Education, retraining and job opportunities for EVERYBODY in the Armed Forces
The resettlement magazine
IN THIS ISSUE AVIATION BUILDING TRADES COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EMERGENCY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT MBAs RENEWABLES SPORT AND FITNESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS
AIM FOR THE TOP WITH YOUR NEW CAREER
The only monthly resettlement magazine distributed to all MoD Units by BFPO under contract
September 2015 ISSUE 199
www.gastectraining.co.uk Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over successfully trained students now working within the industry. Other providers promise - we deliver!
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Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.
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Quest HOW POWERFUL IS YOUR PMA? That’s ‘positive mental attitude’ – and, as we here at Quest are always keen to point out, there’s much to be said for how starting out with the right mind-set can support a more positive transition. Leaving the Forces and beginning the change to civilian life could be a real headache – it’s definitely a huge change – but, remember, it will be what you make it and that means it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. The key to any successful management of change is controlling expectations and planning ahead. (Isn’t that what you learned in the Services anyway?) It’s OK to be fearful of change: understanding and acceptance of it can bring out strengths you already have, maybe without even realising. Indeed, the transition process can be simple and straightforward if you have the correct mental foundations on which to build your second career search strategy. And, once that priceless PMA is in place, it’s time to give serious thought to the type of career you want to pursue on leaving the Forces. That’s where Quest comes in. As usual, this issue presents practical guidance on a range of career sectors, focusing this time on aviation, sport and fitness, building trades and the renewable energy sector. Next up, there’s computing and IT, along with the closely related field of telecoms. For those with the urge to keep on learning, we put MBAs under the microscope and conclude with a brief look at opportunities in emergency planning. As you prepare to make your transition, let Quest be the first to congratulate you on perfecting that PMA. We know you can do it!
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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
6PAGE 18
COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
6PAGE 30 AVIATION
6PAGE 24
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
BUILDING TRADES
6PAGE 36
SPORT AND FITNESS
Contents REGULARS Lynn Brown Editor
In-depth articles on all the career areas covered by Quest throughout the year are always available on our website: visit www.questonline.co.uk and click on ‘Careers A–Z’ for the full list.
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06 Resettlement round-up News, training course info and first-hand reports to support your transition 39 MBAs under the microscope 50 Factfile – your guide to a better future Complicated rules and regulations, compressed and explained 60 Career Transition Partnership courses and events 62 Job opportunities
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RENEWABLES
Quest is the number one magazine for education, retraining and job opportunities for all people in the Armed Forces, MoD civil servants and their families throughout the world. We are dedicated to achieving and maintaining excellence in these fields, and are determined to bring to you, our readers, the latest and the best information in these areas. You can help us by reading this magazine yourself, passing it to anyone you know who might want to use it, and by sending us your feedback about how we could serve you better. September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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train to connect… Specialists in providing engineering and training services to the telecommunications industry Introducing 5G
Telecoms investment is still growing and the industry needs skilled trained engineers, project engineers and project managers for on going roll out programmes. ō Wireless & radio engineering ō Design & implementation of 4th generation network ō Advanced wireless technologies
Scotlandd 9,166
North rth East 3,960
Northern Ireland 2,785
North West 10,178
East Midlands l 7,9466 West e Midlands 10,071
Ireland 10,279
ō Bespoke CV service
East 13,914
W Wales 4,612
ō 3 Week course ō 2G, 3G & 4G Networks
Yorkshire & Y H The Humber 6,542
London 18,831 South East 27,669 South West 0,932 10,932
industryy partners ō Strong links with industr ō Excellent success connecting people to new careers
Jobs created or safeguarded by 4G
COMING SOON CITY IN GUILDS IN FIBRE 3667 In association with
APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
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Obelisk Group, a specialist telecommunications service provider operating across the UK, Ireland and South Africa Obelisk is a specialist infrastructure ser services vices elecom, e provider pro vider active across the TTelecom, Power Power and Renewable Energ Energyy sectors. Those of you considering ng resettlement in TTelecoms eelecoms should take confidence that you are choosing an industr industryy that is eexpanding xpanding at an incredible rate. Obelisk offers the opportunity for good remuneration, structured career path and most importantly – highly vvalues alues the skills and discipline attained by personnel within the Armed Forces.
ō Wireless Mobile ō Fixed Line Networks Management ō Acquisition, Design and Management ō Installation & Commissioning ower & Electrical Ser Services ō PPower vices ō Renewable Energy Management ō Project Mana gement
The mobile telecom market is a major component of Obelisk’ w and into the future although Obelisk’ss business no now we continue to explore other market sectors. Business diversity gives Obelisk security and ra pid rapid gro wth prospects by tapping tapping into new markets while growth aatt the same time protecting the natural natural business ccycles ycles within telecoms. The primar primaryy verse factor underpinning Obelisk’ Obelisk’ss ability to tra traverse complimentar complimentaryy market sectors is the technical and mana gement skill-sets and competencies alread management alreadyy aavailable vailable within the telecoms business. If you’re interested in a working environment as varied as a warm office to remote outdoor loca tions then get locations in touch and complete the PPost ost Gradua te Certificate Certificate in Graduate tion with Ubi-T Tech. ech e Wireless Communica Communication Ubi-Tech. nd Ubi-T Tech e wish you ever Obelisk and Ubi-Tech everyy success in your future career career..
ō Logistics
WANT W ANT TO FIND OUT MORE? For further information on course schedules And prices call FREEPHONE 0800 612 9193 Or contact Richard Lee on 07814 678406 Email: info@ubi-tech.co.uk www.ubi-tech.co.uk
For further information on careers, Email: careers@obelisk.com www.obelisk.com
Resettlement round-up
RESETTLEMENT ROUND-UP
News, training course info and first-hand reports to support your transition Take your future in telecoms to a whole new level
Quest 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 Simon Blaaser Alec Burns Tony Heathfield Kate Horner Brian Tolworthy
s an ever‐expanding company, renowned for delivering multidisciplinary projects, Linbrooke Services was initially built on a strong foundation of former military personnel and exceptional telecoms work. Since its conception in 2002, Linbrooke has grown to become a national business comprising circa 350 people, 40% of whom are ex‐Service personnel. With experience in every aspect of the sector, the company continues to deliver high‐ profile projects in operational telecoms, digital transmission networks, European train control systems (ETCS), station information and surveillance systems (SISS), and driver only operations (DOO) systems, as well as the delivery of terrestrial radio transmissions networks (TRTN) and subsea transmission networks. Supplementary to this, Linbrooke’s telecommunications workforce also incorporates feasibility and pioneering reports, engineering and business telecoms consultancy services, detailed multidisciplinary designs and design management.
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With Linbrooke having provided the rail industry with remarkable services for more than a decade, Mick Miller, Engineering Director, says that this is largely down to a quality‐driven workforce who operate under a ‘mission to deliver industry‐leading telecommunications engineering services and solutions – effectively and collaboratively – to all customers in order to ensure maximum success and satisfaction.’ Linbrooke’s dedication to providing the industry with quality‐driven workers is made possible by its resourcing and training partner, Network Training and Resource Solutions (ntrs). With a National Training Academy (NTA) that incorporates both legacy and 21st‐century equipment – including an authentic track layout, a simulated rail platform and a live fibre network of circa 240 km – ntrs is already delivering a multitude of City & Guilds and EAL‐accredited telecommunications courses; these range from telecommunications IT and network engineer combination courses through to NG/SDH and Advanced Awards in passive optical networks and air blown fibre. Working alongside the C Group and the Ministry of Defence to provide resettlement programmes for former military candidates, both ntrs and Linbrooke operate under the military values of loyalty, integrity, dedication and perseverance. This ensures a happy workforce and satisfied clients. Get in touch Tel: 0114 2328290 email: training@ntrs.co.uk Web: www.linbrooke.co.uk
DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher.
Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798
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See the advertisement on pages 28 & 29
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Join our group
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Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
GET INTO TEACHING The Troops to Teachers non-graduate programme is a great opportunity for eligible Service leavers to become primary or secondary teachers, gaining a University of Brighton degree and earning a salary whilst training. This employment-based programme matches you with a school in your home location for two years of training, supporting you through intensive study weeks and weekly web based university studies. Develop your unique knowledge and experience and graduate ready to inspire the next generation.
Find out how you can become an outstanding teacher: www.brighton.ac.uk/troops troopstoteachers@brighton.ac.uk 01273 987790 7 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Resettlement round-up
Your successful transition to civilian life is our project eturning to civilian life is a daunting experience, and securing new employment can be the most stressful and uncertain element of that transition. As a Service leaver you have resilience, drive and integrity, which are the main qualities needed to deliver successful projects. However, you may be missing the one vital ingredient that will secure you an interview – an accredited project management qualification. Do you want to get your application to the top of the pile? Quanta’s project management courses can help you do this. Quanta offers a wide range of project management courses, which can help maximise your chance of landing the job you deserve. We are an Approved Learning Provider (No. 1201) for the ELC scheme, and train more than 300 Service leavers every year, in courses such as: ● PRINCE2® ● APMP ● Agile PM ● Microsoft Project ● MSP® ● M_o_R® ● Change Management ● ITIL® Most importantly, we can save you time and money by tailor‐making a training bundle that is 100% right for you and your future career – for example, combining courses such as PRINCE2® Practitioner and APMP into a single ELCAS claim makes your training extremely cost effective and, with our dedicated MoD team, your experience with Quanta, from start to finish, will be hassle free, leaving you time to deal with other aspects of your resettlement. Successful projects are the lifeblood of any business. From engineering and construction through to IT and finance; projects help deliver change and innovation within a company. Even in the current environment, businesses are looking for employees who can deliver projects that will give them a competitive edge. In the present economic climate it is more important than ever to make yourself an attractive proposition to the widest possible range of potential employers. So if the thought of an exciting career in project management interests you, then why not give Kate or Amanda, members of our dedicated ELC team a call, or visit our website.
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Get in touch Tel: 0800 018 9561 Web: www.quanta.co.uk/mod/resettlement See the advertisement on page 21
8 www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
CTP events 2015 Network with potential employers and take the next step towards your new career he Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offers a range of employment fairs, industry awareness events and company presentations throughout the year. These events offer Service leavers the opportunity to meet employers specifically seeking their skills and qualities, along with the chance to research a particular industry or employer, find out more about
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current or future job vacancies, and determine any training requirements. Details of forthcoming employment fairs and industry awareness events can be found below. Additionally, the CTP regularly hosts recruitment presentations from companies with multiple job vacancies, either at Regional Resettlement Centres or company premises; visit www.ctp.org.uk/events for full details. All events are free to attend and are open to Service leavers at any point of the resettlement process.
Employment fair Event
Date
Venue
North‐west/West Midlands
10 September
Manchester Central Convention Complex
Industry awareness events Industry
Date
Venue
Transport & logistics
8 September
19 Regt RA/1 RHA Training Wing, Jellalabad Barracks, Tidworth
Management (including facilities management/ health & safety)
30 September
19 Regt RA/1 RHA Training Wing, Jellalabad Barracks, Tidworth
Call the central bookings team today on 0203 162 4410 for further information and to book your place.
Build the core of your health and social care career t Apple Training Academy we offer vocational qualifications to help you achieve your career goals. We are located in Hertfordshire but deliver courses across the UK and abroad. We specialise in qualifications in health and social care, child care, management, assessing and accounting, and deliver them using a blend of e‐portfolio and work observation, depending on the courses chosen. That means you won’t need to attend any college courses or stay away from home: you can study wherever you have access to the internet. Both the social care and child care qualifications enable you to obtain nationally required qualifications to work in adult or child care, or lead social care provision. The accounting qualification can be in basic book‐keeping or up to a level 3 in accounting, which supports you when setting up your own business, or if you wish to work in accountancy or deliver training/assessing in accountancy. The assessing qualifications enable you to work as an assessor in a college or for a training provider in a freelance or employed role.
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Recent resettlers Patrick resettled from the welfare section of the
Royal Navy/Army. He qualified in the level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Health & Social Care and then studied the assessor’s award (TAQA). He is now qualified as a manager in social care. Richard worked in warehousing with the RAF, has completed the assessor’s award and can now assess vocational warehousing qualifications. Get in touch Tel: Hannah, Chelsey or Vicky on 01279 725361 Web: www.appletrainingacademy.co.uk See the advertisement on page 51
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Resettlement round-up
Get into teaching with Troops to Teachers
Kickstart your career in IT
hen it comes to breaking in to the IT industry, technical qualifications are only part of the equation. There is still the issue of finding and winning a great job with a healthy starting salary. Just IT’s training courses include all the key qualifications needed to kickstart a career in the IT industry; this includes ELCAS‐ funded Windows 7, Server 2012 and CCNA accreditations. However it also includes
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something just as valuable: a full career support and recruitment service. This means that, once your training is complete, there is a whole team dedicated to finding you the perfect job opportunity. In fact, in many cases, the Just IT Network Professional Programme (NPP) course is offered with a job guarantee. This means that, if you don’t find a job with a good starting salary, your training costs will be refunded. To date, the NPP course has launched the IT careers of more than 4,500 people. Many of these have moved on to become IT managers, networking specialists, and IT project consultants. For more information on the opportunities available … Get in touch Tel: 020 7426 9835. Web: www.justit.co.uk See the advertisement on page 19
START-UP FUNDING eaching is a popular retraining choice for people from all walks of life. The Troops to Teachers non‐ graduate programme offers eligible Service leavers the opportunity to qualify as a teacher in two years, providing a salary during training, and has the advantage of no course fees. Mike Parry, a former Army Corporal, is a current trainee. He says: ‘When you leave the Forces there are a lot of jobs you can go into, but there are very few careers. That’s what I was looking for – something that had a long‐term future, as well as being something I enjoyed. ‘I used to teach groups in the Army and it was something I really liked so this seemed quite a natural step forward. I don’t know where I would be now if the Troops to Teachers course didn’t exist. It has worked out perfectly for me. The uni side is brilliant and keeps me topped up with information – it’s a very relaxing way to work and a really good way of studying.’ When asked how he felt having spent four years in the Army and then going back to studying Mike didn’t hesitate: ‘I love it!’ Find out more about the programme at www.brighton.ac.uk/troops
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See the advertisement on page 7
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Ex-military start-up lending surpasses £4m
Loan recipient Daniel James
he UK’s only organisation that directly supports enterprise in the Armed Forces community has raced past another milestone as more than £4 million worth of start‐up loans has been lent to hundreds of Service leavers, veterans and military spouses. Since its launch in July 2013, X‐Forces has helped to launch 389 new entrepreneurs, to whom £4,129,976 in seed funding has been lent, as an official partner of the government’s Start Up Loans Company. A total of £200,000 a month is currently being issued to X‐Forces’ candidates, who have undergone a stringent and critical process of business planning, which – along with tailored support – is at the core of the X‐Forces’ service. Through unique corporate partnerships with industry leaders like EMC, Barclays and Cisco, the new business owners are further
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www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
supported with mentorship and networking, in support of the ‘Big Business helping Small Business’ initiative. CEO and Founder of X‐Forces, Ren Kapur, says: ‘Two years ago we set out on a mission to give the military community the support that was so desperately needed in enterprise. Business was a foreign and daunting avenue for Service leavers, but now X‐Forces has built a strong support network and become a bridge between government, military charities and big business, all of whom acknowledge that the military community and small businesses play a vital role in the UK’s economy.’ One recipient of a loan that helped breached the £4 million total is British Army veteran Daniel James, 43, who launched a blacksmithing business this summer offering contemporary and traditional ironwork from a forge in Pershore, Worcestershire. Daniel served in the Regimental Core of Drums as a GPMG machine gunner and, though his Army career may have lasted only four years, he developed his skills in ‘civvy street’ on military contracts, welding and fabricating the Force Protection for vehicles going out to Afghanistan. Daniel attended a start‐up workshop held by X‐Forces and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which gave him the confidence to take the plunge. Daniel says: ‘The workshop opened my eyes to the world of business, and I went away and got started on my plan immediately. Since that day, X‐Forces has been there for me with guidance and support beyond the funding. I am in a far better position than where I was before – exciting times lie ahead.’ For further details on X‐Forces and the support available to the military community embarking on enterprise, visit www.x‐forces.com or call 0207 811 3237.
Nuco Training Training Instructor Profile
Traci T raci r Spr Sproston Sp oston I have been a Paramedic for 15 years now and love my job. I have been concerned over the years at the lack of First Aid training, there are times where Basic Life Support could have saved a life. Before joining the Ambulance Service I worked for the railway and had attended various courses, including First Aid, where it was either death by PowerPoint or the trainer was so uninteresting that many people on the course were struggling to keep their eyes open. My best friend Kay who is also a Paramedic, left the Ambulance Service 3 years ago and started her own business based around the things she loves. She teaches Equestrian First Aid and encouraged me to “have a go” putting me in touch with Nuco Training to book myself on to a course. I can honestly say this was the best course I have ever been on! It was fun, extremely informative and opened my eyes to a totally different approach to, not only training but teaching. I enjoyed the course that much I wanted to return as a full time student, forever! I have been ecstatically enthusiastic about it ever since and have recently passed on Nuco’s details to friends and colleagues to follow in my footsteps.
I now work part-time with West Midlands Ambulance Service as I grow my First Aid Training Company First Trace Training Ltd. Following on from my course at Nuco I shadowed Kay delivering one of her courses and soon realised that she had adopted their modern style of training, making the courses so much fun whilst still being very structured and informative. I could see that Kay was gaining the very best results from the delegates purely because they were learning and remembering through engaging practical scenarios. To ensure each step of the training was firmly retained, she used the blended learning tools provided by Nuco to revisit training and again confirm the information. This is a style I have since adopted myself and the results have been fantastic so far. My company, First Trace Training Ltd delivers First Aid Courses to the Care Sector, training in Care homes, Residential homes and Nursing Homes across the UK. I have recently started a new branch to the business, teaching First Aid to children in schools, after school
clubs and other activity clubs such as Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Guides etc. This is certainly a new challenge for me but I am enjoying every minute. Nuco continue to be a fantastic support to my business and I am able to purchase all my certificates and training manuals from them with my company logo in pride of place. If I am unable to teach a course myself due to other commitments I can call on other experienced Nuco trainers to help me out where necessary, all trained by Nuco Training. The network of instructors is huge and I have made some good friends whilst growing my business. Previously I had always worked for someone else and never thought I was even capable of running my own business but here I am eighteen months on and I am getting referrals, I see a great future ahead doing something that I love and believe in. The Instructor training and support that was offered by the Training Manager Darren Coombs gave me the inclination and passion for starting up on my own ... with no regrets.
Contact: www.nucotraining.com www.nucotraining.com
BECOME FIRST BE COME A FIRS T AID INSTRUCTOR INSTRUCTOR SStart tart your your career career with one ooff our Level Level 3 First First Instructor Aid Ins tructor Courses Courses Nuc Nucoo Training Training hold monthly courses courses thoughout the UK, view view our website website no now w ttoo find out mor moree about our extensive extensive range range of of courses courses and ho how w yyou ou ccan an bec become ome a First First Aid Ins Instructor. tructor.
