Soldier to Civilian by Lance Media Group

SOLDIER 2 CIVILIAN

www.soldier2civilian.com

Welcome to the first annual handbook from Soldier 2 Civilian

or a number of years we have been helping service leavers with their resettlement process by offering employment and training opportunities, as well as further and higher education courses and numerous franchise opportunities that have been promoted through our website www.forcesrecruiting. com and the Soldier 2 Civilian DVD. Soldier 2 Civilian DVDs have been an invaluable tool for service leavers as they have allowed much more information to be gained about the companies looking to recruit or train you. They have highlighted the opportunities available to service leavers in far greater detail by showing case studies and testimonials from people in similar positions to yourselves. As our main aim is to give you the readers of our publications and websites as much information as possible, we have now created this free handy pocket sized A5 Guide to your resettlement. This issue contains information on the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme (ELC) Soldier 2 Civilian have compiled a list of various elcas training providers that may be able to assist you with various resettlement training courses. Although we advertise and promote these companies we advise that you check on the elcas website www. enhancedlearningcredits.com to ensure that they still have a current and active ELC number, meaning they are able to offer courses to you and accept your elcas funding. The list is alphabetical and includes the companies name, telephone number, website

address and their ELC number. The tags are industries/areas that they specialise in and are able to offer. Within the listings their are companies offering more information with full page adverts and editorials to further highlight courses on offer. Within the Soldier 2 Civilian A5 Guide you will also be able to read about the Career Transition Partnership known as the CTP. They offer free resettlement services to all ranks of the UK Armed Forces, including the Navy & Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their aim is to help you make the transition as smooth as possible by providing flexible support from two years before discharge, through to two years after. Their website which includes employment fairs where you can meet employers face to face, which we strongly recommend you attend is www.ctp.org.uk Finally we have included information from the British Franchise Association and have listed some great companies who understand the values that you could bring to their brand. If you are looking for employment opportunities we recommend you look at our website as the Latest Jobs tab is updated regularly with hundreds of opportunities. We hope you find this publication useful and would ask that you mention Soldier 2 Civilian when speaking with any of our advertisers. Please also remember to view our website where you will find everything to hand in one place including all our elcas training providers, those providing full page adverts and editorials, the DVD/video clip advertisers and much more.

Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme

The MoD’s Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) is an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces.

he ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. You are reminded that ELC funding is only available for pursuit of higher level learning i.e. for courses that result in a nationally recognised qualification at Level three or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (England and Wales), a Level six or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification. As such you must ensure that you are able to demonstrate the level of the course to your Education Staff / Single Service Representative when asking them to authorise your claim. There are several stages to the ELC process. Full information is set out in Joint Service Publications (JSP) 898 Part 4, Chapter 3 - The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme: The Sponsorship of Service Personnel for Personal Development. Have a look at the claim procedure flow chart (right) to the JSP.

• First you must register to become a Scheme Member and accrue a sufficient amount of service before you can submit a claim • Then you must select a relevant course ensuring that it meets the higher level learning criteria (level three or above) and an Approved ELC Provider • Thirdly, you must complete and submit an ELC claim, approved by an authorised Education Staff if you are in service or your Single Service Representative if you are out of service. For further details regarding claiming out of service, exservice personnel should visit www. enhancedlearningcredits.com/ claiming/ex-service%20personnel/ • Finally you must complete your Course Evaluation Form via the website. Please note that further claims cannot be processed until evaluation forms are received for all previous courses (even those still underway)

The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) provide the administrative support for the ELC Scheme. Education Staff and Single Service Representative are responsible for approval of both ELC Application and Claims.

Claim Process: Followed •L earner identifies course of learning in liaison with Approved Learning Provider •L earner completes ELC ClaimForm (form ELC 005.01) •L earner submits Claim Form (form ELC 005.01) to commanding Officer and Education Staff for approval •C laim Form sent to ELCAS for processing or Authorised Education Officer processes claim online •E LCAS checks eligibility of Learner to claim an ELC via ELCAS database or education Officer checks via online system

by Learners and Learning Providers

• ELCAS or Education Officer process and approve Claim and sends Learner a CLAIM AUTHORISATION NOTE (CAN form ELC 005.02) • Learner books course of learning with the Learner Provider, pays 20% personal contribution/ deposit and passes the CAN (form ELC 005.02) to the Learning Provider as authority to proceed • Learning Provider sends invoice addressed to Director General Financial Management Shared Service Centre to ELCAS (after course start date)

• Within 15 working days of receiving an invoice ELCAS checks invoice against approved Claim record and passes to relevant MoD Budget Manager. The Budget Manager authorises the data and then passes on to the Director General Financial Management Shared Service Centre for Payment. • MoD Director General Financial Management Shared Service Centre makes payment to Learning Provider and issues a remittance. (Please note that once DGFM SSC received payment instruction it may take 30 days for payment to be made).

How to Claim HOW TO APPLY To join the ELC scheme you must complete and submit an application form either in your first twelve months from enlistment or in the window between eight and eight and a half years from enlistment. Applications are not permitted at any other time. Application forms must arrive with ELCAS within one calendar month of the end of your chosen registration window. Personnel with interrupted Service must complete and submit a non-continuous service form with their registration. This may include time spent as Full Time Reserve Service personnel and Non Regular Permanent Staff. ACCUMULATING ELIGIBLE SERVICE ELCs are available in two tiers: You must accumulate four years of eligible service to claim the Lower Tier (80% of the fees, up to a maximum of £1,000 per claim instalment) Before registering for any learning activity serving personnel must get authorisation from their line manager (part four of the claim form) and Education Staff (part five) to ensure that their chosen course meets the MoD requirements for ELC funding. Ex-Service personnel must get authorisation at part five of the claim form from their Single Service Representative (www.enhancedlearningcredits. com/Claiming/Ex-service%20Personnel). There are several factors to consider: You must fully research both the Provider that you choose and the course that you wish to study. TOP TIP: Please note that providers may move on and off the approved list and so it is advisable to check your provider is approved before you undertake any claim.

ELC funding is only available for courses that result in a Nationally Recognised Qualification at level three or above on the National Qualification Framework or level six or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. Just because an organisation is listed as an Approved Provider does not mean that all of their courses are of the required level.

TOP TIP: A list of the references to help with course level research may be found on our useful contacts page under the claiming tab. You must refer to the Joint Service Publications (JSP) 898

and eight years eligible service to claim the Higher Tier (80% of the fees, up to a maximum of £2,000 per claim instalment). Each eligible claimant may make a total of three claims. These may include claims in both the lower and higher tier but not exceed three claims in total. Only one claim may be made for learning activities commencing in any one financial year. Only service accumulated since 1st April 2000 may be counted as eligible service for the purposes of the ELC scheme. It is worth noting that eligible service must be completed before a claim can be made, i.e the claim form must be signed after the service is completed. (For those registering to join the scheme in the six month window between the eight and eight and a half year point, eligible service will only be accumulated from the eight year point (i.e you must complete 12 years service before being able to claim at the lower tier (up to £1,000 per claim instalment)). Part 4, Chapter 3 - The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme: The Sponsorship of Service Personnel for Personal Development and your Education Staff for guidance with regard to eligible activities. You must present your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) to your chosen Provider before your course start date. If for any reason you do not undertake the course you must submit a request to cancel/reinstate the claim. Failure to do so may result in the loss of Scheme Membership, which will prevent any future claims. TOP TIP: Keep a copy of your CAN as you will need the reference numbers for completing your evaluation form.

Requests to cancel claims must be authorised by your Educational Officer and then the Single Service Representative and as such you must ensure that you fully research the course and the requirements prior to submitting a claim for ELC funding. Claimants need to be aware of the implications of cancelling or withdrawing from a course of study funded by ELC. Always consult Education Staff before doing either in the first instance, as it can have a serious effect on future ELC eligibility. (See cancellation/ reinstatement section).

For all claimants in Service the proposed learning activity must be of benefit to the Service. Applicants are required to demonstrate that their proposed course of study is as a result of careful planning (use Personal Development Records).

You must make a personal contribution of at least 20% towards the total course cost. You will also be responsible for any costs associated with food, accommodation, course books, material, travel and subsistence. Learners are to meet the cost of their minimum 20% personal contribution from their own resources. BE AWARE: MoD rules strictly forbid the acceptance of inducements or incentives from providers including subsidies, free accommodation, travel and equipment. Learners who breach these rules risk forfeiting their ELC membership.

If you are making a second or third claim you must first ensure that you have completed the Evaluation Form via the website for all previous courses funded using ELC. You must also provide documentary evidence to demonstrate that you have completed previous courses to your Education Staff / Single Service Representative. TOP TIP: MoD and ELCAS rely on accurate completion of evaluation forms to help us assess Learning Provider performance. Please help your fellow claimants to access the best possible learning provision by providing timely and accurate evaluation feedback.

