trains is an international industry, with multinational companies using their worldwide experience. There are also rail-related public-sector jobs working for government departments or agencies. The structure of Britain’s rail industry has featured in the news a great deal recently, particularly with regard to the controversial planned HS2 high-speed

What’s involved?

the UK’s passenger train services, and

overhaul of the UK rail system to which

ail offers an environmentally

look to recruit people who can look after

the government has pledged investment,

friendly way to transport people

their customers at stations or on their

aiming to achieve greater efficiency,

and freight around the country.

trains. They are also seeking people to

reduced congestion, environmental

Within the sector, many different career

drive their high-speed or metro trains,

benefits and lower fares. Such an

opportunities are available, fuelled by the

and technicians to look after the complex

approach is sure to have a fundamental

fast growth of the industry, which has

equipment involved every day.

effect on the sector, increasing the range

created demand for enthusiastic people

Network Rail is the national

of job opportunities for those wishing

with new ideas to meet the challenges

organisation that looks after the rail

to take up a new career in this thriving

that lie ahead.

track and signals; it needs people who

industry.

UK train operating companies (TOCs

rail link. This is just part of the radical

understand how to make a complex

for short), like Arriva, Merseyrail and

system work efficiently. Many other

Skill up while serving

Virgin, run the National Rail Network.

organisations supply goods and services

Rail is an excellent transport resource

That means they are responsible for

– such as caterers, consultants and

for heavy and bulk items. Many military

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

THE DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR THE UK RAIL SECTOR ADD UP TO A GROWING DEMAND FOR NEW STAFF

bachelor’s degrees

master’s degrees.

There are various different qualifications

NETWORK RAIL NEEDS YOU!

available that can help you make yourself

You may be used to a field-based

more attractive to employers in the first

environment working with big kit in all

instance. And, don’t forget, you can use

weathers. Or you may have been desk based,

your ELC for rail-related qualifications at

involved in planning and analysis, strategic

level 3 and above.

design, systems or electrical engineering.

The National Skills Academy

Dependent on your skills and experience,

movements use rail transport, large

for Rail (NSAR) (see ‘Key contacts’)

you may be suited to one of our engineering

supply depots will often include loading

National Network supports professional

functions:

and unloading facilities, and the use of

development and training throughout

l maintenance

troop and medical evacuation trains

the UK. This includes Network Rail, the

is quite normal. Indeed, establishing a

National College for High Speed Rail,

l track

railhead, as well as a port and airhead,

private providers, specialist centres

is an early priority in any expeditionary

(e.g. the National Training Academy for

l construction

operation, to enable bulk shipment of

Rail) and strategic-partner FE colleges

manpower and material.

and universities. The Network ensures

Just like the Forces, we rely on a number

If you’re considering a career in the

asset information buildings and civils signalling, power and communication

there is access to quality professional

of support functions. If you don’t feel

rail industry, the following general skills

development and training throughout the

engineering is for you, we have plenty of

will boost your chances:

UK.

other areas that you may be better suited to,

people skills – customer care and team

The following qualifications are also

such as:

working

considered very complementary to a

technical skills – IT and engineering

variety of rail-connected careers:

l finance

skills for some roles

APM Project Management, for aspiring

l HR

rail-related project managers

l legal

CSCS Certification – many rail projects

require construction workers to hold

Join us and we’ll give you every opportunity

a valid CSCS (Construction Skills

to develop a highly rewarding and long-term

Certification Scheme) card, which

career, offering training and development

The variety of different jobs in the rail

proves they are competent at carrying

that will make the most of your potential.

transport sector means that there are

out specific tasks

commercial skills – an understanding of the marketplace and the ability to

optimise resources.

Get qualified! several different routes into it. At entry

IRSE (Royal Institution of Railway

level, good maths, English and IT skills

Signal Engineers) Accredited

are in demand, while, for more senior

Technician, for those wishing to work

roles, technical, engineering and business-

specifically in signalling.

commercial management

project management.

Source: Network Rail, www.networkrail.co.uk

Finding employment

related qualifications are sought after,

In addition, registration as a Chartered

Despite the recessionary gloom lingering

along with soft skills like those highlighted

Engineer (CEng) is recommended for

in some sectors, the future for railways

above, in the ‘Skill up while serving’

technical rail professionals.

remains remarkably bright. Both

section. Network Rail runs training courses for

passenger and freight transportation

Use your ELC

demand remains high and is predicted

employees, in areas like maintenance and

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range

to continue to grow, as road gridlock

signalling. It offers a range of programmes

of learning can be taken, provided it

becomes ever more common and fuel

that are accredited by universities,

is offered by an approved provider

prices increase. As noted above, new and

colleges or professional bodies, providing

listed on the ELC website at www.

improved railway lines are planned for the

job-related training at all levels, including:

enhancedlearningcredits.com and is at

near future, so it seems that rail travel is

National Vocational Qualifications

level 3 or above. For full details of how to

definitely here to stay.

(NVQs)

make the most of your ELC, refer to our

Higher National Certificates (HNCs)

in-depth features on pages 10–30.

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)

cross-over between the two careers: ‘The

professional diplomas

skills and experience you’ll have picked

Network Rail is also keen to recruit ex-Forces personnel, recognising the

up in the Forces are easily transferable to the kind of work we do here. The big

GET INFORMED For detailed information about the kinds of career opportunities offered by the rail industry, see: www.networkrail.co.uk/careers

connection is safety. You’ll know that keeping yourself and your colleagues safe is top priority in the Forces. And it is for

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RAIL As you might expect, there is a lot of

IF YOU DO WANT TO BE A TRAIN DRIVER …

competition for train driver positions,

Visit the website of Careers that

recruit drivers. The job has come a long

about vacancies is to look online. All the

Move, an organisation that – as its

way from the schoolboy dream, with

train operators are linked through one

name suggests – focuses on careers

today’s driver having a critical safety

central National Railways site operated by

in the passenger transport sector.

role, and needing to undergo a rigorous

the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and virtually

The site offers an array of very useful

aptitude test and training programme.