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Resettlement round-up
Why choose CCAS for health and safety training? CAS is a south‐east England‐ based health and safety consultancy that was established in 1995. Our services are delivered by a competent team of experienced safety professionals, who are IOSH Chartered Members. Services include the provision of safety training and, in particular, the internationally recognised NEBOSH certificates courses. These include: ● NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety ● NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Health and Safety ● NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management ● NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management ● NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety. We offer these courses to serving and ex‐Service personnel in a selection of training packages, normally three courses per one ELC claim. Our aim is to help students learn in a friendly, open atmosphere that is conducive to learning. All our full‐time trainers are ex‐military and they fully understand the resettlement process that Service men and women go through. We also understand the importance of making the right course choice for a second career and we are happy to advise anyone on future employment opportunities. We believe in forming and maintaining a close working relationship with all our students and we take pride in our excellent pass rates, which is reflected in our repeat business.
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Get in touch Tel: 01473 212535 email: info@ccas‐ltd.com Web: www.ccas‐ltd.com See the advertisement on page 45
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Brookhouse paves the way to recruitment Ex‐Armed Forces trainees manoeuvre into a new career with full‐time job offers thanks to the help of gas training specialists Brookhouse Training … eter Dean, Craig Saunders and Shaun Hammerton, all ex‐military, have secured full‐ time jobs after passing the New Entrant Multi‐ Skilled Gas Engineer Course to become gas engineers. The three trainees benefited from a mentoring partnership between Brookhouse Training and Newmarket‐based The Heating Company Ltd, Hyde Housing Association and Wiltshire‐based Ultra Warm Ltd, whereby trainee gas engineers complete a 30‐day on‐site programme to complete a portfolio of evidence – a mandatory requirement to become a qualified gas engineer. Peter left the Marines after nine years of service and is now working throughout Cambridge, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Ely as part of The Heating Company’s team of qualified gas engineers supplying services to homeowners, landlords, letting agencies and commercial organisations. Craig left the Army after seven and a half years’ service and is now working for Portsmouth‐ based Hyde Housing Association, where he will be part of the home improvement team maintaining and installing new boilers.
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Shaun left the Army after seven years and is now a full‐time employee at Ultra Warm Ltd, working throughout Wiltshire, Bath and north Somerset delivering servicing, maintenance and installations of both domestic and commercial heating and hot water systems. Peter says: ’Brookhouse Training was spot on. It’s professionally run, and fully supported me and my future goals. The Heating Company offered me a full‐time job, which I accepted, and I’ve even been recommended for a pay rise!’ David Dumaresq Lucas, Director at Brookhouse Training, adds: ‘We’d like to thank the mentoring companies for providing our training candidates with these wonderful opportunities to start a new life and further their careers in a field they feel they have a real future in.’ Brookhouse Training is the UK’s leading new entrant training and assessment specialist, offering practical learning from within a bespoke state‐of‐the‐art training centre based in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire. It is the UK’s only training company to have been granted Gold Status by the sector skills council, Energy & Utility Skills (EU Skills), for its Managed Learning Programme (MLP) in gas training. Get in touch Web: www.brookhousetraining.com See the advertisement on page 63
The flexible way to study for your CAA B-Licence
s part of the Cardiff and Vale College, the International Centre for Aerospace Training (ICAT) is a CAA‐approved centre for the aerospace industry. We specialise in UK CAA Basic EASA Part‐66 licence training, through various forms of blended learning. The course can be undertaken at distance, utilising our world‐class textbooks or online material and revision support. Coupled with our face‐to‐face revision tutorials and in‐house examinations, there is no more flexible way of studying for the B‐Licence. Our short courses provide all of the materials that a technician needs for study. We have the best instructors available, who have extensive experience in successful delivery of Part 66 training. Their knowledge and lecturing methods are invaluable for the technician looking to pass EASA modules as quickly as possible. The excellent pass rates for technicians who have attended courses at the ICAT speak for themselves.
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We are proud to support our Armed Forces and we are an ELCAS‐accredited training provider. For Service personnel looking to move into civilian aviation, we can offer discounted products and bespoke courses to help achieve resettlement goals. The ICAT is staffed by ex‐ Forces people and we know the difficulties faced by those in the Armed Forces, who have to balance learning with deployments and Service life in general. Service men and women have a sympathetic ear here and we go the extra mile to help them achieve their aims. Get in touch email: info@part66.co.uk Web: www.part66.com See the advertisement on page 35
Resettlement round-up
A career in information technology and education The IT industry offers an immensely diverse range of career opportunities hatever your length of service, leaving the Forces and the transition into civilian life and deciding on what course to do can often be very daunting. Through the training division at Open I.T, we will assist you every step of the way. Open I.T is a UK learning centre that helps thousands of jobseekers, working professionals and Service personnel into IT training programmes every year. The most common issue raised among training providers is that skills learned often don’t prepare you for the outside world nor how to build a career from your newly gained qualification. Open I.T recognises these issues, so offers hands‐on blended learning solutions, interview techniques and soft skills training, which upon course completion will help individuals with job placements by involving and introducing recruitment agencies. Open I.T recognises that, in these uncertain times, it is more important than ever that you continue to develop your technical skills in order to keep your career moving forward, by offering a comprehensive range of IT training programmes to a wide variety of individuals across all sectors. Open I.T is constantly adapting to changes within a rapidly moving industry providing market‐ leading and advanced e‐learning training and a passion for educational development. Open I.T understands that certifications and experience are of paramount importance in determining a candidate’s employability, so we tailor‐ make training programmes to provide both. Strong ties have been established with Hays Recruitment, and training solutions are provided to schools, colleges, Barclays Corporation, the Armed Forces, the NHS and governmental departments, including the Department of Work and Pensions, where we help thousands of people get back into work every year. Each student is given our undivided attention, commitment and support in helping them with job placements, with the aim of securing employment and a successful career within a highly desired industry.
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With more than 18 years’ experience, Open I.T is a market leader within its field of IT training and offers ‘best of breed’ IT learning solutions specialising in online and classroom‐based training with bespoke packages for those currently serving in the Forces and ex‐Service personnel alike. Open I.T has placed students into academic and professional roles such as IT engineering, IT administration, telecommunications, programming, teaching and education, IT networking, IT security, project management, business marketing, web design and many more. We work with the MoD to provide resettlement training and accreditation on behalf of all major vendors, such as Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA, covering industry‐ recognised professional courses and certifications such as the MCSE, MCSA, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, ITIL, Prince2, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), social media for businesses and web design, to name but a few. A career in IT, teaching or management If you would like a career in: ● server infrastructure, mainframes and networking ● IT technical/desktop support ● programming or web developer ● counter‐hacking and security ● data centre and database professional ● machine virtualisation and cloud professional ● IT field engineering ● IT communications ● teaching and mentoring ● business marketing and management or if you’re looking to start your own IT business, we have the courses, experience and technical know‐how to get you into a new career. We guarantee to find the right training programme and certification for you. For full course listings, information and prices, please contact our reliable and helpful, but friendly, resettlement training staff (see contact details below). They are highly experienced in the ELC claims process, and can offer free support and career guidance on your new journey.
Can I afford boarding? Resettlement poses many challenges, not least in making sure it doesn’t disrupt your children’s education
hile boarding is an attractive option, promising high educational standards as well as some very welcome stability at a time of great upheaval, many Service leavers find the ongoing cost of boarding in the independent sector prohibitive. This is where state boarding, with its fees of around £4,000 per term (that’s less than half – and in some cases one‐third – of the cost of comparable independent schools), is proving an attractive option for many Service leavers. Fees are kept at this more manageable level because the education is paid for by the state, and parents are asked only to cover the cost of the boarding. With so many state boarding schools mistaken for independent schools, it’s clear that this value doesn’t come at the expense of quality. Each year, state boarding schools regularly outperform other state schools, topping many academic league tables, and the quality of teaching is frequently judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. The quality of facilities is also indistinguishable from those in the independent sector following a £20 million programme of investment in boarding accommodation and, as pupils have a chance to mix with local children attending the school on a day basis, state boarding is known for producing well‐rounded children able to get along with others, often from different backgrounds. Find out more about state boarding at www.sbsa.org.uk where you can also download a free Parent’s Guide.
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Get in touch Tel: 020 7798 1580
Get in touch Tel: 0800 599 99 98 or 01279 621 750 email: resettlement@openittraining.com Web: www.openittraining.com/elc See the advertisement on page 19
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September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Resettlement round-up
Medical professional? Pick Priory … igh‐quality medical services are as much a part of the UK Armed Forces as tanks, ships and aircraft. But where do military doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants go once they leave the services? If Priory Healthcare has its way, many of them will join its 275 facilities across the country. ‘Some of our most able and committed professionals have come from the Armed Forces,’ says Group Head of Resourcing Craig Hunter. ‘Their technical abilities tend to be outstanding, and their proven leadership, communication and collaboration skills really add to the strength of our teams.’ Priory Healthcare’s continuing growth means that it can offer a wide range of opportunities to clinical and other healthcare professionals at all levels. It is now the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist mental health services, and has the largest network of mental healthcare hospitals and clinics in the country. In addition to being one of the biggest providers of mental health services to the NHS, for example, it provides psychiatric care and therapy for disorders that include depression, eating disorders, anxiety, neuro‐disabilities and complex care. Priory Healthcare also provides forensic mental healthcare for adults who require secure and step‐down care in settings that provide physical and psychological security. And, just for good measure, it is a major force in the treatment of young people, providing more Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAHMS) inpatient beds to the NHS than any other independent provider. Priory has much to offer medical and healthcare professional beyond the scope and scale of its activities. The company invests heavily in training and ongoing professional development. It also has an award‐ winning e‐learning programme, structured career development plans and opportunities to pursue additional qualifications where they are relevant to Priory’s operational and strategic needs. Doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who are leaving the Armed Forces – or thinking of doing so – can find out more by visiting Priory’s careers site: jobs.priorygroup.com
Clearway: the drive to succeed!
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See the advertisement on page 62
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learway Driving School is a well‐established training company with more than 30 years of experience in delivering driving instructor training courses. Our course record is second to none, with the ability to give each of our potential driving instructors a well‐deserved position as an instructor with the Clearway school of motoring. This allows new instructors to gain confidence and acquire the ability to run their own businesses at some time in the future.
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Clearway has come a long way in the past few years and can now offer its potential driving instructors a level 3 NVQ in Assessing Vocational Training in the workplace (QCF). An NVQ qualification comes within the stated price of the Instructor Training Course; the NVQ course would normally cost around £500, but we have included this in the price. Although other companies can claim ORDIT (Official Register of Driving Instructors) status, they cannot actually give you an NVQ qualification, which is stipulated in their application forms for ELC. So, when you look at how much cheaper these companies are, it is because they cannot give you an NVQ. Join Clearway and be assured you are working with a company that has your needs at heart. Get in touch Tel: 01642 608942 Web: www.clearwaydrivingschool.co.uk See the advertisement on page 15
CASE STUDY Ralph Naylor Gain confidence and knowledge to manage uncertainty served on a short service commission with the Royal Army Educational Corps for five years in the 1980s, with infantry and parachute units. I have also studied for a postgraduate degree in organisational behaviour, with particular research interests in change management and engaging people through effective project leadership. ‘With a focus on this area, for the past 18 years I have been a consultant, project manager and trainer, working with a very wide range of clients in the private, public and third sectors, including many in the international development sector. During this time, partly using my outdoor experience that was stimulated in the Army, I have also designed and managed a number of international projects and expeditions for the development of participants – including young people, as well as adults with learning disabilities. ‘The personal development that my Service career provided me in terms of challenge, team working, leadership and self‐reliance has been a very important confidence‐builder, and I’m sure has helped me take advantage of many different and interesting opportunities that have arisen since. Ironically, however, in my resettlement role, I was struck by how nervous often very experienced and skilled military personnel could be when discussing their careers beyond the Services and, as a result, I am able to empathise with and assist others in the same position today. ‘I remember many of the training principles were based on the systems approach, and the cycle
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of needs identification, training design, conduct of training and evaluation. While I have learned much more since then about facilitating and empowering development, this did however provide me with a very useful foundation in training. ‘What has been particularly important for me is to use this confidence and knowledge to help manage uncertainty. I’ve found that every situation is different and people prefer an approach that takes account of their needs rather than one that imposes a standard approach. Therefore, it is most important to listen, understand and value people’s contributions, and ensure they have opportunities to influence decisions. ‘The Services’ reputation for professionalism is strongly recognised in the civilian world and this was a major factor that helped me gain my first civilian role when I left. I have always been grateful for the experience. ‘I joined the Oak Tree Management & Training team as a lead trainer/consultant in ILM leadership, management and project management programmes; course packages are available to resettlement personnel with ELC funding. Oak Tree is enabling me to impart the skills and knowledge gained from my military service and subsequent exposure to international organisations. ‘Contact Oak Tree to see how we can help you achieve your full potential, too.’ Get in touch Tel: 01284 763040 Web: www.oaktree‐training.co.uk/mod See the advertisement on page 9
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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Clearway Training and Development has been training Driving Instructors for the last 16 years, our instructors have over 30 years experience between them, and are all ORDIT registered. As we are registered with ELCAS and CTP you can rely on our standards of teaching to be very high. We have recently become an approved vocational centre via Focus Awards and can deliver to level 4 NVQ (QCF) in Social Care, Assessing in the Workplace, Teaching and Lecturing. Because we are now an Approved Vocational Centre, anyone who is deciding to go on our Driving Instructor course will also achieve an NVQ (QCF) within the course structure. The cost of the NVQ (QCF) is included in our Driving Instructor Training course. You may see other Instructor Training Companies who offer cheap prices but give you nothing for it especially an NVQ (QCF). Please be careful in your choice of Training supplier, you may not get what you pay for.
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September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Resettlement round-up
Trade Skills 4U launches new training centre
hen Trade Skills 4U first set up in 2005 it did not expect to grow into the national leader in electrical training. Being based two minutes from Gatwick Airport means that students are able to travel from all over south‐east England, and further afield, to take advantage of the UK’s first IET Centre of Excellence. However, not everyone wants to travel and stay over in order to train there. That’s why, in 2013, Trade Skills 4U launched a limited menu of courses in Warrington, which is perfectly situated to serve students from all over north‐west England, including Manchester and Liverpool. Trade Skills 4U has been delivering 17th Edition and PAT testing courses from ‘The Centre’ in Birchwood Park for more than two years now, and the time has finally come to build a fully fledged centre in the area. Trade Skills 4U’s new centre in Birchwood Park will be just around the corner from ‘The Centre’. It will be built to the same high specifications as its existing centres based in Crawley and will feature all the latest technology. The new centre will house three classrooms, two workshops, one assessment area, one exam room, and a chill‐out area where students can eat lunch and have drinks in their break times. As the centre itself is brand new the students will also benefit from using brand‐new tools and all the latest kit for their courses. CEO Carl Bennett grew up in Warrington and now lives there again. He is very happy to return to Warrington after 30 years down south. He is an avid Warrington Wolves fan and is very proud to be giving back to the area: ‘Having grown up in Warrington I have always known what a fantastic location it is. When we set up Trade Skills 4U in Gatwick we knew location was key. That is why we chose Warrington as it is so accessible for students from Manchester, Liverpool and all over the north‐west. Although we have been delivering a few courses in the area over the past few years, it was clear that there was a huge demand for a full course menu, in particular covering the Electrical Diplomas and Domestic Installer courses.’ Students can now book a full range of courses, including the Bronze Domestic Installer Package, City & Guilds 2365 Diplomas and the City & Guilds 2394/2395 Inspection and Testing Course, to name but a few. They will benefit from the same level of expertise and professional teaching style that has made Trade Skills 4U such a success. Trade Skills 4U has a reputation that is second to none and all teachers will have years of experience – both on the tools and in teaching. ‘We only recruit the best,’ adds Carl Bennett. ‘We have a rigorous recruitment process, which ensures that our students get taught in a first‐class environment by first‐class tutors. Training is a life‐changing activity and our students can rest assured they are making a wise investment when they train with us.’ All the new courses are available to book online now at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk or by calling 0800 856 4448. The first courses will be delivered from the new centre in January 2016 and, currently, courses are scheduled right up until July 2016.
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CHARITY NEWS
Volunteering gives heroes a wealth of new experiences manager for WWV, one of several outside agencies based in the Centre’s Support Hub and grant‐ funded by Help for Heroes. WWV aims to motivate and enable people to try volunteering as a way to change their lives, whether through gaining new skills with a view to employment, meeting new people or just getting out of the house. Rosie said she helps place veterans and serving military personnel in a huge variety of roles, from Sean (right) met one of his heroes Jamie Peacock at conservation work to Headingley Carnegie Stadium working with young people or wounded ex‐soldier Sean or ex‐offenders: ‘Volunteering can Donlan, volunteering has opened really make a difference to both up a wealth of new experiences he physical and mental health. never imagined. An avid Leeds Sometimes people have sat at home Rhinos rugby team fan, the 27 year for eight to ten months before I meet old was thrilled when a volunteering them; they have just hit rock bottom opportunity through WWV and have no motivation. Volunteering (WorldWide Volunteering for Young gives them a change in their life, new People) and Help for Heroes came up skills and helps build new to work with the club’s foundation. relationships. It can give a focus as Sean, who lives in a village just well as offering new opportunities. It outside Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, really does help self‐confidence and survived horrific injuries after a self‐esteem.’ grenade attack in Afghanistan. He Sean was delighted when Rosie joined the Army at the age of 16 and found him a position volunteering trained as a vehicle mechanic. He was with the Leeds Rhinos Foundation: ‘I serving with the 2nd Royal Tank just don’t want to sit at home. Regiment – part of REME – in Volunteering means I can get out and Afghanistan when, in April 2011, he makes me feel much more relaxed. I was caught up in an explosion. At the have supported Leeds Rhinos for time, he had been living in a vehicle years and it’s great to be able to work and had just got out to make a phone for them and in my local community.’ call. A rocket‐propelled grenade Bryn Parry, CEO and Co‐Founder came, says Sean, ‘out of nowhere’. of Help for Heroes, said: ‘We estimate Almost four weeks later, he woke that there are more than 10,500 up in hospital, surrounded by his British men and women who have family, who had been told it was been injured in the recent conflicts in unlikely he would survive his severe Iraq and Afghanistan. For these brain injuries. He did, but was left individuals, the transition into almost paralysed down one side, deaf civilian life can be an incredibly in his left ear and unable to speak. daunting prospect. We are proud to Part of his skull was removed to be supporting WWV, which is giving relieve his symptoms and he spent individuals a massive boost in skills months in hospital undergoing and confidence. Our wounded, countless operations. Intensive injured or sick hold invaluable skills physio and speech therapy has and we are committed to ensuring resulted in vast improvements in they receive the very best support for Sean’s capabilities – and he has a fulfilling second career.’ chosen volunteering as a way to help Anyone who served in the Armed others as well as create new Forces who needs the support of Help opportunities for himself. for Heroes’ Phoenix House Recovery Sean is a regular visitor to Help Centre can self‐refer by calling 01748 for Heroes’ Phoenix House Recovery 834148. Find out more about the work Centre at Catterick, North Yorkshire. of WWV and Help for Heroes at While using the Centre for support www.wwv.org.uk and with his recovery, Sean met Rosie www.helpforheroes.org.uk O’Connell, volunteering project respectively.