If undertaking courses in quick succession it may be necessary to submit a claim for a second or third course before the previous

course has ended. In these cases the Course Evaluation Form can be submitted when you have completed enough study to effectively evaluate the Provider.

Choosing Your Learning Provider

If your course is split into modules, list each module you are claiming for. However, for longer courses of study such as degree level, where the academic year is out of synch with the financial year, it is permissible to use one claim for several modules which count towards a continuous and recognised block of study which may extend into or start in the next financial year. TOP TIP: You must refer to the Joint Service Publications (JSP) 898 Part 4, Chapter 3 - The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme: The Sponsorship of Service Personnel for Personal Development.

Your chosen organisation must be an ELC Approved Provider. For claims including an element of PF FEHE funding your chosen organisation must also be a PF FEHE approved provider. Use only the comprehensive list of Approved Providers available via the search engine. The easiest way to identify a suitable provider is to use the search filters available, using these results you can then either refine your search to

Retrospective ELC claims are not permitted. Claim forms must be received by ELCAS at least 15 clear working days prior to the course start date. You must ensure that you have enough time to receive the Claim Authorisation Note to present to your chosen provider before the course starts. (Please note that for courses with Open University the CAN must be presented to them by the final course registration date). You should not set up a loan/credit agreement for the full cost of the course under any circumstances.

Ex Service Personnel

Please note this section contains the guidance notes for claimants who are no longer in Service, please ensure you read the Claiming ELC only page of the website. Once eligible to claim you may submit a claim up until ten years after you leave the service. Personnel who are still in Service, and/or in their resettlement phase, should refer to their Education Staff and the guidance on the Claiming ELC only page of the website. As a service leaver you may be eligible to claim under the Joint Funding Initiative (PF FE/ HE Scheme). For full details and to check the eligibility rules please visit the website. Procedure for Claimants no longer in Service Please note that the following information must be submitted via post to your Single Service Representative a minimum of 25 working days prior to your course start date/registration date: •F ully completed claim form (section 1, 2 and 3) – provided as single-sided pages submitted via post unless residing overseas •E vidence of your last day of Service which can be one of the following:- copy of your discharge document, copy of P45 terminating employment, document stamped by regiment confirming leaving date

•A copy of your driving licence or passport •A copy of a utility bill showing your home address •F ull information about the course that you wish to undertake to include details of your registration date where applicable •A copy of your Acknowledgment of Scheme Membership •A letter explaining how your chosen course of study will contribute towards personal development •C ompletion and submission of course evaluation form for all previous ELC funded courses •R AF Personnel can request a copy of their discharge document from the RAF Disclosures team at www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm •A rmy Personnel can request details of discharge dates from the Army Personnel Centre – phone number 0845 6009663 Remember! If you are submitting your second or third claim you must complete your previous claim evaluation form. You can do this online now.

A key stage of making a claim is choosing a suitable learning activity and Provider. take into account other factors or you can explore the individual provider websites through the links provided. This search engine facility also allows searches for PF FEHE approved providers, Approved Learning Providers by name, The Geographic Area, Course Title, and/or Delivery Method. Please note that when searching for Learning Providers offering distance learning you should not search by geographic location.

POINTS TO NOTE WHEN BOOKING YOUR COURSE

• If you are not happy that your chosen Learning Provider is following the ELC scheme policies please detail your complaint in writing via your Education Staff or Single Service Representative. • It is important that you do not set up a loan/ credit agreement for the full fee amount under any circumstances. You must not pay any money to the Provider before you receive your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN). • Learning Providers should not request payment for either the ELC portion of the fee or the PF FEHE portion of the fee from you directly. The Learning Provider will invoice DGFM separately for this. • Please note that although the Learning Provider as an organisation may be approved you must still ensure

that the specific course has been approved by MoD. The course must also appear on the Provider’s course listing on the ELCAS website Learning Provider Search Engine. (ELCs may only be claimed for learning which results in a nationally recognised qualification at Level three or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (England and Wales), a Level six or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification.) Publicly funded providers may offer any publicly funded course provision at the required levels and may provide a link to their prospectus in lieu of a course listing. Please see PF FEHE page for rules regarding eligible learning in respect of this funding element.

Single Service Representatives Personnel should only contact their Single Service Representative (SSR) if they have been unable to find the answer to their query on the website and the FAQs page. Amending, Cancelling & Reinstating a Claim All Learners wishing to withdraw from their chosen learning activity should contact their Education staff. Single Service procedures and Notes for Guidance must be referred to. Learners are reminded that reinstatement of an ELC instalment is only permitted for those who have to withdraw from a course of study because of operational or compassionate circumstances. Further details can be found at paragraph 28 & 29 of JSP 898 Part 4 Chpt 3. What is not acceptable for consideration of reinstatement of an ELC instalment is where an individual has started a course and failed to carry the learning through to completion because either the course did not meet their expectation or they simply gave up through lack of commitment. Scheme members who request a reinstatement under such circumstances risk forfeiting their ELC instalment and membership eligibility of the ELC scheme. If ELCAS has already generated a payment file for the learning activity then the Learner should follow the Single Service reinstatement procedure NOT the cancellation procedure. Outlines of these procedures along with the necessary forms are available through the links from this page.

LEARNERS WISHING TO AMEND THEIR CLAIM DETAILS SHOULD FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE BELOW: CHANGE OF DETAILS

PROCESS TO FOLLOW

Change of course start date (up to three months)

Amendment

Change of course start date (greater than three months)

Cancellation/Reinstatement

Change of course end date

Ed Staff/Line Manager to agree. ELCAS do not need to be informed

Change of course costs (total, ELC grant or contribution value)

Amendment

Change of course costs from lower tier to higher tier (claim form signed prior to claimant becoming eligible at higher tier rate)

Cancellation

Addition or Deletion of a module from an overall course (only to be permitted where resultant course still fulfils eligibility criteria)

Amendment

Change of course

Cancellation/Reinstatement

Change of Provider

Cancellation/Reinstatement

Change of course code

Amendment

N.B All amendments must be received by ELCAS in writing (email, fax or letter) from a member of Education Staff who is authorised to sign off claims.

Evaluation Form

Part of our process to ensure continuous improvement and consistency throughout all aspects of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, aspects of Learning Provider service provision will be evaluated. If this is not your first ELC claim you must submit an evaluation form before going on to complete your next claim.

Evaluation Forms should be completed within 12 weeks of the course finish date. If you require your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) number and Learning Provider code then please contact the ELCAS helpline. When entering your date of birth please ensure you enter it in the format shown dd/mm/yyyy.

How Do I Make a Claim

Firstly read the Joint Service Publication (JSP) 898 Part 4 Chapter 7 and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. • Download the PF FE/HE claim from the ‘Specific HE) and ask them to apply for approved provider status as per the information on Downloads’ section - only this version can be used. Any other replicated form will be rejected. the Providers page of the ELC website. •A s with the current ELC scheme – try not to leave • Check the ELCAS database of approved PF FE/HE providers – Publicly Funded FE/ everything to the last minute. Allow time for any HE providers for the purpose of this support new providers to be accepted onto the scheme. Once accepted you can submit your application. will be highlighted and ensure the chosen course is designated for student support. Allow at least eight weeks to go through this process – more if possible. Leaving it too close to • If you are a service leaver please ensure you send the required documents with your PF FE/HE claim the wire may result in your application not being processed in time for the start of your course form which can be found on the ex-service page of the website along with your SSR’s address. • If wishing to use a new provider ensure they If you have any questions with regards to the will be eligible to participate in this scheme above then please discuss with your educational (they must deliver Publicly Funded FE/ adviser or Single Service Representative.

Eligibility Rules IN ORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUPPORT CLAIMANTS MUST:

•H ave completed four years full-time service •P reviously joined the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and completed at least four years qualifying scheme membership •O nly apply for a first eligible FE/HE qualification at the level for which they are academically qualified to enter learning on leaving the Service •H ave left the Service or entered their qualifying resettlement phase on or after 17th July 2008 •M eet UK’s residency requirements to qualify for full state subsidy •B e undertaking at least the equivalent of 50% of a full time course •U ndertake learning with an approved provider listed on the ELCAS database as a PF FEHE provider and ensure the chosen course is designated for student support •P ersonnel (who have passed out of Phase 2 training into operational service) are not required to meet the four year qualifying time if they are medically discharged from Service. They are still required to have registered for ELC scheme membership.

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•C laimants no longer in Service should refer to their Single Service Representative (details below) in place of an Education Officer/Centre. • All questions or issues with regard to the ELC Scheme policy or procedures should be presented to your Education Officer/Centre. •T o check scheme policy you should refer to the Joint Service Publications (JSP) 898 Part 4, Chapter 3 - The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme: The Sponsorship of Service Personnel for Personal Development.