all the companies’ home pages include a

interactive tools designed to support

Qualifications are less important than the

job opportunities list. Network Rail has its

you in your job search in this industry

ability to think clearly and concentrate,

own site (see ‘Key contacts’) with a useful

– whether you’re looking at train driver

and rewards reflect the importance of

job search facility and full details of the

roles or something else. To find out

the person in the cab, who can attract a

sorts of roles on offer.

more about this particular career,

salary of up to £50,000 (source: Careers

though, visit careersthatmove.co.uk

that Move).

and scroll down to click on the ‘Career

case for some time to come.

with many TOCs actively seeking to

A good way to get more information

It is less simple to check for vacancies with subcontractors because these

TOCs are also finding it difficult to

companies rely heavily on agency staff.

map’ tool. Then, in the ‘Industries’

recruit customer service staff to work

There are many agencies, and several have

menu on the left, select ‘Rail’. Here you

at stations and on trains. These positions

websites offering work in maintenance, as

can click on various areas of interest to

need few formal qualifications, but they do

well as other short-term contract work at

access a huge amount of advice about

require an ability to deal with the travelling

stations and on trains Q

how to become a train driver, as well

public. Network Rail has a significant

as many other rail and transport roles.

shortage of signallers, too, and is seeking

There is also in-depth information on

new recruits. As with driving, the job of

light rail, tram and metro roles. It’s

regulating train movements demands

really worth a look!

attention to detail rather than a long list of qualifications. Infrastructure maintenance

us too. After all, millions of people depend

organisations employ a small core staff,

on us every day to get them to their

and there are vacancies for workers

destination, safely.’ Good news if your

to maintain the track and signalling

plan is to pursue a rail-related career!

structures. Skill levels vary from technical

The aforementioned developments

THE INDUSTRY HAS RECRUITMENT PROBLEMS AT ALL LEVELS, PARTICULARLY IN SPECIALIST ENGINEERING POSITIONS

staff with engineering experience

planned for the UK rail sector add up to

and qualifications, to gangs of track

a growing demand for new staff on the

maintainers who need physical strength

railways, although the industry already

and can work in all weathers. Many

has recruitment problems at all levels,

specialist agencies work under

particularly in specialist engineering

contract to supply such people.

positions, so if that’s your specialism you

This can provide flexible work, good

could find yourself very much in demand.

rates of pay and a useful entry into

One significant development has been

the industry.

the requirement placed on Network Rail’s

engineering jobs; this is likely to remain the

There are also management and

contractors to employ more staff direct

engineering opportunities. Rail is very

and rely less on agencies, in an attempt to

much a people business, with many staff

improve standards in the quality of new

and even more passengers, and there

build, with the in-house management of

is significant demand for experienced

maintenance also calling for new staff.

customer service managers. It is also a

Indeed, Network Rail has announced that

business that relies on getting the most

it is in the process of creating more skilled

out of limited physical resources, so

engineering jobs to help deliver some

those with a logistics background are

of Britain’s most vital rail infrastructure

in demand. Academic qualifications and

projects.

practical experience help to secure the

THOSE WITH A LOGISTICS BACKGROUND ARE IN DEMAND

better-paid management positions, but the most serious skill shortage remains in the engineering functions, which is why, as noted above, Network Rail has announced the creation of the more skilled

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

KEY CONTACTS

Rail Delivery Group (RDG) 0207 841 8000 info@raildeliverygroup.com www.raildeliverygroup.com Careers that Move careersthatmove.co.uk @careersthatmove National Skills Academy for Rail 0203 021 0575 enquiries@nsar.co.uk www.nsar.co.uk @nsarltd Network Rail 0207 557 8000 www.networkrail.co.uk @networkrail

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 infoÂ please call (01473)242344 or email: info@rttsolutions.co.uk RT Training solutions Ltd registered in England and Wales: 8171597

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

NVQ Level 33 Diploma Diploma Railway in Railway NVQ Level Diploma inin Railway NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Railway Overhead Line Construction Engineering Line Construction Engineering Technician Competence Engineering Overhead Line Construction (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) (RQF) Akona Ltd Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd isis a aTraining Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd is aTraining Training Solutions Company specialising the delivery various vocational training packages. inin the delivery ofof various vocational training packages. in the delivery of various vocational training packages. We offer variety rail courses and 2014 We offer a awide variety ofof rail courses and ininin 2014 We offer awide wide variety of rail courses and 2014 opened new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a abrand new indoor practical rail training centre. opened a brand brand new indoor practical rail training centre. Akona Ltd an NSARE approved provider Overhead Akona Ltd isisis an NSAR approved provider ofof Overhead Akona Ltd an NSAR approved provider of Overhead lineConstruction Training whichmeets NetworkRail line Training which toto Network lineElectrification Construction Training which meets meets to NetworkRail Rail Standards. Standards. Standards.

ContactUs Us Contact

Contact Us Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Visit: www.akona.biz Email: info@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Email: training@akona.biz Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Tel: 01928 518004 Rail Course List: Rail Course Rail Course List: AC Personal Track List: Safety Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety AC Initial Personal Track Safety DCCR OLEC 1 11 OLEC OLEC OLEC 2 22 OLEC OLEC OLEC 3 33 OLEC OLEC NVQ Level 3Level Diploma in in Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ Diploma in Railway Railway Engineering NVQ Level 3Level Diploma Railway Engineering Overhead NVQ 3 3Diploma in Engineering Line Construction (QCF) Line Construction (QCF) Technician Competence (RQF) Overhead Line Construction (QCF)

This Level 33 Qualification includes: This Level Qualification includes: This Level 3 Qualification includes: • • Personal Track Safety DCCR (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) Personal Track Safety AC Initial (PTS) • • Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Health and Safety Training (Working Safely at Heights, Moving and Handling, Safely at at Heights, Manual Handling, Safely Heights, Manual Handling, Manual Handling, Harness Safety,and Fire Harness Safety, Fire Awareness Harness Safety, Fire Awareness and Awareness and Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) Emergency First Aid) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 Common Induction (ICI) • Industry Industry Common Induction (ICI) (OLEC 1) • • Overhead Line Electrification Level 1 1 Overhead Line Electrification Level  Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 (OLEC 1) 1) (OLEC (OLEC 2) • Overhead Line Electrification Level 2 Overhead Line Electrification Level  • Overhead Line Electrification Level 3 2 (OLEC 2) (OLEC (OLEC 3) 2)

The course will be completed in in our indoor The course will completed our indoor The course will bebe completed in our brand practical rail training centre and includes practical rail training centre and includes new indoor practical rail training centre practical training sessions, classroom practical training sessions, classroom and includes practical training sessions, sessions and assessments. sessions and assessments. classroom sessions and assessments. For this qualification we can offer you a rail AsAs Akona is is anan ELCAS approved Akona Ltd ELCAS approved sponsor andLtd employment opportunities. training provider this qualification can bebe training provider this qualification can funded byby Enhanced Learning Credits. funded Enhanced Learning Credits. As Akona Ltd is an ELCAS approved training provider this qualification can be funded by Enhanced Learning Credits.