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Computing and information technology
Computing and information technology What’s involved? nformation technology (IT) is a term that encompasses all forms of technology used to create, store, exchange and use information in its various forms (business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, and many other forms – including those not yet even created!). It is a convenient ‘umbrella’ term that can encompass both the telecoms and computing/IT sectors (to find out more about the telecoms side of things, take a look at the feature elsewhere in this issue, which deals specifically with that area). IT is the technology that is driving what is often referred to as the ‘information revolution’. It deals with the use of computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit and retrieve information, securely. At the centre of everyday life and with a significant presence in almost all industries and businesses, computing and IT together provide employment for huge numbers of people. To get an idea of just some of the jobs in this sector, take a look at the accompanying ‘Typical IT jobs’ box. You could be creating technological applications or systems, solving problems using technology or supporting people who use it. Within the
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TYPICAL IT JOBS
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Many jobs in this sector, particularly those that involve working with customers, require good interpersonal skills, as well as team-working and problem-solving abilities. All have technical content, ranging from the in-depth skills of a software developer through to roles that may need much less detailed knowledge. Some typical roles are: • business analyst • helpdesk operator • trainer • software developer • technical author • technician • engineer • computer forensics • content management • cyber security and risk management • data analysis and analytics • games development • geographical information systems (GIS) • hardware engineering • information management • IT consultancy (business and technical) • IT sales • software engineering (designing, building, developing, testing) • systems/network management • technical support • web design.
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IT industry there are also jobs in business, marketing, HR and finance. On top of this, more than 40% of IT and telecoms professionals work outside the IT industry, in areas such as retail, finance, manufacturing and the public sector.
Skills shortages There is currently demand for higher‐level technical skills, in particular to develop products and services to meet the needs of the fast‐moving nature of the industry. This includes knowledge of the most up‐to‐date programming languages and systems such as cloud computing (see below to find out more). Cyber security is a growing field that is worth a mention. Currently there are not enough experts to counteract more advanced cyber attacks. There is also an increase in opportunities for information security officers and information risk managers, who manage threats posed to businesses. Large organisations, the government and social media companies, such as Facebook and Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber experts. Employers are looking for those who can combine technical skills with an understanding of broader business objectives, to be able to solve real business issues, particularly for consultancy roles. There is a demand for numerate and IT‐literate people to work in analytics and solve business problems.
Computing and IT skills gained in the Services Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff; they will know exactly who they are and where their particular skill set might lead. They are generally found in the specialist communications, administrative and electronics branches, although there may be some people serving outside those areas who have considerable expertise. Others will have specialised in computing and/or electronics but only as part of their career pattern. They are still likely to have a number of very transferable and marketable skills, but these may need to be targeted in a particular area, or improved or widened in the period before leaving. There is a great deal of computing and IT training available through the resettlement system. Preferred suppliers and other training providers offer a wide variety of courses in this field.
Get qualified! Industry advice is for Service people to gain as much academic knowledge as possible while still serving that can be enhanced by practical training during the resettlement period.
Knowledge can be developed through self study, academic qualifications via a college and an industry placement nearer discharge. Career changers will have to learn to use specific applications or languages (see below). How much formal training is required will depend on the new career path, as well as individual experience and aptitude. The options available range from conversion courses to work placements. Some companies recruit only those who have already been working in the industry, but most will take on new entrants. Many will take new recruits with little or no technical knowledge and offer training, provided they have other valued skills, and show they are enthusiastic and capable of learning. To increase the chances of getting a good job, individuals should aim to demonstrate these attributes through work experience connected to ICT (information and communication technology), or a course or qualification in an ICT‐ or business‐related subject; and they should develop and be able to demonstrate skills such as communications and problem solving.
Computing and IT qualifications Academic qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the principles that will be highly relevant for future training, although much of the detail will rapidly become out of date. There are also both generic and vendor‐ specific qualifications. The generic ones certify achievements in the general field of computing and IT, while vendor‐specific ones demonstrate a level of expertise in a particular manufacturer’s products. Many people hold both, and even a portfolio of qualifications in the products of different manufacturers, as it is often important to be able to operate across both boundaries and equipment. Generic qualifications include academic courses. Degrees (foundation or higher), HNDs and HNCs are all highly valued, with the theoretical knowledge involved always being relevant. Degrees tend to be in computer science, with HNDs and HNCs in software engineering. An A‐level or GCSE in computer studies might be the academic starting point for the beginner. NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships are available, based on sector‐approved national occupational standards (NOS), but some employers may not be very familiar with them, and some other qualifications may be more useful. Vocational A‐levels may also be taken – usually through colleges – and these can provide a job‐orientated qualification with a strong academic element. The experience gained in acquiring these qualifications will be valuable in finding employment.
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
19 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Computing and information technology
e-skills UK’s NOS and ITQ e‐skills UK* has launched NOS for both IT users and IT professionals; to find out more about these, visit www.e‐skills.com/nos User NOS may be gained through an IT user qualification (ITQ). The ITQ is based on the NOS for IT Users 2009 and provides an up‐to‐ date, nationally recognised IT user qualification tailored to business and individual needs. More than three‐quarters (77%) of the UK workforce use IT in their jobs, but one in ten businesses say there are gaps in the IT skills they need. The ITQ is helping to fill these gaps. The ITQ can be tailored to different work requirements (as well as the use of computers and mobile IT devices, it can cover other ICT systems, including those used in engineering, manufacturing and teaching) and studied for at college or in the workplace – find out more at www.e‐skills.com/standards‐and‐ qualifications/it‐user‐qualifications‐‐‐itq
The Tech Partnership e‐skills UK is currently supporting the development and work of the Tech Partnership, a growing network of employers collaborating to create the skills needed to accelerate the growth of the UK’s digital economy. It is supported by, and is taking forward, the work of e‐skills UK. Its strategy is to: ● inspire new talent ● create new jobs, accelerating the flow of talented people from all backgrounds into technology careers
THE ECDL
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The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s number one IT user qualification. Seen as the benchmark for digital literacy in educational systems around the globe, the ECDL equips learners with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing knowledge and motivating further learning. No prior computing skills or knowledge of IT are required to study for the ECDL – it is designed for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enhance their career prospects or for personal development. The recently launched ‘new ECDL’ is composed of a range of modules – each provides a practical programme of up-to-date skills and knowledge areas, which are validated by a test. This enables you to develop and certify your computer skills in the subject areas of your choice and to the level you need. Through the module combination you choose, you can create your own individual ECDL Profile. The new ECDL range of modules is categorised as Base modules, Standard modules and Advanced modules – choosing those that are right for you will depend on your current skills and experience, as well as on what you want from your qualification. To find out more, visit the BCS website: www.bcs.org The ECDL Foundation website is at www.ecdl.org
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develop new skills, making it easier for employers to develop strategic digital skills – for example, cyber‐security, Big Data, mobile and e‐commerce raise standards, setting industry standards, and accrediting and promoting education and training that meets them.
The CompTIA The CompTIA runs a series of certifications, which are credentials achieved through a testing process to validate knowledge within a specific IT support function. Its exams are developed by subject matter experts, and the certifications are recognised throughout the industry as foundation‐level skill sets. These qualifications are widely recognised and may also form modules in other ICT awards and programmes.
I DID IT! Name: James Nash Final rank: Cpl Years served: 13 Courses: CompTIA A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA, MCSA Provider: Blue Screen IT James Nash, 30, left the Royal Marines in 2014, having specialised in Signals, feeling ‘fed up with being away and the lack of work–life balance. My job had become repetitive.’ Asked to tell us about the training and experiences gained during his Service career that he now finds useful in civilian
EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGIES … As part of his daily role, James is exposed to the following: • Windows Server 2008 • Windows Server 2003 • Windows 8 • Windows 7 • Windows XP • SCCM • Active Directory • Exchange Admin • SharePoint Admin • WSUS • Quest Active Roles Server (QARS) • BMC Remedy • Backup Exec • Symantec Endpoint • MacAfee • FireEye • Bit9 • Secure VPN • Windows phone • iOS devices • Solarwinds • VMware Horizon View • ESXi • Remote Desktop Connection Manager • PowerShell • Command Prompt
The British Computer Society The British Computer Society (BCS – the Chartered Institute for IT) is a qualifying body for chartered IT professionals that has its own exam structure: ● European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) (see box) and other user qualifications ● Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB) qualifications, which provide industry‐recognised qualifications that measure competence, ability and performance in many areas of IT ● BCS professional exams, which at their highest level take students to the academic level of an honours degree, and acknowledge practical experience and academic ability.
life, he responds: ‘Junior Command Course CMI in team leading, PTTLLLS, NVQ in Telecommunications and BTEC’. During resettlement, as well as his CTW, he also undertook the following courses with provider Blue Screen IT: CompTIA A+, Net+, Sec+, CCNA, MCSA. These were, he says, ‘very well run and useful’. His first (and current) civilian job on leaving the Forces saw James become a 1st line support service desk analyst/incident manager, a role he found through using civilian job search engines. Now in this role for 11 months, James says that the service desk analyst aspect involves ‘regular management of Active Directory, group policies and accounts using QARS; monitoring incidents; configuring user virtual machines using VMware Horizon View; server status monitoring using Solarwinds; applying patches to servers on a monthly basis using WSUS; daily building security checks; checking for issues on our servers in the data centre; building Hp Blade servers; installing servers in racks; management of internal goods in and goods out; using server ILO to restart and shut down servers; the processing of hotel bookings, resource requests and customer site applications. ‘I am engaged in proactive tasks, monitoring the day-to-day upkeep of customer infrastructure, which requires: server back-up checks, daily emails to customers notifying them of any issues that occurred during the night, and checking VM statuses; fault diagnosis using event logs and information in tickets; escalation of tickets to 2nd line.’ He appreciates that his new job is ‘close to home’ and ‘the friendly nature of other staff members’. He concludes: ‘I feel less stressed now, and not held back in my ability to progress.’ Get in touch Tel: 01752 724 000 email: info@bluescreenit.co.uk Web: www.bluescreenit.co.uk See the advertisement on page 21
* The Tech Partnership is now taking forward the work of e‐skills UK. The new Tech Partnership website – www.thetechpartnership.com – will become fully operational during 2015, while the e‐skills.com website will be gradually decommissioned. Find out more at www.e‐skills.com/#sthash.wcmbNFbu.dpuf
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
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Computing and information technology
Professional vendor qualifications Professional vendor qualifications are training and exams in a specific manufacturer’s products. The manufacturer should be a major supplier in the industry for its qualifications to have value, but do bear in mind that the qualification that is so valuable today may have less value tomorrow if the manufacturer goes out of business or there is a major change in technology. Microsoft qualifications are perhaps the best known, with Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) seen as the globally recognised standard for IT professionals. This new MCSE certification differs from the old Microsoft Certified System Engineer (also known by the initials MCSE) certification in that it focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions, which may include integrating multiple technology products and span multiple versions of a single technology, whether on‐premises or in the cloud. In contrast, the previous Microsoft Certified System Engineer certification focused on a specific job role. The Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) certification is also available, replacing the old Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification (also known by the acronym MCSA). The new MCSA certification is a prerequisite to Microsoft’s MCSE expert‐level certifications for experienced IT
22 www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
professionals. It focuses on the ability to design and build technology solutions, whereas the previous Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator certification focused on a specific job role. Microsoft, of course, offers a host of differently targeted certifications and exams – for full details, check out the ‘Learning’ area of its website: www.microsoft.com/learning/en‐us/mcsa‐ certification.aspx Microsoft is not, however, the only manufacturer on the market, and other big players, like Novell (Certified Novell Engineer and Certified Novell Administrator) and Cisco Systems, also have their own qualifications.
and changing industry. ‘Permanent’ employment is often regarded as lasting three to five years, and people commonly change employer every two years or so. In‐house training is often provided, and good people can achieve rapid promotion.
What can you earn? Salary expectations vary hugely from one company and contract to another, so it is difficult to give an accurate picture. However, a relatively unskilled employee might earn up to £18,000, a technician (engineer or analyst) £25,000 to £35,000, a manager (user, data, support), £35,000 to £45,000, and a head of services anything from £60,000 upwards.
Finding employment
KEY CONTACTS
Securing employment is inevitably a combination of: ● qualifications ● experience ● networking ● work placements ● the right CV ● going for the right job. Those entering similar employment to that they had in the Forces may well start at the same level; those going into an unrelated field will probably start further down the ladder. Once into a company the employment possibilities are enormous in this expanding
British Computer Society, Tel: 01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417 (lo-call rate) Web: www.bcs.org Twitter: @bcs CompTIA UK, Tel: 020 7330 6060 email: info_uk@comptia.org Web: www.comptia.org Twitter: @comptia e-skills UK, Tel: 020 7963 8920 email: info@e-skills.com Web: www.e-skills.com The Tech Partnership, Tel: 020 7963 8920 email: info@thetechpartnership.com Web: www.thetechpartnership.com Twitter: @TechPartnership
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Emergency planning and management What’s involved? mergency planning and management professionals anticipate, plan for and respond to a range of events, such as major industrial incidents, natural disasters and health epidemics, in order to provide as much public protection as possible. Working as part of a team, these professionals will know how to respond to, for example, terrorism, floods, oil spills and volcanic eruptions in order to offer the most immediate and best outcome. The public sector uses professionals in this field to deal with civil disruption such as wide‐area adverse weather conditions and terrorism. The private sector uses professionals to help large corporations and organisations put contingency plans in place for any kind of disaster that might significantly reduce a corporation’s ability to run its business at maximum efficiency.
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TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS Emergency work is perfect for ex-Forces personnel, especially if they have experience of logistics and planning – for both personnel and equipment. Directly transferable skills include: • collaborating with others in order to assess a situation, then working out strategies to deal with it • using a range of media to communicate • carrying out risk assessments and providing technical support • coordinating activities – perhaps such as evacuations and preparing public shelters • liaising with a range of departments and agencies in order to gather or exchange equipment and personnel • testing and evaluating plans and strategies in line with national/international regulations • making inspections of equipment, keeping up to date with changes in the situation, adapting plans at short notice to fit needs • understanding that, on some occasions ‘on site’, there may be a risk to personal safety. Other skills/requirements include: • the ability to write plans and reports • keeping up to date with, and developing, operating procedures • complete flexibility in terms of how, when and where the work needs to take place • persuasion – when it comes to, for example, applying for funding • tutoring/mentoring/training others (perhaps across different agencies and organisations) • personal mobility may be an advantage – particularly when working for a local authority that has restricted budgets.
The knock‐on effects of worldwide environmental crises and civil unrest – even if where such events occur may seem very far removed from the UK – range from dips in money markets to travel disruption, and potentially even to the availability of spare parts for vehicles. These occurrences are stark reminders of the need for greater community and business resilience. Additionally, such events are responsible for an upturn in emergency planning and management employment, which is now a growth industry.
postgraduate MSc. Further specialist courses can be taken that will develop knowledge in a particular area, such as working in the voluntary sector. A number of organisations offer their own specialist training. This will result in qualifications that demonstrate the specific skills and competencies required. Those who enter this employment area at assistant level may have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills through in‐house courses.
Emergency planning skills gained in the Services
Finding employment
The roles and opportunities available in emergency planning and management are so varied that the examples given here can only be regarded as general. However, some core skills used in the military – such as a swift and flexible response to an emerging risk, threat or situation, planning, horizon scanning, risk assessment, resource and people management, coordinating an operational response, decision making and working in a multi‐agency environment – will be very important. Military personnel may have a good understanding and/or experience of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection, negotiation and, in some cases, engineering. They may also have been exposed to fatalities and know how to deal with emotional responses to these. Occasionally, Service personnel become part of a team undertaking humanitarian and disaster relief work. This involves working round the clock in sometimes precarious conditions using highly specific skills.
Get qualified! Generally speaking, the foundation for emergency planning and management work has been a relevant first degree. On some occasions, an employer may simply require previous relevant experience in a related or similar field – such as having been in the Forces. A BTEC professional award, certificate or diploma in Emergency Management at a variety of levels is a nationally recognised qualification, and therefore entry point, into this area. BTEC offers five level 4 awards that each stand alone as a qualification or, when combined, lead to an Emergency Management Professional Diploma. Specialist emergency planning postgraduate courses are available through a number of universities, and culminate in a
Employment in emergency planning and management is likely to be a mix of office‐ based work for a standard 37‐hour week, and making visits to locations such as airports, industrial facilities, oil rigs and hospitals. If an emergency occurs, then managers are required to work flexibly for the length of time it takes to restore a stable situation. Employment opportunities may exist in, for example, IT and communications companies, within the health sector, in industry, in the travel sector, within law enforcement agencies, and many more. There are opportunities to progress within and change sectors. Part of an emergency manager’s role might be to stay abreast of the law, and train a range of departments/organisations in how to put in place their own basic emergency planning and management strategies.
Rates of pay Pay scales are likely to vary considerably depending on organisation and level of responsibility, but could go up to in excess of £100,000. The private sector is very likely to offer higher rates than the public sector.
KEY CONTACTS Business Continuity Institute, Tel: 0118 947 8215 email: bci@thebci.org Web: www.thebci.org Twitter: @TheBCEye Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Tel: 0116 257 3100 email: reception@iosh.co.uk Web: www.iosh.co.uk Twitter: @IOSH_tweets The Emergency Planning Society, Tel: 01347 821972 email: info@the-eps.org Web: www.the-eps.org Twitter: @TheEPS1 Individual councils and authorities: check with your local authority
September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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Telecommunications
Telecommunications What’s involved? career in the telecommunications industry will suit those who enjoy constant change and want to get involved with technology at the cutting edge. It is a wide‐ranging, competitive and fast‐changing industry, and it offers an array of career options. Driven by advances in communications technology, notably the internet, broadband and mobile phones, the telecoms industry is, according to e‐skills UK (the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology),* fast becoming indistinguishable from the IT industry. Many of the new technologies use broadband data networks carrying high volumes of multimedia traffic, and this is reflected in the skills required and the job roles available. In this brief look at the telecoms industry, it is only the connection between the equipment at both ends of the system that will be considered. However, this is a somewhat artificial line to draw because software and hardware developments increasingly affect both the formulation and use of information, becoming interlinked with its transmission and delivery. So, readers should be familiar with the term ‘information and communication technology (ICT)’. Indeed, the technology convergence mentioned above, between the IT and telecoms industries, is demanding upskilling in telecoms to a profile more similar to that of the IT industry, with skills
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traditionally regarded as being IT‐based rather than telecoms‐based now being required. (To find out more about this, you might want to take a look at our ‘Computing and information technology’ feature elsewhere in this issue.) And, as with the IT sector, business and interpersonal skills are becoming more important. Convergence of the telecoms and IT industries means that voice and data communications, which used to be two separate areas, are now coming together and using the same communications channels. The key to telecoms is ‘bandwidth’ – the amount of information that can be carried by a particular method of transmission like a cable or a radio wave. Modern developments involve enlarging the capacity of the links, increasing global coverage, joining end‐users together, and providing more facilities over more networks.