• If you refer a claim to ELCAS and you intend to print the CAN once the query is resolved, please confirm this in the referral. • Please be aware that currently the 15 day ruling remains in place for all claims and the online claims system validation reflects this ruling. If you have a valid request for an override it will therefore be necessary to refer to your Single Service Representative in the usual way. • You may access the user guide via the question mark icon in the right hand corner of each page. • Non-continuous service may be added via the claim function however it is essential that the dates are entered correctly to ensure that the system calculates the correctly claiming eligibility. Please contact ELCAS if you have a query in this respect.

This commitment will provide access, free from tuition fees, for your: • First Level three or national equivalent. This refers to a first full Level three i.e. the achievement of two GCE A levels (A2) (passes at A-E) or vocational equivalent as defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) (England and Wales); or in Scotland a Level six qualification (SVQ Level three on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). • Or a first foundation degree or first full undergraduate degree or national equivalent. Typically to be eligible for this support, the higher education qualifications would be at levels foursix of the Framework for Higher Education and Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) eg: a first undergraduate degree (including foundation degree) or Higher National Certificate or Diploma for which the entry qualification is lower than a degree and which normally takes place at a publicly funded institution. • In Scotland the equivalent qualification is a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or a first undergraduate degree, undertaken at a further education college (FE college) or a higher education institution (HEI).

Information for this article as given on the official ELCAS website www.enhancedlearningcredits.com please refer to the website for any future updates.

CLAIMANTS PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR EACH ACADEMIC YEAR OF THE COURSE. ONLY ONE YEAR OF STUDY SHOULD BE ENTERED ONTO EACH CLAIM FORM

•P lease ensure you update the Retirement/ Last Day of Service date via the ‘Update Member Details’ screen before processing a claim. Incorrect dates may affect the recorded eligibilty ie. low or higher tier and may result in incorrect claim validation. The retirement date field is greyed out as you cannot type in the field however to amend the retirement date, you should click on the calendar icon. If you click on the date, eg August 2010, you will be able to bring up the year, eg 2010 and you will be able to choose the month. If you click again on the year it will bring up a range of years. You are able to scroll left and right in order to bring up the correct year. Click on the year that you require,LINKS then the month and then the day. USEFUL AND CONTACTS

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An exciting career opportunity to commence training with The Ambulance Service No medical experience necessary… don’t turn the page; read on It’s not the buzz of driving fast with blue lights flashing that will excite you; it’s the knowledge that your presence as part of an Ambulance Team has made all the difference to someone. That someone is your patient.

he East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has embarked on an ambitious programme to recruit a significant number of student paramedics and associate practitioners; last year we recruited over 400 new staff, and we are looking to recruit another 400 new staff in this financial year. The chance to join our Student Associate Ambulance Practitioner and Intermediate Ambulance Practitioner programmes is the start of a new career. This opportunity will mean you receive a salary and training throughout the duration of your development. The Associate Ambulance Practitioner (AAP) role with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exciting new role that is clinically-lead and patient–focused to deliver clinical excellence, improve clinical outcomes, ensure patient safety and provide a positive patient experience. Becoming an Intermediate Ambulance Practitioner (IAP) with EEAST is about more than providing a transport service; it’s about providing support where it’s most needed to our patients and our communities. Naturally caring and level-headed, you will instil trust, share our values, and provide a calming presence in whatever situation you find yourself in - from helping patients requiring urgent care get to hospital, to assisting in emergency situations. Although you won’t need a medical background, you will need to undertake the associated and required training in patient care as well as training in assisting other clinical colleagues. No medical training is required for this role, as full training is given. Working for the NHS also allows staff to apply for key worker housing with local housing associations. Becoming an Intermediate Ambulance Practitioner with EEAST is about more than providing a transport service; it’s about providing support where it’s most needed to our patients and our communities. Naturally caring and level-

headed, you will instil trust, share our values, and provide a calming presence in whatever situation you find yourself in - from helping patients requiring urgent care get to hospital, to assisting in emergency situations. Although you won’t need a medical background, or any formal qualifications, you will need to undertake the associated and required training in patient care as well as training in assisting other clinical colleagues. A full clean UK manual driving licence with full Category C1 and a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience on a full licence is required. Consideration will be given to applicants who have a maximum of 3 penalty points on their licence for minor motoring offences only). Applicants without Provisional or Full C1 who are successful in the recruitment and selection process will be required to obtain Provisional C1 before being allocated to a training course, and must achieve FULL C1 before you begin a training course. You will not start your employment with the Trust without full C1 on your licence Priority consideration will be given to those who hold full C1 category. Successful applicants will be required to complete a 10 week training programme, which incorporates a 4 week advanced driving course, and will result in an accredited Level 3 award for those who successfully complete the course. This qualification can be used against career development pathways, should applicants wish to apply for Associate Ambulance Practitioner opportunities in the future. The recruitment and selection process will consist of the following: • Shortlisting against essential criteria in Person Specification • A ssessment Centre Stage 1 – Literacy and Numeracy Assessment and Highway Code questionnaire • A ssessment Centre Stage 2 – An Interview, Driving and Fitness Assessment • Pre-employment checks in line with the NHS Employment Check Standards • Work Health Assessment clearance Candidates are expected to undertake and pass all elements of the selection process.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) provides emergency, urgent and primary care services throughout Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk since 1st July, 2006. Our dedicated and skilled staff work 365 days a year, 24 hours a day to make sure patients receive the best possible care. We have more than 4,000 staff operating from 140 sites and a fleet of 1,000 vehicles. We are supported by more than 1,500 volunteers who provide community first responder and volunteer ambulance car services. The eastern region is made up of both urban and rural areas with a population of nearly six million, as well as several thousand more tourists who enjoy visiting the area in peak seasons. It includes major airports and docks which increase the number of people in our region on a daily basis. Whilst we are looking to recruit across all areas of the trust, we are particularly looking for staff to work in the following areas; • Most of Essex (but not currently North Essex) • Hertfordshire • Suffolk • South Cambridgeshire • Waveney • West Norfolk

THE TRAINING PROGRAMME Successful individuals for the AAP programme will undertake up to 18 weeks of initial training and supervision in front line Ambulance Operations. This will include a four week emergency driving course. The course will include time spent attending classroom based learning, self-study, online learning, and practical simulation. You will be expected to undertake a range of written and practical assessments and will include completion of a portfolio of evidence, as well as dedicated clinical placement time with EEAST. It is anticipated that the full course will be completed in 12 – 18 months from start date of employment. Following successful completion of the full course, a portfolio, and operational duties, candidates will be awarded a Level 4 qualification against the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF). Upon successful completion of the AAP programme, this qualification can be used against career development pathways, should applicants wish to apply for student paramedic in the future.

Applicants must: • B e highly motivated with excellent communication

and numeracy skills with a minimum of 5 GCSEs of grade C or above of which two must be Maths, English or Science (alternative equivalent qualifications may be accepted). • Be able to demonstrate a high degree of physical fitness by successfully meeting our fitness assessment standards and work health assessment check. • H ave their own transport, and a full UK manual driving licence (manual vehicle) with two years driving experience, (please note that the person specification states that ‘a maximum of 3 points will be considered for a minor motoring offence only’). If you have more than three penalty points on your driving licence, there will be no exceptions to this rule and you will not progress through the recruitment and selection process. • C ategory C1 (manual vehicle) on your driving licence is essential in order to start on our Student Paramedic programme. Applicants without Provisional or Full C1 who are successful in the recruitment and selection process will be required to obtain Provisional C1 before being allocated to a training course, and achieve the FULL C1 before you begin a training course. • D emonstrate real drive, motivation and enthusiasm to pursue this challenging and demanding career throughout the recruitment and selection process and beyond.

THE APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS The recruitment and selection process consists of the following: • Shortlisting against essential criteria in Person Specification • Assessment Centre Stage 1 – Literacy and Numeracy Assessment and Highway Code questionnaire • Assessment Centre Stage 2 – An Interview, Driving and Fitness Assessment • Pre-employment checks in line with the NHS Employment Check Standards • Work Health Assessment clearance

Candidates will be expected to undertake ALL elements of the selection process and can’t be offered a start date until such time that all of the elements are complete. All recruitment is conducted through the NHS portal www.jobs.nhs.uk. Use the job search ‘Ambulance’ and select ‘East of England’ as a location. This will take you to the advert where you can apply. Alternatively, the HR Recruitment team will be happy to answer any queries; please call and speak to one of the team on 01234 243045.

