Quest September 2016

RESETTLEMENT FOR ALL RANKS

September 2016

CAREERS IN THIS ISSUE:

Building trades Computing and IT Sport and fitness Telecoms

YOUR TEAM-MATE IN TRANSITION May Tommy Lowther’s Sporting Force be with you! page 14 The only monthly resettlement magazine distributed to all MoD units by BFPO under contract

questonline.co.uk

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

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Gastec Training has for many years worked closely with Britain’s armed forces as they prepare for civilian life. At Gastec we recognise the commitment you have made while serving and welcome the opportunity to ensure you have a prosperous future as you leave the armed forces. The Gastec New Entrant Gas Course will prepare you for an interesting and lucrative career in the gas utility sector. Call now for a special reduced pricing offer on this course.

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EDITOR THE OLYMPICS MAY BE OVER for another four years, but

its legacy lingers on, testament to the huge influence of sport and the power it has to affect our lives – and not just as spectators. In this September issue of QUEST, you can read the inspirational story of Tommy Lowther, a man for whom involvement in sport has been literally life changing – and it’s a gift he is now working to share with other Service leavers via his own business, Sporting Force. Its mission is simple: to help wounded, injured and sick serving and ex-Service men and women make the transition from a life in the military to life as a civilian through placements in the sports industry. The organisation’s motto says it all: ‘Create Your New Life’. You can read all about this excellent initiative on page 14.

To continue the sporting theme, among QUEST’s customary line-up of careers for your consideration this month, one spot on the podium is taken by sport and fitness – an area where many of our readers could find their niche among the many different roles on offer. We look at building trades too – again, it’s a vast sector with the potential for you to

get involved in an array of roles – many of them outdoors, which might be what you’re after? And, last but by no means least, there’s computing and IT, along with the closely related field of telecoms – sectors that, while converging, are also expanding at an extraordinary rate.

Our ambition, as ever, is to give you the best sporting chance we can, to ensure a golden future and the inside track to a successful transition. Over to you with the baton …

Lynn Brown Editor

In-depth articles on all the career areas covered by Quest throughout the year are always available on our website: visit questonline.co.uk and click on ‘Careers A–Z’ for the full list.

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 Alec Burns Tony Heathfield Brian Tolworthy DISTRIBUTION Martin Sells DESIGN AND PRODUCTION CB Creative Limited Tel: 01223 750566 www.cb2creative.com DIRECTORS Peter Threlfall (Chairman) Bruce Hodge (Managing) Roger Dalzell Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information at the time of going to press. The Publishers can take no responsibility for inaccuracies due to changes after that date, nor can they accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. Whilst every care is taken with artwork or film supplies, the Publishers cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. The opinions expressed are those of the individual authors and not necessarily of the Publishers. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement for the advertiser or the product by the Publishers, their employees or agents. The Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. © All rights reserved. Not to be resold, lent, hired-out or otherwise reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the Publisher.

Quest and Bulldog Publishing Limited are registered under the Data Protection Act (1984) registration number PX4096798 Cover photo courtesy of The Northern Echo

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September 2016

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SEPTEMBER 2016 >>

Contents COVER STORY

14 THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GOAL >> Tommy Lowther is taking his passion for football to new levels, as a way of helping others

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CAREERS 18 BUILDING TRADES 24 COMPUTING AND IT 30 TELECOMS 34 SPORT AND FITNESS

REGULARS 06 The Hub >> News, course options and first-hand reports to support your transition 40 Factfile >> Complicated rules and regs made easy 50 Job opportunities

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>> News, course options and first-hand reports to support your transition >> IN BRIEF

Poor public knowledge of the Armed Forces

Oak Tree candidate is NEBOSH top performer Oak Tree Management & Training Ltd student, David Aston, PGDip Tech IOSH MSyI, was recently recognised as NEBOSH’s top-performing UK candidate during 2015/16 for the National Certificate in Fire Safety and Risk Management. He received his award from NEBOSH at a recent graduation and awards ceremony held at the University of Warwick. David’s ‘Distinction’ result, with 240 points overall, also secured him a silver salver to mark his significant achievement.

Currently employed as the HSSE Officer at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank in London, David previously completed a successful and active career with the British Army, serving for eight years.

Oak Tree provides multi-skilled course packages as part of the resettlement training programme and ELC scheme, including NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, NEBOSH Fire Safety & Risk Management, NEBOSH Certificate in Environment Management, NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health & Safety, QMS/EMS Auditing, ILM (Institute in Leadership & Management) and project management programmes with ELC approval for funding.