Mobile telecoms To most people these days, mobile telecoms means mobile or smart phones, with links using radio and microwave, and their masts and dishes can be seen all around. Satellites may also be used in both mobile and static telecoms networks. Digital TV uses both cable and satellite services, while 3G and 4G technology, smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and quad‐band devices are commonplace.
Fixed telecoms
TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS
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Service leavers need to discover the area of telecoms that is right for them, and for which they can reasonably expect to have the necessary qualifications and background. There is a wide range of resettlement training courses in this sector, but individuals are advised to talk with people working in the industry to try to establish a reasonable starting point based on their previous skills and experience. They should then look for the courses and training that suit them. The key is to start early and take resettlement training, so that it can be enhanced by self study, academic qualifications and an industry placement.
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
Fixed telecoms may include all the infrastructure necessary to run a local or wide area network, and the links between the two. It may provide business services, telephones, television and much more besides, and may be used to transmit voice, data, graphics or any combination of these. The most common carriers of fixed telecoms are cables, made from both copper and fibre‐optics.
Networks Typically, a number of different commercial organisations will both provide and share telecoms network facilities. Signals pass
through switches and links owned by many companies and rented by the service provider. Their routing is up to the owner of the links, and a mobile phone call will be just one message among those of many other phone users. However, over the next few years, there will be a move away from circuit‐switched voice networks to a system that works completely through the internet. Messages need protocols to ensure that they get to the right place. They may need
THE DAY JOB: TELECOMS TECHNICIAN Telecoms technicians install, repair and maintain broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. They also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre-optic systems. If you have good practical skills, and can track down and solve problems, this could the job for you. You need to be well organised, able to follow technical diagrams, and happy to work as part of a team or on your own. You will need a background and qualifications in a related area, like electronics, electrical servicing or computer networking. As a telecoms technician you would install, test and repair communications and data communications systems, such as: • fixed-line and mobile telephony networks • copper-wire and fibre-optic cabling • VoIP communication systems • analogue and digital satellite systems • wireless radio networks providing internet access via PCs, smartphones and tablets. Your work could vary in scale from setting up a communications network in a large organisation to the installation of a home satellite system. Your work could involve: • laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling • testing and repairing faults in public and private switching exchanges • working with aerial rigging and related equipment • installing mobile and static antennae on buildings or masts • designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment. Source: National Careers Service
* The Tech Partnership is now taking forward the work of e‐skills UK. The new Tech Partnership website – www.thetechpartnership.com – will become fully operational during 2015, while the e‐skills.com website will be gradually decommissioned. Find out more at www.e‐skills.com/#sthash.wcmbNFbu.dpuf
Telecommunications
TYPICAL TELECOMS JOBS The main job roles in the telecoms industry include: • aerial rigging • equipment wirer and assembler • exchange power technician • internal network construction • installer of radio equipment in cars • international networks • mobile switching engineer • network management • network planning • narrowband and wideband planning • radio base station engineer • radio frequency engineer • radio repair technician • radio systems design engineer • satellite communications • systems production supervisor • field operations, including - fibre-optic installation and configuration - fibre-optic repair and renewal - 21CN network technician - core access network technician - installation and support technician - customer support. Source: www.e-skills.com (you can find out about all of the above jobs, in detail, here – although please bear in mind the note at the foot of the first page of this feature)
to be compressed and then decompressed, and they may be split into tiny fragments, with each one being sent separately and the whole being reconstituted.
Telecoms skills gained in the Services Each Service has its ‘expert’ telecoms staff in the specialist communications and electronics branches, although there may be other people serving who have considerable expertise. Some will have relevant degrees, while others will have other qualifications. Some people will also have specialised in telecoms and/or electronics as part of their career pattern. They are still likely to have a number of very transferable and marketable skills, but these may need to be targeted in a particular area. Service people without the necessary technical background can still enter the industry, but this will probably be at a lower level. Their personal qualities are valued, as are the core skills they may bring, including map reading, first aid and even an ability to work at heights.
Get qualified! Those in the Forces can gain qualifications through their employment and personal development while they are serving. This will primarily be to do with the theory necessary to use equipment, its actual use, and how to pass on that knowledge to others. The academic background and the principles of certain equipment use will be
highly relevant to future employment, so the aim should be to build up these qualifications, while those whose career path does not include such courses should look at day release, evening classes, open learning and the internet for opportunities to learn before they leave. Once you have left the Forces, you would normally receive training from your employer, and ongoing courses to keep you up to date. You may also be able to work towards industry qualifications, such as these: ● level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication Systems ● level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Cabling Installations ● level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Rail Engineering Telecoms Installer ● HND in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (Communication) ● foundation degree, HND or degree in telecommunications, data communications and digital communications. A suite of national occupational standards has been launched by e‐skills UK; to find out more about these and to get a wider picture of the qualifications available, visit www.e‐skills.com/nos
Finding employment Industry recruiters face three main problem areas: 1. lack of qualifications 2. lack of experience 3. shortage of essential skills. Also regarded as being of key importance to employers, and possessed by Service leavers, are: ● problem‐solving skills ● oral communications ● team‐working skills. In addition to catering for continued growth, recruitment into IT and telecoms also needs to replace those who leave the sector due to retirement or for other reasons. More than one‐third of companies trying to recruit IT and telecoms professionals report difficulties in attracting applicants with the right skills. This is generally due to mismatches in terms of business and high‐level technical skills needs. Micro establishments are most likely to rate applicants’ skills levels as below those required. Virtually all companies experiencing recruitment problems report a negative impact on their company’s activities, the most common effect being difficulties in meeting customer service objectives. There is also a need to radically improve the understanding and appeal of careers in IT and telecoms among women. There are various ways in to the industry. To become a telecommunications technician for instance (see box), you may
I DID IT! Name: Rachel Turvey Age: 30 Course: Post Graduate Certificate in Wireless Communications Provider: Ubi-Tech ‘I have just left the Royal Signals, having worked as a Communications Systems Operator for 12 and a half years. I served in Germany and Northern Ireland, and deployed on operations in Iraq and three tours of Afghanistan. My last role was as an Instructor at the Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre (MTMC), specialising in Electronic Counter Measures (Force Protection). ‘Although I have had an amazing experience in the Army, I decided it was time for a career change and new challenges. I had already attended one resettlement course but didn’t feel I had the qualification that I wanted after serving for so long in telecoms. So I looked in to the course run by Ubi-Tech, and after speaking to Richard Lee a few times I booked myself on to the course in July. ‘It was exactly what I had been hoping for – and so much more! For example, learning in depth about mobile networks from 2G right the way up to 4G LTE. It isn’t a typical military resettlement course, where the instructors get their money and a tick in the box! They helped me adapt my CV to fit in with the industry, which actually got me an interview during the course. They also gave me interview advice and helped me prepare, as this was my first job interview in 13 years. I was subsequently offered the job and I started at the end of August. ‘I cannot express enough how helpful the course was – not just the content, but the instruction and methods are brilliant, too, as well as the ongoing help and support provided by the Ubi-Tech team. We had numerous visitors during the course that wanted to talk to us about work in the telecoms industry. ‘I have also joined the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals, which enables me to keep up to date with the industry. All of this from one course. For all of those looking to work in the telecoms industry when they leave the Services – regardless of cap badge – I can’t recommend it highly enough!’ Get in touch Tel: 01527 893558 email: info@ubi-tech.co.uk Web: www.ubi-tech.co.uk See the advertisement on pages 4 & 5
September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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Telecommunications
I DID IT! Name: Ross McLeod Final rank: Major Years served: 14 Current job: Senior Commercial Manager, BT Fast Track Leadership Programme
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Ross McLeod, 37, left the Army’s Royal Corps of Signals in 2013, having ‘done all I had set out to do, professionally, operationally, and in sports and adventurous training. I wanted to control my own life, and live in London, as opposed to wherever the Army sent me. I no longer believed that expeditionary military operations are likely to succeed – I wanted a career I believed in.’ Asked to tell us about the training and experiences gained during his Service career that he now finds useful in civilian life, he cites: ‘stakeholder management, project management, IT and telecoms knowledge – largely the product of being a Royal Signals officer (communications specialist). In the latter half of my time in the Army I deliberately selected jobs that were overtly translatable to civilian skill sets – IT and telecoms project management, for example.’ As for qualifications gained, the list (shown in the accompanying box) is a long one! His first (and current) civilian job on leaving the Forces saw Ross become a Senior Commercial Manager on the BT Fast Track Leadership Programme. Asked how this came about, he says: ‘I heard about the scheme from ex-Army friends who had successfully completed it over three years, and the more I heard about it, the more impressed I was. It was the first and only job I applied for.’ Now in this role for 18 months, Ross tells us that BT describes it like this: ‘The Fast Track Leadership Programme is a unique scheme for high flyers who can make an immediate impact on our business and become part of our top management team in the future. You’ll find Fast Trackers working across many functions and leadership roles.’ ‘Essentially,’ adds Ross, ‘it is an opportunity to undertake up to four different roles over a threeyear period, rapidly gaining experience and delivering commercial success in a variety of areas of the business. IT and telecoms is a fascinating, vibrant and rapidly evolving sector of the economy, which demands a broad range of skills to understand it, implement it, and deliver and explain it to customers. It employs lots of very
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
CIVILIAN QUALIFICATIONS GAINED WHILE SERVING ‘I studied part-time for most of the 14 years I was in the Army,’ says Ross. Hence the following impressive list of achievements: • MSc Information Capability Management • LLB Law degree • MA International Relations (War Studies) • CMI level 7 (Master’s) Strategic Management and Leadership • IT and Computing (Cert, Open University) • Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) • APMP (Project Management) • PRINCE2 (Project Management) • ITIL (Information Technology Services Management) • Windows Server 2003 Manager • Security+ (Computing) • Network+ (Computing) bright people, which makes for a great working environment. BT is investing hugely in new technologies, which means that change is constant – and good people are needed to lead that change. However, it is a highly competitive area, too: Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin are snapping at our heels, so we’re forced to be on our “A game”. There is genuine investment in talent; people can and do promote rapidly up the ranks, based on merit. The role offers an extremely flexible work– life balance – many people work from home, and hours vary from, say, 7am–4pm to 9am–7pm. There are lots of jobs in lots of places, so you can move around within the company as your family circumstances and/or requirements change. There is real investment in training and development: I’ve been amazed how much effort managers and the company put into developing people.’ Asked to tell us how his Service role and current job differ, Ross replies: ‘I am now expected to understand our business, our competitors and the wider commercial environment, and manage profit and loss, revenues, costs, etc. There are more opportunities to develop and gain new skills than there are after the early years in the Army, particularly commercial abilities, which are critical to success outside. You control your own life, and live where you/your family want to.’ His salary has also improved, which would have been the case even had he ‘stayed in to Lt Col level,’ he says. Ross sums up with some sound advice for current Service leavers: ‘Everyone leaves, whether at 25 or 55. Start preparing for that from Day 1 after basic training or Sandhurst, or you will compare unfavourably with those who have put that effort in. Recognise that the longer you stay in after your initial engagement, the more you are falling behind your civilian peers – unless you are gaining directly relevant civilian experience and qualifications.’
be able to complete an apprenticeship with an electronics, telecommunications or IT company. Vacancies in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. Alternatively, you may be able to get a trainee position with an installation company if you already have experience and/or qualifications in electronic or electrical engineering, or servicing. If not, you could take a college course to gain qualifications in these areas. As data (IT) and telecommunications systems merge, demand is increasing for technicians who have skills in both fields, especially wireless broadband technologies and VoIP. Typical employers include telephone and broadband network providers, mobile phone operators, cable, satellite and digital TV companies, rail signal engineering and power transmission companies. There may also be opportunities with the Ministry of Defence, the police and emergency services. With more experience, you could progress to network planning and design, the research and development of new products, and project management.
What can you earn? Because pay varies so much from one company and contract to another, the following figures are for guidance only, although the average reported annual salary is around £35,000: ● engineer – £15,000 to £25,000 ● team leader – £18,000 to £22,000 ● project manager – £22,000 to £40,000 ● technical trainer – £28,000 to £50,000 ● network engineer – up to £50,000. Overtime, shift work and benefits can increase these rates.
KEY CONTACTS Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd, Tel: 01923 803030 email: office@cai.org.uk Web: www.cai.org.uk Twitter: @CAILtd e-skills UK, Tel: 020 7963 8920 email: info@e-skills.com Web: www.e-skills.com Fibre Optic Industry Association Tel: 01763 273039 email: secretary@fia-online.co.uk Web: www.fia-online.co.uk Institute of Telecommunications Professionals (ITP), Tel: 01932 788861 email: enquiries@theITP.org Web: www.theitp.org Twitter: @ITPnetwork Society of Cable Telecommunication Engineers (The Society for Broadband Professionals), Tel: 01923 815500 email: office@thescte.eu Web: www.scte.org.uk Twitter: @scte_ The Tech Partnership, Tel: 020 7963 8920 email: info@thetechpartnership.com Web: www.thetechpartnership.com Twitter: @TechPartnership
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Aviation industry
Working in civil aviation
Pilot or ATC? Engineer or security operative? Ground crew or dispatcher? If you are looking to transfer your aviation-related skills to the civilian workplace, read on … and let your new career take flight! hether you have long planned a career in the aviation sector on leaving the Armed Forces, or you are among the many Service people working in an aviation‐related career who have suddenly found themselves unexpectedly facing redundancy and would like to continue to work in this area, this feature aims to provide you with the background knowledge that will help you get your new career off the ground. Our focus is on those roles of greatest interest to Service leavers, and to which – due to the skills and qualifications they have gained while in uniform – they are likely to be eminently well suited. The routes from the Armed Forces into civil aviation are well established and many Service leavers have found successful second careers through following them. Holding the required licence(s) is absolutely essential for
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UK MILITARY PILOT CONVERSION TO A CIVILIAN PILOT LICENCE
30
Qualified Military Pilots (QMPs) are defined in CAP 804. Depending upon the military training completed, a QMP may qualify for credits against the requirements to complete the civil flying training and ground instruction specified for the various civil licences and qualifications. To obtain a civil licence or qualification, all pilots must pass the applicable CAA theoretical knowledge examinations and skill tests.
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
civilian employment and these can be expensive to obtain, so all pilots and engineers should ensure that they use the Service opportunities available to gain them.
Employment, training and qualifications Such a huge industry requires a vast number of people with a wide variety of skills. Just some of the job roles available in the aviation sector are: ● pilots and cabin crew ● airport operations ● passenger services staff ● cargo processors/handlers ● aviation engineers ● security staff ● air traffic controllers. In the following sections, we take a closer look at the main roles likely to be of interest to our readers.
Commercial pilot Any pilot who has served, or is serving, with the UK Armed Forces should refer to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) publication known as CAP 804, available free via the CAA website (www.caa.co.uk/cap804), for information regarding the theoretical knowledge and flying requirements for civilian pilot licences and related qualifications. ‘To be employed to fly as a commercial pilot,’ says Roger Henshaw, Head of Training at Ground Training Services Ltd (specialists in distance learning courses), ‘you must hold a professional licence that is either a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) – the ground training and examinations are different for the two licences. These licences also apply to both
aeroplanes and helicopters, although requirements differ for the two types of aircraft. An ATPL requires a minimum of 1,500 hours of flying experience and is normally acquired only after being employed as a pilot for several years. It is essential to hold an ATPL to be the pilot in command (PIC) on a commercial flight of an aircraft that must be flown by two pilots. To be the co‐pilot (first officer) a CPL with an instrument rating (IR) must be held and the written examinations for the ATPL passed. This combination is in effect a “frozen ATPL”, meaning that the qualifications for an ATPL are complete except for the relevant flight experience.’ ‘The IR,’ adds Captain Mike Kent, Head of Training at Bond Air Services Ltd, ‘is an essential component for potential airline pilots or helicopter pilots wishing to enter the world of offshore operations.’ A CPL is sufficient to act as PIC of a single pilot aircraft on a commercial flight. ‘It is worth bearing in mind,’ continues Roger Henshaw, ‘that, in addition to the larger airlines, there are also many smaller companies conducting what is called “aerial work” for which only the CPL is required. To obtain a CPL only, the ground training is simpler than for the ATPL. “Aerial work” can include glider towing, parachutist dropping, aerial photography and survey, pleasure flights, private corporate work, and flight instructing for the Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and CPL. Most of these activities require only one pilot holding either a CPL or CPL with an IR.’ The first step to gaining a commercial licence (CPL or frozen ATPL) is to obtain a Class 1 medical certificate. This means attending the CAA HQ near Gatwick Airport and passing a medical examination (which may take most of a day) and paying the relevant fee. After that, two types of training course are available: integrated courses and modular courses. Integrated courses combine ground and flight training from ab initio (literally ‘from the beginning’) to frozen ATPL in about 56 weeks (these cost between £70,000 and £95,000). A fixed‐wing integrated course usually includes an IR – a helicopter one will not. For the helicopter pilot, the only way to achieve this is at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) offering IR training, and the course effectively has to be conducted on a multi‐ engine type, usually involving extensive use of simulators. This will require a decision as to which type will be of most use in the future, and a type rating course will have to be carried out prior to commencing the IR.
Aviation industry
The alternative is a modular course, which does the same thing but in individual sections, thereby spreading the cost (typically £40–45,000). This type of training is more suited to military pilot conversions for which special terms are currently available. To qualify for modular training without military experience, the student must obtain a PPL, for which numerous flying clubs and training schools offer courses. Modular professional licence courses are available from about 20– 30 ATOs in the UK. Once an ATO is identified as providing suitable courses, it should be contacted directly for further guidance regarding costs, etc. The ground studies for a modular course can be completed via full‐time classroom study or distance learning. On completion of the written examinations, a student would move on to a CPL flight training course (typically of about six weeks’ duration) ending with a skill test flown with a CAA examiner. The CPL flight training can be started only when the student has acquired 150 hours of flight experience as a PPL holder. Following the CPL course, those students training to obtain a frozen ATPL would also complete IR training. Licence application to the CAA is made following the satisfactory completion of all necessary training, examinations and tests.
Ground operations, flight dispatch and airfield operations Airlines’ or handling agents’ dispatchers are responsible for aircraft turnrounds and, although their duties may vary by company or location, these are likely to include making weight and balance calculations, providing crew with weather details, and general turnround supervision and progress chasing, followed by dispatch of post‐ departure signals. Dispatchers are employed by either the airlines themselves or by their handling agents (e.g. Servisair, Menzies Aviation, Swissport).
