Quest December 2018 by Bulldog Publishing

THE HOME OF EVERYTHING ELC December 2018/January 2019

ON TOP OF THE WORLD! How fortune favoured fitness trainer Roger Bradley

PLUS Careers Civvy savvy Self-employment Transition support

A very merry Christmas and a happy new year to all our readers and advertisers!

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT

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

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EDITOR ENDINGS AND NEW BEGINNINGS … as ever that’s the theme of our latest issue. And now, as we approach Christmas and a new year, it’s a particularly appropriate time to consider our next moves and how we can build on what’s gone before. For those of our readers going through their transition from Forces to a new life and career in the civilian world, it’s literally out with the old and in with the new – although, as many of the features in this issue emphasise, you probably have a lot to be thankful for in your ‘old’. The skills and aptitudes you have acquired throughout your years in uniform are sought after by many employers and will stand you in good stead in your new direction. Here at QUEST, we aim to complement your life and work experience with practical guidance on courses, funding, resettlement and careers. We’ve got all you need to know about claiming your ELC and how to get the max from it. There’s advice on how distance learning and the Access to HE Diploma could open up new avenues of study for you. We investigate two career areas we know are popular with both Service leavers and those still serving but thinking ahead to their transition – close protection, and project management – while in this issue’s ‘case study extra’, you can find out how to access free training in two key cyber security software products, and read the stories of two people who have already benefited. You’ll also find an in-depth look at careers in the building trades, on our website at www.questonline.co.uk – this month’s online-only feature – while our comprehensive education and funding planner summarises your education and personal development opportunities.

You’ll also, of course, find the usual QUEST mix of practical advice on resettlement issues. Regular contributor Steve Bulleyment has tips on surviving the open seas of self-employment, while Veteran Adam Wilding tells us how he’s benefited from the support of Veterans’ charity and housing association Stoll. We also have the final instalment of Meet the Reserves, with Army Reservist Kelly Richardson. On the cover, we spotlight the achievements of Roger Bradley: former ‘fastest chef in the RAF’, now a successful fitness trainer and gym owner – and all-round ‘lucky fella’. Who knows, next year, you might be following in his (speedy) footsteps! Slap bang in the middle all this is ‘The Hub’. That’s where you’ll find useful information on courses and training options, alongside reader reports and transition news. We hope you find much of interest in this winter issue, and wish you a very happy Christmas and a new year that sees your full potential realised. Cheers to you!

For all the latest information, visit our website: questonline.co.uk

Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield Neil Rust Tom Sheldrick ACCOUNTS AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher. Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798

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December 2018/January 2019

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 >>

Contents On this month’s cover: Fit for purpose: ex-RAF gym owner Roger Bradley

ME THE HO

ELC YTHING OF EVER

nuary 201

er 2018/Ja

Decemb

P OF ON TO LD! OR THEuneW favoured

How fort ner Roger Bradley fitness trai

page 06

PLUS

Careers vy Civvy sav yment plo Self-em support Transition

YOUR ELC

as and a

ry Christm

A very mer

happy new

year to

ders and

all our rea

ES S 4 FORCENT LEM COURSE

advertisers

e.co.uk questonlin

ETT G ORATING I CAREERS I RES INCORP DIN ES I FUN COURS

10 ELC 101: the basics 12 Are you eligible for ELC? 14 How to use your ELC funding 16 How to claim if you are still serving 18 How to claim after leaving 20 Avoiding queries or rejection 22 ELC dos and don’ts 24 Distance learning 28 Higher-level study 32 Qualifications to further your Service career 34 On course: Project management 38 On course: Close protection

44 Case study extra: Cyber security 46 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 48 Useful contacts 50 Education and funding planner

THE HUB 52 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

56 Civvy savvy: self-employment advice 58 Meet the Reserves: Kelly Richardson, Army Reservist 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile 66 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

58 56 66

questonline.co.uk l December/January 2019

YOUR RESETTLEMENT: SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE

Lucky fella! From fastest chef in the RAF to gym-owning fitness trainer, Roger Bradley seems to have led a charmed life. ‘How many of us are able to find what we want to do in life and follow our dream?’, asks Laurence Marks, renowned sitcom writer and one of Roger’s select clients. Here he takes up the inspiring story of how Roger did just that …

join up. ‘On 3 July I got on the train to go

days when I think I’m going to die

to Swinderby, Lincolnshire. I remember

success story took a turn he could never

from an overdose of satisfaction.’

the date because it was my mum’s

have foreseen. ‘I was posted to RAF

Had the surrealist been pumping iron

birthday. I was a quiet young man, and

Lyneham and that presented me with

in a gym in Clanfield, Oxfordshire, then

my mum waved me goodbye and said she

another opportunity.’ Right place, right

he would have been referring to Roger

thought it would be the making of me.’

time. Roger continues: ‘After being there a

Bradley. Next year, Roger will celebrate 20 years of an overdose of satisfaction

She was right.

short time, and knowing I was sporty, the

After six weeks’ basic training, Roger

deputy mess manager suggested I join his

was sent to Aldershot to learn to be a

running club. I always used to do all sports,

chef. When the RAF felt they trusted

but did I realise my own potential? I don’t

Bradley is a lucky fella. How many of us

him in their kitchens he was shipped off

think so.’

are able to find what we want to do in life

to RAF Brize Norton. In any walk of life

and follow our dream? Roger has done

you have to show promise and Roger

was placed in one group, promoted to the

so not once, but twice. At the age of 14 it

certainly did, for after a year he was

next, then the next … and it wasn’t too

occurred to him that he wanted to be a

moved from in-flight catering to the

long before it was clearly established that

chef in the Royal Air Force. And so it was

Officers’ Mess, bypassing all the stages in

he was too good for even the top group

that in 1986, aged 19, Roger left home to

between.

in this club. Soon Roger was asked to run

as a physical fitness trainer. By anybody’s standards Roger

It was in 1990, though, that Roger’s

alvador Dali said, ‘There are some

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

At the Swindon Road Runners, Roger

An inspirational environment: Roger's gym

for the RAF Catering Corps. Tall, slim and

lunches for guests in the royal box, and

muscular, Roger wasn’t the usual vision of

then I was asked to go back to RAF Brize

a chef and when he started winning races

Norton to cook for Mikhail Gorbachev and

he was asked to run for his station – and all

Margaret Thatcher, who were attending a

progressed from there.

high-level meeting on the Oxfordshire air

In 1995 Roger became the RAF 800 metres champion. ‘At first I didn’t really

HOW MANY OF US ARE ABLE TO FIND WHAT WE WANT TO DO IN LIFE AND FOLLOW OUR DREAM?

base.’ Roger laughs at the memory of Soviet

It was in 1999 that Roger suddenly had

know what to do on the track, but my idols

security guys patrolling his kitchen. ‘They

an epiphany – he would leave the RAF,

(after Roger Bannister of course) were

were checking everything out, seeing that

though he had no idea to do what. ‘A few

track stars like Seb Coe, Steve Cram and

we weren’t poisoning the food to be served

friends, colleagues, and especially my

Steve Ovett – all 800m runners.’ Following

to their President. We had dogs sniffing

wife, were saying that I was very good at

their lead, Roger became the fastest chef

all around the kitchen, but the security

teaching and communication with sports

in the Royal Air Force.

guys felt more uncomfortable than we did

people, as well as helping with the Witney

because we turned all the cookers up and

and Oxford Hawks Hockey Clubs and the

Islands, and on one of these set up a gym

they were all in thick black suits. We saw

Witney Rugby Club, so why didn’t I go in for

and circuit training for both civilians and

them sweating quite badly. If you can’t

fitness training? I thought it was a great

the military. ‘I loved the Falklands’, Roger

stand the heat …’

idea, but I hadn’t thought of it because it

He did two detachments in the Falkland

tells me as we sit together in his gym – he

So it is reasonable when Roger explains

in his habitual outfit of training shoes,

that at this time in his life he had no

shorts and a T-shirt. I have known Roger

thoughts at all about leaving the RAF.

for more than 20 years and I don’t believe I have ever seen him in trousers. ‘It was great and I loved the quiet, the sea, the

And then a woman entered his life. All ‘I met Jenni when I was running for the Swindon Harriers, and I was asked to teach

the islands were really remote.’

circuit training for the club to get them fit. One of the club members also played

enthused about how ‘I took a weekend

hockey with Jenni so asked her to come

cheffing job and this work, for a private

along. I saw her, I thought she was nice and

catering firm, took me to the Wimbledon

we started going out together. Four years

tennis championships, where I was cooking

later we got married.’ As Roger is relating

IN ANY WALK OF LIFE YOU HAVE TO SHOW PROMISE AND ROGER CERTAINLY DID

Roger with Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes

bets were off.

weather, the views, the wildlife, and that Such was his love of his career, Roger

was so obvious.’

this chapter of his life to me I wonder whether he took Jenni to be his lawful wedded wife while wearing his trainers, shorts and a T-shirt …

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT: CHOICES SUCCESS STORY a wet day and I was driving through Witney

FOR BETTER, NOT WORSE

when I came to a set of traffic lights that

Regular client Louise tells us how Roger’s training helped prepare her for her wedding – and life in general …

car wouldn’t stop. I went sliding through a

I’ve known Roger for a long time now – 15 years? I used

that there weren’t any police around or

to go to his regular Monday-evening classes at Henry

his career could have been over before it

Box, which are great sessions, and I combined this with

began! He realised he needed more than a

some running through the week. Last year, however, I

small car and that weekend bought himself

decided that I’d like to begin personal training with Roger

a second-hand Nissan van.

had turned red. I hit the brakes and the red light, and was lucky I didn’t hit anyone or another car.’ Roger was also lucky

Roger Bradley Fitness was now up and

as I felt my running routine – while keeping me fit – was not really toning me up or developing my muscles (so

running, with no more sliding through red

I was prone to injury). I also wanted to look good in my

lights. Within a year he was running into

wedding dress the following year! Roger really helped

profit. He acquired his clients by word of

me tone up all over, get fitter and generally have more

mouth, T-shirts and billboard advertising,

energy day to day. I’m now hooked! It’s more about

and before too long Roger was working

training smarter than just harder. Of course, I do have to

Monday to Fridays, from 7 in the morning

put the work in but I’m really pleased with the results!

until 6 at night, as well as teaching on Wednesday evenings, which meant he was not training as hard as he wished to keep

Roger informed the RAF that he

So the day arrived when Roger took

up his own level of fitness. Roger’s first client, one he retains to

wanted to leave their service to become a

the plunge. He was 31. He had written a

fitness trainer, and they had no hesitation

list of ‘things to do’ and gave himself a

this day, was a lady who first came to see

in helping him in his ambition. They sent

year to turn over £22,000. He actually

him because she wanted to lose some

Roger on fitness courses all around the UK,

achieved his goal in seven months, which

weight. Although she was a happy lady, she

as well as on their own in-house courses.

he puts down to being focused and driven,

lacked confidence. With Roger’s help – and

It was at this point that the realisation of

coupled with good luck and good planning.

her own tenacity – she managed to lose

being self-employed struck home, when

But things could so easily have come to

eight stone and keep it off. ‘I encouraged

Jenni – a naturally cautious person – talked

a grinding halt before he even got under

her to start eating healthily,’ says Roger,

through the pitfalls of striking out on your

way.

‘stop eating processed and sweet foods,

own. Roger was confident that he could

‘I couldn’t afford a van, so I used my

and cut out sugary drinks, which she did. I

make a success of it, ‘but I always knew I

car – a Volkswagen Polo – and on my first

drip-fed this advice to her because if you

had cheffing to fall back on’, he says now

day I loaded it up with all the weights I

do it too quickly then people get bored and

with the benefit of hindsight. ‘Luckily I’ve

bought in my first week as a fitness trainer.

eat too much. She got into running, joined

never needed it.’

I packed it all into the car and set off. It was

a local running club and has competed in

Barnstorming: Roger's 'farmyard gymnasium'

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

races up and down the country and abroad.

An ex-Royal Marine officer in the gym

Look at her now – she’s incredible and an

Roger used to work out in had told him that

inspiration to others.’

he was working as a carpenter on a farm in

have been they’ve been small and I’ve managed to get over them.’ Over the years Roger has helped train

Clanfield, Oxfordshire, and was renting one

a few celebrity clients, including the lead

spending two hours a day going from

of the outbuildings. The Marine suggested

singer of a rock band. Roger taught him

client to client in his van, which meant he

Roger might look at some of the other

some workouts so he’d be able to warm up

was losing good earning time just driving

outbuildings on the farm, which he did,

before going on stage. ‘I was a hero for a

the roads of Oxfordshire – and, what with

and at last he had found just the space he

while,’ says Roger. ‘I would go out running

petrol and other expenses, he felt the

had been looking for, which would push his

with him and people would come up to me

solution was to find his own gym.

business to the next level.

and ask “Is that who I think it is?” I suppose

Roger came to realise that he was

I ALWAYS KNEW I HAD CHEFFING TO FALL BACK ON. LUCKILY I’VE NEVER NEEDED IT

The business progressed and today,

he drew people to me: “If he’s training a

in the farmyard gymnasium I have been

celebrity then he’s got to be really good!”

attending since it opened, Roger trains

Oh, and then there’s you. You’re famous.’

clients all day and every day, Monday to

The business is thriving. Roger is

Friday. They are diligent, very focused,

as happy as any man can be, and next

really want to do well but also have a lot of

September he will celebrate 20 years in the

fun. Roger tells me, ‘I think when you are

fitness business. Will there be a party, I ask.

at school and you have to do PE you do

(No alcohol, of course.) ‘Yes,’ he replies,

looking for a venue. You know, asking

it because you have to not because want

‘I’ll be with my clients at a sports camp

around, saying I was looking for a space.

to. But when you are older, become more

in Lanzarote, celebrating my business

I came across a couple of possibilities in

health conscious and you’re paying for

success and wondering “Where did it all go

Witney but they were too expensive. I had

it, you have the focus that is required to

right?”’

set myself a budget. I had to kit out a gym

become fitter.’

‘I started putting a few feelers out

and that was going to set me back £20,000

Roger’s is a real success story. There

To find out about Roger’s gym and the

just for the basics. What I wanted to do

haven’t been any significant obstacles

services he offers, visit

with my gym would cost me a lot more.’

along the way, and Roger says, ‘If there

www.rogerbradley.co.uk Q

Have You Ever Considered a Career in the Media? Maybe Now is the Time Service leavers and veterans can apply for a free, full-time one-year Higher National Certificate (HNC) Creative Media Production Course, at the Forces Media Academy. Part of military charity SSVC, who also provide the BFBS media services overseas and in the UK, the Forces Media Academy offers ex-service men and women the training, experience and qualifications they need to forge successful careers in videography, digital, TV, radio and

Matt’s Story Military background: l Left the Royal Navy in 2017 after serving for 6.5 years in the Commando Helicopter Force as an Aircraft Handler. l Whilst serving Matt visited over 60 countries and discovered a new passion for photography and filmmaking, he made creative films of his visits just using his iPhone! The transition: Matt enthusiastically embraced all aspects of the course and used the academic support network to great effect to ease his transition into civilian life.

marketing. The Academy is supported by its principal charity partner, The Royal British Legion, which provides each student with a bursary of up to £18,000 to help with living costs. Work experience and practical skills feature heavily in the course, which includes modules such as: Camera and Lighting Skills, Film and Video Editing and Promo Video Production.

New skills gained: Confidence in his ability to progress and achieve his goals, as well as enhancing his already excellent interpersonal skills. l Professional technical digital and film making skills, including Photoshop, After Effects and Premier Pro. l Ability to plan, produce and edit high end video productions using the latest state-of-the-art technology. l

Career opportunities: Undertook three work placements during the course working with The Times (UK), SKY and NEP on Sports Outside Broadcasts. He also spent a week with RBL where he filmed the Invictus launch with the Prime Minister and athletes on Horse Guard’s Parade. l Matt has secured a full-time role at SSVC as a Digital Video Producer in the Social Media Department and hopes to run his own production company in the future. l

After a very successful inaugural year with a 100% pass rate, and over 70% of the course achieving at least a Merit or Distinction, 80% of leavers went on to media roles as reporters, digital producers and independent film makers.