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR ELC THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA

The Access to Higher Education Diploma

Opportunities and challenges for students with a Services background

he Access to Higher Education

Opportunities

(Access to HE) Diploma is a widely

Last year, 24,895 successful Access to HE

education was disrupted – she had

recognised qualification that

students started university – most of them

attended 11 schools by the time she was

provides a second chance for adults who

were over 21 and returning to study after a

12. She started her Access to HE course at

left school without the qualifications

break. Many of them had studied courses

the age of 43, taking the difficult decision

needed to enter higher education. It is

to prepare them for jobs in areas with skills

to give up her job. After completing her

regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency

shortages, which therefore helped them

degree she became a lecturer, providing

for Higher Education (QAA).

contribute to UK productivity. More than

support and inspiration to others like her.

As a Services child, Sue Nelson’s

90% of Access to HE graduates were in

Alan Searle, a 33-year-old widower

The idea of studying for a degree

employment or further study six months

with three children, was a former engineer

had always been in the back of my

after they completed their degree. The

looking to return to work after taking

mind, but I’d never looked into it

most popular subjects studied at university

time out to look after his family following

seriously

by Access to HE students are nursing

the death of his wife. He did not have

and other subjects allied to medicine,

the qualifications he needed to gain

social studies (including social work) and

employment and needed to re-skill, so he

education.

took an Access to HE Diploma. During his

Chris Healey, former Access to HE student

course he was diagnosed with dyslexia

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

and was given additional support to

before taking a degree in archaeology. He

make his learning difficulty work to his

says: ‘Walking into the course on my first

advantage. He completed his degree and

day was very nerve racking after such a

a postgraduate teaching qualification, and

long time away from formal education.

became a lecturer, sharing his experience

However, I was amazed to discover that I

with others in similar situations. He now

wasn’t the oldest person there and other

runs his own business providing training on

students had similar life experiences to

team working and resilience.

mine.’ Access to HE Diplomas are available in a

IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT YOUR FUNDING OPTIONS CAREFULLY TO MAKE SURE YOU MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Interest is charged at the rate of inflation plus up to 3%.3

The other students and staff made

wide range of subjects, from engineering to

the transition back into education

nursing. More than 1,000 QAA-recognised

a very enjoyable and exciting

Access to HE Diplomas are listed on the

offer bursaries to students to pay for things

experience.

database on the Access to HE website. You

like course materials, travel or childcare. To

can search by subject, college or location.

find out more about bursaries you need to

Most Diplomas are taught in further

speak to your course provider. Transition

Education plays an important role in

education colleges. However, they are also

charities may also be able to help.

individual personal development. For many

available from private training providers,

Access to HE students, the Diploma has

some of which offer distance learning study

options carefully to make sure you make the

changed their lives and helped them pursue

options.

best choice for you and your family. Access

Alan Searle

a graduate profession or gain promotion. Research by Bath Spa University also

Many universities and charities also

It is important to look at your funding

to HE providers, your education officer or

Challenges

transition staff should be able to help you

showed that the Diploma helped Service

choose the best route.

leavers in their transition from military to

They need to make it clear that

civilian life – taking part in an Access to HE

you can have the option of doing a

Find out more

Diploma brings together adults who are

degree, even when you don’t have

You may find the following websites

making that transition to a new life.

A-levels … and be sure that you

helpful.

understand the [Publicly Funded FE/

Access to HE website:

HE] scheme.

www.accesstohe.ac.uk

The Access course, for me, was

ex-Army2

deprogramming the Army and reprogramming the civvy.

Real-life stories: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/RealLife

ex-Army1 The Diploma is different to other

There are no funds to help spouses

Diploma database: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/

[education], yet I’d given up my

SubSites/PublicSearch/

career so that he could have one.

Advanced Learner Loans:

Services spouse

qualifications in that it also uses the

www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan Enhanced Learning Credits:

experience and life skills of the students taking it; students use their skills to support

Service leavers have a number of options to

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

one another and manage their time. The

fund their studies:

UCAS: www.ucas.com

most recent data show that Access to HE

students are less likely to leave their degree courses than mature students with other

Enhanced Learning Credits (if you’re registered)

qualifications. Retired policeman Chris Healey started an Access to HE course in 2007 after taking

higher education course must be done

HISTORY OF ACCESS TO HE AND THE ROLE OF QAA

immediately after the Access to HE

QAA regulates the Access to HE

course)

Diploma by licensing Access Validating

Advanced Learner Loan.

Agencies (AVAs) to award the Access

the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the

on a number of unfulfilling consultancy

roles. He took a course in politics, history,

An Advanced Learner Loan might be an

to HE Diploma. QAA manages the

American studies and business studies

option and repayments don’t begin until

Diploma specification, which governs the

you start to earn more than £25,000 per

structure of the qualification, and the

year. And if you achieve a QAA-recognised

licensing criteria that detail how AVAs

Access to HE course, the balance of the loan

must manage the qualification.

TAKING PART IN AN ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA BRINGS TOGETHER ADULTS WHO ARE MAKING THAT TRANSITION TO A NEW LIFE 1 http://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/8454/1/8454.pdf 2 http://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/8454/1/8454.pdf 3 www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

will be written off when you complete your higher education studies.