Train for a new career in Medical Equipment Engineering Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) approved provider Medical equipment (repair and maintenance) technology courses Open College Network accredited Within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Highly experienced training consultants Purpose built training academy Courses range from Level 2 to Level 5 (equivalent GCSE to HND) Achievement of the Level 5 Diploma provides access to a top-up degree in Engineering Management (BSc Hons)

CPD accredited e-learning modules throughout the year: Sign up to our mailing list to receive up to date information on courses

Avensys UK Group Ltd has four sub-divisions in: medical equipment repair and maintenance; resale; training; endoscope repair and maintenance

TRAINING: As an Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) provider, Avensys UK Training Ltd, will work with you to choose the right training to enhance your future career in clinical engineering. Offering a portfolio of Nationally Accredited Technical and non-technical qualifications in medical and dental engineering. Benefiting from training consultants from Avensys UK Ltd, who are highly experienced ex MoD Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, at the forefront of medical equipment engineering. Training programmes range from onsite courses at level 2 to distance learning level 5 course. Avensys provide medical equipment courses to cater to all levels and abilities.

engineers or anyone wanting to refresh and enhance their skills. These take place in the training facility based in Kidderminster. The Level 5 Diploma in Medical Equipment Technologies is a distance learning course delivered over 18 months, covering both theoretical and practical modules. Online learning is coupled with a series of onsite lectures and assessments delivered at their Kidderminster facility. The Level 5 Diploma provides access to a University top up course for full award of a BSc(Hons) Engineering Management degree. Avensys UK Training Ltd are launching a level 3 apprenticeship course, during Autumn 2016. This is aimed at those already working in medical engineering departments enabling them to grow whilst working.

Bespoke courses are also available, tailored Level 2 to 3 courses are delivered over 1 to to your needs and delivered when and where 10 days, covering both theory and practical work with medical devices, perfect for existing you need them. RECRUITMENT: Avensys UK Ltd are growing at a fast pace, meaning there are a number of upcoming recruitment opportunities. Make your transition to civilian life and join our growing team of engineers, majority are highly experienced MoD Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Recruitment contact:

www.avensysmedical.co.uk 01562 745 858 training@avensysmedical.co.uk

kay@avensysmedical.co.uk

Avensys UK Ltd believe in investing in their medical equipment engineers and continually offer relevant training by the in-house training academy. If you are interested and want to find out more please visit our website or contact us on 01562 745 858 or kay@avensysmedical.co.uk

Avensys UK Ltd @AvensysUKLtd Avensys UK Ltd

AN EXCITING, REWARDING & ADVENTUROUS CAREER CHOICE Becoming a professional private investigator is an ideal opportunity for many Police and Military personnel leaving the Service who have a wealth of skills and experience together with leadership qualities, and the ability to get things done, all of which are extremely beneficial in becoming a professional private investigator. However, police officers deal mostly with criminal matters whereas private investigators deal mostly with civil matters of which police officers have little experience. It is of course also an important factor to have the necessary basic knowledge of the industry. With the forthcoming licensing of the UK private investigation industry when it will be necessary for all applicants applying for a private investigators licence to be able to prove competence in all the core units as specified by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). More information can be found on our website www. pi-academy.com. The Academy in conjunction with Industry Qualifications, being a UK Government Qualifications Awarding Body, have developed the IQ Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) regulated by Ofqual which has been designed primarily for those people who have little or no previous private investigation experience, knowledge or qualifications. This Nationally and Internationally recognised qualification in professional private investigation consisting of 12 modules, 5 units and 240 hours of learning does not, as a distance learning course, require the candidate to attend a school/learning centre even for the final examination which is invigilated via skype in the students own home. At the end of each module the student will need to complete a questionnaire and when all 12 modules have been completed the student will then sit the final examination; the pass mark being 70%. On the successful completion of the examination IQ our awarding body will issue the Certificate. The training material for the course is provided online and is based on British Law.

Being proficient as a private investigator requires knowledge and experience. Although, not a substitute for personal experience the course will provide the necessary under pinning knowledge together with the fundamental know-how of both the operational and business aspects of the profession which will undoubtedly increase the student’s opportunities of obtaining employment within the investigation industry or indeed starting and successfully running their own private investigation business. The time required to complete the course will very much depend on the amount of time and effort that the student is willing to devote. Normally students studying on a part time basis will take three months to complete the course. However, the Academy has had students; mostly ex police officers who have studied on a full time basis, complete it within six weeks. As a student your tutor will always be available to support you with anything that you do not understand. The cost of the online IQ Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) is £652 which includes the IQ course registration, examination and certification fees. The Academy’s current special offer of purchasing both the online Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) and the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF) courses at the same time which will save you £192.00 the details of these and more information about the Academy are on the website. The IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF) is for those people who work or would like to work as professional investigators and obtain an SIA private investigator license. It is primarily a test of proof of competence consisting of 2 units and 39 hours of studying. It is also a requirement for the candidate to sit an examination consisting of two 45 minute papers at an approved centre such as those provided by the Academy; the pass mark being 70%. The cost of the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF) is £350.00. Under the SIA’s current guidance it will be mandatory to hold a licence to work as a Private Investigator.

For those candidates leaving the Armed Forces the Academy is a Ministry of Defence (ELCAS) Approved Learning Provider. If you have served in the Armed Forces in the last ten years you might well qualify for an ELCAS/ Enhanced Learning Credits grant. Please visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.co.uk for more information. Or for those Ex-Service Personnel who have served over a longer period the Royal British Legion Attendance Company Trust (RBLACT), a Military Charity can provide funding of up to £3000.00 in a matter of days at any stage of their life. Contact the Royal British Legion 0800 160 1943 and ask about RBLACT funding. To enrol, simply go online and choose the course or courses that you wish to enrol on and use the secure hosting facility for payment. Enrolling on both the IQ Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) and/or the IQ Level 3 Award for Professional Investigators (QCF) is a solid investment in your future and could prove to be one of your best decisions in providing an opportunity of achieving a high level of job satisfaction in a wide range of activities, leading

to an exciting, rewarding and adventurous career. If you enrol now on the course you will be eligible for the special offer discount of £560 and save £92.00. Having completed the course you might well wish to consider joining WAPI, The World Association of Professional Investigators www.wapi.com. Being a member will also provide you with worldwide networking opportunities amongst the thousand e-group members in the UK, Europe and indeed around the world. Stuart Withers who founded the Academy 1997 says “becoming a professional private investigator is an ideal opportunity for many Police and Military personnel leaving the Service as long as you have the knowledge to do the job, which you will get by completing the course, all you need is a laptop, a phone and a car. Then you are up and running. You don’t particularly need an office either, as most PI’s work from home and an annual turnover can be anything from £50.000 - £150.000 depending on how many assignments you want to take on. Being your own boss, with plenty of variety and choosing your own hours, makes it an exciting, rewarding and adventurous career choice”.

Become a Professional Private Investigator • By obtaining a Nationally & Internationally recognised IQ Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Professional Private Investigation (RQF) • Providing an opportunity to achieve a high level of job satisfaction in a wide range of activities, leading to an exciting, rewarding and adventurous career • Funding available for ex service personnel through Ministry of Defence (ELCAS & RBLACT)

www.pi-academy.com or Call: 01444 441111 Email: info@pi-academy.com

Fancy yourself as a Civil Aviation Authority Accredited Commercial Drone Pilot? Join the rapidly growing market at the right time. Use your IRTC and accommodation credits towards a residential training course that will enable you to earn money using your drone for aerial work. Residential Course includes: • Theory and practical training • Theory Examination • Fly before you buy - try your hand at flying one of our drones* • Industry and start up advice • Operations Manual writing workshop and proofing • Flight Assessment included • Membership of the ‘Drone Pilot Academy - Certified operators’ database • All food and accommodation provided**

Discounted rate for service personnel (quote S2C16) plus VAT (Usually £1095)

£895

Starter bundles available including training and equipment – details on request * We have numerous drones you can fly during the course subject to the weather. ** 2 nights dinner, bed and breakfast Note: If you already have aviation experience then a shortened course may be available.

Contact the Drone Pilot Academy on 0800 3800 007 or visit us online at www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk

Former RAF Wing Commander sets up a Drone Pilot Academy After serving in the RAF for 17 years, former Wing Commander Jim Ixer, hung up his flying gloves and entered the rapidly expanding commercial drone industry. Having always had the desire to see if he could make it on his own in business Jim had a number of options to pursue but didn’t really have any firm plans on which area to focus when leaving the RAF. He explains “it wasn’t until I was on my Career Transition Workshop that I really thought about the utility of drones in the civilian workplace and decided to channel my efforts in this area. By the end of the week I’d bought a drone and used my Individual Resettlement Training Grant to book myself onto a commercial course in order to gain the Civil Aviation Authority permission required to undertake aerial work”. When I was on the course it was much of what I already knew from my time on helicopters and I knew I could teach the course myself but in order to gain some credibility I decided to give myself a year operating commercially first. One year later and Jim has established the Drone

Pilot Academy which offers residential training courses to other budding entrepreneurs and those Companies that can see a utility for adding drones to their businesses. His team of instructors are also ex-servicemen and have been hand-picked due to their backgrounds and experience. Jim continued to explain “It is such an exciting industry with new emerging developments nearly every week. The obvious commercial utility ranges from photography, video, survey, inspection and agronomy – the study of crop health – but thermal surveys of powerlines and wind turbine inspections are just a few examples of growing markets and it still keeps expanding. The emergency services are also getting in on the act too so whether you want to start your own business or just add the ability to commercially operate a drone to your CV then this should be a serious consideration for the service leaver.