Freddie Wright-Jones’ Story Military background: l Combat Medic in the Royal Navy for 9 years. Left February 2017. l Served in Afghanistan giving medical treatment and support to the front line. The Transition: The course was a very positive catalyst for Freddie to cope with aspects of PTSD after his time in Afghanistan. l He found the academy’s in-house life coach particularly helpful. l

New Skills Gained: Creating and producing digital content. l Research techniques/case study creation. l Marketing and advertising knowledge. l

Career: Freddie’s work experience was varied: from a week at a local community radio station creating and working within small production teams, to planning, filming and producing social media content for Combat Stress. l After graduation Freddie worked on a paid for placement at SSVC as a LBGT digital content producer and is now is a full-time Marketing Co-ordinator at SGS. l

The Forces Media Academy is currently recruiting for Sept 2019. For more information and to apply for the course go online to www.forcesacademy.com (Applications close 31st Jan 2019).

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101 The basics

ubject to certain eligibility criteria (see page 12), the ELC scheme offers currently serving

or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic information you need to know …

The ELC lower tier offers up to three payments of up to £1,000 in three separate financial years; the higher tier offers up to three payments of up to £2,000 in three separate financial years.

The three separate years do not have to run consecutively, and may be a combination of both higher and lower levels.

Withdrawal once payment has been made due to foreseeable postings/

learning course if it continues for more

(the ELC element includes VAT but

Service activities will usually meant

than a year, or for a different learning

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

purpose each year.

books and materials).

that no further claims will be allowed. l

If unexpected Service or

You must discuss your plans with

compassionate reasons cause your

a single learning purpose these can be

your line manager and education

withdrawal, you should seek advice

combined to claim ELC.

adviser before making any financial

from your Education Staff or Learning

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

commitment.

Adviser.Q

If one course combines with others for

ELC are available for full- or part-time

which is a single payment of up to

study for a qualification at level 3 or

£3,000 for those with six or more

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

years of qualifying service, which will

with an organisation on the approved

count as all three awards.

providers list maintained by ELCAS.

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

Service leavers and Service personnel

− – Service training

in their qualifying resettlement phase

You may not claim ELC for:

− – civilian accredited Service training

with access to a first full level 3 or a

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

first HE qualification (a foundation

is involved, together with a separate

degree or a first undergraduate

learning of at least 20% of the cost

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

You must make a contribution to your

ELC may be claimed for the same

exam, assessment or assignment)

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS

degree or equivalent) with support

− – membership fees

towards tuition fees.

− – books and materials

From its inception until the end of

Only one ELC claim can be made in

− – normal Service sport and

October 2018, a total of 389,788 people

any one financial year (April to March).

adventurous training.

had registered with the ELC scheme and 143,638 claims had been made, to the value of £235.8 million.

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible for ELC?

Take a look at the eligibility rules below to find out … l

have left the Service or entered your

day of service, you will be eligible to claim

currently in service will be auto-

qualifying resettlement phase on or

ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to

enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will

after 17 July 2008

meeting the other conditions associated

meet UK residency requirements to

with the scheme.

All Regular Service Personnel (SP)

future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l

medically discharged from service before

discharged?

increased from four to six years as

achieving the required number of years’

You are eligible to claim ELC at the lower

of 1 April 2017. If you had already

service. If this is the case, please seek

(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier depending

accumulated four years’ qualifying

advice from your unit education staffs.

on your length of service on the date of

In detail …

award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

of service, you may be eligible to make

If you left service on or after 1 April

You can start claiming when you have

claims at the lower-tier rate if the injury

2016, you are entitled to post-service

accumulated the necessary qualifying

or illness was caused or significantly

access to ELC and FEHE for five years.

years of service. For example, if you

worsened, wholly or predominantly by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

registered on the ELC scheme and have

service, as defined by the Armed Forces

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

Compensation Scheme (JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

have been entitled to start claiming at the

FEHE (i.e. five years from March 2016).

£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. As noted

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

service for lower-tier awards increased

eligible to claim under the terms of the

from four to six years. However, if you

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

accumulated four years’ qualifying service

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a look

before 1 April 2017, you will still be able to

at the feature on page 18 to find out more –

claim your lower-tier awards.

or, for full details and to check the detailed

discharged prior to completing six years

eligibility rules, visit

have completed four years of full-time service or, since 1 April 2017, six years

What happens if you are made redundant?

have joined – or since April 2016

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

been automatically enrolled – on the

to be made redundant, you will cease

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

the day you leave service. If you have

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

accrued six or more years’ service since

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

registering on the scheme by your last day

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

are academically qualified to enter

ELC at the lower tier (£1,000). If you have

learning on leaving the Service

accrued eight or more years’ service since registering on the scheme by your last

discharge. Additionally, if you are medically

your entitlement to use ELC lower-tier

must:

What about if you are medically

both ELC lower-tier and FEHE awards

To take advantage of ELC support, you

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

In brief … l

The qualifying service required for

service before 1 April 2017, you keep

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

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

Insight into the UK Surveillance Industry As the leading provider of covert surveillance and investigations, The Surveillance Group would like to offer military personnel the opportunity to attend a free Insight Day, to discover more about the surveillance industry. Upcoming Dates in 2019:

PLEASE CONTACT LEE ON 01905 767 879 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Early booking will avoid disappointment, so to confirm your attendance please contact Lee on Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 11 0800 5870170 or visit ourPage website: www.thesurveillancegroup.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 2990

PROVIDER NUMBER

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

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

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

LC are available for full- or part-

professional self-development

time study for a qualification at

accreditation of prior learning

level 3 or above, as defined on the

vocational training

National Qualifications Framework/

registration and accreditation fees

Regulated Qualifications Framework (NQF/

sports qualifications

RQF),* with an organisation

overseas qualifications

on the approved providers list held by

resettlement training (during last two

ELCAS and viewable at

years of service only).

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

To find out more about accessing higher-

It could be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or

level study in particular, take a look at our

equivalent award. You may also use ELC

feature on page 28.

Before deciding on a course, you should consider: l its relevance to your personal development plan l your ability to undertake it l likely disruptions to Service requirements l the flexibility of the study method.

* The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is

to fund anything above that, too, like

replacing the Qualifications and Credit Framework

university modules or nationally recognised

(QCF) from 1 October 2015 onwards.

diplomas. This might include:

CHOOSING A COURSE

foundation degrees

postgraduate qualifications

other academic qualifications December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

Purpose Built Training Academy On-Going Business Support Locksmith Work Available*

Keytek Academy - Accredited Locksmith Courses ÂŽ

KeytekÂŽ locksmiths have been in the locksmith industry for over 20 years. By training to be a locksmith within our purpose built Academy you will be starting off your career with the leading locksmith training provider in the country. You will be taught by highly skilled industry experts in our state of the art facilities, with tailored courses to suit all abilities. The Academy is an NCFE approved training provider offering Level 3 and Level 4 approved courses. Classes are limited to 5 students per course and each student is provided with extensive tool kits and their own full sized doors to use throughout the course, helping to provide the best possible facilities to train prior to embarking on a new career. *upon successful completion of the course and availabilty in your area.

www.locksmiths-training.co.uk

Bespoke & tailored courses State of the art training facilities 24hr onsite technical help Potential of locksmith work offered ELCAS Approved NCFE Approved Training Provider Level 3 & 4 Courses Continued business support Discounted stock and tools Locksmith Training Loans now available!

01202 711195

academy@keytek.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

1. Read Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

are eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver

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

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

which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at

membership using the information on the ELC website.

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an

Operations Ofﬁcer or Flight Dispatcher

Open Learning Courses MoD personnel 20% discount

Airline Operations and Dispatch Airport Operations www.avtech2000.co.uk

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

01452 883249

Become a Personal Trainer Become a Personal Trainer Leaving Leaving the the service? service? Personal training be Leaving thecould service? Personal training could be your next career. your nexttraining career. could be Personal your next career.

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Train Train at at times times and and locations locations convenient convenient to to you you with with this this unique unique digital digital course course that that is is Train at times and locations convenient to accessible worldwide. accessible worldwide. you with this unique digital course that is Learn fitness Learn the the latest latest fitness knowledge. knowledge. built built accessible worldwide. on on science. science. Learn the latest fitness knowledge. built Master the Master the exclusive exclusive Optimum Optimum on science. Performance Performance Training™ Training™ (OPT™) (OPT™) Model Model Master the exclusive Optimum that enables you to produce consistent, that enables you to produce consistent, Performance Training™ (OPT™) Model remarkable for clients. remarkable results results for your your clients. that enables you to produce consistent, Success and tutors provide Success coaches coaches provide you you remarkable resultsand fortutors your clients. help every step of the way. help every step of the way. Success coaches and tutors provide you help every step of the way. You You could could be be fully fully qualified qualified by by the the time time you you leave the forces to enter the industry leave the forces to enter the industry with with the the You could be fully qualified by the time you skills, knowledge and techniques needed to skills, knowledge and techniques needed to leave forces to enter industry with the change lives including your own. changethe lives including yourthe own. skills, knowledge and techniques needed to change lives including your own.

military@premierglobal.co.uk

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

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

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

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

lthough the main purpose of ELC

Note: You should contact your SSR with questions only if you have been unable to find the answer to your query on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits. com (this also has a useful FAQs page).

evidence of your last day of Service,

is to encourage serving personnel

which could be a copy of your discharge

Royal Navy

to pursue higher-level learning that

document, a copy of your P45

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

benefits both the learner and the Armed

terminating employment or a document

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

Forces, it also allows level 3-plus learning

stamped by your regiment confirming

PO2 8BY

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

The majority of this learning is likely to be

your leaving date**

02392 625954

a copy of a utility bill showing your home

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

address full information about the course you

Army

existing ones), with the qualification

wish to undertake and including details of

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

benefiting the learner and a future employer

your registration date where applicable.

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

vocational (learning new skills or enhancing

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

On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

with payment by sending it, along with your

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

criteria listed on page 12. To make a claim,

20% minimum contribution, to the training

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

download the appropriate form from the

provider.

Tel: The Army ELC helpline is currently

First of all, refer to the eligibility

ELCAS website and complete it fully, except

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

When you have completed your course,

closed until further notice; during this time

for Parts 4 and 5 – your Single Service

you must also complete the evaluation form

Representative (SSR) will complete these

and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this it

elements (you will find their contact details in

could jeopardise your next claim. If you have

the accompanying box). Send your otherwise

any doubts about any aspect of this process,

Royal Air Force

fully completed claim form to them at the

contact your single-Service education/

Learning Credits Administrator,

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

learning representative for advice before

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

submitting a claim. Q

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

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

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

IMPORTANT!

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

All applications must be submitted to

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

01400 268 183

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear

for the expiration date of your claims.

Michael.Quainton100@mod.gov.uk

working days prior to the start of the

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

course you wish to take. They will

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

then submit approved applications to

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

ELCAS. You should not submit your

personnel can request details of discharge dates from

claim form direct to ELCAS.

the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845 6009663.

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

NG34 8HB

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

Develop Your Future Career with ®

Bookings now being taken for 2019

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New Entrants or Technical Upgrades Qualifications at Level 2,3 & 4 • Unvented Hot Water L3 • Legionella Operative & Management L3 • Plumbing & Heating L2 & 3 • Domestic/Commercial Gas (ACS) L3 • Gas New Entrant Managed Programme • Domestic Electrician L2 & L3 • Industrial Electrician L3 • Air-conditioning New Entrant 10 day Course L3 • NEBOSH General Certificate Experienced Worker Distance Learning NVQ Qualification L2 & 3 • Processing Hydrocarbons • Air-conditioning & Refrigeration • Electro Technical Electrician • Engineering Maintenance - Mechanical and Electrical For expert advice contact us:

01652 658151

enquiries@crownship.com www.crownship.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 1060

PROVIDER NUMBER

Previous Learner Satisfaction Score 99%

7th Jan, 18th Feb, 29th April, 1st July

Use your Standard Learning Credits (SLC) Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) Courses are delivered at our South West Academy located just 10 minutes from RNAS Yeovilton on the A303 and 25 mins from junction 23 of the M5

Building, Installation and Property Maintenance 5 week skills course This course offers you an array of practical skills in Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plastering, Rendering, Plumbing and Tiling. This qualification gives learners the ability to complete building, installation and property maintenance tasks and is ideal if you are looking to develop or maintain properties where you would require several skills. If you are doing domestic electrics too - why not add on the 5 day C&G electrical awareness and 18th Edition to compliment your course? Use ELC, IRTC and SLC grants to enrol on courses in:

     

Brick

Carpentry Plumbing & Heating Electrical Plastering Wall & Floor Tiling

If you are not eligible for ELCAS funding and in your last 3 months of service, give us a ring to discuss funding options available

For advice and guidance and to reserve your place Call: 01458 274043 or Email: bookings@train4all.co.uk

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

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

LCAS deals with many claims that

minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the

and research and discuss your learning with

have to be queried or rejected: almost

NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is

your line manager and Service education or

not on the ELCAS approved providers list

learning adviser. This also applies if you are

failure to follow the correct procedure for

a qualifying ex-Service person using your

authorising the claim

ELC. The 25-working-day margin is in place

the course not commencing in the

for good reason. If you don’t plan far ahead

qualifying financial year

enough you could find yourself significantly

incorrect financial data, such as the

out of pocket as retrospective claims are not

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

learner’s contribution being less than

allowed under any circumstances.

learners failing to allow sufficient time

20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated

20% of claims received fail to comply

with the correct procedures. Some of the

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

sometimes paying a fee – without first obtaining the necessary claims l

between submitting a claim and starting a course – this takes at least five weeks,

automatically admissible under the ELC scheme. This is a common mistake: one

days of the start of the course will

all rejected/queried claims)

provider may supply many courses, but only

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3

system

or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS

more than one active claim being

website may be considered for ELC purposes.

a second or third ELC claim being form for the previous claim has been completed – such claims are also

offered by an approved provider are

incomplete details or errors in course title or course level (these account for 25% of

submitted before the course evaluation

as exceeding the ELC award

so any claim submitted within 25 working automatically be rejected l

Also, do not assume that all courses

So:

processed for an individual in the same financial year.

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

complete your claim with care! Q

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

THE COLLEGE OF

O S T E O PAT H S

www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk

In a property or construction-related role in the Armed Forces? Why not study a Built Environment degree programme with UCEM?

Ever thought of becoming an Osteopath?

UCEM is a leading, supported online provider of accessible, flexible and cost-effective education producing leading talent for a better Built Environment.

All our programmes are delivered via supported online education and we are an approved provider (1322) for the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme (ELCAS) for armed forces personnel and all our programmes are available under this scheme. See www.ucem.ac.uk for more information

“Flexibility and support was key for me as being in the Army I get deployed regularly… During these deployments I could not have wished for better support from the tutors and support staff.”

Andrew Dodson, BSc (Hons)

Construction Management student, WO2 – Deputy Facilities Manager, British Army’

“I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers. There is a real sense of camaraderie amongst the students.”

Major Phil Waddell, Royal Signals .

The College of Osteopaths offers courses which allow you to develop your career whilst carrying on with your current life: • Change your future • Train part-time • Be part of a supportive learning community • Gain a valuable profession. Contact us today for help and advice:

London: Staffordshire:

020 8905 1937 01782 294 596

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 8609

PROVIDER NUMBER

DOG BEHAVIOUR, ANIMAL HYDROTHERAPY AND CAT CARE QUALIFICATIONS Animal Jobs Direct (ELC Provider No: 8609) was established in 2005 and is approved to deliver the following 6 Elcas funded qualifications: Aim Awards Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare

This qualification meets the Higher Standard star rating in line with updated Animal Activities Licensing legislation and is suitable for anyone wanting to set up their own dog kennels, dog home boarding or dog day care business.

The Level 3 Diploma in Feline Care, Behaviour and Welfare

This qualification meets the Higher Standard star rating in line with updated Animal Activities Licensing legislation and is suitable for anyone wanting to set up their own cattery business.

ABC Awards Level 3 Certificate course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals ABC Awards Level 3 Diploma course in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals AIM Awards Level 4 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy These Small Animal Hydrotherapy qualifications are Ofqual regulated qualifications designed for learners preparing for a career working as an Animal Hydrotherapist, including those wanting to set up their own Animal Hydrotherapy Business.

Level 4 Diploma in Canine Training and Behaviour Management

This qualification is a progression from the Level 3 Canine Care Behaviour and Welfare Qualification. The course is relevant for those wishing to expand their knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology, training and behaviour, the role of exercise and nutrition and how to run dog training classes.