Airline operations staff check the progress of the flying programme worldwide, which may involve sending and receiving signals, obtaining ATC clearances, checking the significance of delays and re‐ routings with regard to crew duty periods, and arranging for ground support in the event of diversions, among other things. They may also become involved in route planning and preparation of flight plans. Airfield ops staff employed by airport authorities are responsible for the operational serviceability of the runway and manoeuvring areas, airfield lighting, aircraft marshalling, bird scaring, snow clearance, and dealing with incidents or even accidents. Training in these disciplines is often done in‐house following employment, however it is also available through open learning programmes, some of which lead to recognised qualifications from bodies such as City & Guilds.
Cargo processing/handling This is sometimes done by airlines themselves, but normally by their specialist handling agents. The work involves the processing of cargo documentation, dealing with customs clearances and security, and ensuring the correct handling of special cargo such as dangerous goods and live animals. The work also involves the physical handling of both import and export cargo through airport freight sheds and to and from the aircraft.
Working for an airline Each individual airline employs its own flight crew (pilots and cabin crew), and will be able to advise anybody interested in such jobs about the qualifications they will need. The personnel department of the airline in which you are interested will provide the criteria for each job (e.g. pilot, cabin crew, passenger service staff, airline operations and dispatch staff) and details of what you
will need in order to be a candidate. Individual airline contact details can be found through the CAA website (see ‘Key contacts’), and details of recruitment opportunities and procedures should be obtained from them direct.
Aviation engineering Understandably, suitably qualified and experienced ex‐Servicemen and women are a welcome addition to the aviation engineering industry, which essentially splits into two areas: aircraft and avionics. Aircraft engineers inspect, repair and maintain the airframes and the engines. Avionics engineers are concerned with the electrical and electronic equipment on aircraft, including instruments, radio and radar. Entry and training Taking the example of an aircraft maintenance engineer’s licence, training to obtain one is usually via: ● completion of an approved CAA basic training course (see below), at an approved training organisation (although not compulsory, this allows a reduction in the experience required to gain a Part‐66 aircraft maintenance licence – see below) ● a recognised industry apprenticeship scheme, which provides on‐the‐job training to NVQ level 3 and usually takes two to four years (contact individual employers direct for specific details on entry requirements and availability). It is also possible to enter the industry with the equivalent UK Armed Forces training. However, for a Part‐66 licence, one year’s civil experience is required. In addition to relevant experience, exams need to be completed and no exemption is given. There is also a special route for CAA licence holders seeking registration as Incorporated Engineers (IEng) and Engineering
31 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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Aviation industry
Technicians (EngTech). For further information and guidance please contact the Royal Aeronautical Society or the Engineering Council (see ‘Key contacts’). Information on how to obtain a Part‐ 66 Engineer’s licence may be found on the CAA website. The minimum age to hold a Part‐66 licence is 18 years. To certify an aircraft release to service, the minimum age is 21. A Part‐66 aircraft maintenance licence confirms that the holder has met knowledge and experience requirements for any aircraft basic category and aircraft type rating specified. The licence is divided broadly between mechanical and avionics trade disciplines, with the mechanical licence category being further subdivided. There are also levels within the licence that allow the holder to perform certain roles within line and/or base maintenance. These reflect different levels of task complexity, and are supported by different standards of experience and knowledge. An individual may hold a combination of licence categories, which are: ● Category A Maintenance Certifying Mechanic ● Category B1 Maintenance Certifying Technician (Mechanical) ● Category B2 Maintenance Certifying Technician (Avionic) ● Category C Base Maintenance Certifying Engineer. Categories A and B1 are further divided into the following sub‐categories: ● A1 Aeroplanes Turbine ● A2 Aeroplanes Piston ● A3 Helicopters Turbine ● A4 Helicopters Piston. The wider privileges of the Category B licence and the role of the technician in defect diagnosis/rectification and system inspection require a more detailed knowledge than that for Category A. This requires a longer period of experience and examination at a higher level. The requirements for Category C can be achieved through being a:
graduate with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering recognised by the CAA, or a similar discipline that is considered relevant to aircraft maintenance and that has been accepted for this purpose by the CAA ● B1 or B2 licence holder with certifying experience. Applicants who successfully complete a Part‐147 approved basic training course will have received instruction in the required subjects, and passed the exams associated with that course and the respective licence category. Part‐66 licences are recognised across all EASA Member States. EASA does not recognise licences and qualifications gained outside the EASA Member States. Training completed at a Part‐147 organisation that is approved by an EASA Member State Competent Authority (National Aviation Authority), or directly by EASA, is accepted for licence issue. Under Part‐66 there is a requirement to record satisfactory basic training and skills attainment as a prerequisite for basic licence issue. To assist both basic and type rating applicants to demonstrate that they meet the licensing requirements, the CAA has introduced an aircraft maintenance engineer’s logbook. We have just given some examples here, but as you can see, licensing and training to work as an aircraft or avionics engineer is quite a complicated area, so to find out about current licensing requirements in more detail, please refer to the CAA website and CAA publications (see ‘Key contacts’). ●
Aviation security Further information can be obtained direct from potential employers. Those with the necessary instructional skills and previous aviation experience, who wish to become instructors in this sector, are advised to visit the DfT’s website at www.gov.uk/ government/organisations/department‐ for‐transport to find out more.
Air traffic control Air traffic controllers provide instructions, advice and information to pilots by radio, to keep air traffic flying safely, efficiently and quickly. Aircraft movement is controlled by National Air Traffic Services Ltd (NATS), which is regulated by the CAA. It provides air traffic control (ATC) to aircraft flying through UK‐controlled airspace and at several UK airports, with a training college at Bournemouth. (There are two other non‐ NATS air traffic control training colleges at Cwmbran, and Shoreham and Gloucester.) To find out more about becoming an air traffic controller, contact NATS direct (see ‘Key contacts’). With grateful thanks to the Civil Aviation Authority for their assistance in the preparation of this article.
KEY CONTACTS Airlines recruit individually, in many cases via their websites Association of Licensed Aircraft Engineers (advice on training and course providers), Tel: 01932 577 007 email: alae@alae.org Web: www.alae.org Civil Aviation Authority, Tel: 020 7379 7311 email: fclweb@caa.co.uk (flight crew licensing) eldweb@caa.co.uk (engineer licensing) Web: www.caa.co.uk Twitter: @UK_CAA Engineering Council, Tel: 020 3206 0500 Web: www.engc.org.uk Twitter: @EngCouncil European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Web: www.easa.eu Twitter: @EASA Heathrow Airports Holdings (formerly the British Airports Authority, BAA) recruits by airport with no central department, Web: www.heathrow.com Twitter: @HeathrowAirport National Air Traffic Services Ltd, Tel: 01489 616001 Web: www.nats.aero Twitter: @NATSPressOffice Royal Aeronautical Society, Tel: 020 7670 4300 email: raes@aerosociety.com Web: www.aerosociety.com Twitter: @AeroSociety
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Sport and fitness
Sport and fitness
What’s involved? ogether, sport and fitness make up one of the UK’s largest employment sectors, as well as one of the fastest‐growing sectors in the UK economy, focusing on the leading and supervision of sport, exercise and physical activity. The UK has thousands of sport and fitness clubs, leisure centres and gyms for public use, and there is an increasing demand for skilled exercise professionals to fill the growing number of employment vacancies.
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Sport and fitness skills gained in the Services
36
As an athlete – both within the Services and outside – sport is a very tough area to break into in any capacity, and it takes talent, hard work and luck to succeed. Loss of form or injury can bring a career to a premature end, so there should also be some preparation for early retirement. Service courses on coaching and officiating, for example, can lead to recognised civilian qualifications. Each Service has its PT instructors, although each operates very differently in this field. Military PTI class 1, 2 and 3, and the All Arms PTI certificates qualify holders to join the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS – see box), and there is growing formal recognition for military qualifications by civilian authorities. The sector will generally accept relevant Service training and experience, but individuals must be prepared to take additional courses or undergo assessment to reach official standards. Indeed, when many people think of ex‐ Services personnel going into the fitness
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
business, military PT‐based organisations (e.g. ‘boot camps’) are the first to spring to mind, with their outdoor fitness classes run by serving or former members of the Armed Forces. With this in mind, there are courses available that are specially tailored to Service leavers wishing to take up such roles. The situation is similar in outdoor education and development. The various regulatory bodies only accept civilian qualifications, so Armed Forces’ adventurous training instructors will have to ensure that they meet civilian standards if they wish to continue in this area on leaving the Services.
Get qualified! There are many different qualifications that help with a career in sport and fitness. Technical ability is critical, as are skills like effective communication, customer care, teamwork and interpersonal experience. Many sport and recreation‐related foundation, graduate and postgraduate degrees allow people to teach PE in schools. Some are part‐time or taken through distance learning, so they are suitable for those already in employment. Higher national diplomas (HNDs) and certificates (HNCs) also prepare people for management jobs, although expertise in a particular sport or area of fitness is also required. Some FE colleges offer specialist qualifications, and sports coach UK works with the various sport national governing bodies (NGBs) to provide personal development programmes for all sports coaches. There are sport National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs) at levels
1–3. For the most up‐to‐date information on these, contact SkillsActive direct (see ‘Key contacts’). Individuals are assessed in a number of competencies in the workplace, with most qualifications requiring six mandatory units and four optional ones. To gain them, individuals will need a portfolio of skills and responsibilities. Many people start by gaining a qualification like an NGB coaching or fitness instruction award, and then work to gain the necessary experience. In the fitness industry, the aforementioned REPs is a system of self‐
SKILLS SHORTAGES IN THE INDUSTRY Research undertaken by SkillsActive identifies that there are particular recruitment difficulties and skills issues facing employers in the sports, fitness and outdoors sub-sector, with the following job roles considered particularly hard to fill: • sporting officials (paid and voluntary) • coaches, teachers, instructors and activity leaders (paid and voluntary) • operational help (volunteers). The most common skills in need of improvement among existing staff were identified as: • sport-specific technical skills • communication • management • child protection. Research undertaken to explore the impact of the current recession, identifies two key skill areas that employers commonly identify as important in times of recession, namely management and leadership, and customer service. Source: SkillsActive
Sport and fitness
regulation for everyone involved with exercise and fitness (again, see the box, which includes a list of the types of employee this covers), while physical education teachers in schools and colleges will have a teaching degree or postgraduate qualification in PE.
Finding employment Fitness instructing A common way to enter the health and fitness sector is as a fitness instructor. Although there are no formal academic requirements for this, a recognised fitness
READ ABOUT REPS … Anyone serious about finding work in the fitness industry should be affiliated to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) (owned by SkillsActive, the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Wellbeing). This is an independent public register, which recognises the qualifications and expertise of health-enhancing exercise instructors in the UK. One of its key functions is to provide a system of regulation for instructors and trainers to ensure that they meet the health and fitness industry’s agreed national occupational standards (NOS). Membership of REPs provides assurance and confidence to consumers, employers and the health professions that all registered exercise professionals are appropriately qualified, and have the knowledge, competence and skills to perform specific roles. Members are acknowledged for their: • professionalism • adherence to the industry’s nationally recognised standards • ongoing education. They are bound by a Code of Ethical Conduct and hold appropriate public liability insurance. In order to remain on the Register, members must continue to meet the standards that are set for their profession through continuing professional development (CPD). To gain recognition by REPs, instructors must provide evidence that they meet the NOS. These standards are produced by SkillsActive, which represents the needs of the industry. Membership is open to all exercise and fitness professionals who work as: • gym instructors • aqua teachers • group exercise to music instructors • personal trainers • yoga teachers • Pilates instructors • exercise referral instructors • instructors working with special populations • Exercise Movement & Dance Partnership (EMDP) teachers • cardiac rehab phase IV exercise instructors • postural stability instructors (PSIs) • lower back pain instructors • remedial instructors (military only). Membership also allows for the transferability of skills throughout the UK, across participating countries in Europe and around the world. To find out more, visit www.exerciseregister.org
instructor qualification is usually required and the minimum age to practise unsupervised is 18 years. Applicants to instructing courses require no formal qualifications although it can be an advantage to hold a first aid certificate. For those wishing to enter the industry, it is – as mentioned above – an advantage to register with the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs – see box). Fitness instructor work can
I DID IT! Name: Lisa Alford Final rank: POPT Years served: 22 Current job: Development Coordinator, Active Devon
Lisa Alford left the Royal Navy in 2013, at the end of her contract, having specialised as a physical trainer. Asked to tell us about the training and experiences gained during her Service career that she now finds useful in civilian life, she lists: ‘life experience, leadership and management training for myself – and also being on the receiving end of both good and bad styles’. As for civilian qualifications obtained during her Service career, Lisa achieved: ‘Certificate in Education, sports and remedial massage, football and swimming coaching, started BSc Hons in Coaching and Fitness Education, first aid’. She found her CTW ‘useful, and it was interesting to talk to others going through the same – but probably more useful for those that don’t have any idea what they want to do when they leave the military’. In addition, she undertook the following external courses during her resettlement: a swimming teaching qualification with the Amateur Swimming Association and, at St Mark & St John University, Plymouth, her BSc Hons degree in Coaching and Fitness Education. ‘On leaving the Royal Navy in September 2013, I decided to take a year out of full-time employment and teach swimming with Swimcats part-time, to allow me to concentrate on completing my degree.’ Now working as a Development Coordinator for Active Devon, the County Sports Partnership (CSP) for Devon – a job she found through Give to Sport then via the
cover a wide range of activities at a variety of levels, as highlighted by the list of typical REPs members in the aforementioned box. For those wishing to change career and enter this industry, there is a range of opportunities available; in addition, entry to roles at an older age is not uncommon. There are a host of industry‐endorsed courses, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and training schemes available.
Active Devon website – Lisa continues: ‘I started part-time at the beginning of June 2014, to allow me to complete the summer term teaching swimming, and went full-time with Active Devon in September 2014. I believe the practical experience I gained as part of my degree, during the work placement modules at Keyham Barton Primary School and with cancer patients as part of the Exercise Referral module, showed I could operate in a civilian environment. ‘However, I was specifically employed because of my military connections. Active Devon had a project linked to the MoD Covenant, assisting Service personnel, their families, veterans, reservists and cadet forces to gain sports coaching and activity qualifications. I successfully completed that project and moved on to organising the Sainsbury’s school games events for Devon. As a Development Coordinator I also have the specific locality of South Hams and West Devon to link with the local community and support our delivery partners to develop new opportunities. This could take the form of any of the following: sportivate, satellite clubs, walking for health, and informal sport activities such as beginner running and cycling. My colleagues are involved with youth engagement programmes, Ping in the Park, rounders in Devon, the Special Olympics and the Rugby World Cup in Exeter. ‘I enjoy the flexibility of the job. I didn’t face any obstacles when settling in with a very welcoming and like-minded group of people. Unfortunately, there is a massive difference in salary, but the flexibility of the job is making up for that at the moment!’ Asked to close with some advice for current Service leavers, Lisa has this to say: ‘Get off your backside and get organised. Set the date in your diary that you are due to start resettlement and act on it if you want to make the most of the time available. I did, and I was lucky I had a very supportive working environment that allowed me to get on with everything I had planned. There are still too many military personnel that expect it to land at their feet. There are so many opportunities available and all the resettlement staff are always extremely helpful – but you have to help yourself too!’
37 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Sport and fitness
Sports coaching, teaching and instructing Coaching may form part of a full‐time job role in the industry, like a sports development officer or outdoor instructor. Coaches need an appropriate qualification from a sport NGB, and many of the personal qualities of the coach are ‘people skills’. There is a growing trend within coaching towards part‐ time or freelance employment. Work is available as a voluntary coach within sports clubs or as a part‐time session coach in leisure centres. Many coaches work freelance for a number of organisations, and most have other jobs as well.
The outdoors There are many organisations providing all age groups with a range of sporting, physical and development activities, like walking, climbing, kayaking and caving, or just enjoying their surroundings. Instructors must hold a recognised award from the relevant NGB. Expedition companies usually have a small head office staff who organise and market the activities, and a number of freelance leaders and guides who manage things in the field. Service experience is relevant in this area, and it is common to start as a contracted expedition manager before joining a company in a regular capacity.
38 www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
Sport, recreation and leisure centres Sport, recreation and leisure centres catering for a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports exist throughout the UK. Employment varies from receptionists, lifeguards, coaches/instructors, supervisors, booking managers and plant technicians to centre managers. Most people start in this area by obtaining coaching or lifeguard awards, and gain experience before moving into management.
Sports development Most local authorities and governing bodies have sports development teams that provide sport and recreation on an outreach basis, taking it into rural and urban communities. Experience in voluntary sports coaching and administration or strategic leisure management is relevant. Specific sports development qualifications and courses exist at certificate and diploma levels; however, coaching awards are usually sufficient.
What can you earn? The sport and fitness sector is not particularly well paid, starting with the minimum wage. According to the latest available edition of SkillsActive’s Working in Fitness Survey, the average basic salary is £21,500 across all occupations working in permanent or self‐ employment. However, this varies widely according to the type of work, as the
following examples of annual salaries in the fitness workforce demonstrate: ● self‐employed/freelancer – £23,700 ● permanent full‐time – £21,600 (ranging from £14,500 for a gym instructor (level 2) to £24,100 for management) ● permanent part‐time – £14,400. The highest salaries are earned in senior management roles (an average of £32,800), while the lowest earners are the level 2 occupations of gym instructor and group exercise and aqua instructors at less than £15,100. The level 3 roles range from basic salaries of £18,600 (advanced instructors) to £26,000 (personal trainers).
KEY CONTACTS Department for Culture Media & Sport, Tel: 020 7211 6000 email: enquiries@culture.gov.uk Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations /department-for-culture-media-sport Twitter: @DCMS Register of Exercise Professionals, Tel: 020 7840 1919 Web: www.exerciseregister.org Twitter: @REPsUK SkillsActive, Tel: 020 7632 2000 Web: www.skillsactive.com Twitter: @SkillsActive sports coach UK, Tel: 0113 274 4802 Web: www.sportscoachuk.org Twitter: @sportscoachUK
MBAs
MBAs under the microscope BA stands for Master of Business Administration. An MBA, which is a postgraduate degree, provides a route into top or senior management positions in both the public and private sectors. The qualification was introduced to attract people with scientific approaches to management as industrialisation began to grip the world in the early 20th century. These days, MBAs are highly respected and likely to entice a range of global employers. A CV that lists an MBA qualification will attract attention. MBAs exist in a range of business‐related areas including economics, education, finance, global management, hospitality and tourism, IT, leadership and telecommunications. What’s more, it’s possible to take an MBA full‐time, part‐ time or through distance learning. So, with so much flexibility within this qualification, what’s the best way to make your choices?
M
Planning your study ●
Know your end goal, then work backwards to ensure you pick the right content in your MBA. Although there are many programmes to choose from, not all are accredited – which is
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What your MBA covers Most MBAs comprise core management subjects (such as human resource management, financial management, and strategy) that will deepen your understanding of how business works; elective modules that you can choose according to your career path; and a written or work‐based project.