Contact the Drone Pilot Academy on 0800 3800 007 or visit us online at www.dronepilotacademy.co.uk

Malpeet K9 Academy specialises in the use of operational dog teams, the sale of dogs in various disciplines and handler training both for UK and overseas customers. We are members of, and approved trainers for the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU). All detection dogs are trained utilising ‘real’ drugs and ‘live’ explosives. Malpeet K9 Academy is currently one of only a few UK companies licensed to possess controlled substances for the use of training detection dogs. Malpeet K9 Academy is also an ELCAS approved training provider. We have helped many service personnel pursue a successful dog handling career. Working with various local and national charities such as the ABF Soldiers Charity, we provide the best training courses covering many aspects of working in private security as a dog handler. Our MD Simon Mallin has worked with clients around the world and is currently working on projects in Kenya that include Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s anti-poaching dog unit. Learners at Malpeet K9 Academy have a unique opportunity to learn from industry experts with international operational and training experience.

Case Study Mike contacted us in February 2015 to enquire about a detection dog handler course, with a passion to work with dogs, he has chosen to become a dog handler as his second career after a very successful one in the armed forces. Mike was able to use his entitlement with the Enhanced Learning Credits to fund the 32 days Explosive Detection dog handlers course as we are one of a few dog handler training providers with ELCAS approved status. We introduced a small payment plan last year to help learners who self fund course fees spread the cost into monthly payments with no extra fee. Mike took the opportunity and funded the general purpose level 2 course himself. Upon completion of the general purpose dog handling course, Mike was introduced to his current employer by our MD Simon Mallin. We pride ourselves on our continued support for our graduates from the first day of training through to employment.

PGI Training

s a leader in safety, security and operational compliance training. As the training arm of Protection Group International we provide training for corporate and government organisations, as well as individuals going through the Armed Forces resettlement process. Our business is built on a solid foundation of trust and expertise that is demonstrated by our thorough

courses, the dedicated instructors who deliver them and our experienced board and team. As part of a wide-ranging business we have unique handson experience of addressing the same issues as you. We are committed to your success in your chosen field, and the figures reflect this: 85% of students attending our courses go on to find full-time employment, often assisted by us.

PGI Training’s Security Risk Management Consultants Course (SRMC ™) Student Blog: Richard Johnson, Special Projects Manager NGS. “If you are looking to forward your development, leaving the Police Service, Armed Forces or already well established and experienced within the Security Sector like a lot of the people sat in the classroom over the previous two weeks. I would highly encourage anyone to attend PGI’s Security and

Risk Management Consultants Course. It is set in a great location with little expense spared, great facilities and supported by a highly professional and dedicated team. The course also offers great add-ons after completion supplied by PGI as well as an ideal arena to network, affording an ideal environment to promote yourself and your company’s name to other influential members of the sector”

Training Courses For Armed Forces Resettlement We know it can be difficult to consider working in a civilian role after leaving the Armed Forces. You may be unsure of which direction to take or what qualifications you need to break into your chosen sector. PGI Training can help you to transition into a new role where you can continue to use the enormous amount of transferrable skills you gained in the Armed Forces.

Our courses are the most comprehensive on the market. We offer medical, security and risk management, and health and safety courses, ranging from First person On Scene medical courses to Close Protection and Maritime Security. Your chosen course will give you the competitive edge you need to stand out in the job market, along with the confidence to thrive within a new role.

To find out more about this intensive, 14 day course, please contact info@pgitraining. com or alternatively phone 01298 816 208 to speak to one of our experts.

PASS ON YOUR SKILLS TO THE NEXT GENERATION Across the UK 14,000 young people are challenging themselves and learning new skills based on the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy to give them the best possible head start in life - all supported by 9,000 volunteers. We are looking for people like you who are happy to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in! We hope you will pass on the skills that you have learnt in the Armed Forces to the younger generation. You can share your skills in drill, seamanship, sailing, cooking or even drumming! Sea Cadets is a national youth charity working with 14,000 young people in 400 communities. The nautical activities we offer have a positive impact on young people, including those that struggle academically and from disadvantaged backgrounds. While all of our cadets benefit from the progressive training programme and inspiring activities, it is often those cadets that can least afford it that stand to gain the most. With 31% of Sea Cadets units working in the poorest

quartile of locations in the UK we are in a privileged position to be able to help them grab a better future. Tony Thurgood, Lieutenant, Institute of Naval Medicine “I’ve always wanted to give something back to Sea Cadets as they had given me so much as a teenager. I joined my local unit when I was 11 years old and had a wonderful time getting out on the water but a real highlight for me was bei ng appointed the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Cadet. This early experience with Sea Cadets helped form who I am today. “I’ve been volunteering for seven years at my local Sea Cadet unit and the skills I have learnt in the Royal Navy, like problem solving, leadership and strong work ethics, are vital life skills that I pass on to the young generation. “You can do this too! “As a volunteer with a former or current career in the Royal Navy you have a unique skill set to offer Sea Cadets. With 400 units across the UK there will be a unit near you that could use your skills, experience and time.”

Join our Sea Cadet family now! Find your local unit here: sea-cadets.org/units

Are you looking for a role where you can inspire young people, work with a highly motivated team and make a difference in your local community? If yes, SkillForce may be the perfect employer of choice as you make your transition to civilian employment. SkillForce is a charity that works in partnership with schools, drawing upon the skills of predominantly but not exclusively ex-Forces personnel, to inspire young people to succeed. In partnership with schools we deliver a curriculum and activities that provide young people with knowledge, skills, experience and long term personal support and most importantly, the self belief to aspire and achieve. Our vision is that every young person, whatever their background or ability is given the chance to fulfil their true potential and become a valued member of the community. SkillForce provides rewarding career opportunities for ex-Forces personnel as the following case studies will reveal. RUPERT HAYES – REGIONAL DIRECTOR Rupert was a Non Commissioned Officer (Sgt) in the Royal Air Force and served 23 years as a Survival Equipment Fitter. Knowing he would like to pursue a career working with children but with no knowledge of what opportunities may be available Rupert attended a careers fair in February 2009. It was here that he was signposted to SkillForce. Rupert arranged a visit to his local SkillForce team and visited a local school for a ‘taster’ of what working for SkillForce could offer. Having thoroughly enjoyed the experience, he then arranged with his Senior Line Manager’s within the RAF to volunteer for SkillForce 2 days a week during a Summer term. In September 2009, Rupert successfully applied for a position as an Instructor and given his volunteering work, attended the assessment centre with experience as well as a great enthusiasm for working with young people. Ru was appointed to the role, a job which he greatly enjoyed and says ‘the job was incredible and really gets under your skin!’. Driven by his ambition to progress, 18 months into his role as Instructor, Rupert applied to be an Area Manager. After a gruelling assessment, he was appointed and began to lead our then Wiltshire team in February 2011. His vision was to grow the team and achieve sales in Wales which he did very successfully; the team he led now covers the West of England and South Wales. In April 2012, an opportunity for progression into a Regional Director role became available

and being ambitious and based on the success of his team, Rupert applied for the role and was successful; Rupert is now the SkillForce Regional Director for South England and South Wales. Rupert says, of his career with SkillForce, ‘My journey with SkillForce continues to grow and challenge me every day. This Organisation not only transforms the lives of our young people, but is sensitive to the needs of Ex Service men and women by helping those people transition from Service to Civilian employment’. DAVID HUBBARD – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER After leaving college David worked for the Benefits Agency in his home town of Shrewsbury and after four years joined the Royal Air Force in 1997. David worked in the Air Defence and Battlespace management section which led to various postings in the UK and overseas. David had always played a role in the development of young people predominately through the Scouting movement where David had been an instructor supporting the Scout leaders during evening sessions and camps. David also took on the role of Assistant Beaver Leader and Treasurer when the Beaver movement was introduced. He maintained his links with Scouting after joining the RAF through his support of the Scouting movement in Scotland during tow tours in the Buchan area. When David left the RAF in 2009, he knew he would like to continue working in youth development. David came across a vacancy for an instructor position in our then Bath team and successfully applied and joined the team in September 2009. He worked in various schools with a range of young people some of whom lacked confidence, some whose behaviour was putting their chances of completing mainstream education at risk. Dave thoroughly enjoyed his role as instructor but was tempted by the opportunity to become an Area Manager when a new team covering Bournemouth and Solent was formed. David successfully applied for this role and in his tenure as Area Manager grew the team from two instructors to seven enabling SkillForce to not only work with hundreds more young people but also offering ex service men and women the opportunity to join the Charity; achievements of which he is rightly very proud. David is currently working as a Business Development Manager for SkillForce. He works closely with Area Managers, Regional Directors and the Fundraising team to support opportunities to work with more schools across South England and Wales. David says of his time with SkillForce ‘SkillForce has provided me with a very different career