Contact Animal Jobs Direct for more information

T: 0208 626 9646 E: admin@animal-job.co.uk W: www.animal-job.co.uk questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC DOS AND DON’TS

ELC dos and don’ts Do:

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed

make sure you understand the

ensure the training is delivered by an

the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

and line managers to discuss your

training and/or resettlement adviser if

(CAN)

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

needing to book a course

strict ‘three hits and you’re out’ policy;

the level 3 requirement

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

National Qualifications Framework

carefully before submitting a claim

CAN from ELCAS

regulations – see Joint Service

consult your education/learning staff

between submitting a claim and l

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

enrol on a course or commit yourself

enrol on a course with a new provider

Learning Adviser or Single Service

who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;

benefits the Service (unless your claim

representative if your last day in

wait until this has definitely been

is resettlement-related during your last

service alters from that originally

achieved – if this takes too long, look on

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking

automatically assume that approved

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

two years of serving) l

inform your Education Staff,

commit any payment contributions

questionnaire when you’ve finished

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE & PUBLIC POLICY SCHOOL OF SECURITY STUDIES

Department of Defence Studies Providing education to military and national security professionals Explore courses at kcl.ac.uk/dsd

GIVE ME FLEXIBLE STUDY THAT FITS AROUND WORK OUR LEARNING AT WORK PROGRAMMES GIVE YOU THE FREEDOM TO ACHIEVE A UNIVERSITY DEGREE WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR JOB.

Choose from a range of courses – from business to engineering. Progress at your own pace by studying online, at work or home. With no standardised entry requirements, your learning and experience to date could act as credit. ‘The Learning at Work model is flexible enough to be compatible with my busy job, and gave me the academic rigour necessary to help me raise my game. My tutor was invaluable, and I’m certain my employer has benefitted as I now approach old challenges with a new approach’. Will Hairsine MSc Engineering Management

top 25

UNIVERSITY IN THE UK GUARDIAN UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2018

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Find out more at port.ac.uk/flexibledegreestudy

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

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

ASK YOURSELF … l

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

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

What’s involved?

can study when and where you

Courses delivered through distance

want. There’s no need to be

learning range from those taking as

Can I chat to previous learners?

physically on-campus to study or take

little as a few hours, to degrees and

Do I have to pass an entry test?

(some) training courses. And that, of

postgraduate qualifications that may

How much support is available? And in

course, is a considerable benefit to those

involve several years’ study. So-called

of you posted to far-flung locations,

‘short courses’ typically last days or

meaning that you can continue your

weeks as opposed to months or years.

distance, or is it necessary to attend

studies wherever in the world you may

Even those subjects with a strong

training sessions at specific times?

be. Nothing need come between you

practical element often have modules

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

learning.

To see a list of ODL QC-accredited learning providers, go to www.odlqc.org.uk and click on ‘Find an accredited provider’, bottom left.

In truth, all of these

Thanks to the wide availability of useful

what form? l

How much does the course cost?

Will there be an exam at the end?

Is the provider inspected or accredited by an independent body?

provided by either one

email, the internet, podcasts

If I choose to study for a degree, do I have to complete it within three years?

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

phone, DVD, CD-ROM,

likely to overlap, but, as a

How much time will I need to set aside for study?

and support may be or a combination of the

Can the whole course be done at a

technology these days, learning materials

Can I view the training materials first, before committing?

following means: books,

types of learning are rough guide, open learning includes

that are suited to distance

in the civilian world.

employer)?

hanks to distance learning, you

operational duties? l

Is the course available via learning

and via mobile learning; the latter

tools that I will be able to access? (For

more face-to-face classes than distance

is where the student accesses course

example, if you are in an environment

learning, while the word ‘supported’

content stored on a mobile device or

where IT availability is limited, you

usually indicates that there are tutors

through a wireless server. Some providers

should select a course where it is

and physical material available to help

offer course elements via the iTunes

possible to use paper and telephone,

students.

Store, which can be downloaded free of

at least for a limited period.)

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

UWTSD offers a wide range of degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

We pride ourselves on our excellent links with industry with many courses delivering dual awards - One example is our Computer Networks course which carries CISCO accreditation.

rankeecently in d 7th

for Ache UK adem E ic

xperie

nce

Tim Studees Higher Ed nt Exp erienc ucation e Sur vey

www.uwtsd.ac.uk/bsc-computer-networks We offer bursaries of up to £1000 to armed forces personnel, recognition of prior learning as well as excellent support from specialist staff. Get in touch today and take the first step back into education.

The difference that makes the difference...

Ltd

i2i is the first choice for Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching training. Our holistic approach ensures that your training and development needs are at the heart of what we do,which allows you to give your new career the start you are looking for.

We specialise in: • NLP Practitioner Training • NLP Master Practitioner Training

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 3836

PROVIDER NUMBER

• Presentation Training skills with NLP • ILM Accredited coaching and management programs up to level 7

NLP courses can be done in conjunction with ILM qualifications, i2i are also a ELCAS Approved Provider.

info@uwtsd.ac.uk | www.uwtsd.ac.uk ELCAS number 1763

Tel: 0845 121 0475 www.i2idevelopmentsolutions.com

YOU CAN BE STUDYING FOR YOUR DEGREE IN 2019 Use your ELC and experience to enrol on our courses.

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

Biomedical Science Psychology with Counselling Occupational Therapy Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring • Physical Education & Sports Coaching • Sport & Exercise Therapy • Sport & Exercise Science

• • • • • • • • •

Physiotherapy Sociology Police Studies Criminology Business Management Marketing Management Sports Management Primary Education 3-7 Primary Education 5-11

Don’t see what you’re interested in? Get in touch with our Admissions Team and we’ll support you to the next step in your career. E: admissions@yorksj.ac.uk | T: 01904 876598 Quest ad_Oct.indd 1

26/09/2018 13:29:05

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

charge. Many courses make extensive

the entrance examinations of a particular

learning, and that use ICT systems to

use of the internet. Others involve tutor

professional body.

enable users to access learning.

Both higher education (HE) and

or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’

further education (FE) courses can

direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’

duration to provide classroom education

be taken via distance learning. The

(somebody who has first-hand experience

that complements regular, directed

difference between these is not always

of a course or a training provider),

coursework at a distance.

clear-cut though, and in some cases

written prospectuses and, of course, the

(e.g. foundation degrees), both types

internet. The website of the Open and

are involved. Many qualifications are

Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL

The great thing about distance learning –

modular; this means that you complete

QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

especially for those, like you, in the Armed

them in sections (modules), often of

contacts’).

Forces – is that it puts you in control of

your own choosing, and credits gained

your education. Once you have chosen

from a selection of such courses can be

and enrolled on your course (see below),

added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and

Who are the learning providers?

you are free to study when, where – and,

other HE qualifications. It is not always

Many learning providers are neither HE

these days, how – you choose, so you can

necessary to have an undergraduate

nor FE institutions, although they may

fit your education around your current

degree to gain a master’s; neither is it

have links of varying strengths with

work and/or family commitments. It’s

necessary to have one in order to achieve

one or more colleges or universities.

entirely up to you.

many professional qualifications.

Many companies run large training

At your convenience

And, of course, in these days of laptops,

Increasingly, Service people like you

departments, and there are also many

notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,

are taking distance learning modules

commercial organisations that provide

you can set up and study at a location of

as part of the training that contributes

training to paying clients. Much of the

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

to career progression. So, you could

training such providers deliver is of

while travelling. Importantly, too, you can

be studying with a view to gaining

excellent quality and targeted carefully

work at your own pace – there are no term

qualifications that will help you while in

at the needs of civilian employers in a

times to be rigidly stuck to (although you

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

specific market sector. Many commercial

may have to sit exams, which may take

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a

businesses offering training use the

place only at specific times).

particular subject.

premises of academic institutions to

To sum up, distance study enables you

But how do you know who is a good

deliver courses, and may have contracts

take responsibility for your own learning.

provider and who is not? And exactly

with employment agencies to help their

However, although you will be in control,

which course do you need? All this choice

students find work.

a good provider will offer support – so you

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

will certainly not be alone, left completely

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

some of the bigger distance learning

to your own devices, but will have back-up

that should help you.

organisations, however – as mentioned

and assistance as and when you require it.

You are likely to have heard of

above – there are many other providers

There are also likely to be self-checks and

Finding out more

interim tests to help ensure that you are

Service education and training staff, both

of courses, some with discounts for

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

within your unit and specialists, can often

Service people (ask your education

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

provide the best advice about what you

and training adviser for further

telephone helpline to call or someone to

might want and what it is actually possible

information). Q

email for advice if you get stuck.

for you to achieve. They can also

How do I choose a course and provider?

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

out there too, also offering a wide range

KEY CONTACTS

Although necessarily influenced by

the subjects that you should be

demand from learners, there are loads

encouraged to pursue – particularly

of courses available in distance learning

with a view to a second career when

form. And because the choice of provider

leaving the Services. Increasing numbers

0800 101 901

is huge, too, you are more than likely to

of Forces learning and education centres

www.learndirect.co.uk

be able to track down the course you

and personal learning advisers also have

@learndirect

are looking for. This may be something

access to e-learning opportunities.

that will give you a general grounding

Other information sources include

groups, which may meet regularly,

Information about courses is also

learndirect

Open and Distance Learning Quality

or background in a particular subject or

available from learndirect (see ‘Key

area (that you may go on to study in more

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

020 8658 8337

depth later), or you might be looking to

and learning centres with tutor support,

www.odlqc.org.uk

focus on something very specific – such as

where students can undertake online

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Council (ODL QC)

P ROUD SUP PORTERS OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

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

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

ELC 1217

PROVIDER NUMBER

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim ! r e h g i h

Higher education at a college or university is about more than just degree courses – it offers a range of options, including Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNCs and HNDs), and foundation degrees, all of which generally have a more vocational slant. So, if you’re ready to step up to the next level, HE could be the option for you.

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

the subject. It might be a really fascinating

the option of progressing to a degree if you

higher education (HE) qualification

course, which promises to lead to a host of

perform well enough on the early parts of

that’s great – you can use your ELC

career openings, but if it turns out you’re no

the course.

to fund anything above level 3, and that

good at it, you’re unlikely to end up with a

includes university modules and nationally

good qualification at the end of it – and may

through students completing a number

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open

even fail altogether.

of modules, the distinction between HE

to you for consideration include diplomas,

(generally academic) and further education

bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees

the qualifications you already have and the

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

and postgraduate qualifications. The only

subjects/areas you have a flair for. Other

Credits from a selection of courses can often

problem you are likely to have is in deciding

things you might want to think about include

be added together to gain degrees and other

exactly what and how to study!

the course provider’s academic reputation

HE qualifications.

Choosing an HE course

(you can find university league tables and

Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

subject ranking tables online), its graduate

distance learning. The difference between

You may already have a pretty good idea of

employment rates, and links between the

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

what you’d like to study at a higher level but,

university or college and employers.

in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees),

if you’re unsure, our advice is to make sure

Having decided what you want to study,

both types are involved. Many qualifications

you understand the nature of the subject you

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

are modular; this means that you complete

are considering, especially if it’s something

studying it.

them in sections (modules), often of your

new to you. So do your research, and ensure

It’s a good idea to start by thinking about

With many qualifications being earned

own choosing, and credits gained from a

you know exactly what a course is offering

How do HE courses differ?

you – topic areas, what the modules will

The most basic difference is between the

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE

cover, etc. Whatever else you take in to

levels of courses. While most HE courses

qualifications.

consideration, it goes without saying that

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

you must have a strong interest in the

qualifications such as a Higher National

subject and the course content, as you will be

Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma

spending three years or more occupied with

(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,

Which? University is a free and

it, which won’t be much fun if it turns out

such courses will be shorter than a degree

independent website packed with

you’re not that struck with it after all!

selection of such courses can be gathered

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

course, more vocationally orientated and will

everything you need to find the right

You are also likely to do better at a

have lower entry requirements. Some will be

university course for you. See

course if you already have an aptitude for

linked to degree courses, though, giving you

http://university.which.co.uk

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

usually takes three or four years to complete

SOURCES OF ADVICE

access support under the FEHE scheme to

full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,

Your line manager should be your

commence studies at master’s level but they

can take five or six years).

first point of contact. Each unit has an

Please note that Service leavers cannot

can utilise their ELC for study at this level.

education/learning specialist, and each

Postgraduate qualifications

Service also has a network of educational

popular higher-level course options you

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

and learning centres where advice can be

could choose from …

qualifications that require learners to have

sought and ideas explored.

Here’s a rundown of some of the other

already completed a bachelor’s degree. Most

Higher national certificates (HNCs) and higher national diplomas (HNDs)

types of postgraduate qualification will include

students get together for joint study periods

taught and research elements. They generally

in open learning, with distance learning

fall into one of two categories: postgraduate

generally catering for students who are so

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

certificate or postgraduate diploma.

far away that they study almost entirely by

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

themselves.

on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

designed to give you the skills to put that

If you aren’t already in possession of the

ELC funding for higher education

knowledge to effective use in a particular

lower-level qualifications you would normally

The good news is that your ELC provides you

job. Highly valued by employers, both in

need to build on in order to secure your

with access to a first full level 3 or a first HE

the UK and overseas, they can also count

place on an HE course, the Access to Higher

qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first

towards membership of professional bodies

Education (HE) Diploma – often referred

undergraduate degree or equivalent) free

and other employer organisations. HNCs

to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma

from tuition fees. This commitment means

can take one year to complete full-time and

– could be for you. You can find out all

that Service leavers who have joined at level

two years part-time (or via, say, distance

you need to know about Access Diplomas

2, say, and have taken the opportunity to

learning). HNDs take two years full-time and

in our feature starting on page 46. It’s a

gain a qualification such as an advanced

can also be taken part-time (which takes

qualification that prepares people for study

apprenticeship, or other accredited learning

longer). (The award of an HND requires more

at university, and is designed for those who

at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to

units to be passed than for an HNC.) They

would like to study in HE but who left school

access their first higher-level qualification.

equate to approximately halfway between

without the usual qualifications, such as

an A-level and a degree, although they are,

A-levels. It is widely accepted by universities

as mentioned above, more practically based

and colleges, having been developed with

Training and Education, which can be

than the latter.

their support, and is designed to provide a

accessed and downloaded at www.

good grounding in the knowledge and study

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus

Full details can be found in JSP822

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

Foundation degrees

skills needed to succeed in HE. Although

Foundation degrees combine learning with

equivalent to A-levels, Access Diploma

work experience if you decide you want

courses are put together with people who

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

haven’t studied for a while in mind – and

l Unistats:

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

most don’t require prior qualifications. Many

is a fully flexible qualification that allows

are suitable for study part-time or in the

universities and colleges, including

you to study full- or part-time to fit your

evenings, which adds to their flexibility. Most

student satisfaction and jobs after

lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240

FE colleges in England and Wales offer such

study (you have to apply to the college

‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full

Access courses, and a number are available

or university direct)

account will be taken of any prior learning

through distance learning, so you should

l UCAS:

and experience you have accrued, too.

be able to find a course that is convenient

Recent developments, including university

for you, and that caters for your interests

by course name, provider name or

partnerships and funding, make these

or career ambitions. You can find out more

location

qualifications increasingly available to people

about Access to HE courses, browse courses

in the Services.

and read success stories on the Access to

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

http://search.ucas.com

Search and apply for full-time courses

National Careers Service: https:// nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/

Higher Education homepage at

Degree courses

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

Compare official course data from

advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

www.accesstohe.ac.uk

Search for full- and part-time courses

academic study leading to a qualification

How to learn

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

Qualifications can be earned through full-

Postgraduate study

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known

time courses, part-time courses, day release,

l Prospects:

as ‘ordinary’ or ‘first’ degrees. A bachelor’s

night school, open and distance learning

degree is designed to give learners a

(see the feature on page 24 of this issue).

thorough understanding of a subject, and

There will usually be more times when

www.prospects.ac.uk/

postgraduate-courses l

Postgraduate Search: www.postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

ELC Q&A

with former Royal Engineer Daniel Partridge Enlisted: April 2008 Exit date: September 2018 Service branch: Army Final rank: Corporal Specialisation/trade: Royal Engineers Age: 28

Hello Daniel! Please tell us when and why

THE COURSE

you registered for ELC. I have always wanted to be a

What qualification do you hope to receive

physiotherapist, so when I decided I wanted

as a result of using ELC?

to study physiotherapy, I spoke to my local

I am currently studying BSc (Hons)

education officer, who explained the ELC

Physiotherapy at York St John University. How did you think the course would help

process in detail.