The qualification was established in the 1970s and continues to be designed

Advanced Learner Loans attract

to increase participation in higher

interest from the time your first payment

education by individuals who are under-

is made until the loan is paid back in full.

represented.

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

o claim them YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

y detailed guidance from ingleâ&#x20AC;?Service education

Next steps

Read JSP898 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills. urposes â&#x2014;? Register for the scheme in accordance e for fullâ&#x20AC;?time or partâ&#x20AC;?time with published guidelines. â&#x2014;? Think about what fits your personal fication at level 3 or above, development plan and your future. e NQF or SCQF, with an â&#x2014;? Check that the course you wish to enrol the approved providers list on is allowable under the rules. This might include: degrees â&#x2014;? Get the necessary approval to enrol. e qualifications â&#x2014;? Talk with your line manager and mic qualifications education/learning staff. selfâ&#x20AC;?development or general enquiries â&#x2014;? Startabout learning, make the most of the to scheme, eligibility and n of prior learning qualifications, seek youradvice life. from the following singleraining Service education and resettlement staff in the first and accreditation fees instance, not ELCAS. ELCASâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role is to administer applications, ications not provide advice and guidance on eligibility or education/ IMPORTANT REMINDER! alifications learning or resettlement needs. Policy helpline details are as t training (during last two If you left the Armed Forces in 2006 and have ice only). follows. yet to use your ELC, time is running out. You l RN: RN/RM Education and Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval claimed for: have ten years after leaving Service to make Education and Training Support ning your claim, so act Officers now. Use(NETSOs) it or lose it!and Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning edited Service training ast 30 hours extra work is Centres. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS gether with a separate clarification of sS instructions should contact SO3 EL3R, at DII: From its inception until the end of ment or assignment) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET SO3Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ( Mil: 93832 5954 September 2015, 367,632 people had p fees Civ: 02392 625954) registered with the ELC scheme and materials l Army: Individual 111,094 Education and Resettlement Officers claims had been made, to the(IERO), ice sport and adventurous value of ÂŁ162.6 at Army Education Centres, whichmillion. must be used by Service â&#x2014;?

Useful contacts

Need to know more? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who can help â&#x20AC;Ś

leavers on resettlement. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further clarification of sS instructions should contact the relevant SO2 Retention and Resettlement in Regional Command (RC) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DII: RC-Pers-ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-PersETS-S-RetResSO2 or Civ: ( l

Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264 381580)

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors (PLAs), and Resettlement and Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF Learning Centres. Education and Resettlement Staff seeking further clarification of sS instructions should contact SO2 Accreditation at DII: â&#x20AC;&#x2122;22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; (

Mil: 95751 6888 Civ: 01400

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which I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t while I was in the forces, so now I get

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

47 11

Q Plan ahead! Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52

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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 wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen. You must take steps to find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 PDâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6; Route Map

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

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

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

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 MODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central distance learning resource, providing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sources of advice and financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

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

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

College Courses

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

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

Personal Development Record (PDR)

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

Key: Q Service personnel

Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

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

Enhanced Learning Credits

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

Individual Resettlement Training Costs grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract, called Contract Funded (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

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

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

University Short Courses

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

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

Jobcentre Plus 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

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 October/November 2018

HUB THE

THE HUB

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

Win a limited edition signed print from Jacqueline Hurley’s War Poppy Collection

Artist Jacqueline Hurley began painting her War Poppy Collection in 2014 as a remembrance and tribute to her friend, Royal Marine Neil Dunstan, who was tragically killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan in 2008. Says Jacqueline, ‘The paintings flow from my heart on to the canvas. Although my scenes depict war, I try to bring an element and sense of peace to my work, this being what we all hope for and for which lives have been sacrificed.

REMEMBRANCE DAY IS EVERY DAY

‘As I paint my poppies, I am thinking of the strength and boldness of the lives they represent. My remembrance art is highly textured and features many layers of under-painting. What is hidden is equally as important as what is visible. This represents the mind and the long-term suffering that war often inflicts.’ All of Jacqueline’s paintings feature silhouettes, which often allow her images to become more personal and sentimental to her audience. Jacqueline’s War Poppy Collection has been well received internationally and she is widely regarded as the UK’s foremost

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

remembrance artist, with her paintings being described as poignant and evocative, and touching the hearts and emotions of many. She wants her work to keep the importance of remembrance at the forefront of people’s minds and it has connected with people from all over the world. Jacqueline was honoured to be invited by The Royal British Legion, to which she donates from sales of her artwork, to exhibit her War Poppy Collection at the Royal Albert Hall, London, for the Festival of Remembrance in 2015, 2016 and again in 2017. She also felt extremely privileged when the first full exhibition of her paintings was hosted by the National Memorial Arboretum – the UK’s year-round centre for remembrance – where her paintings were acclaimed by thousands of visitors and even viewed by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge. Jacqueline is Patron of the Tommy Atkins Trust and the Tommy Atkins Centre in Worcestershire. The Tommy Atkins Centre provides help, professional support, assistance and information, all under one roof, in a relaxing and caring environment. As well as being a place to catch up with friends old and new, there’s an opportunity to join in with the activities on

offer, or just have a cuppa and a friendly chat. She is also a Patron of the National Military Working Dogs Memorial UK and Save Our Soldier, which provide help and interventions for soldiers and Veterans in crisis. Jacqueline’s artwork has been used to raise thousands of pounds in support of many Armed Forces charities, including The Royal British Legion, and her War Poppy Collection commemorative coins, by the Koin Club, have raised £100,000 for SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity. She has been supporting Combat Stress since May this year. Win a signed print! QUEST is delighted that Jacqueline has very kindly donated a limited edition signed print for us to give away to one lucky reader. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details of how to win: www.facebook.com/ questmagazine Jacqueline tells us that she does not sell these particular prints signed so they are quite rare. The value can only be estimated according to the amount they have fetched at charity auctions to date: around £100–£200, but with a couple fetching a staggering £450! All images in the collection can be viewed on Jacqueline’s website at www.poshoriginalart.co.uk