from my time in the RAF. I have experienced a wide range of experiences and challenges in the education and third sectors. This has led onto improving a range of skills based around education, management and business. My time with SkillForce has at times been challenging, but working with fellow ex-forces personnel has always provided a supportive background to ensure positive outcomes. Overall to date a very rewarding experience’. ANDREW TOWNSEND – AREA MANAGER Andrew joined the Army in November 1985, he served until November 2007. He originally joined the Army Air Corps and transferred to the Adjutant General’s Corps. During his service he was posted to Northern Ireland, Berlin, Germany, Cyprus and the UK. Upon leaving the Army, Andrew pursued a number of career options including driving instruction and retail security. In 2011 Andrew came across the SkillForce website and saw a programme that was running with SkillForce at the time; Military to Mentors. This was a programme where SkillForce trained ex-military personnel to become Mentors in schools. When asked about the programme Andrew says ‘I loved it! It made me realise this was what I wanted to do’. Following the three month course Andrew secured employment as an Instructor in the former Leicester team on a fixed term contract. After the contract had ended, Andrew worked within the education sector for 18 months but during this time kept in contact with SkillForce via the website as he wanted to work for the organisation again should the opportunity arise. In March 2015, Andrew successfully applied for the role of Area Manager for our Central North team and has been successfully leading the team since. He says of his experience of SkillForce ‘I really enjoy working for SkillForce; it enables me to work within the education sector and my role enables me to use the skills I learned in the Army to benefit young people who may not have had the best start in life’. We are seeking experienced, high quality candidates to work as part the SkillForce team. To find out more about working for SkillForce or to view our current vacancies, please visit www.skillforce.org/work-for-us

Tavcom Resettlement Programme Tavcom’s Resettlement Programme is focused on facilitating the transition of ex-forces personnel into the security sector. Tavcom, part of the Linx International Group, is the world’s leading provider of accredited security systems training courses. Tavcom offers award winning BTEC certified training relevant to control room operators, installers and designers of CCTV, access control, intruder and fire alarms, Network IP and all other electronic security systems. Additionally, Tavcom’s sister companies, ARC Training and Perpetuity Training, specialise in the delivery of accredited security and risk management qualifications. ELCAS approved courses are available that meet the training requirements of security personnel at all levels, from foundation courses for those with little or no previous experience, to highly advanced specialist programmes. Tavcom’s workshops provide unrivalled ‘hands-on’ facilities which offer immediate opportunities to put theory into practice. A Tavcom tradition of practical learning that has refined the skills and knowledge of thousands of delegates over the past 21 years.

The Tavcom Resettlement package builds on what is already available by tailoring and directing courses to those transitioning from the military. The core of the package is the provision of Tavcom BTEC accredited training, career progression advice and linking successful applicants to industry vacancies. Nationally, there are a large number of job vacancies within the electronic security industry, which continues to enjoy sustained growth. Installation companies that specialise in Access Control, CCTV and Intruder Alarm systems are currently looking to employ high calibre people who are keen to add to their existing skill sets. The industry appreciates that many of those leaving the forces have the core transferrable skills and attributes necessary for a post-military career within the security sector. The successful completion of a Tavcom course will provide the qualifications necessary to embark upon a career within the security systems industry.

Contact Tavcom for more information on the Resettlement initiative Tel: +44 (0) 1489 895099 Email: resettlement@tavcom.com www. tavcom.com www.linxinternationalgroup.com

Distance learning The route to academic qualifications while still serving Teesside University is the world’s leading provider of high quality open learning in engineering (TUOLE) programmes at HNC and HND levels.

his flexible learning option enables employees to study irrespective of location – a ship at sea, air station abroad or camp in the desert. These awards are recognised by employers throughout the UK and worldwide for their rigour and breadth of knowledge and understanding. TUOLE offers courses in mechanical, electrical and electronic, instrumentation and control, chemical and process engineering. Out of over 2,500 students, 150 are military personnel from all three services using the enhanced learning credits administration service (ELCAS) to part-fund their courses. You can find information on our programmes and their admissions criteria at tees.ac.uk/tuole. If you are worried that your maths may not be to the required standard, TUOLE also offers the Foundation Mathematics for Engineers module to bring you up to the required standard. As a student you can work largely at a pace to suit your personal circumstances. If you enrol on an HNC course you must complete eight modules in a range of topics within a maximum of four to five years, double that for an HND.

It is possible to complete all eight modules in a year but the average enrolment period is typically three years. The only requirement is that you complete at least two modules a year. There are no exams. You are assessed by assignments that you can submit at any time and, possibly, an end-of-module interview to establish that the work you have submitted is your own. All course material is provided online. You have access to an experienced academic tutor (some are ex-military) who provides advice and answers any questions you might have by email, phone or in person. You are encouraged to read around the topic and have full access to all the electronic publications and journals in Teesside University’s library. If you need software to complete an assignment, we provide it free of charge for the module duration. So far nearly 30,000 students have graduated from TUOLE programmes – their courses have prepared them for demanding roles in a wide range of industries. Some have completed an HNC while serving and then joined a Teesside University undergraduate bachelor of engineering (BEng) programme at the beginning of the second year. You can use the HNC award as a route to a degree and eventual chartered status. All engineering undergraduate programmes are offered on a part-time basis, visit tees.ac.uk/schools/sse for more details. If you want to speak to our team about any of the TUOLE courses, call 01642 342740 or email tuole@tees.ac.uk.

PROJECT FIREFLY PROCESSING TRAINED PERSONNEL TO THE MARITIME RESERVE (MR)

he project has attracted considerable political, public and media interest and is influencing the size and shape of the Reserve Forces, which are an integral part of the UK’s Defence capability. This year FIREFLY will increase its footprint, by reaching out into the ex-regular community. This significant step will see those who have left upto 24 months post TX, career managed in parallel with the seamless transfer scheme rather than recruited through an Armed Forces Careers Office. The FIREFLY team are regular attenders at the CTP Employment Fairs. With a maximum joining age of 57 for RNR and 52 for RMR the many benefits to be had in the MR for a commitment of just 24 days RNR and 26 days RMR include: • Good rates of pay • A pension and a respectable annual taxfree bounty (currently up to £1742). • Opportunities for promotion and further personal development. • Value placed on your skill sets that you have worked hard to cultivate during your time in service and in the vast majority of cases retaining your current rank rate.

• A more stable work life balance, with an initial 2 year harmony period. This is to provide peace of mind to both the SL and their new employers, as there is no compulsory mobilisation during this period. • Networking opportunities. • Full time employment opportunities through Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) or part time work through Additional Duties Commitments (ADC) or Man Training Days (MTD). • It should be noted that all benefits are in addition to any civilian pay/benefits received and does not affect any service pension that has been accrued. The Firefly team are willing to travel and brief groups or conduct individual interviews. Key Points: Project Firefly offers the Service Leaver (SL) the opportunity to transfer seamlessly from Regular into the Maritime Reserve (Royal Naval or Royal Marine Reserves).

A chance to remain a part of the Naval Family with its unique camaraderie.

As a Reservist you are well rewarded for your time, earning extra money, accruing a (additional) pension and receiving an annual tax free bounty of upto £1742.

You will have heard the adage “Its not what you know its who you know” well as a Maritime Reservist, with its large diverse community can offer a valuable benefit and one which is often overlooked and that is networking.

It provides opportunities for continued professional development and promotion.

Meet varied employed people who understand the values that the Service person possesses.

Further information can be found in 2015DIN 01-213, or speak to one of the team either: WO1 Paul Jones on 023 92628784, e-mail navypers-resffengwo@mod.uk or POWTR “Buster” Brown on 023 92628677, Email: navypers-restpa@mod.uk. The team look forward to hearing from you.

PROJECT FIREFLY

Transfer from Regular and Ex-Regular Entry into the Maritime Reserves THE MARITIME RESERVES – are a force of highly trained civilian volunteers who are readily available to support any of the Royal Navy’s wide ranging operational commitments. The rewards for completing the minimum commitment which is either 24 days RNR or 26 days RMR include: • Excellent rates of pay • A generous tax free bounty • Pension • The added benefit of a 2 year harmony period • Remain part of Naval Family with its special camaraderie

FOR MORE INFORMATION call: 023 92628677 e-mail: Navypers-resfftpa@mod.uk

access: 2015DIN 01 – 213

The Journey does noT have To end!

navygraphics 16/1173

Project FIREFLY has since, its inception in April 2013, seamlessly transferred over 660 highly-skilled SL’s into the Maritime Reserves

process is to speak with your unit Resettlement Information Staff, who offer advice on your entitlement and the administrative process to access it.