RESETTLEMENT

YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE, BUT CHOOSE WISELY AND FIND COURSES YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT

Is the course well run and relevant?

your military career and any subsequent

I am only in the first semester of year 1, but

civilian career?

I absolutely love it here!

I want to re-join the Army after attaining

Why did you decide to leave the Army?

my degree as a physiotherapist, to

I was looking for a new career, with

Will the course build on Service/civilian

support injured soldiers. There are huge

aspirations to re-join after study.

qualifications you have already achieved

employment opportunities in terms of

while serving?

civilian careers within the profession.

Did you attend a Career Transition

As a PTI I had a good base of

Workshop (CTW)?

understanding towards anatomy and

Yes, in Colchester. I found it very useful as

physiology, however the skills I learned

I joined the Army straight from school. The

in self-discipline and organisation/

What advice would you like to give to

CTW broke everything down and set me up

management help me to study effectively.

other Service leavers going through

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

resettlement and career transition?

perfectly for approaching employers and CV writing, as well as understanding the

How much study is involved?

Don’t feel limited by your existing

strengths I had developed in the Army.

It’s full-time as my degree is very intense.

qualifications. If you have a course you want to study, go and speak to your

What other training courses did you

Did you attend any other related

education officer. I was informed on a

undertake during resettlement?

courses?

best route to take to obtain the university

Sports Massage Therapy level 3 (Sports

I did a sports massage therapy course

entry requirements as I had no A-levels (I

Therapy UK), which was extremely relevant

to enhance my anatomy and physiology

completed an Access course* by distance

to physiotherapy.

knowledge, as well as patient assessment

learning while still serving).

and treatment experience.

THE SKILLS I LEARNED IN SELF-DISCIPLINE AND ORGANISATION/ MANAGEMENT HELP ME TO STUDY EFFECTIVELY

You have nothing to lose, but choose wisely and find courses you are passionate

Before you started, what did you hope

about.

that the course would give you? A new profession and career – and I am on

To find out more, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk

track!

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

* To find out all about the Access to Higher Education Diploma, take a look at our feature on page 46.

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

Building on Existing Skills Raising your knowledge and performance as a trainer and operator

Building on Existing Skills Courses available:

Raising your knowledge and performance Skills Building on Existing Building on Existing Skills as a trainer and operator

Raising your knowledge and performance as a trainer and operator Courses available: Raising your knowledge and performance Courses available: further information as a trainer For and operator

• Level 3 & Level 4 Award in Education & Training (RQF) • Level 3 Assessor Awards (RQF) CoursesAwards available: • Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance (RQF) • Level 3 Conﬂict Management Trainers Award (RQF)

• Level 3 Physical Intervention Trainers award (RQF) • Level 3 First Aid at Work (RQF) • Level 2 Activity First Aid (RQF) • Level 2 and 3 Security and SIA Training (RQF)

For further information For further information

T: 0333 200 1676 M: 07860 438856 E: info@hzlgroup.com W: www.hzlgroup.com APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

For further information 2017

E LC 1527

PROVIDER NUMBER

YOU SERVED US, LET US SERVE YOU...

ACCOUNTANCY ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION ART & DESIGN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CIVIL ENGINEERING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & YOUTH WORK/STUDIES COMPUTING CONSTRUCTION CREATIVE WRITING CRIME & CRIMINAL JUSTICE DENTAL SCIENCES EARLY YEARS & CHILDHOOD STUDIES EDUCATION & LEARNING ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING ENGLISH FASHION FILM & MEDIA FINE ART GAMES GRAPHIC DESIGN HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE LAW LIVE EVENTS, STAGE MANAGEMENT & VISUAL PRODUCTION LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT MATHEMATICS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MEDICAL BIOLOGY MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING NURSING PERSONAL TRAINER, SPORT SCIENCE & DEVELOPMENT PHOTOGRAPHY PROFESSIONAL & COMMERCIAL DANCE PSYCHOLOGY RETAIL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SPECIAL & VISUAL EFFECTS SPECIAL MAKE UP EFFECTS, MODELMAKING & COSTUME SOUND ENGINEERING & DESIGN SPORT REHABILITATION TEXTILES & SURFACE DESIGN THEATRE & PERFORMANCE

Is it time for a new challenge in civi world?

Join the 82% of former UK armed force members that find employment, with the help of Greater Manchester’s No.1 university. The University of Bolton has a diverse range of courses to choose from, whether you are looking for career or personal development, we’re here to help. Our smaller than average class sizes allow lecturers to offer personal support throughout your studies within recently invested £55m facilities. We are proud to provide a positive student experience, come and explore the opportunities available.

01204 900 600

IN THE UK FOR TEACHing QUALITY TIMES & SUNDAY TIMES GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019

bolton.ac.uk

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

ac &

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

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

s noted elsewhere in this

but that are also highly likely to prove

other areas are likely to serve you well in

publication, the main purpose

useful once you leave the Forces, could

future, too – not forgetting the benefit to

of ELC is to encourage serving

include accountancy and management

your Service branch now, of course! Q

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

qualifications, or courses related to

that benefits both the learner and the

health and safety, and facilities or project

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

management. Depending on your Service

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

role, you could find yourself in a position to

which state that any money provided for

embark on a range of studies that will turn

your personal development has to be of

out to have a very useful crossover into

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING

immediate benefit to both the Armed

the civilian workplace when the time comes

Under the ELC scheme, most courses

Forces and the individual – if not, the

for you to make the transition.

of study undertaken by individuals still

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

For example, thinking of IT training

serving are exempt from taxation, either

accompanying box for more tax-related

as an example, the Tech Partnership (a

as income or as a benefit in kind, if they

information.)

network of employers working to creating

can be justified as ‘work related’. In

skills for the UK’s digital economy) has

order for Service leavers to benefit fully,

those courses that will benefit your own

been involved in putting together a

too, HMRC and MoD worked together to

career and promotion prospects in the

matrix of eligible higher-level vendor IT

reach an agreement on tax exemption.

Services – and ultimately help you find

qualifications, which in these high-tech

This means that the Service leaver (or

employment on leaving – as well as offering

times will prove as useful to you on leaving

their surviving spouse, civil partner or

a benefit to the Service while you remain

as they are while you remain in Service.

eligible partner, where appropriate) will

in uniform.

Similar work has taken place with Summit

not be required to pay income tax on

Skills with regard to building services

payments received under the ELC and

engineering-related courses. A great many

FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw

The best of both worlds is offered by

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

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

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

INTENSIVE LEVEL 3 COURSES IN

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TILING PLUMBING KITCHEN FITTING CARPENTRY BRICKLAYING

APPROVED BY MoD IN SUPPORT OF THE ELC SCHEME

E LC 4436

PROVIDER NUMBER

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Project

yourself! Are you organised, methodical, good at keeping work on track, confident about meeting deadlines and happy to take on responsibility? A career in project management will require you to deliver tasks on time and within budget by planning and organising resources and people. If you recognise your own skill set here, PM could be the perfect match for you What’s involved?

Effective PM will ensure that the result of a project process

odern project management (PM) started in civil

is measured before it even starts – and that it covers the precise

engineering, where proper management was essential

amount of change that was envisaged at the outset.

simply because the costs of not having it were too

high! At first, other industries did not share civil engineering’s

Skill up while serving

recognition of the importance of PM, so there were a number of

Whatever your rank or specialisation, you are very likely to have

hugely expensive disasters because:

delivered projects of varying complexity, although it is vital to

people did not know what they were trying to achieve

distinguish between planning and carrying out relatively simple

the business benefits of the change were not understood

routine activities and specific projects like the refit of a warship

customers kept changing their minds

or the design of a cockpit. However, experience gained by, say,

change was not adequately controlled

moving a unit to a new base or running an NCOs’ course would

late technological changes were incorporated into projects at

certainly be relevant.

disproportionate cost. … which is why the role of the project manager is now so vitally important. These days, the project manager is the person on the ground delivering the customer’s wishes and dealing with suppliers, although any contractual relationship is usually between customer and supplier. It is essential that top management understand exactly what a project means for the way the whole business is conducted.

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

PM TO THE POWER OF THREE To sum up PM, three factors make up every project: 1. time 2. cost 3. performance. These are interdependent, so any changes made to one will impact on one or both of the others.

THE METHODOLOGIES YOU NEED TO KNOW l

PRINCE2 l Atern l Managing Successful Programmes l Management of Risk

PRINCE2 PRINCE2 is a processed-based approach; each element is defined with its key inputs and outputs, together with the specific objectives to be achieved and activities to be carried out. The project is split into manageable stages, enabling efficient control of resources and regular monitoring of progress. The process is product based; plans focus on delivering results and are not simply a set of timelines by which various actions must have occurred. The project is driven by the business case, describing the organisation’s

Have you got what it takes?

justification, commitment and rationale for the deliverable (or outcome).

PM knowledge and experience are crucial skills

This case is reviewed regularly to ensure that the business objectives (which

in many civilian jobs. With this in mind, consider

may change) are being met. PRINCE2 enables projects to have an organised

enhancing your project-related skills, particularly

and controlled start, middle and end, with a series of processes that cover all

leadership, team building and risk management. PM

necessary activities.

is an increasingly useful discipline – good project managers are in great demand, both within the Services and outside. It is also an industry that is

Project team does the work

User will use its outcome

expanding into new areas every year. The basic skills

Project manager organises and controls

required to manage a project are: l

recognising what it is that needs to be delivered

planning how to deliver it

using the resources available

organising the project from start to finish.

Get qualified!

Customer pays for the project

Suppliers have the expertise to carry it out

All will be represented on the project board to ensure that the right

PM is a field in which there are specific qualifications

outcome is delivered within budget, on time and to the appropriate quality.

as well as general ones that include an element of

Project assurance provides an independent view of how the project is

PM within them. Many degrees, for example, have

progressing.

modules on PM and yet more test students by requiring them to carry out a project as part of the

There are two qualification levels: Foundation and Practitioner. The Foundation exam must be taken before the Practitioner exam.

qualification. Foundation exam

Practitioner exam

management. Some of the most important are

1 hour allowed

2.5 hours allowed (no reading

Atern, Management of Risk and Managing Successful

Multiple-choice format

Programmes, but the most common generic

60 questions per paper

Objective testing format

methodology is PRINCE2 (see separate panel). It is

33 marks required (out of 60

68 questions per paper

Several methodologies are used for project

not cheap, though, and you may have to meet some of the costs yourself. The Practitioner certificate is

time added)

available) to pass = 55%

38 marks or more required to pass (out of 68 available) = approx. 55%

Closed book

mandatory for civilian project managers employed in

Open-book exam (official PRINCE2

the MoD.

manual only)

Another source of advice is the Association for Project Management (APM). It publishes a Body of

You can sit both exams in the same week or even day, or you can split them

Knowledge that provides basic information on the

and sit them months (or even years) apart. You do not have to take a course

competences required by a project manager. There

to sit the examinations – it’s up to you!

are also training courses and education programmes

Foundation level will provide enough knowledge to enable you to act as an

for those who want to advance their knowledge

informed member of a project management team – it indicates understanding

in this field. It has aligned its qualifications with

of the principles and terminology. Practitioner, though, is necessary for

the standards set by the International Project

those who need the competence to run and manage specific projects. APMG-

Management Association (IPMA). Visit the relevant

International administers the exams, and also accredits training providers

websites to find out more (see ‘Key contacts’).

to teach PRINCE2 and conduct the exams. (APMG-International also offers a

Short courses in PM are run regularly throughout the UK, and the APM can provide a list of approved training providers (again, see ‘Key contacts’). Many

number of other qualifications relevant to this sector.) PRINCE2 Registered Practitioners must take a re-registration exam every three years, to maintain their certification.

British universities and institutes offer a range of PM courses and programmes. Some are specialist, while others are aimed at the general project manager.

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: PROJECT MANAGEMENT

CONTROL PANEL The crux of PRojects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE), now in version 2 (PRINCE2, see below), is embodied in the phrase ‘Controlled Environments’,

with many projects to choose from.

which means:

This has the benefit of immediate skills

tight, agreed specifications

transferability, possibly working on

quality control of the product and

familiar equipment but from a different

the process

perspective. But it’s true to say that PM

l reliability

skills are of great value and in high demand

in every conceivable occupation.

full participation of the customer throughout

employed on the basis of their technical

requirements are understood

skills and expertise, while if you have been

no surprises on delivery

in a managerial role in the Services, your management – and specifically PM – skills

APMG-International 01494 452450 www.apmg-international.com @APMG_Inter Association for Project Management 0845 458 1944 www.apm.org.uk @APMProjectMgmt

will be attractive to prospective employers. If you are thinking of working freelance,

Best Practice User Group (BPUG) 020 8144 5909

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

there are agencies, magazines and other

training can be taken, provided it is offered

intermediaries that can help you; if you

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

want to find an employer, the job-finding

admin@usergroup.org.uk www.bpug.co.uk

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

process is much the same as for other

@BPUG_UK

com and is at level 3 or above. For full

kinds of employment. Q

pages 11–32.

CPD IS KEY

International Project Management Association (IPMA) (Swiss) www.ipma.ch

Finding employment

Continuing professional development is required to keep abreast of changes in the PM world

Project Management Institute (PMI) (US) www.pmi.org

details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to our in-depth features on

One obvious employment area Service leavers is the defence industrial sector,

PRINCE2 (official) www.prince-officialsite.com

The more junior ranks will tend to be

involvement of suppliers so

Use your ELC

KEY CONTACTS

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

@IPMAFamily

@PMInstitute

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

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PROVIDER NUMBER

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YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION

Close call! The various sectors of the security industry offer a huge range of employment opportunities – none more so than close protection. Could CP be your calling?

that owns the item needs to ensure that it is secure and returned safely afterwards. This type of role can range from half a day to several consecutive days’ work.

Lifestyle management Lifestyle management companies offer busy

Roles and requirements

traditionally been associated with

Bodyguarding, private security detail (PSD),

extra pair of hands in their daily business

reducing risk to an individual or

executive protection, residence security

activities, to more permanent lifestyle

family who are considered to be under threat

team and personal protection officers are

support, security and concierge services.

of attack or kidnap, the CP role can also

just some of the terms associated with

Some business people travel extensively in

extend to many other tasks, as discussed in

the CP role, but the range of different

their work and personal lives, and have little

detail in this feature.

opportunities available go way beyond these.

time themselves. Well-trained CPOs with

We take a look at just some of the many and

good organisational and negotiation skills

varied options here …

can alleviate many minor burdens, leaving

Depending on the level of risk, a CP team can vary in size from one or two members

needs: from people who may just need an

business people to concentrate on the

to a fully equipped team who can provide

people a service that meets their individual

hile close protection (CP) work has

residential/hotel security, security advance

Asset protection

parties (SAP) and protection during moves

An asset could be anything from a high-value

by vehicle or on foot. It is important that

necklace to an aircraft, or even a horse! Close

professionals with good communication and

the team leader or operator can assess the

protection operatives (CPOs) are often used

interpersonal skills who are presentable

risk and be able to recommend the required

to protect high-value items such as jewellery,

and used to solving everyday problems. For

level of security, commensurate with the

or the person wearing the jewellery – for

some clients, personal security and safety

perceived threat.

example, in the case of a photo shoot where

when travelling abroad is often their last

a piece of jewellery is on loan. The company

thought, as their primary concern is the

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

important things. Opportunities exist for well-trained

management of the travel and transport

have gone on to work for overseas

Surveillance

arrangements.

government agencies managing teams

While being a qualified and/or experienced

These matters are second nature to

of court security officers, and to provide

CPO does not mean you are a trained

trained CP personnel, and go hand in hand

realistic training in legislation and conflict

surveillance operator, many companies will

with personal security needs. In short, many

management, acting as technical advisers

look to trained CP individuals to provide

people are not looking for a CPO, but a

to individuals working with CCTV and access

aspects of or join surveillance teams.

concierge or personal assistant. However,

systems, and running practical exercises

Although these roles often go to those with

it is highly advantageous if this person can

in threat and surveillance awareness.

specific training and experience working

also take care of their security and safety

Furthermore, CPOs have also been involved

in surveillance, opportunities to work in

needs at the same time without them

as advisers in the security design of

surveillance and investigative roles cannot be

appearing to have a protection officer.

buildings, structure and strategy.

ruled out. By gaining additional qualifications

Remember, you might not be employed as a

in surveillance and/or professional

security operator, but you may be expected

Expedition security/safety

investigations, an individual will be able to

to take on the role of one as well as that

There are various reasons for expeditions,

look at other employment openings.

of a PA, concierge, chauffeur, etc. Being

ranging from media crews and television

a qualified CPO can give that extra added

companies through to oil expeditionary

Management

value to someone who initially may not have

search teams. Some multinational retail

Some CPOs go on to more managerial

given personal security a second thought.

organisations travel around the world looking

roles within security, their qualification in

for exclusive products for their outlets, which

CP proving attractive to employers who,

Household management

can take representatives to more remote,

although not specifically looking for a CPO,

Many companies offer complete household

hostile and hazardous environments as part

recognise that the skills and knowledge

management services, providing everything

of their work activities, prompting a need for

that come with this level of training are

from chauffeurs and gardeners to security

a certain level of security. Not all roles will

invaluable.

and butler services. Approaching these

involve large-scale teams and, depending

companies with a good, diverse CV, showing

on risk level, the job could be undertaken by

Other roles

a range of skills, can open up a range of

either an individual or small team.