>> HOUSING SUPPORT

COACHING CAREERS I did it! Name: Chris Oakes Final Rank: Captain, Master At Arms (MAA), Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) Courses completed: ACT Master Practitioner Coach, NLP Practitioner Coach, SBO Business Coach, ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring with Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) ‘I joined the Army in 1986 and, after ten years with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, transferred into the Army Physical Training Corps. Here I enjoyed a full career helping Service men and women from all three Services develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retiring as a Captain last year to start my own coaching business – “unlocking people potential and maximising people performance” – and turn my life passion into profit. ‘I’d been fortunate to receive quality experience and training in fitness and sports, adventurous training and leadership coaching while serving, but I also knew that, to be considered credible in a largely unregulated industry, I’d best seek a professional qualification. To this end, I employed my ELC to attend ACT and NLP practitioner certification courses, alongside the ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, with Performance People. Aside from being experts within their field, as ex-Service people themselves they have a true understanding of the military mind-set, a great respect for the military ethos and a real passion for helping military people get the very best from themselves. ‘The courses were outstanding: ACT providing the hard science, NLP the soft skills, and ILM assessment enabling me to put theory into practice and demonstrate my return on investment. I’m now looking to attend an SBO (Small Business Owner) Business Coach course, again with Performance People, to provide me with the additional knowledge and skills not only to “do” the business of coaching, but also to run my own life coaching business better.’ If you want to use your ELC to develop yourself along similar lines, contact Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) on +44 (0)7976 821 333, email office@performancepeople.org or visit www.performancepeople.org See the advertisement on page 47

Much-needed Veterans’ housing shortlisted for prestigious award A much-needed housing development that offers bespoke support and housing to a mixed community of Veterans of different ages, their partners and families has been shortlisted for a prestigious award within the housing industry. Centenary Lodge (pictured) in Evelyn Avenue, Aldershot, was officially opened by housing charity Stoll’s Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex, in June. The scheme was built to address the lack of housing for former members of the Armed Forces. Stoll chose to build new supported housing for Veterans in Aldershot following nationwide research it commissioned that identified Aldershot as an area of high unmet need. Anne Walker, scheme coordinator at Centenary Lodge, says: ‘Leaving the Armed Forces and returning to civvy street can be really tough, especially if you’re struggling with physical injuries or mental health issues. I’ve seen firsthand how having a safe and supported place to call home, which is affordable, can really make all the difference.’ Duncan Allan served with The Second Battalion, Parachute Regiment (2 Para) for more than 15 years. Prior to moving in to Centenary Lodge, Duncan was living in a cold, uncarpeted flat, with no natural light. His mobility issues were compounded by the steep stairs and a totally unsuitable bathroom with no functioning shower. ‘Following my time in the Forces,’ he says, ‘I began struggling with PTSD and, coupled with my physical problems, I found myself sinking lower and lower in a totally unsuitable flat. Now I have the accessible space I need and, best of all, I can see the sun coming up, which stays in my living room until the early afternoon. Moving here has not only benefited

my physical well-being, it’s given me peace of mind. In fact, I’d go as far as to say my state of mind has improved by around 75%. I’ve made some great new friends and now have a good support network. I really don’t know where I’d be without Stoll.’ Centenary Lodge has been shortlisted in the Best Affordable Housing Development category at the Inside Housing Development Awards. The awards will be judged by experts from across the housing sector, with the winner announced at a ceremony in London in late November. Anne comments: ‘There’s a real shortage of this kind of quality, affordable housing for Veterans, who have given so much for their country. Centenary Lodge is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and hard work put in by everyone involved in the project that has helped to make it a truly special place for Veterans in need. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved here and would be thrilled to win this award.’ For more information about Stoll, take a look at our feature on page 66 or visit www.stoll.org.uk

>> HEALTH AND SAFETY COURSE NEWS

New NEBOSH training venue launched in Tidworth Woodward SHE Ltd (pictured) from South West Health delivered its first NEBOSH and Safety. Andrew will be our ‘man National General Certificate on the ground’ helping to ensure that resettlement course at our course delegates in Tidworth have Catterick Garrison in the best possible training experience. March 1993, and we’ve Andrew has more than 22 years’ been delivering NEBOSH experience in the military, serving resettlement training to in the King’s Royal Hussars, who are Service leavers ever since – based in Tidworth. Andrew still has Andrew O’Donnell with excellent results. links to the local military community Following the successful as he provides health and safety launch of our NEBOSH training courses at and first aid training courses to soldiers who Catterick last summer, we are pleased to are about to the leave the military, and their announce the launch of our new training spouses, as part of resettlement training. His venue in Tidworth. Tidworth is a long way from passion for health and safety enables him Catterick, so our new courses in Tidworth are to provide training to military and civilian being managed locally by Andrew O’Donnell personnel alike, often giving them the skills

and confidence to gain employment once they leave the military. Woodward is Provider 4435 in the ELC scheme, and with an average ELC evaluation score of 97% (as of 13 August 2018) you know you are going to get excellent training from us! We are looking forward to our first course in Tidworth, starting on 29 October 2018. Contact us for more details: Tel: 01228 592614 Fax: 01228 593769 Email: info@woodwardgroup.co.uk Website: www.woodward-group.co.uk/elcfunded-training See the advertisement on page 37

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

THE HUB

Want to work with animals?

Qualify to work as an animal hydrotherapist! If you have a love and passion for animals and their wellbeing, and some experience/handling or working with animals, this could be a great new career for you. There is a great deal of flexibility in a canine hydrotherapy career. You could begin working in a company or set up your own business. Depending on your client base, your hours are likely to be very flexible, and can be managed on a full-time or parttime basis. What is animal hydrotherapy? Animal hydrotherapists use hydrotherapy techniques to help animals with rehabilitation needs to recover from injury, as part of pain management or even as a type of exercise for animals with mobility issues. Vets will refer animals to a registered animal hydrotherapist, who will review the case before devising a suitable course of treatment. Hydrotherapy is a fantastic way to gradually improve strength and conditioning following surgery or an injury, as it is low-impact. Hydrotherapy can also be used to help animals that need to lose weight. As it is a low-impact form of exercise there is a lower risk of injury. It is also a great stress-busting activity, which can help improve overall circulation, and reduce joint and muscle pain. Get qualified To work as a registered animal hydrotherapist, you must successfully complete the ABC Awards level 3 Diploma course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals. Animal Jobs Direct is an approved animal hydrotherapy training centre and will assist you every step of the way. The theory elements of these courses includes subjects such as the management of medical conditions in hydrotherapy, small animal first aid, anatomy and physiology for small animals, and water management. The practical can be undertaken either in Oxfordshire or Newcastle. Our animal hydrotherapy courses are also available to international students as the assessments can be done by video link. Once you have completed a regulated qualification, you can seek employment as an animal hydrotherapist (register with our job boards for the latest vacancies, or contact animal hydrotherapy centres near where you live with your CV). Alternatively, you can set up your own animal hydrotherapy business! Contact us on 0208 6269646 or visit our website for more information: www.animal-job.co.uk See the advertisement on page 46