Enhanced Resettlement Provision from CTP INTEGRATED SUPPORT FOR ALL SERVICE LEAVERS he new Career Transition Partnership (CTP) contract between the Ministry of Defence and Right Management commenced on 1st October 2015. Essentially it is business as usual and any changes will be in addition to the wide range of services and support we have delivered since 1998 as the MOD’s official provider of Armed Forces resettlement. The most obvious change you may notice is that we have unveiled our new brand image and logo as shown on this page. We are also excited to announce some other online tools such as an interview simulator and Plotr, a game to match skills and interests to civilian careers. Under the new contract we are delighted to now deliver integrated support to all Service leavers, regardless of time served or reason for leaving. This includes support for Wounded, Injured and Sick service personnel via CTP Assist (formerly the Recovery Career Services) and support for Early Service Leavers via CTP Future Horizons (formerly the Future Horizons Programme). CTP will also be delivering two trial programmes, which will support spouses and partners of RAF personnel and one for eligible Reservists. Further details of the spouse trial can be found on the CTP website and the reservist trial will commence in 2016. Read on for a reminder of the wealth of support available to you as you make the transition from the military to civilian life.

WHERE DO I START WITH RESETTLEMENT? All Service leavers are entitled to resettlement support, consisting of time, financial support, training/upskilling and careers advice. STEP 1: You are responsible for dealing with your resettlement arrangements and the first step in the

STEP 2: You should then make contact with your Service Resettlement Adviser (SRA), in order to discuss your resettlement package and to register with CTP. STEP 3: CTP provides advice, guidance, training and support to those leaving the military, and also incorporates RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, who provide lifelong job finding support to Service leavers. WHAT SUPPORT AM I ENTITLED TO? The amount of support available depends on your length of Service and your reasons for discharge: LESS THAN 4 YEARS SERVICE OR ADMINISTRATIVELY DISCHARGED: CTP FUTURE HORIZONS CTP Future Horizons offers referral to tackle any barriers to employment, and a post-discharge tracking service to ensure personnel gain a route into sustainable employment, education or further training after leaving. Personnel will be referred to the programme upon discharge. 4 – 6 YEARS SERVICE: EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMME (ESP) The Employment Support Programme is accessed 6 months’ prior to discharge and includes a 1 day workshop and one-to-one interview, resettlement briefs, job-finding support, employment fairs and events, and access (on a standby basis) to vocational training courses. Career Consultant support is also available for up to 2 years post discharge. 6 OR MORE YEARS’ SERVICE OR MEDICALLY DISCHARGED*: CORE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME (CRP) The Core Resettlement Programme is available to eligible personnel up to 2 years prior to discharge, until 2 years after discharge. The programme comprises a 3 day Career Transition Workshop, one-to-one interview and ongoing access to a personal Career Consultant, along with additional resettlement workshops and briefings. The programme also includes job-finding support, employment fairs and events, and access to

vocational training courses, along with travel and subsistence. *Wounded, Injured and Sick Service Personnel In addition to the Full Resettlement Programme, CTP Assist is available to help those individuals who have the greatest barriers to employment due to serious illness or injury, through personalised support and Specialist Employment Consultants. Individuals are referred to the programme prior to Medical Discharge. HOW CAN CTP HELP ME? CTP support covers three broad areas: Transition, Training and Employment. From creating a CV through to learning interview skills plus researching and applying for jobs, what the CTP offers can help you not just with your first civilian job, but throughout your working lifetime. The programme is delivered at nine Resettlement Centres in the UK and one in Germany, along with the Resettlement Training Centre in Aldershot. The resettlement provision includes face-to face support, online resettlement planning via myPlan, the personalised area of the CTP website, and access to our ex-military job board, CTP RightJob. Successful resettlement requires clear aims, good job intelligence, effective networking and an intelligent approach to employers. It can also help to acquire extra skills. It’s therefore vital that you take full advantage of the resources and facilities at your disposal. TRANSITION Workshops and Briefings - the first step for most on the resettlement journey is the three day Career Transition Workshop (CTW), which enables you to identify and evaluate those transferrable skills and qualities gained during Service. Following this, you will meet your Career Consultant and create a Personal Resettlement Plan, which will help identify the required steps for achieving your desired outcome upon leaving the Armed Forces. A range of additional workshops and briefings are available, including Financial Aspects of Resettlement, Housing, Business Start Up, Networking and Interview Techniques. Events - a full programme of employment fairs, company recruitment presentations and online events is available to Service leavers at any point in the resettlement process, offering networking,

research and job-finding opportunities. Online Support - myPlan, the personalised area of the CTP website, enables Service leavers to manage their own resettlement and offers career assessment activities, video library, Interview Simulator, Plotr career matching game, Personal Resettlement Plan, resettlement tracker and checklists. TRAINING When leaving the Service, you get the chance to undertake vocational training to help you shape your future career. CTP delivers an extensive range of job-related vocational courses at Resettlement Centres and the Resettlement Training Centre in Aldershot. This is split into two types; Contract Funded and Non-Contract Funded training: Contract Funded training has been ‘pre-paid’ for you by the MOD. This offers exceptional value for money and is the best way to make the most of your ‘GRT pound’. Non-Contract funded training can be funded using your Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) or ELC grants for; it is closely monitored for quality and is very competitively priced. If CTP does not offer the course you are interested in then you are able to find details of courses offered by hundreds of MOD approved Preferred Suppliers on the CTP website. All companies on this list have undertaken a stringent accreditation process to make sure their training is of the highest quality and value for money – so you can book with confidence. The correct choice of training course can be the vital link between the skills you have gained during your military career and gaining successful civilian employment. Your Career Consultant is on hand to provide advice and guidance on choosing the right training to suit your future plans. EMPLOYMENT The Armed Forces equips its employees with a vast range of skills applicable to many industry sectors and CTP targets a wide range of employers to promote the skills, experience and strong work ethos Service leavers bring with them after a military career. The employers themselves gain a high quality, no cost recruitment service and access to thousands of skilled and qualified individuals. CTP RightJob is our online job finding service that lists thousands of live vacancies for Service leavers, with new ones being added every day. You can browse and search for available jobs by

Industry, Location or Company Name, receive job notifications and alerts via email and submit job applications directly to employers. The website is easy to use and compatible with smartphones and tablets, plus you’ll find video tips to highlight features on all key areas of the site. Registration is completed during the Career Transition Workshop. The CTP Employment Team works closely with local, national and international organisations from all industry sectors to source and match suitable job vacancies for Service leavers. You’ll receive regular job alerts based on the preferences listed in your online profile, plus employers can also search the database for Service leavers with the skills they’re looking for, and notify them of current vacancies.

Your career consultant is available to provide advice and guidance on job applications, CVs and covering letters, and the central employment team provide assistance with RightJob, along with links to further employment support where required. Whilst we are making some changes, be assured that our support and the provision to help you through your resettlement remains unchanged, and will be enhanced in the coming months. We are here for you throughout your career transition from two years pre-discharge and up to two years post-discharge. Should you have any questions about your resettlement, please get in touch. You can find a wealth of information along with our contact details at www.ctp.org.uk

Nursing Vacancies

ROUTE MAP FOR

SERVICE LEAVERS START HERE:

Whittington Health provides healthcare services to 500,000 people living in Islington and Haringey as well as Barnet, Enfield and Camden. As one organisation providing both hospital and community services, we are known as an ‘integrated care organisation’; the model of the future. This means we can bring high quality services closer to home and speed up communication between community and hospital services, improving our patients’ experience particularly for those who need different levels of care.

Service leaver completed at least 4 years’ service: Registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

• Prepares PRP with Consultant • Receives regional employment advice

Employment Support Programme

Served over 6 years or medical discharge?

Yes

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge. RFEA/OA job finding support is available until retirement age

Secures Employment

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Attends Employment Fairs and other CTP events

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant Attends: • Further CTP workshops • Training at RTC/RRC • Civilian training attachment • External training • Financial/Housing briefings

Develops, reviews and actions PRP: Further advice on; • Career options • Self-employment • Job finding • Training • Attachments • Research activities • Civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress Supported by the Central Employment Team, with referral to Regional Employment Advisor where additional support is required’

the lighter shaded elements also available to those with 4 to 6 years’ service

We are looking for committed, compassionate, and caring nurses to join our Team. The Trust is one of the safest hospitals in England and our aim is to provide outstanding care, by ensuring it is well coordinated, in the right place and designed around individual patient’s needs. We deliver care using our values – ICARE – Innovation, Compassionate, Accountable, Respectful and Excellent. Learn more about our values by clicking here. The Trust genuinely values and cares for its staff and has recently been presented with an achievement award as part of the Mayor’s London Health Workforce Charter. This is a scheme that acknowledges employers who invest in workplace health and wellbeing.

We offer a range of flexible working options and also a range of staff benefits including discounted gym membership and theatre tickets, as well as discounts at a number of restaurants and season ticket loans. We would welcome applications from experienced nurses and student nurses nearing the end of their training.