Other more unusual roles include working

different opportunities for CP trained

for the NHS providing protective security to

personnel. It may lead to a position as

Media protection

those with mental health-related disorders or

personal safety and security manager,

Media crews often have a level of security

learning difficulties, whereby operators act

or even as a member of a permanent or

both for their own protection and the

as a protection officer in a discreet manner

temporary residential security team.

protection of the high-value equipment

in order to safeguard individuals from harm

they carry, which can be worth tens of

while going about their daily business.

Security chauffeuring

thousands of pounds. Ranging from fly-on-

Chauffeuring companies, like many other

the-wall documentaries and news crews to

Skill up while serving

businesses, have recognised a need to

major sporting events, these roles can see

The CPOs most in demand are generally

expand their services. In a growing market,

operators employed on short- or long-term

those from a Special Forces or military

many now offer security chauffeuring

contracts around the UK and the world

background where experience has been

coupled with a personal protection service,

in a multitude of potentially hazardous

gained over a number of years. As well as

sometimes referred to as the individual

environments. In addition, operators may

those contracts that require operators to

bodyguard (IBG). Gaining advanced driving

also (depending on their level of training and

carry firearms, overseas contracts in the

qualifications, such as RoSPA’s Occupational

skill) be required to provide an element of

more high-risk countries generally require

Advanced Driving and Security and

medical support and liaison.

operators to have local knowledge and the

Protective Advanced Driving, can open

ability to operate on their own. It is possible

another route to employment for CPOs in

Residential security

for someone without this background to

both hostile and executive markets.

Many companies employ security guards to

progress to this level, but they will need to

protect property and premises if they are

establish their reputation as part of a team in

Venue-based security

vacant, however those individuals with a CP

the UK, often on a more mundane contract,

Because of the diverse environments

licence are more attractive to employers.

but where they can prove their skills,

CPOs need to be capable of working in,

Some roles have seen newly trained CPOs

reliability and professionalism. It is generally

opportunities can open up within sporting

earn upwards of £150–£200 per day. Some

during such contracts that the opportunity to

venues, large hotels and even national

have retained a long-term contract for 18

network can lead to more interesting tasks.

infrastructure. Linked with security

months based on a six-day week, which

management and/or supervisory roles,

provides excellent income and stability, not

Get qualified!

additional qualifications, such as project

to mention excellent experience to add to

An SIA CP licence is required for those

management, may enhance an individual’s

their CV.

‘guarding one or more individuals against

employability. Some with a CP background

assault or against injuries that might be questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: CLOSE PROTECTION

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS

developed beyond the general baseline of

events, will give you a good background

industry requirements.

knowledge before you progress to more in-depth and specific training.

Threat assessment, forward planning

Choosing a course

Alternatively, these courses can be seen

and anticipation of the unexpected are

For anyone wishing to enter the industry,

as professional development for an

important aspects of all planning, and

the quality of the instructors and the training

employment role you already hold. Some

administration and logistics are among

they deliver is important. Reputation is

courses, such as health and safety, can

the most critical aspects of the task

everything in the CP industry and being

be undertaken online, and may require

once the aim has been established.

trained by a recognised expert helps

just a few hours of study (including an

The principles of prior preparation

students. However, the downside of this is

assessment of your understanding).

and planning practised in the military

that reputable trainers will not automatically

Costs can vary, as many of the courses

provide a sound background for all

pass everyone who attends a course –

are privately run, but can start from

CP tasks. The ability to communicate

something that should be considered before

about £50.

easily with the client, sound general

paying for expensive courses.

knowledge and an awareness of

Next comes a range of relatively short part-time further education courses,

current affairs are invaluable assets, as

content. A good example of this is whether

giving you a recognised qualification,

is a quiet sense of humour.

firearms training is necessary or not. In the

which would then allow you to progress

majority of CP tasks, firearms will not be

to a higher level of study. FE courses

suffered in consequence of the unlawful

carried and there are very few countries

include, for example, an NVQ level 2

conduct of others. This applies if your

that allow the carriage of firearms by non-

in Spectator Safety, which would take

services are supplied for the purposes of

military/police personnel. Generally, only

between 8 and 12 months to complete,

or in connection with any contract to a

men and women with operational experience

or an NVQ level 3 in providing security,

consumer.’ Licensing will include a criminal

of weapon handling will be engaged on a

emergency and alarm systems, which

records check; operating without the correct

contract where the use of a weapon might be

could take between six months and

licence is a criminal offence. You can find

necessary to protect a client. If the carriage

two years. Many of these courses have

full details of licence types, and licensable

of firearms is necessary, even the more

flexible study options, so you could, if

roles and activities (including CP) on the SIA

experienced operators will require refresher

you prefer, study them intensively, full-

website: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk This is

training with the weapon they’ll carry before

time, over a period of four or five weeks.

the best source of in-depth and up-to-date

an operational deployment.

For some courses at this level, you may

The majority of work that a newly

information on the qualifications, licensing

be expected to have undertaken a First

qualified CP operator can expect is relatively

Aid at Work course and/or have an SIA

These days, the role of CPO extends

low-risk tasks in the UK or in more benign

licence (see earlier). Costs typically start

past the perceived impression of simply

environments. It is therefore important to

at around £250.

providing protection from attackers, with

consider course content carefully before

many roles now looking for a range of

spending hard-earned money, and to seek

this sector and may typically cover

additional qualifications and experience a

advice on the training that will suit your

areas such as static guarding, patrol

close protection grounding can bring. Gaining

background and expectations. There are also

guarding, reception duties, retail

additional qualifications in health and safety,

online networking and forum sites available

security and operating/studying CCTV.

enhanced medical qualifications such as the

via which you can seek advice from others in

Apprenticeships are also likely to

Medicine in Remote Areas (MiRA), which is

the sector, an example of which is CP World:

incorporate how to handle key data, such

endorsed by the Royal College of Surgeons,

www.closeprotectionworld.com

as hard-copy documents, and how to

and training required to work in this industry.

There are many courses on offer that will

and the Responding to Emergency Medical

Apprenticeships are growing in

keep accurate records. As a workplace

Incidents and Trauma (REMIT) will make you

give you directly applicable training; there

apprentice, you are likely to find it easier

more attractive to employers and the client.

are also courses that give you invaluable

to progress to a much higher (perhaps

background/supporting information and

managerial) role within the company.

Consider enhancing your skills and

It is also important to consider the course

knowledge in other areas too, such as project

skills, which will be viewed by potential

management (PRINCE2 or equivalent), risk

employers as worthy knowledge in this area.

BTEC level 4 courses begin to encompass

management or even training qualifications,

Short (one day to two weeks) courses

some of the management roles within

such as the new level 3 Award in Education

in, e.g., health and safety, fire risk

the sector. For example, a BTEC in

& Training and Certificate for Deliverers

assessment, fire safety, search training,

Security Management is likely to provide

of Conflict Management. All of these will

physical intervention, substance

a comprehensive insight into topics such

go towards promoting you as a highly

awareness, handcuffing, survival

as the role of the manager, current/

skilled, diverse and employable security

training, hostile environment awareness

key legislation, security technology,

professional, enabling you to demonstrate to

training, travel awareness and defence

crime management and prevention, and

potential employers that you have more than

techniques, detecting deceit, and

instigating crime reduction initiatives.

an SIA licence, have invested in yourself and

understanding stewarding at spectator

A course like this would typically cost

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Moving further towards higher education,

around £2,000 and could be undertaken intensively over several days of full-time study. l

A foundation degree within a related security/close protection topic (e.g. Security Risk Management) may count towards a BA or master’s. That said, if you can prove that you gained relevant experience in the military, you may be able to move straight on to studying at master’s level. It’s always worth checking and making your Service experience explicit when you are seeking courses.

Look around and compare what the different courses have to offer. Most importantly, seek advice from anyone you know who is already working in the sector and find out who are the most respected training providers. Try to attend security seminars and briefings where you can meet others already working in the sector and the companies who are likely to employ or subcontract to you when you have

difficult to assess the ability of an individual

relate to and liaise with people on different

qualified.

until they have been seen and tested on

levels, from those lower down in the

a course. So beware of companies that

security industry to the movers, shakers and

promise too much and be wary of those

decision-makers high up, not afraid to offer

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

that offer too little. There is currently a

well-thought-out and structured answers or

training can be taken, provided it is offered

shortage of female CP operatives, who

acting as that ‘voice of reason’ and sense

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

are in particular demand for guarding

at all levels. Finally, CPOs are some of the

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

female principals, family members and

few who are able to fill the gap between the

com and is at level 3 or above. For full

children, especially in some cultures and

operational aspects of the industry and the

details of how to make the most of your

environments.

Use your ELC

ELC, refer to our in-depth features on pages 11–32.

Finding employment

theoretical professionals. Q

In conclusion … A CP qualification, and subsequent good practice and valuable

Most CP operators are self-employed

experience in its application, can open

and contracted to security and risk

many doors. Many CPOs will openly state

management companies. Commercial

that having this background has developed

contracts can run from days to months,

them personally, and the qualities and

and are agreed between the client and the

varied opportunities that come with it

security company. The CP operator will

have made them more employable. It

sign his own contract with the company.

has led to employment with government

Networking is vital, and an individual’s

departments, commercial companies and

reputation for reliability and experience

individuals in a variety of roles, such as

are critical to his or her chance of getting

risk management, threat awareness, crisis

further work and progressing to the more

management, design consultancy, project

lucrative, longer-term contracts. Local

management, management and oversight

knowledge, both for tasks in the UK and

of individuals and teams providing security,

overseas, is essential for many contracts,

to name but a few.

where orientation and familiarity is necessary. Very few training providers can

Furthermore, on a personal level it

KEY CONTACTS

British Security Industry Association 0845 389 3889 info@bsia.co.uk www.bsia.co.uk @thebsia

Security Industry Authority 0844 892 1025 www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk @SIAuk Security Institute 0845 370 7717 info@security-institute.org www.security-institute.org @SyInstitute

provides self-confidence, diplomacy and interpersonal skills, improves organisational

guarantee work in the CP sector because the

and planning abilities, and instils an ability

industry simply isn’t geared to permanent

to see the bigger picture and understand

payroll employment, and even subcontract

strategic viewpoints. In addition, experienced

work can be ‘feast or famine’. It is also

CPOs will openly state that they are able to

Skills for Security 01905 744000 info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk @Skills4Security

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

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

Assistant Rail Signalling Installer Training Program Based in Ipswich (Suffolk), our training services have been fundamentally recognised as being pro-active, efficient and, above all, technically competant. This program gives the candidate the required competancies to become a railway Signalling Installer. The training is an intensive 6 week course, filled with all the safety critical, signalling, technical and electrical knowledge needed to pursue a career within the railway industry. All attendees of this program will be given employment interviews. Consisting of 9 qualifications, this program is delivered in accordance with the IRSE (Institute of Rail Signal Engineers) licensing scheme conditions. As such, the program satisfies the knowledge requirements that enable delegates to apply for licensing after the appropriate experience criteria has been met. This program is mapped towards achieving IRSE category 1.2.110 (installation). It is also mapped towards category 1.4.100 and includes the competance required for registration with the Engineering council at the grade of EngTech. (The Engineering Council stipulates a minimum education requirement Equivalent to BTEC L3 or NVQ L3).

(01473)242344 Info@rttsolutions.co.uk

RT Training Solutions LTD registered in England and Wales: 8171597

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

ContactUs Us Contact

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

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

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

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

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questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC CASE STUDY EXTRA: CYBER SECURITY

ON COURSE FOR CYBER CAREERS

Thanks to a partnership with IBM and the Corsham Institute, SaluteMyJob is able to offer Veterans and Reservists free training in two of IBM’s key cyber security software products. Read on for the story of two people who have already benefited from these courses … Jasmine Eyers

Ambitious Army communications systems specialist set to make her mark in cyber security

Before Jasmine started resettlement

background on various systems. Also it is

she had two plans: to look at both project

about the diversity of working with people.

management and cyber – in particular,

I get to work with different people from

information assurance roles. She has and is

different organisations, different sectors,

in the process of completing management

different levels and different backgrounds.

qualifications – as well as a range of

I have learned quite a lot through

cyber certifications – but feels cyber is

diversity.’

the industry she really wants to focus her attention on. She explains: ‘Being in the IT sector within the Royal Signals, I already have some of the skill set needed for an information assurance role but now it’s about developing those skills and learning “civilian” qualifications in that area. It’s just something that personally I am really keen on going into.’ Jasmine says she has been finding resettlement ‘quite easy’ as she has

ONCE YOU’VE SEEN A ROLE THAT APPEALS TO YOU, START NETWORKING, SPEAK TO PEOPLE WITHIN THAT INDUSTRY AND GET THE QUALIFICATIONS YOU NEED

been incredibly organised from the start.

‘I think being organised is a big part of it.

Jasmine heard about SaluteMyJob,

asmine Eyers is currently

Knowing what I wanted to go into, looking

IBM and the Corsham Institute’s i2 training

serving in the British Army as a

at the different areas within that field, as

course through word of mouth. Individuals

communications systems specialist

well as thinking about future promotion.’

who successfully pass the course will be

currently going through resettlement

made herself a 12-month planner and

She was full of praise for the course and

and is due to leave the military next

looked at all the courses she wanted to do

would recommend it to other Service

summer after 13 distinguished years.

to get into the sector she was aiming for.

leavers. ‘It was really, really good! I highly

She has completed a number of cyber-

She applied for courses that are relevant

recommend to anyone. The instructor

related courses, including IBM’s i2 training

to what she needs – and her planner is

was amazing. She made it really down to

course through SaluteMyJob, which she

now full up. Some of the courses Jasmine

earth, really enjoyable to learn. The content

describes as ‘the best yet’. She is incredibly

has completed, or is in the process of

and the whole course itself was pitched

ambitious and has firmly set her sights

completing, include Cyber Network

amazingly. It was just really interesting and

on making her mark in the cyber security

Foundation and Practitioner, Crucial

was the best course I have done so far.’

industry.

Academy Information Assurance Course,

in the 21 Signal Regiment. Jasmine is

Jasmine recalls one of her biggest achievements being early on in her career when she was a Lance

Before Jasmine even signed off, she

accredited by IBM as a certified i2 Analyst.