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

>> ARMED FORCES SUPPORT

Silver accolade for University of Chichester This University of Chichester has been recognised by the MoD for its commitment to members of the Armed Forces, receiving an Employer Recognition Scheme silver award for supporting Reservists, Cadets, instructors, Veterans, and the families of Service Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Harper (left) personnel. The award, which comes just six months after the university was given the MoD’s bronze decoration, was presented at a ceremony on board HMS Victory in September. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Catherine Harper says staff and students at Chichester are extremely proud to fly the flag in support of the nation’s serving men and women. ‘It is an honour to be granted this prestigious award in testimony of our dedication and commitment to our Armed Forces who play an integral role in the safety of our country. The experience and loyalty that Reservists and Veterans bring to our institution – through leadership, a team ethic and communication skills – is immense. The University of Chichester is always open to Armed Forces personnel who want to partner or study with us.’ The MoD’s Employer Recognition Scheme, launched in 2014, rewards employers with bronze, silver and gold accolades for advocating support to the military. The University of Chichester was presented with the second-tier award after meeting specialist criteria and signing the Armed Forces Covenant. The agreement demonstrates its commitment to the men and women, and families, who have served, and continue to serve, their country. These include Chichester’s own employees who serve as Reservists such as Dr Sarah Needham-Beck, a communications operator with 71 (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment and research fellow at the University’s Institute of Sport. She says: ‘Being a Reservist has given me the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge, and enhance my personal qualities – I now feel more self-assured. The university is extremely supportive and I have been able to apply many of these skills in both my civilian and military careers.’ To find out about the government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, go to www.gov.uk/mod For more on the University of Chichester’s University researcher Dr Sarah Needhamcommitment to the Armed Forces Beck, a communications operator with 71 (City visit www.chi.ac.uk/aboutus of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment

>> COURSE NEWS

X-Forces’ courses! Thinking of self-employment? Check out these FREE workshops and course from X-Forces Enterprise (XFE), the MoD’s official training partner for selfemployment, delivering training through the CTP. l Cardiff: 18 October – SelfEmployment Discovery workshop By the end of this one-day workshop you will have a better idea of what starting a business involves, and a clear understanding of what support is on offer, so you can plan your next steps. Find out more at http://bit.ly/2vF7Plt l Birmingham: 19 October – Self-Employment Discovery workshop Whether you’ve already started working on your business idea or are just considering self-employment, pop along to this workshop and meet likeminded people. Find out more at http://bit. ly/2nFx5nf l Edinburgh: 24–25 October – Business Start Up Skills course This course expands on the content from the Self-Employment Discovery workshop, which you will need to have attended prior

to booking on to this course. Find out more at http://bit. ly/2MLLWY4 l Plymouth: 30 October – Self-Employment Discovery workshop In this workshop you will gain an awareness of what starting up a business means – to you, your family and your finances. Find out more at http://bit.ly/2wbnh8a Find out more about X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) For full details of how to register for XFE’s start-up and business planning support, visit www.xforces.com You can also call them on 0800 368 9533 or email info@x-forces.com

Free course for potential cyber security pros Are you a former Service man or woman with an interest in becoming a threat analyst in information security or in fraud and financial crime? Have you used threat analysis tools like i2 Analyst Notebook in the Armed Forces and wish to gain a certification recognised by employers across the world? Read on … Data and threat analytics is predicted to be one of the fastest-growing career fields, with industry experts predicting there will be 100,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the UK by 2022. With such a high demand for cyber security professionals – and a notable shortage of talent – SaluteMyJob, IBM and the Corsham Institute created an innovative partnership in 2015 to offer free training to certify former and transitioning military personnel as users of IBM’s threat analysis software – i2 Analyst’s Notebook. The next i2 course runs from 29 October to 2 November at Hartham Park in Corsham, Wiltshire, and spaces are still available. The course is a great foundation for anyone looking for employment as a data analyst, especially with organisations that use the i2 product. Recent graduates of the course have found successful employment at Satisnet and Santander – and, with such a huge demand for qualified cyber security professionals, this opportunity is one not to be missed. You do not need experience of intelligence or policing to attend the course or succeed in these roles. Knowledge of the intelligence cycle is helpful, as is the ability to put yourself in the mind of a cyber attacker or organised crime professional, but it is your work ethic, problem-solving abilities and team skills that will best help you to succeed in this type of employment in the commercial world. To apply for the next course, visit www.salutemyjob.com/ ibm-i2-course-information

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 11 October 2018, Southampton CTP Employment Fair 29 November 2018, Telford These CTP employment fairs offer: l

a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market

the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer

presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and

In addition, the full list of Employment Fair dates for 2018 are now available and ready to book (see below). If you wish to book on to any of these dates, call the CTP Central Bookings

vacancies

Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or visit https://www.ctp.

a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large

org.uk/events to find out more.

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.

Event Date

They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-

South Coast Employment Fair

11 October 2018

registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking opportunity.