To find out more about Whittington Health and to see our current vacancies and apply please go to www.whittington.nhs.uk and view Work With Us Whittington Health Magdala Avenue London N19 5NF www.whittington.nhs.uk http://www.facebook.com/WhittingtonHealth https://twitter.com/whithealth

FROM FORCES TO FRANCHISES The transition to civilian life upon leaving the forces can present many challenges, not least of which is what career to follow next? When the thought of 9 to 5 might seem a little mundane, one option to take a look at is franchising – which offers a wealth of opportunities in a multitude of industries. And running your own franchise not only provides the backup and support that you might need to plug any gaps in your skills in a business sense; it’s a sector that actively seeks and encourages those leaving the military to become involved, with strong links between the experiences you’ve had in the forces and the desired traits that many brands look for in their franchisees. HOW DOES IT WORK? Investing in a franchise is often described as being in business for yourself, but not by yourself. A franchisee owns and runs their own business, under the use of a bigger company’s brand, proven system, knowledge and support. You pay an initial fee to receive full training from the outset and get set up from the get-go. The company’s owner (franchisor) has already tried and tested their business model and operations in the marketplace, and therefore made and corrected any mistakes so that you won’t have to bear the cost of doing so. What you’re left with is a proven, transferable system. Because the marketing strategies, operating procedures, pricing and staffing policies have all been proven through company-owned outlets and/or established franchised units, a new franchise business is able to develop much more quickly during the crucial early stages of launching a business than those going it alone can. Ongoing monthly fees, most often based either on turnover or mark-ups on supplies of products, are then paid; in return a franchisee can call on training, advice and business development guidance from their franchisor and wider network whenever they need to. WHY DO FRANCHISORS SEEK EXFORCES PERSONNEL? It’s the synergy and support in the relationship between franchisor and franchisee that is the lynch pin for success, and it’s that synergy and the nature of a franchise business that ideally matches the model to service leavers. Good franchisors must be very careful about who joins their network, with their brand in the hands of others. That means it’s transferable skills that matter most when a company is looking at its next franchisee; and the transferable

skills that ex-forces personnel bring to the table can be a perfect match with what makes a successful franchisee. Dedication, hard work ethic, the ability to follow a system and procedures, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork… do these sound like familiar traits? Because they’re exactly the types of qualities that franchisors actively seek out. Add in self-motivation, self-discipline, initiative and the attitude to succeed and you have a background tailor-made to be your own boss within the franchise sector – and one that brings a completely different set of skills to other prospective candidates. Oh, and your familiarity with the concept of multiple points of command and structure all working towards a common goal is not to be overlooked either – because a successful franchise network, with individual business owners, employees, head office and support staff, works in a similar way. HELP IS AT HAND One of the many advantages of franchising is that it is a system that usually does not require previous experience within the industry in question, with head office on hand to call on for support, and comprehensive initial and ongoing training offered by ethical franchisors. This training and support takes on many different forms according to the needs of the franchise, but the idea is that it complements your personal skills and supports you in areas where you may be less strong. No marketing experience? No problem, it’s usually covered. Don’t know your P&L from your cash flow? Business ownership and administration help is available. Available support is just one of many reasons why less than 4% of franchise businesses commercially fail each year, a considerably higher success rate than going it alone affords. Franchisors produce an operations manual, which outlines the steps to follow to reproduce the business success of the model you have invested in. It’s been likened to basic training for recruits, which gives you the framework to do whatever job is asked of you in a military role. Replicating the operational procedures in a franchise similarly equips you for the day-to-day tasks involved in running your business; the difference being of course that this time around, you are the boss! The manual can also be an invaluable tool to go with the variety you’ll encounter as a franchisee, something else often cited as a draw for service leavers. It can be the case that many find working in a conventional employed role, for example in an office-based job, somewhat of a disappointing repetitive contrast with the day-to-day life they’ve become used to. Taking on your own franchise gives you variation and the motivation to succeed and reap the rewards for yourself.

WHAT NEXT? There’s a vast array of business types and sectors to choose from, whether following on from personal experience (for instance there’s plentiful opportunity for engineers to run a business in the automotive sector, or officers to take on a management-style, people-focused business); or going in a completely different direction with something you have a passion for or see yourself enjoying. The key to finding the right franchise for you? Research, research, research. Think carefully about the lifestyle you want to lead in the civilian world, what gets you motivated and which businesses are

viable propositions (and which should be avoided). The British Franchise Association (bfa) is the voluntary, not-for-profit body that accredits UK franchisors based on their operations, history and franchisee support. Only by passing its strict criteria can a franchise become a member of the bfa; not all do. In addition, it serves to provide those considering investing in a franchise with objective and balanced information, advice and help every step of the way. To find out more about the franchise industry and joining it, visit the bfa website: www.thebfa.org

Action Man to ActionCOACH

“Being a franchise partner has been a fantastic way to get underway in business and master your own destiny,” Steve says. “It has given me the freedom and flexibility to live my life in a truly abundant way with my family, friends and great clients.” In just 18 months, Steve’s business has helped him achieve great things. He won the inaugural Nationwide Resettlement Awards as Franchisee of the Year 2015, beating off many other entrants and two other worthy finalists. The business he initially started from home has recently moved into spacious offices, where he can offer one-to-one coaching or group sessions. “The business has just gone from strength to strength,” Steve says. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself. It’s been hard work, but I am proud of what has been achieved and we have some exciting plans for 2016. “I have a very clear vision of where my business will be in five years and what it will look like. On a daily basis I have one simple rule: always be working on the most valuable and profitable activity at that point in time.” It’s not surprising to hear that Steve has a regimented approach to operating and growing his business. He now employs a Business Manager and a Business Development Manager, who have helped him to leverage his time dramatically and allows him to add real value when coaching his clients. In fact, Steve expects his business to grow to the level where he will need to employ an additional business coach later in 2016.

teve Gaskell is now a franchise partner with ActionCOACH, the world’s number one business coaching franchise. The 47-year-old, from Newton Abbot, left his army career with the hope that he could spend more quality time with his family. Steve joined the army in 1985 and 22 years later became the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, ending his career as a commissioned captain. Extensive Research Having served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, his final posting was as the Welfare Officer at Woolwich barracks in London, looking after 720 soldiers and 264 families. In the run-up to leaving the army, Steve carried out 18 months of extensive research into what to do and kept coming back to ActionCOACH. Steve explains: “I went to The Franchise Show at ExCeL and met the ActionCOACH team and things fell into place. I left the army in August 2013 and began training with ActionCOACH in September. I had done some really cool courses in the military, attempting SAS selection was the hardest, most challenging and best. ActionCOACH training came a close second - it was life changing.” The business has, very quickly, allowed Steve to become part of the hub of his business community. He not only directs his local Business Network International group, but he is also on the Chamber of Commerce committee and is in line to take over the chair. Through discipline and focus, Steve now owns a successful business with great growth aspirations or the future. While he has autonomy in the delivery of his coaching, he has the support of a national and global support team.

Time with Family While all of this business success is fantastic, the most important thing for Steve was to spend more quality time with his family after so many years of active duty with the army. “It sounds like a cliché, but none of this would have been possible without my wife’s unbelievable support,” Steve says. “Sam has been my rock, looking after our family during my absence on deployment, always placing her needs second and always there for me and the kids. “My office is now very close to home and I no longer have to miss out on family events. My son is learning the ropes in the business and my daughter has plans to follow my footsteps into the armed forces.” MM For More information: If you’d like to transfer your skills into a new career like Steve, you can find out more about ActionCOACH by calling 01284 701 648 or watch the opportunity overview video at: actioncoach.co.uk

Service Leaver Franchisee of the Year 2015

BUSINESS FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY

WE’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU SOME COMMENTS FROM OUR FRANCHISEES:

Want To Run Your Own Business? In A Growing Domestic Marketplace? Need To Start Earning From Day One Then Come and Talk To

OvenGleamers

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“Having spent the past 15 years following a successful career from field engineering to UK Head of Engineering for a major systems integration company, I reached ‘that period in my life’ where work held little or no enjoyment but only the stresses and strains of day and night issues and problems. Family life was severely affected and something needed to change. With the support of the company and my family, I left to seek a new start and a new career with little idea of what this would be. Having heard of franchising and the balance of rewards it can offer, I followed a path which led me to the market sector of oven cleaning. OvenGleamers stood out from the competition due to their flexible approach, support and willingness to expand their Bristol based operations. A structured support and marketing campaign aimed at making the franchise a success from day 1 also helped with the decision making process.” SIMON GREEN, BERKSHIRE FRANCHISEE

“After spending my last 22 years working my way up the ‘printing’ ladder and being made redundant, I found that I was given the perfect opportunity to start my own business. I have always enjoyed taking things apart and cleaning them and I really do love to get in there and get an immaculate finish. I am a bit of a perfectionist, I suppose! This is really is a job that most people hate doing, but I am very excited about getting involved and gleaming the ovens and AGAs within my clients homes in East Sussex. During the training course with OvenGleamers, my clients were openly delighted with the gleaming results of my oven cleaning. This instant happy feedback rarely happened in my printing world.” JASON LUCK, EAST SUSSEX FRANCHISEE

OvenGleamers is the franchise arm of The Oven Gleam Team Limited Registered Office: 1 Market Hill CALNE SN11 0BT Company Registration No: 3168994 VAT Number: 667 0159 25

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