With just under nine months to go until

Certificate in Management of Risk and

Jasmine’s official last day in the Army, she

AGILE.

is busy trying to gain as many qualifications

Jasmine believes she has gained a

as she can, as well as focusing on

Corporal and was sent to Morocco as a

huge number of valuable skills, as well

networking and trying to gain commercial

detachment commander, where as part

as experience, that will help her gain

experience. She says: ‘Half my time is about

of a team of five, she was in charge of all

successful employment in the cyber

doing qualifications and the other half is

communications. It was huge achievement

industry. ‘Working within IT and security

working on networking, speaking to the

for Jasmine as it was her first experience

in my role at the moment, I work with

right people within that environment, as well

of leadership with external agencies. The

cryptomaterial and have to make sure

as organising work placements and insight

communications specialist says she is

everything is secure. And it’s not just

days.’ She recommends attending Barclays

going to miss being in the military as it has

technical skills, it’s also the diversity of my

Military Insight Day to Service leavers

been such a huge part of her life – but she

skills. In the Signals we get trained on a lot

– she found it incredibly interesting and

knows it is time to move on.

of different equipment – so I have a diverse

insightful. She offers this advice to other

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Service leavers going through resettlement

The former intelligence analyst left the

accredited by IBM as a certified i2 Analyst.

who want to forge a career in cyber: ‘Look

Army at the end of last year and has since

‘I was so surprised that there were free

into cyber itself as there are various roles

found her transition into civilian employment

courses out there of such high calibre. The

within that sector. Once you’ve seen a

a struggle, unable to have the full confidence

instructor’s method of teaching was brilliant.

role that appeals to you, start networking,

to pursue a fulfilling career after the military.

There was a lot to take in, but it was really

speak to people within that industry and

Rebecca explains: ‘During my resettlement,

good. It massively reignited my ambitions to

get the qualifications you need. Also, create

it was quite a dark time to be honest. I was

go down the cyber security route. I just know

a 12-month plan. I’m networking through

suffering with an ankle injury, which had a

I would enjoy that line of work and having

people I know who have left the Army and

knock on effect on my mental health. So

the opportunity to get into a company to

have gone into that industry. I’ve also been

I volunteered at my old primary school,

really show off my skills is what I want to do.’

on Project Fortis [see https://projectfortis.

trying to gain a bit more confidence. In the

Rebecca is poised to go on the next QRadar

co.uk ] and noticed some really good links

end, I distanced myself from the military so

course, run by the same trio of companies,

there, and have done a lot through LinkedIn

I didn’t receive much of a resettlement or

and is looking to do further certifications to

as well. It’s all about being proactive. Even

career assistance from the Career Transition

help her employment prospects.

though you have 12 months it’s not a long

Partnership and found my own path, which

time really.’

was into teaching.’

Finally, when asked what value Service

Although Rebecca says she finds it difficult to sell herself in interview – and also translate her skills into commercial language,

Rebecca has faced a number of

leavers add to businesses, Jasmine says:

challenges throughout her military transition

she believes she has the experience to gain

‘They are always striving for more. Not only

as she ‘felt like she didn’t have much of a

successful employment in the cyber industry.

looking to do what their job tells them to

support network’. She continued: ‘I didn’t feel

‘The Intelligence Corps is huge and I did

do, they are so much more proactive – they

like I could access the support I was entitled

specialise in human intelligence, but in my

will seek out more opportunities to make an

to as not everything was on my doorstep

time I also did counter-intelligence, security

impact. We are adaptable and always trying

and because of my injury I couldn’t travel

and imagery intelligence. I also did some

to improve.’

far, which is why I started volunteering at

psyops courses. I really believe I have utilised

my old primary school. I didn’t know I was

the skills during my years in the military

Rebecca Thomas

going to go into education at the time but

and it sounds extreme but the work I have

Ambition for career in cyber security reignited for former intelligence analyst in the Army thanks to SaluteMyJob training course

the head teacher planted a seed and that

done has actually prevented the loss of lives,

is why I applied to university and did my

which is not something everyone can say.’

PGCE Primary (QTS) with PE specialism. I’ve

Rebecca is looking for work as a threat

previously done some teaching and I also did

risk analyst, but a job role where you train

some training in the military, so it wasn’t a

people to utilise intelligence has also piqued

huge change for me to go down that route.’

her interest. Finally, when asked what value

ebecca

Teaching isn’t a world away from

she thinks Service leavers add to businesses,

Thomas

some of the skills Rebecca gained while in

Rebecca replies: ‘Our work ethic. Teamwork

had a

the military. ‘I think the main thing I took

skills. Can-do attitude. Our communication

distinguished

from the Army that I am using today is my

skills. The military really did give me a huge

10-year career

interpersonal and communication skills, the

amount of confidence. Once you do your job

in the Army. She

ability to build rapport with pretty much

and you do it well, you can pretty much lend

served in the

anyone, which is good for the role I am doing

your skills to any job role.’ Q

Intelligence Corps,

at the moment. But the intelligence stuff, I

deploying to

pretty much spent my whole career doing.

Afghanistan three

I’m not really using any of my analytical

times during her career. On deployment in

skills at the moment, which is why

Afghanistan, Rebecca’s main role was as an

I applied to go on the i2 course. I

intelligence analyst and de-briefer, working

want to try to get back into that

within the Intelligence Exploitation Facility

field because I know I can do well in

directly supporting UK Special Forces, as

that environment,’ she says.

well as supporting the International Security

Rebecca wants to pursue a career

Assistance Force Human Intelligence

in cyber security as she believes she has

mission. Rebecca left the Army in November

the skills to be successful in the industry,

2016 and has since found the resettlement

adding: ‘Once you have learned those skills,

period challenging. She is currently teaching,

they can’t be taken away from you.’ Rebecca

but thanks to a course run by SaluteMyJob,

found out about the IBM i2 training course,

IBM and the Corsham Institute, her ambition

which is designed to train Veterans on IBM’s

to forge a career in cyber security has been

Analyst Notebook tool, on Indeed. Individuals

reignited.

who successfully pass the course will be

FIND OUT MORE

If, like Rebecca and Jasmine, you are interested in our FREE cyber courses, you can find out more at www.salutemyjob.com/training To watch video interviews with Rebecca and Jasmine about their experiences on the course, their background and why they want to work in cyber, visit https://play.buto.tv/WF2fL (for Rebecca’s story) and https://play.buto.tv/PQZyB (for Jasmine’s).

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR ELC THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA

New year, new possibilities

A new year often brings the chance to think about our potential. With this in mind, find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma opens up study opportunities for those with a Services background …

n the past few months the UK media

‘I wanted to get back to

part-time, two evenings a week, over two

has published stories about the support

work but I just

years. During this time he continued to work

being put in place for Services personnel

couldn’t face going back to

full-time as a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal

and Veterans. We have been told how the

the same type of

Navy.

Veterans’ Gateway offers a first point of

office work I’d done previously. I felt a strong

contact for Veterans seeking support, and it

desire to push myself to something new, to

renewed confidence in

out what you need easily and quickly is really

achieve something. The Access to HE course

my ability to learn. There

important. In his book Joys of War, John-Paul

introduced me to the concept of organised

are probably a lot of

Jordan, ex-Special Forces, channelled his own

study.’

people who, like me, didn’t

Gabrielle Holmes, midwife

experiences with PTSD to support others in potential inside you.’

have a wholly positive experience of school, and

similar situations.* He says: ‘You have the Around 13% of all Access to HE students

as a result spent years

identify themselves as having a disability.

assuming that academic study wasn’t for

about our potential. For many people the

This includes mental health issues and

them. For me, undertaking an Access to HE

start of a new year is an exciting time as

learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Access

course changed that view. With the help

they think about what the coming year will

to HE Diplomas are taught by people who

of supportive, good-humoured and patient

bring (and work through their new year’s

understand what it’s like to be an adult going

tutors, it provided me with the tools – and,

resolutions). For others it’s a less exciting

back into the classroom after a long time

above all, the self-belief – to undertake a

time. Whatever the new year means to you,

away. They are able to support students

higher education course.’

it’s a chance to think about ways to make life

to manage the challenges a changed daily

easier and maybe set new goals.

routine can bring, as well as helping with

A new year is often a chance to think

An Access to Higher Education Diploma

course queries. The students also develop

Dr Mark Field Mark was a little nervous about starting

could be your first step towards a new career.

strong support networks, helping one

the course as he hadn’t particularly enjoyed

Access to HE Diplomas are qualifications for

another deal with the pressures of balancing

school and had few formal qualifications.

adults, designed to prepare them for study

study and life.

To his surprise, he found he really enjoyed

at university. There are more than 1,200

In the Services, your ‘Service family’ is

studying and sharing ideas with other

courses – most available to study at local

always there, it understands you. It’s similar

students. He recalls moving to the local pub

colleges, although the number of courses

for Access to HE students. They’re all there

to continue discussions over a pint when a

available to study online is increasing. Access

because they want to change something

study group was thrown out of college by the

to HE students are studying courses that

or challenge themselves, and they want

caretaker securing the college.

prepare them for graduate professions in

everyone in the group to succeed. Joining an

areas like engineering, health, education and

Access to HE Diploma course may be a way

had been to train as a teacher. However,

social work. And, as a member of the Armed

to build additional support networks outside

he enjoyed the course so much that he

Services, if you have a British Forces Post

the patch – just one element of transition.

decided to continue studying and returned

Office address you may study a Diploma when overseas.

Access to HE students have a common

Before starting his degree, his plan

to university to complete a master’s degree

bond: the desire to achieve. They may not be

in public administration. While studying for

Students on the courses are all looking

leaving the military, but they are leaving one

this he was awarded a studentship to cover

to change their lives. They have had different

life behind them as they work to change their

his tuition fees and living expenses, allowing

life experiences, and many didn’t think they

lives. Some have left jobs, and many had bad

him to carry out three years of doctoral

would be able to go to university. Yet each

experiences at school.

research. He received his PhD in European

year around 23,000 adults go on to study

Dr Mark Field, a former Chief Petty

Politics in 2015, and around the same time

a degree after finishing an Access to HE

Officer in the Royal Navy, was one of these

was appointed as Senior Lecturer in Politics

Diploma.

people. Mark did his Access to HE course

and Public Policy at the university.

* To read John-Paul’s story, visit: www.forces.net/news/ex-special-forces-opens-about-struggle-ptsd

‘Access to HE gave me

goes without saying that being able to find

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

the Publicly Funded FE/HE scheme (the

Let’s get started …

end up as part of the university’s academic

higher education course must be done

Once you’ve got your funding in place, you’re

community, but study changes us. That I

immediately after the Access to HE

ready for that new start and need to enrol.

did is entirely thanks to the friendly and

courses)

(You might be interviewed to make sure

Advanced Learner Loan.

the course is right for you.) Find out about

Says Mark: ‘I never imagined that I would

supportive atmosphere that the Access to

HE course provided.’

courses on our website at www.accesstohe.

Throughout your Service career you

ac.uk and check the ELCAS website too, at

have supported and protected others, your

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Also,

country, your Services family and your blood

think carefully about how you like to work.

family. That need to protect and serve stays with you, making some decisions about your

Classroom based

future very difficult.

Online or distance learning

‘Most people in the military, myself included, want a quick solution. They want

like working team?

to earn the most amount of money possible

in a

straight away and may not know that there y need to stud e? m ho to e clos

are other options that may take a little longer but may be more fulfilling in the long run,’ says Tommy Sharpe, former Royal Marine and currently studying for a social

The publicly funded FE and HE scheme pays

work degree after medical discharge.

for your Access to HE Diploma and degree,

ed?

self-motivat

y need to stud odd hours?

pport prefer a su network?

as long as the Diploma is in a subject leading to degree and is done immediately before your degree studies. Your education officer will have more information. You may prefer

Classroom based

Online or distance learning

to use learning credits (ELC or SLC) to pay for your course and many Access to HE

happy working alone?

providers are on the ELCAS website. Advanced Learner Loan repayments Dr Peter Sloane (pictured above),

don’t start until you start to earn more

lecturer in English at the University of

than £25,000 per year. And if you

Lincoln, says: ‘I didn’t do very well at

successfully complete a QAA-recognised

school and I didn’t really enjoy school.

Access to HE course, the balance of the

I didn’t leave with any qualifications. I

loan will be cancelled when you complete

think I got a GCSE in Art. Universities

your higher education course. For more

were absolutely exclusive. There was a

information about advanced learner loans

particular kind of person that went to

visit the gov.uk website.

university, and then they had a career

like working in a team?

self-motivated?

prefer a support network?

need to study odd hours?

Are you happiest working as part of a team? If so, perhaps learning that involves

You may also receive a childcare

some classroom activity is best for you.

and then ran the country. There are other

allowance grant that doesn’t need to

Online learning might be best if you can’t

people who worked in factories, drove

be repaid. You can see if you get help

get to college regularly, or you prefer to

taxis, and delivered milk and newspapers …

for childcare using the calculator here:

work as an individual, although nowadays

I don’t know if the doors were intentionally

www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator Many

most courses have some parts that are

closed before, but they were certainly

universities also offer funds to help

completed online.

very difficult for someone like me to open.

with the cost of going to university. It

Access courses essentially just offer you a

is important to look in to your funding

Find out more

new life, don’t they? It offers you a chance

options carefully to make sure you make

You may find the following websites helpful.

to be the kind of person you want yourself

the best choice for you and your family.

Access to HE website: www.accesstohe.ac.uk

to be. To meet your aspirations. That’s

Access to HE providers, your education

Real-life stories:

what it’s done for me.’

officer or transition staff should be able to

www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/RealLife

help you choose the best route.

Diploma database: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/

Funding options

Higher education is not for everyone,

SubSites/PublicSearch/

Service leavers have several options to fund

but it could be your route through

Advanced Learner Loans:

their studies:

transition.

www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

Enhanced Learning Credits (if you’re

Enhanced Learning Credits:

registered)

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com UCAS: www.ucas.com questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

o claim them

YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

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

Next steps

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

Useful contacts

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

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

Army-ELC-Veterans@mod.gov.uk

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264 381580)

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

Mil: 95751 6888 Civ: 01400

266888) In addition, advice on any aspect of the ELC and FEHE schemes is available from: People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

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

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PD is about self-improvement and satisfaction. It is open to everyone and can be done for one or many of the following reasons: >> to improve knowledge for personal interest >> to be introduced to new ideas or skills >> to broaden horizons

>> to enhance in-Service career prospects >> to gain qualifications >> to prepare for a second career

PD wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen. You must take steps to find out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available and decide what you want to do. Use the flow chart below as a guide

Other sources of information include:

Individual talks to line manager about developing a realistic plan and maintaining a PD record (PDR)

A PDâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6; Route Map

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

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

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

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)

PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses. See Q for other options for Service personnel

A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available. Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure

College attendance is not necessarily required. Flexible study can be undertaken by correspondence, or using the internet and tutorial support is usually available

There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet. The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MODâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central distance learning resource, providing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;one stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills. Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sources of advice and financeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for details. Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

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

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

College Courses

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

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Personal Development Record (PDR)

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

Key: Q Service personnel

Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

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

Enhanced Learning Credits

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

Individual Resettlement Training Costs grant

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers. IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract, called Contract Funded (CF) training. These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of their £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access to up to 20 days of CF training. Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the student, but other allowances may be available to help with these. The CTP also offers a range of courses that are not within the MoD contract. These are known as Non-Contract Funded courses and you can use your IRTC grant or ELC to pay for these.

Professional and Career Development Loans These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered. The low-interest loan is arranged through one of four high-street banks, and certain conditions and criteria apply. Find out which banks offer the loan and order an application pack by calling the National Careers Service on Tel: 0800 100 900. You can also check online to see if you are eligible – visit www.gov.uk/career-development-loans

QUEST questonline.co.uk

Key: Q Service personnel

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

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

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

University Short Courses

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

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

Jobcentre Plus Finding a job

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre. When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’). To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages (www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’). You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688. There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.

Armed Forces Champions

Armed Forces Champions have been established in Jobcentre Plus districts throughout the country to ensure that the concerns of Service personnel and their families are addressed. Working with local bases and Families Federations, the role of the Champions is to raise awareness of the support available through Jobcentre Plus, such as information on the local labour market and how to claim benefits. (Any problems accessing Jobcentre Plus services can be fed through to local Champions via Unit Admin Offices.)

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

HUB THE

THE HUB

>> Course and training options, transition news and reader reports >> British Ex-Forces in Business Awards

BEAT THE DEADLINE!

>> SECURITY LICENSING

How long does the SIA criminal record check take?