West Midlands Employment Fair

29 November 2018

Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies!

questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

PRACTICAL ADVICE JOB HUNTING

SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 2: Job market research Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand some more useful advice to power up your job search …

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October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

ABOUT THE SERIES The Ultimate series contains practical advice on essential job search skills to give you the best chance of getting the job you want. Taking you all the way from starting your job search to completing an interview, it includes guidance on CV or résumé and cover letter writing, practice questions for passing aptitude, psychometric and other employment tests, and reliable advice for interviews.

as background data, for both your own

Here you can get internet access, and

country and abroad. They might also

find many of the directories, journals and

Even if you feel your current network

provide useful links to other sites you may

other publications mentioned above. It

is thin, there are plenty of sources of

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contacts …

and recruitment sites might have, or link

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you to, information about labour market

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People People are a very good source of contacts

events, and so on. It’s worth Googling

What should you do with all this

simply because people know other people.

the name of a company or a job title and

research once you have it?

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Summarise the company’s values in

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around you most

List three or four things about it

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Identify the main problems and

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commonly used by your profession

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professional associations and trade associations

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your job search you need to be more

community organisations

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companies, from their name and address to the number of people they employ.

social media sites specifically

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Research sources of contacts and keep

women in business, graduate

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One of the best places to start looking for information is your public library.

helpful information. l

social and leisure groups – health

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

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

PRACTICAL ADVICE JOB HUNTING

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lynn Williams is a career counsellor and trainer who runs workshops on CV writing and interview techniques, and writes regularly on job search and career issues. She is author of bestselling titles Ultimate Interview, Readymade CV and Readymade Job Search Letters (all published by Kogan Page).

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March 2015 / www.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 .

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YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT

STEVE BULLEYMENT

‘W

hy aren’t you open

know you need time at home.

on a Sunday? Don’t

At some point, as you get more

you want the work?’

and more satisfied customers,

This was a potential customer,

something gives. It could be

who was so busy working the

the quality of the service you

rest of the week he only had

provide. Sometimes it’s missing

Sunday to get a spare car key.

your kids in the school play or

He wasn’t happy that I chose to

afterschool dance show. Worst

say ‘No.’

of all, your relationships suffer

I’d tried it, working every

with those you love the most.

hour I could, and here’s what

At my busiest, I worked

happened (and talking to other

70–80 hours a week, much more

business owners it’s a common

than in my RAF days. Other than

pattern) …

The puppy phase Brand new and ready for anything. The phone won’t be ringing much at first, but when it does you spring up and want to play, to get out and do what you’ve been training for. At first, nothing is too much bother, you feel you should be answering the phone night and day, and you’ll take anything that comes along. ‘No’ isn’t in your vocabulary.

The getting-awaywith-it phase

When to say no

‘We have 24-hour supermarkets, you can get a McDonald’s day or night, and Amazon delivers on a Sunday,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshirebased specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘We’re all working longer and expect other people to be open too. But whereas a large business can scale itself up, when you’re on your own, you can’t work 24 hours. You have to sleep and eat – and even have some fun!’

16 years ago and am still doing!) I was a visitor in the house and couldn’t be relied on to get home when needed. I wouldn’t say ‘No’ to any customer and it was a problem. I just couldn’t keep all the plates spinning. One by one, they started to fall and break. Then I had the worst possible experience trying to keep everyone happy. I’d had three weeks off sick, after an operation. Work stacked

much quiet time early on, you’re

you wrote your business plan.

up so high and, just as I was

happy to be working full-time.

However, the mind-set of ‘grab

getting fit enough to drive, the

Eventually you’re not thinking

Eventually, unless there’s a

this job, it may be the last’ is still

2011 snow fell … and fell and

about every single thing. You

recession or global financial

running in the back of your mind

fell. I went out in treacherous

have routines and the phone

crisis (I’ve got the T-shirt), then

and causing problems for you.

weather conditions, desperately

is ringing enough, like a real

you’ll get too busy. This is the

The warning signs are one or

trying to catch up. I developed

business. You’ve got a few

‘reward’ for being professional,

more of the following.

an infection and fever, a

regulars, but the bills are coming

honest and reliable. Doing what

You start to let people down.

complication from the operation.

in too, so that’s handy. You still

you say you will, when you

You miss phone calls

I was working when I should have

grab the work when it’s there.

promise to, is rare in business.

and messages. Regular

been resting. That Christmas,

Local veterans of business (the

At this point, you’d be justified

customers say ‘You’re

just a few weeks after the snow,

ones who can’t afford to retire)

in thinking you’d made it. But

tell you ‘You never know when it

you’re not finished yet.

might stop son. Never turn a job down – it may be your last.’

The established phase

The one-armed plate spinner phase

getting hard to get hold of.’

I spent most of the time in pain

Taking a holiday becomes a

with a temperature – but still the

problem.

phone kept ringing!

You feel guilty when you’re

you been at this now?’, you know you’re established. You’re not panicked about missing the odd call. People can get hold of you any time, so they do. You get busier and busier. After so

Without wanting to sound

at home and feel like you

dramatic, in those dark days I

The success should feel great.

should be at work. Likewise,

was disappointing everyone.

It’s what you dreamed of when

when you’re at work, you

If I was home, I was watching

When people ask you ‘How long

the school run (which I started

the phone; if I was at work, I’d

Visit the Car Key Man YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/TheCarKeyMan

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

dread the phone ringing again. I was late to my customers and letting them down badly. I’d left the RAF to be in charge of my destiny, and yet my life was in my customers’ hands.

Read Steve’s regularly updated blog at: http://steveoncivvystreet.co.uk/

The ‘enough’ phase

learned a few basic things that

If you want to stay married,

help me keep a balance. Here are

and tell them. If they think

broke, simply because I

in business and sane, then

five things I now do to control

you’re coming to do work for

didn’t have a handle on when

something has to give. Thanks

my world and the stress that

them and you don’t turn up,

I was getting paid. So do a

to a coach that was helping

comes with a business. I hope

they’ll be disappointed. Think

good job, charge well and get

me, I finally decided two basic

they help you too.

about how it feels to wait in

paid – or at least have a date

things. First, I needed to find an

1. Be where you are. When

for someone that doesn’t

when you’ll be getting paid.

employee and, second, I needed

you’re at home turn off your

turn up. Manage their

to say ‘No.’ It’s not a natural

work mobile. If you need to

expectations

thing, and even now I feel guilty

be contacted by friends and

when people call out of hours,

family, but don’t want two

sounds obvious, but you’ve

ringing, there’s something

stranded or locked out. However,

mobile phone contracts, then

trained hard to do this and

wrong.

if I’d kept going I wouldn’t have

buy a cheap pay-as-you-go

it’s not just about getting

as a personal phone.

finished. Try to do the

owners we have this amazing

best possible job for your

opportunity to live a life on our

lasted 14 years and still be in

2. Always under-promise

business.