Length of study ●
BENEFITS OF AN MBA An MBA will give you: • a globally recognised qualification • an insight into how business works • an understanding of the tools that businesses use • a professional, innovative and creative approach • enhanced managerial and leadership skills • a high degree of employability.
important if you are seeking funding (see ‘Cost’, below). Also, employers prefer accredited courses. You are normally expected to have between three and five years’ work experience and hold a degree before you can enrol on an accredited programme. Think about the best way for you to study. You will need to put aside around 20 hours a week on a distance learning course, or you may decide to enrol on a full‐time programme, which can be very intense.
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Full‐time programme: this may take from 12 months to two years. The one‐ year course is the most common in the UK, but would mean giving up an income. A full‐time programme may be the best choice if you are looking for a complete career change. Part‐time programme: this would allow you to continue with any income you may already be earning, and may be a good option if you are looking to enhance your employment skillsets. Modular study: this requires you to direct your own study at a pace that suits you, tackling the modules in the order you choose. Typically, it would take around three years to complete.
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Distance/open learning: this allows you to study wherever you are, sometimes in conjunction with attending live tutorials. You will complete a fixed sequence of study, although you may be able to take breaks between each of the modules. It is possible to complete your MBA in around three years, although it could, in theory, take as long as you like. Executive programme: this programme allows you to deepen your knowledge and understanding while staying with the same employer. Generally speaking, an employer nominates candidates and then supports them through the programme of study, which typically takes place on a number of weekends during a set period of time.
Cost MBAs don’t come cheap, and a full programme of study can top £55,000. However, funding may be possible, and a part‐time or distance learning course will allow you to stagger the cost. You can also use your enhanced learning credit (ELC) for up to ten years after leaving the Forces to take courses at level 3 and above (an MBA is level 7). This means you will receive funding provided your training is offered by an approved/accredited provider. For further details and eligibility requirements, see our sister publication Courses4Forces: www.courses4forces.co.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION Further information on accredited MBA courses can be obtained from the Association of MBAs, which also gives details of MBA fairs throughout the UK. See: www.mbaworld.com
September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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Building trades
Building trades What’s involved? onstruction is the UK’s biggest industry, with five regions in particular predicted to outperform the UK average in construction output in the run‐up to 2016: the east of England, Greater London, the south‐east, the south‐west and Northern Ireland. Private housing, and the industrial and commercial sectors, are expected to continue to be the main drivers for the industry over the coming five years.
C
A brief overview of building-related careers Some of the major skills in which people who work in the building trades are trained include: ● electrical installation and maintenance ● plumbing ● bricklaying ● plastering ● carpentry and joinery (woodworking) ● gas installation and maintenance ● air conditioning and refrigeration. We will look at each of these in turn …
Electrical installation and maintenance
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Electrical engineers deal with power generation and power supply. Modern manufacturing techniques tend to make replacement of a faulty component more cost‐effective for the consumer than mending it in situ. Much of the traditional role of the maintenance engineer has therefore changed, with removal and reinstallation now the norm. For electrical
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
engineering, the basic requirement is 17th Edition Wiring Regulations, which shows that the individual knows the necessary regulations and how to use them – it is virtually impossible to start in the industry without it. The next step may be the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installation award and, after that, further qualifications to level 4 and beyond through Energy & Utility Skills (the Sector Skills Council for electricity, gas, waste management and water) and other bodies. CITB (the industry training board for the construction industry and a partner in ConstructionSkills, the industry’s Sector Skills Council) estimates that there will be a growing need for qualified electricians over the next couple of years, so the prospects are good. However, if you want to qualify as a civilian electrician you will find that this involves a significant amount of study/training (even if, while serving, you have been an electrical fitter or mechanic, or even an electrical artificer). Would‐be electricians must pass the Electrotechnical Services NVQ at level 3. You may be able to qualify through an apprenticeship scheme with an electrical contractor, but the range of apprenticeships available will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. If you are not eligible for such a scheme, you could learn the theory and some of the practical skills needed for the NVQ by taking the City & Guilds Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology, levels 2 and 3, at a college. However, to become fully qualified you must complete the work‐based
NVQ. Industry bodies strongly recommend that you gain a placement or employment with an electrical contractor as soon as possible after you start the Certificate, so that you can complete the NVQ.
Plumbing Plumbers install central heating systems, controls and pipework; sanitary systems; drainage systems; guttering and rainwater systems. Heating systems may be powered using electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel. Sometimes refrigeration and water purification systems are also fitted (but see the separate section on air conditioning and refrigeration, below). Maintenance work includes routine servicing and emergency repairs. Repair work involves finding faults, replacing or repairing damaged parts, carrying out tests and making sure everything works properly. A range of hand and power tools are used to cut, bend and join metal and plastic pipes. Most plumbers in the UK work directly for a plumbing or maintenance firm, while some, particularly in the domestic sector, are self‐employed. Plumbers work in a team or alone, and, on domestic repair and maintenance, they tend to deal directly with clients.
Bricklaying This is probably the job that most people think of in connection with building trades. However, bricklayers use many different types of material to create different effects (such as ornamental walls and vaulted archways). Bricklayers also use a variety of
Building trades
ELECTRICAL SAFETY, PART P AND DOMESTIC INSTALLER SCHEMES Part P of the Building Regulations states that certain types of household electrical work (classed as major works) must, by law, be approved by a certified contractor or building inspector. This means any new circuits, changes of consumer units, works in special locations such as bathrooms and anything that involves a new supply must be notified to building control. However, if the electrician is registered on a Domestic Installer scheme they are able to selfcertify their work, saving time and money. This is what many people refer to as being officially ‘Part P’ registered. To start out in the industry candidates must learn to rewire a house, pass their 2382 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and, ideally, City & Guilds 2392-10 Testing and Inspection. Awareness of a qualification covering Part P building regulations is also very wise. These courses will enable candidates to operate on a self-employed basis and, where necessary (for any major installations), they will need to certify their work via building control. Once the level of major installations has increased, many will look to register on a Domestic Installer scheme in order to save time and money. To register on the scheme you will be required to complete the level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings – or, simply put, a ‘Qualified Supervisors’ course. This course will take four to six weeks, and is suitable for selfemployed electricians or those looking to supervise a small team of installers. In order to become registered, an application is made to a scheme provider by completing and returning an application form. (Companies that run such schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA and BSi.) On receipt of the completed form, the scheme provider will arrange to send an inspector to the applicant’s place of work to assess their compliance with BS7671 and visit a selection of recently completed installations. On passing this assessment and being registered as a Domestic Installer, the installer is permitted to certify his or her own work (self-certify). Thereafter, the scheme provider is notified following each completed installation and keeps records of completed work, which it can provide as required to local authorities and customers. Individuals pay an annual fee to the provider to remain registered on the Qualified Supervisor (Part P) scheme. Due to recent changes in the regulations, it is a good idea to check with the scheme provider exactly which courses they recommend you have before making your registration. This will ensure that you do not waste time or money on the wrong course(s). It is also worth ensuring that you train with a reputable course provider – most of these will be ELC registered. If you would like to find out more, a good source of information is the Trade Skills 4U blog at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/tradeskills4u-blog
specialist tools to spread mortar, cut bricks or blocks to size, and to check that walls are perfect. They should enjoy working outdoors and not mind working at heights. They must also be physically fit, careful, accurate and able to follow detailed instructions from architects. Bricklayers often travel around the country, and sometimes abroad. Wage rates are set annually by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC). Overtime and incentives are often available, and bricklayers often progress to technical, supervisory and managerial roles.
Plastering Most people know about plasterers applying wet finishes to walls, ceilings and floors; this is known as solid plastering. Fibrous plastering involves making ornamental plasterwork in a workshop – the kind you might see on the decorative ceilings of buildings. Plasterers have to be prepared to work at heights, and will spend most of their time indoors. Again, wage rates are set annually by BATJIC. Currently, demand for skilled labour outstrips supply so overtime and incentives are often available. Payment to subcontract labour tends to be on an agreed price per linear metre of partition installed, so speed and accuracy can be important. The work provides a high level of job satisfaction, with plasterers often progressing to higher roles or even owning their own companies.
Carpentry and joinery (woodworking) Carpenters and joiners prepare and put in place most of the wooden parts of buildings – from floorboards and roof trusses to expertly crafted windows and doors. They use very specialised woodworking tools and work with many different kinds of wood. They often work in teams and have to be able to calculate angles and dimensions to make sure everything fits. They need mathematical aptitude and generally have to be just as good with their heads as their hands.
SKILLS SHORTAGES Although the highest skills requirement is currently for workers with wood trade skills, there is also demand for managers, clerical staff, architects, engineers, and other design and technical professionals. A major concern is the lack of younger entrants into an ageing workforce. According to Training and Skills in the Construction Sector, a report commissioned by CITB, an average of 50,000 construction workers will be required a year over the next few years, allowing for replacement as well as new jobs, in line with workforce turnover. As outlined at the start of this feature, construction growth is expected to shift from the north to the south and east.
Wage rates are set annually by BATJIC, with overtime and incentives often available. Carpenters and joiners sometimes move into other allied occupations, including formworking, shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance work and interior systems installation; some move into management or run their own businesses.
Gas installation and maintenance Anyone working on gas appliances or fittings as a business must be competent and registered with the Gas Safe Register (GSR), which replaced the old CORGI Register. Competence can continue to be proven under the accredited certification scheme (ACS) through a distance learning programme. ACS has a two‐day core domestic gas safety assessment and a number of appliance assessments that take half a day each. A competent student should take five days to pass the full domestic suite of qualifications. Energy & Utility Skills has developed a set of occupational standards and qualifications at levels 1 to 4. The objective is that the resulting qualifications will be as common as possible across industries to enable workers freedom of employment in the entire sector.
Air conditioning and refrigeration The refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry is growing in importance: ensuring that the air in particular environments is neither too hot nor too cold calls for specialist skills. This is an environmentally friendly and highly technical industry – part of the RAC engineer’s job is to ensure people and businesses are using energy as efficiently as possible, by working with renewable technology (special types of gas that don’t damage the ozone layer) and seeing how consumers can reduce their energy consumption. (To find out more about working in the renewables sector, see the feature elsewhere in this issue.) Careers in this industry may be roughly divided into two areas. Refrigeration engineers install, service and maintain refrigeration systems in establishments like
THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME The CSCS was set up to help the construction industry improve quality and reduce accidents. CSCS cards are increasingly demanded as proof of occupational competence by contractors, public and private clients and others. They cover hundreds of construction-related occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles (for example, ‘Craft and Operative’ cards include those for bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, formworkers and plasterers). To find out more, visit: www.cscs.uk.com
September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
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Building trades
I DID IT! Name: Jamie Turner Course provider: Construction Skills College Having completed 13 years’ service in the RAF, Jamie Turner decided to complete a plastering, plumbing and tiling course at Construction Skills College. Since completing the course he has set up as a selfemployed tradesperson. He tells Quest, ‘I didn’t have a clue how to do anything before the course, but both the course and my tutors gave me the confidence to go self-employed. I found the course intensive and enjoyable, and what I liked about the college were the training bays, the amount of hands-on practical training and the outstanding knowledge of all the tutors. They offer their support after the course and I have been in touch with them since for advice, which is invaluable.’ The courses are taught by experienced tradespeople and Jamie was taught by a Gas Safe plumbing and heating engineer with 26 years’ experience, an experienced tiler who has 20-plus years’ experience and an experienced plasterer who has 42 years’ experience. Training is delivered in purposebuilt training bays, and all tools and materials are provided throughout the course. ‘I only completed my training this year,’ continues Jamie, ‘and I have already done three complete bathroom refurbs, I have plastered five houses from top to bottom, and I have completed a number of other plastering, plumbing and tiling jobs. I am currently working with a property developer doing a full house renovation. ‘I would definitely recommend Construction Skills College if you are thinking of learning a trade.’ Construction Skills College provides accredited training in plastering, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying and rendering at its dedicated training centre in Staffordshire. Get in touch Tel: 01782 837007 email: donna.king@tradeteacher.co.uk Web: www.tradeteacher.co.uk See the advertisement on page 64
42 www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
supermarkets, hospitals and food‐ processing plants. Air conditioning engineers install, service and maintain the systems that control and preserve air quality, temperature and humidity in locations such as schools and offices. Both may also work on construction sites, depending on the type of work in which they specialise. To start out in this sector, you will need an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3. After that, there is additional training you will need to complete in order to become fully qualified. Although most people start out as an apprentice straight from school or college and train on the job, if you are 25‐plus you can still take an NVQ/SVQ without doing an apprenticeship – however, to gain this qualification, you must be in a position to be assessed on site, carrying out work on real installations. As with an apprenticeship, you should be prepared to achieve the qualification over a number of years, not weeks or months – there is no quick fix to gaining the right qualifications and it is likely to take around four years. You can find more information about working in this sector, and about relevant training providers, on the websites of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) and SummitSkills (the standard‐setting organisation for the building services engineering sector) (for details of all of these, see ‘Key contacts’).
Building trades skills gained in the Services Apart from a handful of people employed in units to carry out minor carpentry and repair jobs, and Army pioneers who have basic building skills, all three Services rely on the Royal Engineers for construction. Non‐commissioned ranks will have completed anything from NVQs at level 2 in basic training and level 3 after higher training, to an apprenticeship. Trades vary from surveyor to plant operator, and from draughtsman to bricklayer.
Get qualified! Many of the trades discussed above are learned on the job, but the construction industry also has training schemes that combine working and education to produce qualifications that the individual can build up over time to develop expertise in a particular area. While one person might start by learning the basics of a trade, and go on to become an expert in a particular part of it, another might build a portfolio in a number of skills to qualify them for supervisory and then general management. CITB’s National Construction College is a network of colleges training and
assessing construction skills throughout the UK. It is increasingly becoming necessary to hold registration or certification of competence and/or training in particular aspects of building skills to obtain employment in the industry. The industry has its own vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and advanced apprenticeships, and a construction apprentice scheme for the younger entrant. Ambitious people can start by gaining vocational qualifications in any of these trades while working as a craftsman or woman, develop their skills through technical training, perhaps gaining certificates or diplomas, eventually becoming fully professionally qualified, with a degree.
KEY CONTACTS General Find out more about the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), via: Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Tel: 020 7025 2900 email: membership@fmb.org.uk Web: www.fmb.org.uk Twitter: @fmbuilders Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Tel: 020 8675 5211 email: membership@cibse.org Web: www.cibse.org Twitter: @CIBSE SummitSkills, Tel: 020 7313 4890 email: enquiries@summitskills.org.uk Web: www.summitskills.org.uk Twitter: @SummitSkills Electrical installation and maintenance Semta (the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance), Tel: 0845 643 9001 email: customerservices@semta.org.uk Web: www.semta.org.uk Twitter: @SemtaSkills Joint Industry Board, Tel: 03333 218230 email: administration@jib.org.uk Web: www.jib.org.uk Twitter: @JIBelectrical City & Guilds, Tel: 0844 543 0000 email: centresupport@cityandguilds.com Web: www.cityandguilds.com Twitter: @cityandguilds Plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, woodworking CITB, Tel: 0344 994 4400 Web: www.citb.co.uk Twitter: @CITB_UK Gas installation and maintenance Energy & Utility Skills Limited, Tel: 0845 077 9922 Web: www.euskills.co.uk Twitter: @EUSkills Gas Safe Register, Tel: 0800 408 5500 email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk Web: www.gassaferegister.co.uk Twitter: @GasSafeRegister Air conditioning and refrigeration Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB), Tel: 020 8254 7842 email: l.whittam@welplan.co.uk Web: www.acrib.org.uk
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Renewables
Renewables What’s involved? enewable energy is destined to become one of the fastest‐ growing sectors of the economy in the coming years, needing to attract an array of talented people – perhaps as many as 50,000 in the next two decades. It offers a wide range of rewarding careers – particularly for those who are looking for a challenging career change. This diverse career sector, which works hand in glove with more conventional building trades such as electrician or plumber, also has government backing through its desire to
R
RENEWABLE ENERGY? WHAT’S THE BIG (GREEN) DEAL?
46
With the incentives already or set to be rolled out, renewable energy is currently a very attractive industry to become part of. Although the Green Deal has not so far been the unqualified success it was hoped, there is no denying that the renewables sector in general is set to be a growth area, which means that upskilling to offer one or more technologies in this industry might not be a bad idea. The market for the renewable energy installer is steadily expanding. Upping your game and getting trained when times are quiet will open up a whole new market and range of job opportunities in an area that is seeing consistent growth.
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
improve the UK’s energy efficiency and be at the forefront of renewable technologies and skills.
Finding employment For each renewable energy type (see the box, ‘Renewable energy defined’) there is a range of job opportunities – from project management and engineering, through
THE RENEWABLES TRAINING NETWORK The RTN was set up by RenewableUK (the trade association and professional body representing the wind, wave and tidal energy industries) to tackle the shortage of skilled workers in the renewable energy sector. Its specific focus is to: • help bridge the projected skills gap envisaged in technical, engineering and business roles in the industry, building the skills capacity required to meet industry demand • source, develop and facilitate industry assured and recommended training courses that meet the requirements of the industry • highlight barriers to growth and provide solutions that enable the industry to meet its renewable energy targets for 2020 and beyond. Find out more about the RTN’s portfolio of courses on its website, along with details of RTN approved training providers. See www.renewableuk.com/ en/our-work/skills-and-employment/renewablestraining-network.cfm
designing, selling and marketing, to installation, maintenance and back‐up services. To find out more about the Green Deal (see box), which intends to reduce carbon emissions cost effectively by revolutionising the energy efficiency of British properties – and which may also, eventually, spell increased employment opportunities – visit www.gov.uk and click on ‘Benefits’, followed by ‘Heating and housing benefits’ and then ‘Green Deal: energy saving for your home’.
Get qualified! Whether you are seeking an administrative role aligned to the building trades (see the feature elsewhere in this issue), or decide that you would like to be an installer working in or alongside the construction industry, there are courses you can attend on which no previous knowledge is assumed or required. If you wish to be an installer, you will start at the beginning, training to be an electrician or plumber with a view to specialising in fitting solar PV panels or solar thermal systems. For non‐installers, training will give you a good overview of renewables in general.
Courses for installers For most installation and maintenance work, you will need to be an electrician or
Renewables
plumber holding recognised qualifications (again, see the ‘Building trades’ article elsewhere in this edition) before you can undertake further training. That said, there is a huge range of courses available that will give you practical training experience and further recognised qualifications that are specific to renewable energy systems. Courses commonly include solar PV installation and maintenance for both domestic and larger buildings, solar PV roofer courses, relevant health and safety certification, unvented hot water courses (essential for plumbers moving into solar thermal hot water installations), domestic wind turbine installations, installation of biomass boilers and installation of ground source heat pumps. Rainwater harvesting installation is the one area that doesn’t require you to be a qualified plumber/electrician (although you will need to work alongside a qualified plumber for the final connection). Training for this type of installation will give you a thorough background in the area, including how to collect, store and use the rainwater.