When you apply for or renew a Security Industry

Authority (SIA) licence, we check to see if you have a criminal record. We do this by submitting something called a ‘disclosure request’ to one of the UK‘s three disclosure bodies. There are some things you can do to speed up this check … l

We may send you a disclosure request form for you to complete and return to us. If we do, please make sure that you follow the instructions we enclose with

At last year's inaugural British Ex-Forces in Business Awards

Nominations for the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards are closing very soon. Don’t miss out on nominating a deserving Veteran …

the form. If you don’t and you complete the form incorrectly it will delay your application. l

We may ask you to submit a disclosure request through the Access NI website. If we do, please make sure you ask for a standard disclosure. If you ask for

The deadline to nominate for the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards, the largest recognition of military Veterans in the UK workforce, is approaching. QUEST is delighted to be a partner of this high-profile event, which shines a light on the post-military achievements of Veterans in order to increase the visibility of business role models for Service leavers. The inaugural awards gathered together more than 500 business and military leaders earlier this year and the 2019 awards, due to be held on 9 May in the Grand Ballroom at the London Hilton on Park Lane, are set to be even bigger. By highlighting how military-gained skills can enable business success, and showcasing the strong synergies between military virtues and business excellence, the awards promote the huge value that Service leavers and Veterans can add to the UK economy if better utilised across the workforce. So let’s identify more business role models for Service leavers – nominate a Veteran at exforcesinbusiness.co.uk by 21 December.

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

a basic disclosure or an enhanced disclosure we will not be able to accept it. Also, if you ask for the wrong type of disclosure you will be charged the fee that Access NI would normally charge us. l

If you live overseas or you have spent six continuous months or more outside the UK within the past five years, visit the ‘Overseas Criminal Record Checks’ page of our website before you apply. You will need to provide evidence of a criminal record check from the relevant country or countries and this can take time, so it’s better to get this started before you apply.

To find out more about getting licensed to work in a security role, visit the SIA website at www.sia. homeoffice.gov.uk

>> CHARITIES NEWS

COACHING CAREERS

Dignitaries attend new phase for boxing charity The Bulldogs

I did it! Name: Chris Oakes Final Rank: Captain, Master At Arms (MAA), Royal Army Physical Training Corps (RAPTC) Courses completed: ACT Master Practitioner Coach, NLP Practitioner Coach, SBO Business Coach, ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring with Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) ‘I joined the Army in 1986 and, after ten years with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, transferred into the Army Physical Training Corps. Here I enjoyed a full career helping Service men and women from all three Services develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retiring as a Captain last year to start my own coaching business – “unlocking people potential and maximising people performance” – and turn my life passion into profit. ‘I’d been fortunate to receive quality experience and training in fitness and sports, adventurous training and leadership coaching while serving, but I also knew that, to be considered credible in a largely unregulated industry, I’d best seek a professional qualification. To this end, I employed my ELC to attend ACT and NLP practitioner certification courses, alongside the ILM level 7 Diploma in Executive Coaching and Mentoring, with Performance People. Aside from being experts within their field, as ex-Service people themselves they have a true understanding of the military mind-set, a great respect for the military ethos and a real passion for helping military people get the very best from themselves. ‘The courses were outstanding: ACT providing the hard science, NLP the soft skills, and ILM assessment enabling me to put theory into practice and demonstrate my return on investment. I’m now looking to attend an SBO (Small Business Owner) Business Coach course, again with Performance People, to provide me with the additional knowledge and skills not only to “do” the business of coaching, but also to run my own life coaching business better.’ If you want to use your ELC to develop yourself along similar lines, contact Performance People (ELC Provider 3015) on +44 (0)7976 821 333, email office@performancepeople.org or visit www.performancepeople.org See the advertisement on page 49

A host of dignitaries – including Byron Lewis, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Dennis Keogh, the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot – were on hand to open a new assault course and playground built by boxing charity The Bulldogs in Port Talbot. The Bulldogs is a partnership between Bulldogs Boxing & Communities Activities, a registered charity, and Port Talbot Amateur Boxing Club. As well as being a boxing club, it works with young people, to encourage them to make better life decisions, and SSAFA, the charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and Veterans from the British Armed Forces. The new assault course in the grounds of the club will be used by all members to improve fitness and engender team spirit. It was funded by the Armed Forces Covenant, which works with businesses, local authorities, charities and community organisations to support the Armed Forces. Says Stuart Phillips, trustee and head coach of The Bulldogs, ‘I am so proud of what we have achieved since this place was first opened in 2008. We have helped more than a thousand people and this assault course represents the next chapter in our journey. Everyone has a background and a story, and we have helped many people, from young people to Veterans, turn their lives around by starting to come here.’ To find out more, visit https://bulldogsboxingcommunity.wales/

>>TRANSITION SUPPORT NEWS

Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE  announced as new Stoll Chair Stoll, the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, has appointed Air Vice-Marshal Ray Lock CBE as the organisation’s next Chair. A retired Royal Air Force pilot and commander, Ray has a Service history spanning 35 years. As well as flying fighter jets in the first Gulf War, he coordinated the establishment of the Air Field in Basra, Iraq, for operational use in the second Gulf War. Ray was appointed head of the RAF station at Lyneham and was then in charge of the Joint Services Command and Staff College, the

training establishment for senior officers across the tri-Services. Ray is Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), established with the aim of providing an evidence base to influence and underpin policy making and service delivery in order to enable ex-Service personnel and their families to lead successful and sustainable civilian lives. Talking about his new role, Ray says: ‘I have collaborated with Stoll on a number of projects around Veterans’ housing in the past few years, with some impressive

outcomes, so I am delighted to now be able to take on the role of Chair. I am passionate about ensuring Veterans, particularly those who may be vulnerable, have a safe place to call home. I look forward to working with the senior leaders, the Trustees and Stoll’s dedicated team of staff to ensure that our beneficiaries continue to receive the help and support they need.’ For more information, please visit www.stoll.org.uk and www.fim-trust.org

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

THE HUB

>> RESEARCH

Beating cyber aggressors at their own game

>> RECRUITMENT NEWS

Ex-military recruitment specialists to merge

Nick Everard

Scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) have developed a cyber card game that helps staff identify and learn about some of the key open source techniques a cyber aggressor might use to gain insight, access and control over industrial and commercial infrastructures. The UK government and commercial sectors face a growing challenge in the form of cyber attacks and information warfare from criminals and state actors. Such attacks take various forms and are often very sophisticated, meaning they may go unnoticed. Training staff to recognise and counter common information warfare attack strategies can be difficult, time consuming and expensive. The key benefits of Dstl’s cyber card game are that it: l provides a rapid upskilling in understanding high-level, open-source cyber-attack techniques, and enhances learning on possible defensive strategies l offers a more enjoyable approach to cyber training – staff have the option to continue playing in their own time l is adaptable across a range of audiences and knowledge levels – the game can be tailored to various scenarios, ranging from a rapid two-hour session for corporate management through to an extended campaign for cyber professionals l avoids using classified information, and therefore does not need security clearance to play. The lead scientist who developed the game at Dstl says, ‘It is exciting to see the cyber card game being developed externally for the benefit of both security and commercial environments.’ To find out how to access free training in key cyber security software products, turn to our feature on page 44.

>> SECURITY EVENTS

Security events website

Find out key information about events that may be of interest to you if you are considering a career in the security industry by visiting the All Security Events website at http://allsecurityevents.com

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Andrew Jackson (left)

Employers looking to capitalise on ex-military talent are set to benefit from the merger of two specialist recruitment consultancies. SaluteMyJob and J1 Consulting recently announced their merger, joining forces to provide a more comprehensive set of integrated Veterans-focused advisory, recruitment and training services that will better serve employers and ex-military jobseekers alike. On merging, a new company will be formed, known as SMJ Consulting Services Ltd (SMJ), focusing exclusively on helping employers benefit from ex-military and reservist talent. SaluteMyJob will still continue to help former Service personnel and reservists with expert career guidance and support in their job search. The new consultancy will help employers to plan and implement Armed Forces programmes and build pipelines of talent, particularly those roles where employers have skills gaps. Employers will benefit from the wider range of services available and having access to a larger pool of ex-military talent. Ex-military jobseekers will benefit from the merger in terms of access to more job opportunities from a broader range of employers looking for ex-military talent. With more than 16,000 highly trained men and women leaving the Armed Forces every year, thousands more serving in the Reserves and a wider community of around one million working-age Veterans, the pool of ex-military talent is large and skilled enough to add value to any organisation. The new SMJ will make it easier for employers to source talent from a source many find hard to access. Says managing director Brigadier (Retd) Andrew Jackson, ‘There is a clear strategic fit with J1, which specialises in a different sector of the ex-military market to us, and brings with it an excellent and well-established reputation. The merger will enable us to provide a wider and more coherent range of services to employers, and improved employment support to transitioning and former Service men and women.’ Managing director Lt Col (Retd) Nick Everard adds: ‘I have known Andrew Jackson for a long time, both during our time in the Army and since. I admire what he is achieving with SaluteMyJob and look forward to being a part of that, providing the firm with a new executive search capability under the J1 brand, as well as assisting with its growing consultancy offerings.’ To find out more about the work of SaluteMyJob, visit www.salutemyjob.com Employers who would like to find about more about how SMJ Consulting Services can help them can email Andrew Jackson at andrew@smjconsultingservices.co.uk or Nick Everard at nick@smjconsultingservices.co.uk

>> DEVELOP YOUR NURSING PORTFOLIO

Battlefield to bedside Paediatric nursing at Great Ormond Street Hospital Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) in London is a globally renowned children’s hospital, championing innovation and providing ground-breaking treatments for the rarest and most complex conditions. It is a tertiary service within the NHS, where advanced medical investigations and treatments are delivered. As a specialised consultative healthcare centre, GOSH has the largest range of children’s specialties in one institution in the UK. We believe that transferring advanced clinical skills from ‘battlefield to bedside’ will offer a unique and exciting opportunity to enhance and develop your nursing portfolio. The International and Private Patient Service at GOSH is looking for extraordinary nurses from HM Forces who are able to help drive our vision, to deliver world-class clinical care to the children we treat with their unique skill set. The service is one of eight directorates within the hospital, and provides life-saving care to more than 5,000 children from all over the world every year. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to work across a broad range of specialties. The International and Private Patient Service incorporates every aspect of GOSH under one directorate, delivering mixed speciality care over four ward areas, in both inpatient and outpatient environments. This offers our nurses a unique opportunity to experience the broad spectrum of GOSH services in one area.

As an experienced nurse you will bring essential and transferable skills to our team. Access to our world-leading nurse education programme and purpose-built simulation centre will ensure you develop any additional skills you need to help treat the extraordinary children in our care. Our friendly team will be there to support you, every step of the way. When you join our team, you will also have access to a series of bespoke educational opportunities to increase your knowledge. In partnership with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, a series of cultural study days are available to improve your understanding of working with overseas patients. We also offer a range of leadership courses to build upon the skills you already have so that you can successfully apply them in a slightly different context. As well as permanent positions, we can offer work experience placements during resettlement with a working pattern flexible to you. For an informal discussion or to find out more, please contact Kate Rivett, Head of Nursing for the International and Private Patient Service, on 0207 829 7966 or email kate.rivett@gosh.nhs.uk Alternatively, find out more about what we do, or apply for a position at www.gosh.com.kw/nursing See the advertisement on page 67

>> JOB FAIRS CTP Employment Fair 14 February 2019, Salford CTP Employment Fair 7 March 2019, Epsom These CTP employment fairs offer: l

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

Check the events calendar on the CTP website for the most up-to-date

the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and

information on which companies are exhibiting. To confirm your place, call the

experience Service leavers can offer

CTP Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410, email CTPEvents@ctp.org.uk or

presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and

visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

vacancies l

All Employment Fair dates for 2019 are now available and ready to book: (see below).

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

Event Date

multinationals, across a host of industry sectors

North West: Salford  14 February 2019

the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and

South Central: Epsom  7 March 2019

other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process. Each Employment Fair will have up to 90 national and local companies in attendance, which will be offering a wide range of employment opportunities

East Midlands/East: Newark  27 March 2019 Scotland: Edinburgh  25 April 2019

for those leaving the Armed Forces. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet

South West: Bristol  13 June 2019

employers with current and future job vacancies. This is a great networking

South East/East: Chelmsford  4 July 2019

opportunity.

North East: Newcastle upon Tyne  19 September 2019

The fairs are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP (see oppsite for details).

South Coast: Southampton  17 October 2019 West Midlands: Telford  7 November 2019

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SELF-EMPLOYMENT

STEVE BULLEYMENT

t the age of 45, I

THERE’S SO MUCH GOOD ADVICE OUT THERE NOW, START MAKING PLANS AS SOON AS YOU CAN

discovered sailing. I’d never tried it before,

partly because I swim like a fridge! However, as soon as I tried it, I fell in love with being alone on the open water. It’s given me my sanity back. No phones, no social media, no

You have these resources

demands from my business.

at hand with resettlement

It’s the closest to flying I’ve

courses and the internet.

felt since leaving the RAF.

There’s so much good advice out there now, start

Why do I tell you this?

making plans as soon as you can.

Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean. You’re part of a crew, all working hard together, on a non-stop journey. But eventually, when your time’s up, it’s your turn to leave the ship – and you won’t be pulling in to port to do so. The only way to leave is to be lowered down the side into open ocean. Then you’ll be alone in your rowing boat, and you’ll watch your friends and colleagues steam off into the distance without you. Leaving the Forces to

What’s the best wood

Boat building for beginners ‘Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘You’re part of a crew, all working hard together, but eventually you’ll be alone in your own rowing boat.’ What happens next is up to you …

to make a boat from? Softwood? Hardwood? How thick do the beams and hull need to be? Likewise, how much money do you need to make your new business work? What equipment will you need? Mine needed around £50,000 of investment, and how I spent that money was important. l

How do you fix it together? Maybe you’ve bought a ready-made kit that just needs fixing

start a business takes it one

together, such as a

step further. You’ll need to

franchise. Great stuff.

build your own rowing boat,

steel could stay afloat in such

and have it finished, before

a rough sea.

they lower you down into the water.

But what do you know about boat building?

Most of us have never

But is it screwed, glued,

been shown how to build a

nailed, or both? Your

boat, so you’ll need to learn

business is kept together

start your business, you’ll not

fast, otherwise you’ll be

by systems, your skills

be building something massive

getting wet feet!

and the processes that

Fortunately, when you

To stay afloat, you’ll need

and heavy. Your single-person

you put in place. Dealing

business will compare to a 15ft

a few basic things …

with enquiries, getting

wooden boat, hand crafted

Instructions: Unless you’re

out quotes to prospects,

If you’re thinking of starting

in your spare time before

incredibly creative and

and talking to customers

a business, you need to build

leaving the Forces, using tools

experienced, you’ll need

and suppliers. These are

a boat, from scratch, that’s

and skills you’ve researched

drawings, with dimensions

your glue, screws or nails

going to stay afloat. But what

and studied.

and assembly instructions.

that will keep everything together.

do you know boat building? In my flying career we’d recce massive container ships, fully laden, in rough seas, yet somehow staying afloat. This always amazed me. How something made of heavy

The correct material:

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

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

How are you going to waterproof it? What’s going to stop the water coming in through the gaps? Even the smallest leak will sink the largest

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

There’s no doubt that if you market yourself

of boats. It’s just a matter

However, it takes time

correctly, using Google

of time. How do you

for a website to work,

AdWords, leaflet drops,

make sure you’ll stay leak

just as it can take time

Facebook ads and

However, things will go

free? Bailing out water is

for you to learn how to

radio, to name a few,

wrong. Things you won’t

exhausting! If you spring

use the sail correctly

it will get you moving

a leak, you’ll need to start

and get some speed.

fast.

The financial crash of 2008 is

the perfect example, as is the

bailing out. This works for a while. However, you can bail out only for so long. If all you’re doing is trying to stay afloat, you’ll not have the time or the energy to

THINGS WILL GO WRONG. THINGS YOU WON’T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER

sail your boat or enjoy the l

THE REWARDS ARE AMAZING, SO WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?

paid advertising.

But it’s expensive.

Think of your total

current turmoil around Brexit.

budget as the fuel

When the sea picks up, you

in the tank of your

need to know the waters won’t

outboard engine. The

overcome your tiny boat.

faster and longer you

Maybe this will mean putting

run it, the quicker

extra insurance in place,

you’ll use up your

having a reserve of money,

view.