Help with pre-employment interview techniques, CV preparation and career guidance is also available free of charge as part of the learning relationship for those training with Oak Tree.

Please contact us to discuss a tailored training package to support your future career.

Details of course packages, discounted fees and dates are also available on our website.

Get in touch 01284 763040 steve@aktree-training.co.uk www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod ELC provider number: 4687

A new study commissioned by Help for Heroes has found that 83% of adults think British soldiers and Veterans should have more support when they return from service. Yet, despite the ongoing sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, 76% think that Service personnel and Veterans are ‘forgotten about’ once they come home. The survey also showed that the public significantly underestimates current deployments, with the average adult believing the UK currently has troops posted to 19 countries when, in fact, the Armed Forces are currently deployed to more than 80. Just over one in ten (11%) respondents

For real industrial training without the risks, head to CATCH CATCH is the Centre for Assessment of Technical Competency (Humber) for the process, energy, engineering and renewable industries. Based near Grimsby, CATCH is at the heart of the UK’s ‘energy estuary’, home to several industrial giants including two oil refineries.

The 10-acre CATCH industrial site is equipped with a fully functional liquid process manufacturing plant, engineering workshops, a scaffolding zone, a 33m access tower and a renewables zone. The process plant expands over three storeys and is fitted with equipment supplied by industry. Delegates experience working on open grid flooring, operating the tank farm, opening/closing valves, and ultimately gain experience that can otherwise only be gained by working as a process operator either on an oil refinery or a chemical plant.

The CATCH facility was developed by industry for industry, due to a need to find competent candidates and to develop existing staff.

Delegates, apprentices and Service leavers train at CATCH for its realistic approach without real industry risks.

Please see the advertisement on page 41

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were unsure whether the UK is currently at war with the European Union!

Says David Richmond, Head of Recovery at Help for Heroes, ‘Without a better understanding among the public of the dangers facing our Armed Forces, Servicemen and women face a much greater challenge getting the support they might need. The public clearly think that more needs to be done to support our Armed Forces.’

To find out more about the work of Help for Heroes, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

CATCH’s Introduction to Plant Process Operations offers Service leavers real-life experience of the day-to-day tasks required to operate a liquid process manufacturing plant. Process operators are needed in a number of industries, including petrochemical, oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and renewables.

With the average UK salary for a chemical process operator at £28,769 (source: Payscale.com) the industry needs candidates with the attributes that Armed Forces personnel bring.

CATCH has a strong connection with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and has run Industry Awareness Events for Service leavers in the past, with another event planned for autumn 2016.

For further information on how CATCH can help you transfer from the Forces into the industry, please get in touch.

Get in touch 01469 552827 info@hcfcatch.co.uk www.hcfcatch.com Please see the advertisement on page 13

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Value:

£2000+ £2,400 products

Train2Train is the leading provider of compliance training and instructor-based courses within the UK. Our compliance training instructor course allows delegates to deliver 15 accredited QCF qualifications including first aid, health and safety, food safety, fire safety, and moving and handling.

As part of the course you will also receive a comprehensive instructor’s CD valued at over £2,400 which can be loaded onto your iPad mini (the iPad mini is included as part of the course for each delegate), this is inclusive of training presentations, handouts and delegate thumbnails.

Delegates will also be eligible to apply to register with Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC), which if successful will allow for the delivery and certification of the qualifications.

This unique course will allow you to teach either through your own company or on behalf of a training organisation.

It is also a fantastic addition to any CV to place in front of a prospective employer.

Training venues include*: • Doncaster • Oakham (Leics) • Catterick • Gloucester International Training venue:

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First Class publications from Highfield.co.uk Ltd - the UK’s leading supplier of compliance training materials

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Qualifying trainers, managers and compliance specialists for the future

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Disclaimer: Any learner wishing to apply for tutor and/or centre status in order to deliver regulated qualifications must meet the prescribed quality assurance standards as set by a regulated awarding organisation, for example, HABC. Learners should note that the successful completion of the course does not guarantee approval by a regulated awarding organisation.

Centre No. 11389

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Career opportunities with Ericsson in wireless communications

Many of you will remember Bruce Forsyth’s catchphrase ‘Points make prizes!’ from the game show Play Your Cards Right. Now a similar catchphrase could also be applied to the game of life, particularly when thinking about careers, except in this case it would read ‘Qualifications makes prizes!’ Here the prizes in question are higher salaries and improved advancement opportunities. Here at Ubi-Tech, we don’t claim ownership of this snappy little slogan – it was quoted to us by a senior Ericsson executive who is head of competence and skill development in the UK – and it is so true.