Courses for non-installers Throughout each of the renewable sources sectors in the building arena there is a need for project managers, designers,
engineers, office managers and other administrative staff, sales people, advisers and procurers. All of these roles give Service leavers an ideal opportunity to use the core skills they gained in the Forces, such as teamwork, initiative, meeting targets, organisational ability, working under pressure, drive and clear communication skills. Proof that you have some current knowledge of the renewables area will definitely be of interest to an employer. There are many basic short (one‐, two‐ or three‐day courses) that raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of the sector. These have often been designed with marketing, administrative staff and
sales people in mind. Project management and managerial roles may also require a degree in a relevant area, and if you are planning this kind of further study there are specific degree or postgraduate courses available in renewable energy.
RENEWABLE ENERGY DEFINED •
• •
ACCREDITATION •
•
ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme): any of the training you do should result in you gaining qualifications under ACS. MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme): this independent scheme provides customers with an assurance that the product and/or installer meet rigorous and tested standards and quality. If you intend to work for an employer who already has this accreditation, then you will not need it. However, if you intend to start your own company or work freelance, then the accreditation will be invaluable.
•
•
•
Solar PV (photovoltaic) – a solar panel electricity system that uses energy from the sun, which is then directly converted into an electricity supply large enough to run household lighting and appliances. Solar thermal – also uses the sun, but turns its energy into heat. Wind turbines – work by using a turbine to convert the wind from kinetic energy into mechanical power. Rainwater harvesting – literally capturing and storing rainwater, which then has a variety of uses domestically and on a larger scale. Ground source heating – extracts heat from the ground by using buried pipes. It is used in all kinds of heating, including underfloor systems. Biomass heating – uses organic materials such as wood, crops and so on (either alive or recently living) to produce heat through combustion.
47 September 2015 / www.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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Motorcycle Training and Instructor Courses available
THE ROAD TO YOUR FUTURE Starts with Transport Training Academy Transport Training Academy (TTA) is a well-established and respected training organisation who has been providing Logistic and Plant training to military personnel on their resettlement programme for nearly ten years. Team TTA is fully committed to supporting you throughout every step of your learning journey and beyond. TTA’s instructors include ex-military personnel who fully understand the emotions you will be experiencing at this important WUDQVLWLRQDO VWDJH ZLWKLQ \RXUbFDUHHU b
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Factfile
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FACTFILE
This summary of personal development and resettlement information should be used as guidance and direction to the appropriate Service or civilian authority.
Personal Development and Education Opportunities What is Personal Development (PD)? PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: l l l
l l l
to improve knowledge for personal interest to be introduced to new ideas or skills to broaden horizons
to enhance in-Service career prospects to gain qualifications to prepare for a second career
PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide
A PD Route Map Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)
Individual decides:
Other sources of information include:
l l l
l l l l
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
l l l l
the internet Quest magazine friends and family Quest website: www.questonline.co.uk
Local colleges or training providers
Distance/open learning
PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See 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
Ó
In-Service
eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)
Ó
Distance Learning
Ó
Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!
Also open to MoD civilian personnel
To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on the Quest website: www.questonline.co.uk
There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD's central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk
50
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.
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
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:
Ó
College Courses
Ó
Personal Development Record (PDR)
Ó
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).
Service personnel
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Qualifications tio for your new w career. career. Use ELCAS funding towar ds a qualification to towards pr epare you for rresettlement: esettl esettlement: prepare
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Bundles of courses specifically tailor ed to tailored maximise your ELCAS funding spend. www.appletrainingacademy.co.uk www.appletrainingacademy.co.uk E Email: mail: iinfo@appletrainingacademy.co.uk nfo@appletrainingacademy.co.uk
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Premier Providers of NEBOSH Courses Phoenix Health & Safety are an approved Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) provider of NEBOSH training courses. Courses are on offer at venues around the UK and beyond, or via distance learning. Innovative support methods include course materials in audiobook format, online revision modules and social media support groups. Courses available include: NEBOSH National General Certificate NEBOSH National Construction Certificate NEBOSH National Fire Certificate NEBOSH National Diploma And many more... Contact us today for an informal discussion on how we can help with your training requirements. APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME
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51 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Factfile
Tel: 0800 1958 066 www.gastectraining.co.uk
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Enhanced Learning Credits
Ó
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.
The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment of up to £2,000 per annum (depending on length of Service) in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. The scheme is based on the principle that individuals will make a personal contribution towards the cost of their learning. The ELC contribution may be up to 80% of the gross course value. ELC funding is available only for courses that result in a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) (England and Wales), at level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification. For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
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
Ó
Standard Learning Credits
Ó
Sources of Advice and Finance
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.
The Ministry of Defence and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills offer eligible Service leavers free FE/HE support for a first level 3 or Foundation Degree qualification. To be eligible, Service leavers must have registered for the ELC scheme while in Service, complete a minimum of four years’ productive service, complete a minimum of four years’ ELC scheme membership, thus qualifying for the initial lower-tier support, or eight years’ membership, qualifying for the higher-level support, and take up the offer of free support within ten years of leaving Service. Local Education Authority (LEA) grants and low-interest student loans are available for anyone entering full-time education. They are means tested in that what you receive depends on your income and that of your family. If you are entering full-time education you should apply for one, even if you do not think you are eligible, otherwise you may not qualify for other benefits. Contact your LEA for details.
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.
Resettlement Grant (RG)
Ó
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.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Ó
The RG is paid only if there are no other terminal benefits due (so, if someone is medically discharged after the RG trigger point, RG is not paid as other benefits become due). The amount payable depends on length of Service and on which pension type the SL is on. The current rate for eligible Service leavers who are on the most recent pension scheme is £9,825. It can be as much as £17,824 on previous pension schemes.
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.
52
For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
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.
Professional and Career Development Loans 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 Welshlanguage 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
Ó
Further/Higher Education (FE/HE) Access
Ó
The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme. (See JSP 898 Part 4.)
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.)
Key:
Ó
Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)
Ó
Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.
Service personnel
Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses When responding to advertisements please mention Quest
Training that makes a difference and gives you options enhancing job and promotion prospects SLC, ELC and resettlement registered &KHFN RXU ZHEVLWH WR Ć&#x201C; QG RXW KRZ \RX FDQ DFKLHYH FHUWLĆ&#x201C; FDWHV ZLWK MXVW RQH (/& VHWWLQJ \RX XS IRU DQ H[FLWLQJ IXWXUH Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 /HDGHUVKLS DQG 0DQDJHPHQW TXDOLĆ&#x201C; FDWLRQV DW OHYHOV Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 LQWURGXFWLRQ WR 0HQWRULQJ TXDOLĆ&#x201C; FDWLRQ OHYHOV Ĺ&#x2DC; ,/0 &RDFKLQJ DQG 0HQWRULQJ OHYHO RU ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D IXOO 1/3 3UDFWLWLRQHU FRXUVH Full details of dates, prices and locations can be found on our website
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53
Factfile
Tel: 0800 1958 066 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Sponsored by
Resettlement: Preparation for leaving the Forces Official provider of career guidance, skills training and job finding assistance to leavers of the Armed Forces The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is a partnering agreement between the MoD and Right Management to provide 3rd Line tri-service resettlement support. This consists of career transition services, training and job finding support for leavers of the Armed Forces. The Regular Forces Employment Association Ltd (RFEA) and Officers’ Association (see overleaf) are integral parts of the CTP and lead on the provision of job opportunities and employment support. This provision is delivered from ten Regional Resettlement Centres (RRCs) 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. The job finding service is delivered by 24 Employment Consultants based nationwide and an online job search website called RightJob, which contains vacancies specifically for leavers of the Armed Forces from employers who seek their skills and experience. Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk
Resettlement Services
A Service Leaver’s route map
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).
Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)
Employment Support Programme
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:
No Served over 6 years?
• Yes
• Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent Career Consultant led Employment Consultant led
• Prepares PRP with Consultant • Receives regional employment advice
Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant
Develops, reviews and actions PRP:
Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/RRC • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings
• further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding • training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments
Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities
Consultant supports and monitors progress
Makes job applications
Secures employment
CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; RFEA/OA job finding support until retirement
54
SHADED ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE
•
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
Regional Resettlement Centres (RRCs) Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Regional Resettlement Centres (RRCs) in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the RRCs listed below. Regional Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Regional Resettlement Centre Herford Regional Resettlement Centre Northolt Regional Resettlement Centre Plymouth Regional Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth
Tel: 02894 421639 Tel: 01252 348336/339 Tel: 01748 872930 Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Tel: 0049 5221 9953388 Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Tel: 01752 553376 Tel: 02392 724130 Tel: 01383 858230 Tel: 01980 650689
For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
ddKW d/W^ &ZKD d, D/>/d Zz Dhdh > KW d/W^ &ZKD d, D/>/d Zz Dhdh > ,Žǁ ƚŽ DĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă 'ŽŽĚ ƌĞĚŝƚ ZĞĐŽƌĚ tŚĞŶ zŽƵ͛ƌĞ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ DŝůŝƚĂƌLJ ,Žǁ ƚŽ DĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă 'ŽŽĚ ƌĞĚŝƚ ZĞĐŽƌĚ tŚĞŶ zŽƵ͛ƌĞ /Ŷ ƚŚĞ DŝůŝƚĂƌLJ ƌĞ LJŽƵ Ă ŐŽŽĚ Žƌ Ă ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ͍ zŽƵ ŵĂLJ ŶŽƚ ŬŶŽǁ ƵŶƟů LJŽƵ ƐƵďŵŝƚ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ƌĞ LJŽƵ Ă ŐŽŽĚ Žƌ Ă ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ͍ zŽƵ ŵĂLJ ŶŽƚ ŬŶŽǁ ƵŶƟů LJŽƵ ƐƵďŵŝƚ ĂŶ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ůůŽĂŶ Žƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ĐĂŶ ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ ďĞ ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐŝŶŐ͘ DŽǀŝŶŐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƌŵĞĚ &ŽƌĐĞƐ ŽĂŶ Žƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ͘ dŚĞ ƌĞƐƵůƚ ĐĂŶ ƐŽŵĞƟŵĞƐ ďĞ ƐƵƌƉƌŝƐŝŶŐ͘ DŽǀŝŶŐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ƌŵĞĚ &ŽƌĐĞƐ Ě ŽĞƐŶ͛ƚ ĂůǁĂLJƐ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ͕ ƐŽ ŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐŽŵĞ ƵƐĞĨƵů ƟƉƐ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ĚŽĞƐŶ͛ƚ ĂůǁĂLJƐ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ͕ ƐŽ ŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐŽŵĞ ƵƐĞĨƵů ƟƉƐ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ Ă ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ͘ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ƌĞŐĂƌĚůĞƐƐ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ͘
,Žǁ ĚŽĞƐ Ă ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌĂƟŶŐ ƐĐŽƌĞ ǁŽƌŬ͍ ,Žǁ ĚŽĞƐ Ă ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌĂƟŶŐ ƐĐŽƌĞ ǁŽƌŬ͍ zzŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ LJŽƵ ĂƐ Ă ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌŝƐŬ͘ ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ĐĂŶ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ƚŽ ďŽƌƌŽǁ ŵŽŶĞLJ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ LJŽƵ ĂƐ Ă ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƌŝƐŬ͘ ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƐĐŽƌĞ ĐĂŶ ŵĂŬĞ ŝƚ ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ƚŽ ďŽƌƌŽǁ ŵŽŶĞLJ͘ dŚŝƐ ĐĂŶ ĂīĞĐƚ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ĐĂƌĚƐ͕ ŵŽƚŽƌ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ͕ Ă ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŵŽďŝůĞ ƉŚŽŶĞ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͘ ĂīĞĐƚ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ĐĂƌĚƐ͕ ŵŽƚŽƌ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ͕ Ă ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŵŽďŝůĞ ƉŚŽŶĞ ĐŽŶƚƌĂĐƚƐ͘
,Žǁ ŝƐ LJŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ͍ ,Žǁ ŝƐ LJŽƵƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ ŵĞĂƐƵƌĞĚ͍ ůů ůĞŶĚĞƌƐ ǁĂŶƚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ǁĂLJƐ ŽĨ ƐĐŽƌŝŶŐ ďƵƚ ĂƌĞ ůŝŬĞůLJ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ŝŶƚŽ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ůů ůĞŶĚĞƌƐ ǁĂŶƚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ ĂŶĚ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞŝƌ ŽǁŶ ǁĂLJƐ ŽĨ ƐĐŽƌŝŶŐ ďƵƚ ĂƌĞ ůŝŬĞůLJ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ŝŶƚŽ ĂĐĐŽƵŶƚ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ƐƵĐŚ ĂƐ ŽĐĐƵƉĂƟŽŶ͕ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ͕ ůĞŶŐƚŚ ŽĨ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŶƵĂů ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͘ ŽĐĐƵƉĂƟŽŶ͕ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ ŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ͕ ůĞŶŐƚŚ ŽĨ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ĂŶŶƵĂů ŝŶĐŽŵĞ͘
,Žǁ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ǁŚĞŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽǀĞ ,Žǁ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵƌ ĂƉƉůŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ǁŚĞŶ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵŽǀĞ • • • • •
^ƚĂƚĞ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌŵĞĚ &ŽƌĐĞƐ ǁŚĞŶ ĂƉƉůLJŝŶŐ ^ƚĂƚĞ LJŽƵ ĂƌĞ Ă ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌŵĞĚ &ŽƌĐĞƐ ǁŚĞŶ ĂƉƉůLJŝŶŐ for for credit credit Provide postal address postcode Provide a full pos tal addr ess including pos tcode Register Register to to vvote ote in the UK, which will put yyou ou on the Electoral Elect oral Register Register DĂŶĂŐĞ LJŽƵƌ ĚĞďƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƉĂLJ LJŽƵƌ ďŝůůƐ ŽŶ ƟŵĞ DĂŶĂŐĞ LJŽƵƌ ĚĞďƚƐ ĂŶĚ ƉĂLJ LJŽƵƌ ďŝůůƐ ŽŶ ƟŵĞ Check your your credit credit report report before before you you apply for for any any credit credit
t tŚĂƚ ŝƐ ůŝŬĞůLJ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ LJŽƵ Ă ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ͍ ŚĂƚ ŝƐ ůŝŬĞůLJ ƚŽ ŵĂŬĞ LJŽƵ Ă ƉŽŽƌ ĐƌĞĚŝƚ ƌŝƐŬ͍ • • •
Excessive Excessive debt debt with no spar spare e inc income ome tto o support mor credit moree credit TToo oo o man manyy cr credit edit sear searches ches within a rrolling olling tw two-year o-year period late P Poor oor cr credit edit his history tory such as missed or late payments pa yments
&&Žƌ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ĂƌƟĐůĞ ŐŽ ƚŽ͗ ƚŚĞŵŝůŝƚĂƌLJŵƵƚƵĂů͘ĐŽŵͬŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ dĞů͗ϬϴϬϬ Ϭϴϴ ϮϮ ϴϯ Žƌ ƚŚĞ ĨƵůů ĂƌƟĐůĞ ŐŽ ƚŽ͗ ƚŚĞŵŝůŝƚĂƌLJŵƵƚƵĂů͘ĐŽŵͬŵĂŐĂnjŝŶĞ dĞů͗ϬϴϬϬ Ϭϴϴ ϮϮ ϴϯ
Home Cover Cover with mor more e as sstandard tandard ges if yyou ou chang our ccover over No No admin char charges changee yyour ,ŽŵĞ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ůĞŐĂů ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ ,ŽŵĞ ĞŵĞƌŐĞŶĐLJ ĂŶĚ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ůĞŐĂů ƉƌŽƚĞĐƟŽŶ included as sstandard tandard Kit ccover over if yyou ou need need it Kit džĐĞƐƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĂƐ ůŝƩůĞ ĂƐ άϱϬ džĐĞƐƐ ĨƌŽŵ ĂƐ ůŝƩůĞ ĂƐ άϱϬ
It It’s ’s Mutual ^ƵƌƉůƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ŽĨ DĞŵďĞƌƐ ^ƵƌƉůƵƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ďĞŶĞĮƚ ŽĨ DĞŵďĞƌƐ N o shar eholders No shareholders
ddŚĞ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞ ƚŽ ĐŽŶǀĞŶƟŽŶĂů ŝŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŚĞ ĂůƚĞƌŶĂƟǀĞ ƚŽ ĐŽŶǀĞŶƟŽŶĂů ŝŶƐƵƌĂŶĐĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ŵ ŝůŝƚĂƌLJ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͗ those serving, serving, veterans, veterans, the people people ŵŝůŝƚĂƌLJ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͗ those the care about about and the people people who care care about about them theyy care
Call our UK Call Cen Centre tre Call: ϬϴϬϬ Ϭϴϴ ϮϮϴϯ ϬϴϬϬ Ϭϴϴ ϮϮϴϯ Visit: TheMilitaryMutual.com TheMilitaryMutual.com ddĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ ĞƌŵƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƉƉůLJ dŚĞ DŝůŝƚĂƌLJ DƵƚƵĂů >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ ŝƐ Ă ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŝŶ ŶŐůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ tĂůĞƐ ;ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ƌĞŐŝƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ϬϳϭϰϳϭϯϬͿ ǁŝƚŚ ŝƚƐ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŽĸĐĞ ĂĚĚƌĞƐƐ Ăƚ ϳ DĂůƟŶŐƐ WůĂĐĞ͕ ϭϲϵ dŽǁĞƌ ƌŝĚŐĞ ZŽĂĚ͕ >ŽŶĚŽŶ͕ ^ ϭ ϯ: ͘ dŚĞ DŝůŝƚĂƌLJ DƵƚƵĂů >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ ŝƐ ĂŶ ĂƉƉŽŝŶƚĞĚ ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚĂƟǀĞ ŽĨ ZĞŐŝƐ DƵƚƵĂů DĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝƐ ĂƵƚŚŽƌŝƐĞĚ ĂŶĚ ƌĞŐƵůĂƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů ŽŶĚƵĐƚ ƵƚŚŽƌŝƚLJ͖ &ZE͗ ϰϳϵϮϬϮ͘
Factfile
Tel: 0800 1958 066 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Sponsored by
Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement provision.