How are you going to

sailing, in a light wind

budget. Then you’ll

or having friends and family

move the boat? Oars,

I’d go nowhere, while

need to spend more

to call on to help bail you out

a sail or an outboard

more experienced

on fuel. Having a

with time or money. Whatever

engine? I compare this to

sailors around me

heavy motor on the

it is, making plans for bad

advertising.

would manage a good

boat, which you can’t

weather is vital. I didn’t, and

o Using oars is like

speed by carefully

afford to run, becomes

it wasn’t fun to be out in a

word of mouth. Slow

setting the sail

nothing more than

storm, with a boat half-filled

and steady, you can

correctly. This is the

ballast, slowing you

with water, trust me.

trust oars to get you

same as your website.

down. So, before you

where you need to

Getting leads from

business. Choosing the

be. However, if you’re

your site depends on

consider your long-

correct materials, making sure

going any distance,

your visitors calling

term budget.

they’re a good fit, that they

it’s going to take a

you. It’s tricky to learn,

Navigation. Where are you

all work together. Sometimes,

long time. Perfect for

but essential. My site

going? Do you have a plan,

the thought of setting sail will

a Sunday splash on

now gets 25,000

other than just staying

be overwhelming. Other times,

the boating lake, but

visits a month and is

afloat? If you’ve read my

it will feel like most natural

will they move your

growing, but in the

story,* you’ll know I had

thing ever.

new business quickly

early days it was a tiny

no idea what I was doing

enough?

number.

and can’t remember even

the helm, steering your

thinking about navigation.

own course and racing in

o A sail is your website.

In my early days of

have any control over.

o Lastly an outboard

This is building your

Good luck. Being at

Hoisting it means

motor. As big as the

It was enough for me to

strong winds is exhilarating,

you’re in business.

boat can handle, it

just keep my feet out of all

rewarding and will push you

Once you get some

will speed you along,

the water that was coming

to the limits. The rewards are

traffic to the site, it

cutting past other

in. I was in deep debt.

amazing, so what’s stopping

will give you leads and

sailors without any

Think about it before you

you? Q

hopefully customers.

problem. This is like

cast off, because when you’re out at sea, you

need to know where you’re

KEY SKILLS Steve’s business, the Car Key Man, is a specialist auto locksmith company covering Lincolnshire. Launching in 2004, Steve spotted an opportunity to solve the problem of replacing lost and stolen car keys. The company now offers workshop facilities as well as a mobile service. Recognising the needs of concerned vehicle owners, it offers free consultations to find an affordable solution to the growing number of car key problems.

heading, otherwise you’ll go around in circles. l

Lastly, what have you got in preparation for rough seas? It’s going to happen. I didn’t

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believe anything could

Lincolncarkeyman@gmail.com

go wrong for me. I’m

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* Read all of Steve’s previous articles on our website. Go to www.questonline.co.uk and search ‘Steve Bulleyment’.

questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

YOUR RESETTLEMENT MEET THE RESERVES

KELLY RICHARDSON, RAF RESERVIST

Scaling new heights

During 2018, the Royal Air Force has, of course, been celebrating its 100th birthday. A mountaineering expedition to Nepal (Himalayan Venture 2018) has been organised in honour of the RAF celebrations, which will bring all of the RAF family together, with Air Cadets, University Air Squadrons, Regulars and Reserves all heading to the Himalayas for the month of September. ‘I am thrilled to have made it on to one of the teams,’ says Kelly. ‘It has been quite an extensive selection process, with superbly organised training along the way. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I really feel like I am part of something much bigger than myself, which I would not have gained access to in the civilian world.’ With such a busy lifestyle, the inevitable question looms. How is it possible to

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

personal commitments? ‘It’s not always easy, but provided you manage your time correctly and communicate well with everyone involved, it is very achievable. The Reservist Phase 1 and 2 training is planned and split so that it is spread out over a number of months, so that you can fit work, life and holiday commitments around it. It feels comprehensive, without

Reservist with 3 Tactical Police

brilliant work–life balance, which I was really

really complement each other, and there is

Squadron based at RAF Honington

craving. My employer now has an extremely

plenty of opportunity for your family to get

in Suffolk for the past year. She doesn’t

happy and motivated member of staff as

involved with events taking place.’

have a typical 9-to-5 desk job: working

a result. I am gaining skills and experience

for Collett’s Mountain Holidays, a Saffron

that I am, without doubt, applying and using

Kelly’s heart. Her father was a long-term

Walden-based company specialising in

in my civilian job.’

RAF Reservist as a gliding instructor, and

elly Richardson has been an RAF

mountain holidays, she spends most of

‘In the last 12 months, I’ve enjoyed a

Having joined the RAF Mountaineering

being overwhelming. They can also all

In many ways, the RAF is close to

her fiancé is an RAF regular and officer

her time managing European resorts, and

Association (RAFMA), Kelly has already

with the Regiment. ‘My advice to anybody

developing new and exciting locations for

attended a number of their meetings in

considering becoming a Reservist is, go

the business.

parts of the Lake District, Scotland and

for it! It can seem like quite an intimidating

Wales. ‘I am currently working towards my

process at the beginning, with a whole new

I had become quite settled and a bit too

Mountain Leader qualification, which I am

military language to learn (and a lot of

comfortable, and really needed a new

gaining through the RAF – an incredible

acronyms!). My biggest fear was not that

challenge. I wanted to spend my weekends

opportunity and something that I hope to

the training process would be too intense

doing something more meaningful. I was

give back in the form of sharing the skills

for me, but that I was going to do something

also craving being surrounded by similar

I’ve learned with new members in the

wrong or salute the wrong person. This

and likeminded people.

future.’

seems very daft now of course. Everyone

‘I love my civilian job,’ she says, ‘but

balance Reservist life with work and

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

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

has been through exactly the same process in one way or another, and every person I have met in my journey so far has been incredibly approachable, open and encouraging.’

Thinking of joining? In the past 15 years, Reservists have been called out to serve on

100% Guaranteed Work Placements

operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, to name just a few, resulting in many employers experiencing the mobilisation of one or more employees. Research suggests that 87% of Reservist employers who have experienced mobilisation were very supportive. This is good news, as Reservists could not carry out their important role, and train to the high standards of professionalism required, without the cooperation of their employers. Working in pressurised conditions during training or periods of mobilisation inevitably develops Reservists’ self-confidence, but it also helps them develop skills that many organisations in the civilian world don’t have the time or money to develop. In fact, research has found that the average employer would have to pay over £8,000 a year to purchase the same training in civilian skills as their employees receive from their Reservist training. Skills gained include soft skills such as leadership, initiative, decision making and working as a team – all important attributes for people working in many different sectors. The government wants to make joining the Reserves more attractive to ex-Regulars and, to this end, has simplified the Regular-to-Reserve transfer process, reinforcing it with financial incentives such as the Commitment Bonus. Introduced in 2013, this provides a payment of £5,000 over three years for ex-Regular transfers. In addition, Service leavers will be able to retain their rank on transfer to the Reserves and receive access to higher rates of Training Bounty on account of prior regular service. Throughout history, Reservists have provided the capacity to expand the Regular Forces to face new challenges when needed, and it would be impossible for the UK to mount a major military operation without the support of the Reserves.

To find out more about joining the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, like Kelly, visit www.earfca.org.uk Q

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

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questonline.co.uk l December 2018/January 2019

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from January 2019 to March 2019 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.

To book onto any CTP courses, workshops or events, please call the central bookings team on 0203 162 4410 Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

RC Aldergrove

RRC Catterick

RRC Cottesmore

German CV Writing

START DATE END DATE

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Mixed Class

Central London

07 January 2019 09 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019

07 January 2019 09 January 2019 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019 26 March 2019 28 March 2019 CTW Mixed Class 11 February 2019 14 February 2019 (Course location Preston) CTW Officer/SNCO 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019

07 January 2019 09 January 2019 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 12 February 2019 14 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 26 February 2019 28 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 05 March 2019 07 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019 19 March 2019 21 March 2019

rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk

Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019

24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019

RRC Aldershot rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 08 January 2019 10 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 05 February 2019 07 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019

CTW Mixed Class

21 January 2019 23 January 2019 (Course location Brize Norton) 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 (Course location Brize Norton) 18 March 2019 20 March 2019 (Course location Brize Norton)

CTW Officer 12 February 2019

14 February 2019

CTW Officer/SNCO 29 January 2019 26 March 2019

31 January 2019 28 March 2019

rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

Employment Support Programme Wksp 07 February 2019

07 February 2019

FAR All Ranks 27 March 2019

27 March 2019

17 January 2019 14 March 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp 08 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019

08 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019

FAR All Ranks 07 February 2019

07 February 2019

Final Approach 05 February 2019

05 February 2019

New Horizons in Retirement 26 February 2019

26 February 2019

25 January 2019 08 March 2019

15 January 2019 17 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 12 March 2019 14 March 2019

FAR All Ranks 24 January 2019 24 January 2019 (Course location External Venue) 07 March 2019 07 March 2019 (Course location External Venue)

New Horizons Moving Towards Retirement

29 January 2019 21 March 2019

11 March 2019 11 March 2019

29 January 2019 21 March 2019

RRC Colchester rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 28 January 2019 30 January 2019 05 February 2019 07 February 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 14 February 2019 14 March 2019

25 January 2019 15 February 2019 15 March 2019

Self Employment Awareness 21 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019

21 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019

RC Germany

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Senior Officer 08 January 2019 05 February 2019 19 February 2019 19 March 2019

10 January 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019

FAR Senior Officers 28 February 2019 28 February 2019 (Course location RC Northolt)

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer) 21 January 2019 04 March 2019

21 January 2019 04 March 2019

RC Northolt

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Mixed Class 07 January 2019 09 January 2019 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019 25 March 2019 27 March 2019

CTW Officer

14 January 2019 11 February 2019 18 March 2019

16 January 2019 13 February 2019 20 March 2019

30 January 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp

START DATE END DATE

Self Employment Awareness

CTW Junior Ranks

24 January 2019 28 March 2019

28 January 2019 30 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019

CTW Officer/SNCO 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019

21 January 2019 25 February 2019 14 March 2019

21 February 2019

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

17 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 March 2019

FAR All Ranks

21 January 2019 25 February 2019 14 March 2019

FAR All Ranks

17 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 March 2019

rcgermany@ctp.org.uk

Employment Support Programme Wksp

Self Employment Awareness 25 January 2019 08 March 2019

CTW Officer/SNCO

Self Employment Awareness

CTW SNCO 15 January 2019q 12 March 2019

rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk

21 February 2019

07 February 2019

24 January 2019 28 March 2019

RC Plymouth

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019

CTW Mixed Class

07 January 2019 09 January 2019 22 January 2019 24 January 2019 (Course location Culdrose) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019

12 March 2019 14 March 2019 (Course location Culdrose)

CTW Officer/SNCO 21 January 2019 25 February 2019 25 March 2019

23 January 2019 27 February 2019 27 March 2019

07 February 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp

21 January 2019 23 January 2019 18 February 2019 20 February 2019 18 March 2019 20 March 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp 24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019

24 January 2019 21 February 2019 21 March 2019

19 February 2019 19 February 2019

Self Employment Awareness

31 January 2019 07 March 2019

RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk

26 March 2019 28 March 2019 (Course location Faslane)

CTW Officer/SNCO 28 January 2019

30 January 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp

24 January 2019 24 January 2019 28 February 2019 28 February 2019 21 March 2019 21 March 2019

FAR All Ranks

31 January 2019 07 March 2019

CTW SNCO

17 January 2019 14 March 2019

27 February 2019

Self Employment Awareness

20 March 2019

14 January 2019 14 February 2019

RRC Tidworth

RRC Rosyth

27 February 2019

Self Employment Awareness 20 March 2019

rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Mixed Class

04 February 2019

06 February 2019

CTW Mixed Class 07 January 2019 09 January 2019 14 January 2019 16 January 2019 11 February 2019 13 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 11 March 2019 13 March 2019

CTW Officer

28 January 2019 25 February 2019 25 March 2019

30 January 2019 27 February 2019 27 March 2019

07 January 2019 09 January 2019 15 January 2019 17 January 2019 (Course location Faslane) 21 January 2019 23 January 2019 (Course location Kinloss) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 (Course location Lossiemouth) 04 February 2019 06 February 2019 19 February 2019 21 February 2019 (Course location Faslane) 25 February 2019 27 February 2019 04 March 2019 06 March 2019 (Course location Kinloss) 18 March 2019 20 March 2019

07 January 2019 14 January 2019 21 January 2019 04 February 2019 11 February 2019 18 February 2019 04 March 2019 11 March 2019 18 March 2019

09 January 2019 16 January 2019 23 January 2019 06 February 2019 13 February 2019 20 February 2019 06 March 2019 13 March 2019 20 March 2019

CTW Mixed Class 25 February 2019 27 February 2019

CTW Officer 15 January 2019 12 February 2019 12 March 2019

17 January 2019 14 February 2019 14 March 2019

CTW Officer/SNCO 28 January 2019 25 March 2019

30 January 2019 27 March 2019

CTW SNCO 08 January 2019 22 January 2019 05 February 2019 19 February 2019 05 March 2019 19 March 2019

10 January 2019 24 January 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 07 March 2019 21 March 2019

Employment Support Programme Wksp 10 January 2019 10 January 2019 24 January 2019 24 January 2019 07 February 2019 07 February 2019 21 February 2019 21 February 2019 07 March 2019 07 March 2019 21 March 2019 21 March 2019

FAR All Ranks

31 January 2019 31 January 2019 (Course location External Venue)

New Horizons in Retirement 11 February 2019

11 February 2019

Self Employment Awareness 16 January 2019 16 January 2019 13 February 2019 13 February 2019 11 March 2019 11 March 2019

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

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YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

Preparation for leaving the Forces Advice from the CTP, official provider of career guidance, skills training and job-finding assistance to Service leavers CTP provision is delivered from ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany, and the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot. The CTP provides a number of workshops, seminars, one-to-one career advice, and a range of in-house resettlement training for entitled Service Leavers from up to two years before discharge. CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers.

Contact the CTP on 020 7469 6661 or visit the website at www.ctp.org.uk

A Service leaver’s route map Service leaver completed under 4 years’ Service: CTP Future Horizons – registration upon discharge

Employment Support Programme

>> Prepares PRP with Consultant >> Receives regional employment advice

No Service Leaver completed at least 4 years’ Service: registers with Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?

Yes

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant

Attends: • further CTP workshops • training at RTC/ Resettlement Centre • civilian training attachment • external training • Financial/Housing briefings

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

Secures employment

Career Consultant led Wounded, Injured and Sick Service personnel: CTP Assist – registration upon discharge

ORANGE ELEMENTS ALSO AVAILABLE TO THOSE WITH 4–6 YEARS’ SERVICE

Develops, reviews and actions PRP: • further advice on: • career options • self-employment • job finding

• training • attachments • research activities • civilian work attachments Consultant supports and monitors progress

CTP support for up to 2 years after discharge; OA job finding support until retirement

Resettlement Services

Resettlement Centres

1st LINE The first stage in your resettlement process is with 1st Line, who offer information and administrative support. They are: >> RN – Education & Resettlement Officers (ERO) >> Army – Unit Resettlement Officers (URO) >> RAF – Resettlement & Education Co-ordinators (REC).

Career Transition Workshops (CTW), career counselling and other CTP workshops, briefings and events usually take place at one of the ten Resettlement Centres in the UK and Germany. Further information can be obtained from any of the Resettlement Centres listed below.

2nd LINE The principal task of 2nd Line is to provide advice and guidance on the resettlement package that will best suit the individual Service Leaver. For those entitled to CTP this will normally be a referral to a CTP consultant and/ or enrolment on a CTW, both of which will require the Service Leaver to be registered for CTP services. 2nd Line are: >> RN – Naval Resettlement Information Officers (NRIO), located at Base Learning Centres; for medical discharges the RN has a single 2nd Line point of contact referred to as NRIO (Medical) based in the Institute of Naval Medicine, Gosport >> Army – Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IERO) and AGC(ETS) Officers are located at Army Education Centres (AEC) and Theatre Education Centres (TEC); AGC(ETS) Officers may deliver 2nd Line resettlement advice when deployed on operations and occasionally when IERO are unavailable >> RAF – Each Regional Resettlement Adviser (RRA) is allocated a group of RAF stations to visit on a regular programmed basis. 3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk

December 2018/January 2019 l questonline.co.uk

Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 555834 Resettlement Centre Portsmouth Tel: 02392 724130 Regional Resettlement Centre Rosyth Tel: 01383 858230 Regional Resettlement Centre Tidworth Tel: 01980 650689

For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk

Courses 4 Forces Spring final 2015_C4F 16/03/2015 11:25 Page 52