That way, you’re in control. Remember, it’s OK to say ‘No.’

3. Try to enjoy the day. This

If you start to dread the phone

That’s it. As business

No one will tell you that you

to your customers. If you

customer; feel proud of your

terms. That doesn’t mean every

need to say ‘No’, but you do. I’ve

don’t have time, be honest

work.

day is a fairy tale, but it should

4. You only get paid once for

KEY SKILLS

the job. If you rush it, or take

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.

Interested in a career in property investing?

Good luck, have fun and

go back, unpaid, and sort it

remember it’s OK to say ‘No!’ Q

out. 5. Get paid and then move on.

07832 147601 or 01522 514141

work was being owed so

Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com

much by my regular business

thecarkeyman.com

customers. I was busy and

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

YOUR RESETTLEMENT MEET THE RESERVES

HARRY MACLEOD, ARMY RESERVIST Keeping one step ahead of the competition The Reserve Forces are an integral part of the nation’s Armed Forces. With the government’s plans to increase the size of the Reserves to create a more balanced Armed Forces structure, their contribution will be more important than ever. In the second part of our series, read out about some of those who’ve already joined up – and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.

a positive environment surrounded by friends, certainly does wonders for life satisfaction. Where else do you get to handle up-to-date equipment and meet friends for life? Having recently become a dad for the second time, the extra pocket

nce a Regular, now an Army Reservist with 3 Royal Anglian, Harry Macleod knows more

money comes in handy too! ‘People are always concerned about work/life balance as a Reservist, but the

than most how to navigate the military

beauty is you can scale your Reservist

arena. As production director for The

commitments up or down depending

Development Network, his Reservist

on personal circumstances. Naturally

experience keeps him at the cutting edge

there are times when the commitment is

of his industry.

greater, especially during deployments,

Headquartered in Chelmsford, Essex,

but the unit is there to support the

The Development Network creates

Reservist and their employer during every

customer-centric conferences, exhibitions,

step of the process.’

seminars and webinars dedicated to the

The Development Network has

military marketplace. On a daily basis,

recently signed the Armed Forces

Harry is responsible for identifying future

Covenant and achieved a Bronze Employer

trends within the defence industry and,

Recognition Scheme Award. Keen to

alongside a dedicated team, organising

continue its support, Nathan Martin adds,

conferences across the globe.

‘Our business has a strong moral compass,

Nathan Martin, the company’s

and supporting the local Armed Forces,

founder and CEO, comments, ‘Harry’s

especially Reservists, feels like a natural

role is vital to our business. Our largest

fit. We are keen to be involved with

revenue stream comes from conferences

defence engagement opportunities across

and exhibitions focusing on the defence

our region, and support those who serve

marketplace. As a Reservist, his

or have served with their career path.’

knowledge of the military environment is current and second to none. It holds major

Thinking of joining?

credibility with our clients and staff.’

Reservists have, in the past 15 years or

Away from civilian life, Harry is Officer

so, been called out to serve on operations

Commanding of a machine gun platoon.

in Iraq and Afghanistan, to name just two

He’s responsible for selecting, training

examples, resulting in many employers

and leading 25 soldiers in order to deliver

experiencing the mobilisation of one or

special weapons capability within 3

more employees. Research suggests

Royal Anglian. ‘The hands-on experience

that 87% of Reservist employers who

definitely informs my decision making

have experienced mobilisation were

in the office. Not only am I aware of the

very supportive. This is good news, as

latest technologies but also how satisfied

Reservists could not carry out their

the soldiers are with the equipment.

important role, and train to the high

‘Being a Reservist is not purely a career-led decision. There’s also a huge element of enjoyment. Being a

part of well-structured organisation, in

October/November 2018 l questonline.co.uk

standards of professionalism required, without the cooperation of their employers.

Quest March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 March 2015 Final_2015 06/03/2015 13:16 Page 15 Quest

PEOPLE ARE ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT WORK/LIFE BALANCE AS A RESERVIST, BUT THE BEAUTY IS YOU CAN SCALE YOUR RESERVIST COMMITMENTS UP OR DOWN DEPENDING ON PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

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Working in pressurised conditions during training or periods of mobilisation inevitably develops Reservists’ self-confidence, but it also helps them develop skills that many organisations in the civilian world don’t have the time or money to develop. In fact, research has found that the average employer would have to pay more than £8,000 a year to purchase the same training in civilian skills as their employees receive from their Reservist training. Skills gained include soft skills such as leadership, initiative, decision making and working as a team – all important attributes for people working in many different sectors. The government wants to make joining the Reserves more attractive to ex-Regulars and, to this end, has simplified the Regular-to-Reserve transfer process, reinforcing it with financial incentives such as the Commitment Bonus. Introduced in 2013, this provides a payment of £5,000 over three years for ex-Regular transfers. In addition, Service leavers will be able to retain their rank on transfer to the Reserves and receive access to higher rates of Training Bounty on account of prior regular service. Throughout history, Reservists have provided the capacity to expand the Regular Forces to face new challenges when needed, and it would be impossible for the UK to mount a major military operation without the support of the Reserves. To find out more about joining the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, like Harry, visit www.earfca.org.uk

KEY CONTACTS Defence Relationship Management (DRM) is the single point of contact that links employers with the MoD. To discover more, visit www.gov.uk/government/groups/defence-relationshipmanagement Find out more about the benefits of being a Reservist here: l Army Reserve www.army.mod.uk/reserve/31781.aspx l Royal Naval Reserve www.royalnavy.mod.uk/rnr l Royal Marines Reserve www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/ skills-and-specialisations/royal-marines-reserve l RAF Reserve www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/lifestylebenefits/life-as-a-reserve/

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questonline.co.uk l October/November 2018

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

October/November 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