Entitlement All Service Leavers, other than those discharged as Early Service Leavers, are entitled to receive the resettlement support detailed in the table below. Principle Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased resettlement time. All Medically Discharged Service Leavers automatically qualify for the maximum entitlement. Entitlement includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Years’ Service
Normal Discharge
<1 1+ 4+ 6+ 8+ 12+ 16+
CTP No No ESP FRP FRP FRP FRP
Medical Discharge(2)
GRT(1) 0 0 0 20 25 30 35
IRTC No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
CTP FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP FRP
GRT(1) 10 30 30 30 30 30 35
IRTC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days. 2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments. ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme
Transition services and entitlements Outflow
<4 Years’ service or administratively discharged
• • • •
Employment Support Programme >4<6 Years’ Service
• • • • •
Vulnerability Assessment Resettlement Brief Resettlement Interview Gateway to 3rd Sector: – Housing – Finance – Social Benefits – Employment – Pensions – Health
•
• •
• • • •
Job-Finding Service ‘RightJob’ Access Consultant Interview Housing Brief Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) Employment Fairs and Events
Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credit Access to first FE/HE Qualification Resettlement Grant - Officers with 9 years service up to £14,686 - Other Ranks with 12 years service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,302 - Officers (9 years) and Other Ranks (12 years) who are AFPS 05 up to £10,302
Full Resettlement Programme >6 Years’ Service
• • • •
• • • • • • • •
IRTC Grant (£534) Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) Career Transition Workshop (3 days) Other Workshops – Retirement Options – Future Employment Options – Self-Employment Awareness – Small Business Start-Up – CV Writing – Interview Skills Career Consultancy Travel Warrants (up to 7) ‘RightJob’ Access Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief Housing Brief Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) Employment Fairs and Events
Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities
56
Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for ‘actuals’ and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leavers’ entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a ‘Local Training First’ policy. Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation. Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur
subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP inhouse training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.
Professional Courses to Develop your Leadership and Management Skills As an ELCAS provider, we are dedicated to helping serving personnel gain professional and academic qualifications to enhance their career prospects either whilst serving or after leaving the forces. The University of South Wales delivers industry recognised, accredited qualifications and embeds appropriate skills to assist in personal development and career progression. Programmes offered include: ILM Level 5 and Level 7 Leadership & Management, ILM Coaching & Mentoring, PRINCE2, MSP, APM Project Management, CIPS, NEBOSH, NVQ’s in Management and Supply Chain Management, IoD Company Direction and Agile PM* and Change Management*.
Contact our friendly professional team on 01443 482 482 to discuss your options and gain further information. University of South Wales • Pontypridd • CF37 1DL Tel: 01443 482 482 E-mail: uswcommercial@southwales.ac.uk Visit: www.uswcommercial.co.uk
Hundreds of degree and postgraduate qualifications available in a variety of subjects at our campuses in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd.
@ uswcommercial
PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited. MSP® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited. *Subject to validation
ELCAS Provider ID 6317
Factfile
Tel: 0800 1958 066 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Sponsored by
Resettlement Training Training provided by the CTP
Overseas Resettlement Training
Skills training takes place at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot and at a selection of RRCs. The RTC has bespoke workshops within its Building and Engineering Departments, and also offers Management and IT courses. Many of those on offer result in civilian-recognised qualifications. To find out more about the wide range of courses available, and to search for dates and locations, visit our website at www.ctp.org.uk For all other enquiries, to check availability, or to make a booking or payment, contact our Course Booking & Information Centre (CBIC): Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
Resettlement training should, wherever possible, be undertaken either in-house (given the value for money and quality assurance available on those courses) or locally in recognition of the local training first policy. Authorisation for overseas resettlement training can only be made by HQ SDE staff on a case-by-case basis and through the intelligent application of the following conditions. •
The training outcome is not available under the local training first policy, either within the UK for those serving in UK or within their normal theatre of operations for those serving overseas.
•
The total costs of the training overseas to the MOD, including eligible subsistence allowances and travel costs, which will be claimed under current regulations, are less than those that would be incurred if undertaking the training in the UK, i.e. the value for money consideration.
•
SDE staff have reasonable assurance of the quality of the training and its recognition by UK employers.
Training provided by Preferred Suppliers The Preferred Suppliers List (PSL) identifies a range of local training providers offering some of the most common vocational training that Service Leavers undertake. In order to qualify for the PSL, the training organisation is obliged to demonstrate financial reliability, appropriate insurance cover, past performance, future plans, training facilities, accreditation levels and quality standards. The PSL is published at www.ctp.org.uk and is also held in each of the Regional Resettlement Centres (RRCs). Preferred Supplier status is subject to continuous evaluation, on each course by the Service Leaver, by the CTP and by annual review.
CTP Employment Events Our events can be of great benefit and provide an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and discuss the job market in general, as well as within specific industry sectors. The main types that we hold are: • Employment Fairs – attended by a wide range of national and local employers, seeking the skills, quality and experience that Service Leavers have • Industry Awareness Days – focus on a particular industry sector and several employers will talk about career opportunities on offer • Company Presentations – these focus on one particular company, which is normally actively recruiting for a number of vacancies. • Search for upcoming CTP events on our website at www.ctp.org.uk
Any request for overseas training must arrive with SDE HQ staff at least eight weeks in advance of the intended departure date, to enable the necessary political clearances for successful applications to be made.
Employment Services & RightJob Employment support is provided by the RFEA, OA and OA Scotland Employment Consultants who are based across the UK. They are part of the CTP and their role is to provide job finding advice and support on a demand-led basis to CTP-registered Service leavers. They actively seek and develop suitable employment opportunities and can also provide one-to-one career advice and support. RightJob Is the CTP’s online job finding service where registered Service Leavers can search and apply for any of the thousands of live vacancies on the jobs database. The site is accessed via the CTP website and the login required is normally issued during CTWs. Call the Central Employment Team for more information, on Tel: 0121 236 0058.
Useful CTP Contacts The Officers’ Association (OA) The OA is a charitable organisation that gives lifetime support to officers – from finding employment after leaving the Services to ongoing career advice. We give guidance and share knowledge through consultations, webinars and numerous networking opportunities. We also give financial assistance to ex-Officers, and their dependants, in need of help. OA Scotland offers benevolence services and employment support to ex-Officers who are resident in Scotland or were members of a Scottish regiment. To find out more and register, visit officersassociation.org.uk/register Tel: 020 7808 4160 Website: www.officersassociation.org.uk
Tel: 0131 5501 575/1581 Website: www.oascotland.org.uk
TO BOOK A CTP WORKSHOP OR BRIEFING… Call our central line ( 0203 162 4410 For booking your Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or any other workshop or briefing. (This is a not a premium rate number and you should only be charged at the normal national rate, dependent on the phone provider) Alternatively, if you are calling from a military line, contact the Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) running the workshop which is normally the RRC that you are registered with for your resettlement. Contact details can be found in the list of RRCs provided earlier in Factfile. CALL OUR COURSE BOOKING & INFORMATION CENTRE (CBIC) Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 or Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk
FOR RIGHTJOB ASSISTANCE…
The Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) Ltd The RFEA provides job finding support through a network of 26 employment consultants throughout the UK. It also provides lifelong access to job finding information, advice, guidance and support to people who are or were eligible for MOD resettlement through the CTP. In addition, under its charitable status this support is extended to all ex-Service people who have served for more than seven days, irrespective of eligibility, on a case-by-case basis, subject to certain criteria and at RFEA discretion. Tel: 0845 873 7166 Email: AdminRFEA@ctp.org.uk Website: www.rfea.org.uk
Service Leaver Support Teams (SLSTs)
58
Can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some regional brigades. They provide Service leavers with information and help on a wide variety of subjects, including employment, housing, schooling, finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close cooperation with other agencies, including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and the CTP.
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
CALL OUR CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT TEAM (CET) Tel: 0121 236 0058 If you have forgotten your RightJob password, have been locked out of your account or require support using RightJob.
Future Horizons The Future Horizons Programme understands that leaving the Armed Forces is a key point in the lives of all Service leavers, and believes that everyone who has served, even for a short period of time, is entitled to support in transitioning from the military into civilian life. The programme will provide support and assistance to enable you to find suitable employment upon leaving the Armed Forces. Through its network of partners, it will link you in to the most appropriate level of support you need to help with the transition. The Future Horizons Programme has been developed in response to the recognition and commitment from the MoD to improve resettlement provision to Early Service Leavers (ESLs). It is open to ESLs across all Services, regardless of how long you have served or the reasons you have for leaving. The programme has been designed and is delivered by the RFEA, The Forces Employment Charity. To discuss any aspect of the Future Horizons Programme, please call Darren Bickerstaffe, Programme Manager, on ( 07428 705 770 or meet with a FHP assessor at the following locations: • ITC Catterick, Hook Company: ( 01748 831274 • ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: ( 01483 475526 • RRC Plymouth: ( 01752 553143 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.
Sponsored by
Tel: 0800 1958 066 www.gastectraining.co.uk
Factfile
Making the Transition Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armed Forces, you are still strongly advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), along with any other that you will find of benefit, such as CV Writing or Interview Techniques. The purpose of these workshops is to help you to recognise and assess your options and learn skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you don’t go – you won’t know.
The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering products and services to meet customers needs. In this case, you are the product, the customer is your next employer. Your task is to persuade the customer that the range of benefits, which you bring, match his or her needs.
Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.
Define the product • • • • • • • • •
Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Demonstrate your value to the employer List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)
Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: • a personal profile – your USP • major achievements – the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs • a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: • details of salary • references • any negative aspects of your career to date • clichés, jargon, abbreviations and untruths
Research the market • • • • • •
Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc. Use directories, databases, internet etc. Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc. Attend jobfairs and conferences
Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: • responding to advertisements • direct approaches by phone and letter • networking • employment agencies • develop a system and keep records of all activities • follow up approaches systematically • learn from your mistakes
Understand the world of work • • • • • •
What has changed since you joined the Services? How do those changes affect you? How do you effectively manage your own career? What are the different patterns of work? What do you want from a company? How do you negotiate a salary package?
• • • • •
What are your interests? What transferable skills do you have? What training or qualifications have you done? Can you identify what you have achieved so far? Does all this help you decide what to do next?
• • • •
How do you establish a useful network? How do you use networks to help you research? How can networks help you into a job? How can networks help with career development?
• • • • • •
Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation
Identify your interests and skills
Proactive networking
Networking advice
The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.
Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis • • • • • • • • • • •
Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employer’s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes
‘Like’ the Career Transition Partnership page Follow @CTPinfo
59 September 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk
Courses and events
Courses and events This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from October 2015 to December 2015 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Regional Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all courses scheduled for 2015 is available from your nearest Regional Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Regional Resettlement Centre. Dates are correct at time of going to press.
To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
RRC Aldergrove rrcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
CTW Mixed Class 19 October 2015 09 November 2015 07 December 2015
21 October 2015 11 November 2015 09 December 2015
CV Development Workshop 29 October 2015 26 November 2015
29 October 2015 26 November 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 October 2015 03 November 2015 19 November 2015 10 December 2015
15 October 2015 03 November 2015 19 November 2015 10 December 2015
22 October 2015
RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
Business Start Up 05 October 2015 05 November 2015 03 December 2015
06 October 2015 06 November 2015 04 December 2015
CTW Junior Ranks 05 October 2015 19 October 2015 02 November 2015 16 November 2015 07 December 2015
07 October 2015 21 October 2015 04 November 2015 18 November 2015 09 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class 13 October 2015 15 October 2015 (Course location Brize Norton) 24 November 2015 26 November 2015 (Course location Brize Norton)
26 November 2015
CTW SNCO 10 November 2015 01 December 2015
12 November 2015 03 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 October 2015 03 December 2015
START DATE
08 October 2015 03 December 2015
03 November 2015 03 November 2015 (Course location Shorncliffe (Gurkha)) 24 November 2015 24 November 2015 (Course location Brize Norton) 26 November 2015 26 November 2015 (Course location The Bell, St Omer Barracks)
START DATE
CTW Junior Ranks 05 October 2015 13 October 2015 19 October 2015 27 October 2015 09 November 2015 17 November 2015 01 December 2015
29 October 2015 26 November 2015
07 October 2015 15 October 2015 21 October 2015 29 October 2015 11 November 2015 19 November 2015 03 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class 02 November 2015 04 November 2015 (Course location Preston) 08 December 2015 10 December 2015
CTW Officer 12 November 2015
CTW SNCO 06 October 2015 20 October 2015 03 November 2015 24 November 2015
08 October 2015 22 October 2015 05 November 2015 26 November 2015
06 October 2015 13 October 2015 20 October 2015 27 October 2015 03 November 2015 10 November 2015 17 November 2015 24 November 2015 08 December 2015
03 December 2015
Housing 10 November 2015
10 November 2015
RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
Business Start Up 27 October 2015
28 October 2015
Networking 30 October 2015 27 November 2015
08 October 2015 15 October 2015 22 October 2015 29 October 2015 05 November 2015 12 November 2015 19 November 2015 26 November 2015 10 December 2015
05 October 2015 19 October 2015 09 November 2015 23 November 2015 07 December 2015
07 October 2015 21 October 2015 11 November 2015 25 November 2015 09 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 12 October 2015 16 November 2015
13 October 2015 17 November 2015
04 November 2015
04 November 2015
Interview Techniques 19 November 2015
20 October 2015 17 November 2015 08 December 2015
www.questonline.co.uk / September 2015
19 November 2015
04 November 2015
04 November 2015
Central London resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
CTW Senior Officer 13 October 2015 03 November 2015 24 November 2015 08 December 2015
15 October 2015 05 November 2015 26 November 2015 10 December 2015
Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 02 October 2015 20 November 2015 11 December 2015
21 October 2015 18 November 2015 03 December 2015 16 December 2015
CTW Officer
CTW SNCO
03 December 2015
14 October 2015 14 October 2015 (Course location 41 AEC, Paderborn) 15 October 2015 15 October 2015 (Course location 51 AEC, Guetersloh)
19 October 2015 16 November 2015 01 December 2015 14 December 2015
19 October 2015 30 November 2015
FAR All Ranks
Housing
CTW Mixed Class
Employment Support Programme Wksp 19 October 2015 30 November 2015
END DATE
CTW Junior Ranks
05 October 2015 02 November 2015 30 November 2015
Interview Techniques
60
rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk
Business Start Up
Housing
Housing
20 October 2015 17 November 2015 08 December 2015
END DATE
RRC Cottesmore
12 October 2015 09 November 2015 23 November 2015 07 December 2015
07 October 2015 04 November 2015 02 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 October 2015 05 November 2015
08 October 2015 05 November 2015
Housing 11 November 2015
RRC Northolt END DATE
Business Start Up 03 December 2015
04 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class 06 October 2015 13 October 2015 02 November 2015 17 November 2015 30 November 2015
08 October 2015 15 October 2015 04 November 2015 19 November 2015 02 December 2015
CTW Officer 11 November 2015
RRC Herford rrcherford@ctp.org.uk START DATE
02 October 2015 20 November 2015 11 December 2015
rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE
14 October 2015 11 November 2015 25 November 2015 09 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class
CTW Officer 24 November 2015
rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk
10 November 2015
Housing 22 October 2015
RRC Catterick
END DATE
CTW Junior Ranks 13 October 2015 15 October 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 10 November 2015 12 November 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 08 December 2015 10 December 2015 (Course location Sennelager)
20 October 2015 09 November 2015 24 November 2015 08 December 2015
22 October 2015 11 November 2015 26 November 2015 10 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 16 November 2015
16 November 2015
Housing 20 October 2015
20 October 2015
Insight to Management Consultancy 05 October 2015
05 October 2015
CTW Officer/SNCO
Interview Techniques
06 October 2015 08 October 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 03 November 2015 05 November 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 01 December 2015 03 December 2015 (Course location Sennelager)
20 November 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp
New Horizons in Retirement
22 October 2015 22 October 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 16 November 2015 16 November 2015 (Course location Sennelager) 07 December 2015 07 December 2015 (Course location Sennelager)
20 November 2015
Networking 26 October 2015 07 December 2015
12 October 2015
26 October 2015 07 December 2015
12 October 2015
Courses and events
RRC Plymouth rrcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
CTW Junior Ranks 19 October 2015 23 November 2015
21 October 2015 25 November 2015
CTW Mixed Class 26 October 2015 16 November 2015 07 December 2015
28 October 2015 18 November 2015 09 December 2015
CTW Officer/SNCO 12 October 2015 02 November 2015 09 November 2015 30 November 2015
14 October 2015 04 November 2015 11 November 2015 02 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 19 November 2015
19 November 2015
Interview Techniques 15 October 2015
15 October 2015
RRC Portsmouth rrcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
Business Start Up 11 November 2015
12 November 2015
CTW Junior Ranks 12 October 2015 09 November 2015
14 October 2015 11 November 2015
CTW Officer 26 October 2015 23 November 2015 14 December 2015 05 October 2015 16 November 2015 07 December 2015
07 October 2015 18 November 2015 09 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp
Employment Support Programme Wksp 15 October 2015 26 November 2015
CTW SNCO
05 October 2015 26 October 2015 09 November 2015 30 November 2015
CTW SNCO
15 October 2015 26 November 2015
12 November 2015
07 October 2015 28 October 2015 11 November 2015 02 December 2015
13 November 2015
RRC Tidworth rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk
FAR All Ranks 12 November 2015
rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk START DATE
END DATE
Business Start Up 05 November 2015
06 November 2015
CTW Junior Ranks 12 October 2015 16 November 2015 14 December 2015
14 October 2015 18 November 2015 16 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class 19 October 2015 21 October 2015 02 November 2015 04 November 2015 23 November 2015 25 November 2015 23 November 2015 25 November 2015 (Course location Lossiemouth)
CTW Officer/SNCO 07 December 2015
21 October 2015 04 November 2015 02 December 2015
13 October 2015 20 October 2015 27 October 2015 09 November 2015 17 November 2015 08 December 2015
15 October 2015 22 October 2015 29 October 2015 11 November 2015 19 November 2015 10 December 2015
Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 October 2015 22 October 2015 12 November 2015 10 December 2015
08 October 2015 22 October 2015 26 November 2015 10 December 2015
FAR Officers 12 November 2015
RRC Rosyth
CTW Mixed Class 19 October 2015 02 November 2015 30 November 2015
CTW SNCO 28 October 2015 25 November 2015 16 December 2015
09 December 2015
START DATE
END DATE
Business Start Up 12 October 2015 27 October 2015 09 November 2015 24 November 2015 08 December 2015
13 October 2015 28 October 2015 10 November 2015 25 November 2015 09 December 2015 07 October 2015 14 October 2015 28 October 2015 04 November 2015 18 November 2015 25 November 2015 02 December 2015 09 December 2015
CTW Mixed Class 13 October 2015 15 October 2015 (Course location Chepstow)
CTW Officer 06 October 2015 19 October 2015 10 November 2015 24 November 2015 01 December 2015
FAR Other Ranks 01 October 2015 01 October 2015 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre) 02 December 2015 02 December 2015 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)
Housing
CTW Junior Ranks 05 October 2015 12 October 2015 26 October 2015 02 November 2015 16 November 2015 23 November 2015 30 November 2015 07 December 2015
19 November 2015 19 November 2015 (Course location External Venue)
08 October 2015 21 October 2015 12 November 2015 26 November 2015 03 December 2015
22 October 2015 22 October 2015 (Course location 1 RHA Lecture Theatre)
Insight to Management Consultancy 15 October 2015 19 November 2015
15 October 2015 19 November 2015
Interview Techniques 26 October 2015 30 November 2015
26 October 2015 30 November 2015
Networking 27 October 2015 24 November 2015
27 October 2015 24 November 2015
Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details
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