The reason we were in discussion is that Ericsson has won some major contracts and is also losing experienced engineers through retirement. It needs a new team of wireless/mobile/radio engineers to support major 4G rollouts and has asked Ubi-Tech to help it find its future workforce of around 200 engineers over the next 18–24 months.

It wants ex-Armed Forces people as it appreciates the qualities that you bring, and – when combined with the skills and knowledge learned on our Post Graduate Certificate in Wireless Communications resettlement programme – this makes you a perfect match as far as Ericsson is concerned.

So how do you take advantage of this great opportunity? It’s very straightforward. You will need to: l be leaving the Armed Forces in the next 18–24 months l have a technical aptitude l have a head for heights l have a full UK driving licence l commit to attending the Ubi-Tech PG Cert resettlement training programme.

If you can put a tick against all of the above, then please get in touch.

Ericsson will be holding regular interview and assessment days at our Redditch training centre. If accepted, you will be offered a contract of employment within 48 hours, ready for when you leave the Armed Forces. Your only commitment is that you must attend the PG Cert course before you commence your employment.

Your new career with Ericsson starts here!

>> NEW SERIES!

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces Part 1: The business plan

By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces A new series of articles – courtesy of X-Forces, in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) – aims to support potential entrepreneurs by answering some of the FAQs it receives from those either thinking of embarking on self-employment or scaling up and employing staff. If you’re a potential small business owner yourself, we hope you will find these short and to-the-point features a valuable addition to your own preparation.

In this first instalment we explore the reasons why a business plan is so important when you are preparing to start a business …

shop, say, try hiring a stall at a market first.

Before starting work on a full-time basis, you need to be as certain as you can be that the business will generate enough profit. This would usually involve preparing a business plan, which will not only help clarify your own vision but also convince others (such as the bank) that your business has a future.

Your business plan should answer some key questions, including: l What is the cost of setting up the business? l What is the anticipated trend in sales growth? l How long will it be before the business breaks even? l What cash flow or financing is required?

A business plan is also essential if you wish to raise finance!

Research and test your business idea Before starting, you need to establish who and where are your competitors, and how your offer will compare in terms of price, content, convenience, Case study: Tommy Lowther, and so on. You then need to develop a plan that shows Sporting Force and Former 1st how you will win customers – Battalion Light Infantry including a sales forecast by ‘I have no real experience in business week or month for the first – I’m just lucky that what I have two years. Researching the done up to now has worked.

However, having gone through market and your business the X-Forces experience, they proposition’s place in it will guided me through my business help improve your chances of plan and financial forecast. They success. It will also give you a didn’t do it for me, but they better understanding of your certainly gave me the tools to target market and anticipated be able to take Sporting Force to demand. It helps shape the a level that I’m not sure I could have decision to go ahead as well done myself. With the wealth of knowledge, commitment, passion and hard work of the X-Forces as clarifying issues such as team, I feel that I have a fantastic support network behind where to locate premises, how me.’ much to spend on promotion For more information about Sporting Force and and how much start-up Tommy’s story, visit http://sportingforce.org/ or read our finance will be required. full-length feature on page 14.

Will my business support me?

A business should provide you with a satisfactory income in exchange for the time you put into it. For example, you can reduce risk by beginning on a part-time basis or, if you are thinking of opening a

Get in touch 0800612 9193 mike@ubi-tech.co.uk

www.ubi-tech.co.uk Please see the advertisement on page 11

Ready to go?

Register for X-Forces’ start-up and business planning support today at www.x-forces.com Help for businesses can be obtained from ICAEW’s Business Advice Service, in the form of a free, straightforward discussion with an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. Find out more at www.businessadviceservice.com

>> JOB FAIRS North West Employment Fair 29 September, Salford South Coast Employment Fair 20 October, Southampton These CTP employment fairs offer: l a fantastic networking opportunity, whether you’re ready to apply for live jobs or simply researching the market l the chance to meet employers who already recognise the skills and experience Service leavers can offer l presentations from key employers about their recruitment processes and vacancies

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a wide range of companies, from small regional organisations to large multinationals, across a host of industry sectors l the opportunity to chat with Service support organisations, CTP staff and other Service leavers who are also going through the resettlement process.

They are open only to serving and ex-military personnel who have pre-registered to attend through the CTP. This is a great networking l

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet employers with current and future job vacancies! Book your place today. Call the Central Bookings Team on 0203 162 4410 or visit www.ctp.org.uk/events to find out more.

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

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I DID IT! Name: Ricky Burt Job: Lockforce Hull franchisee

‘I had been in the Armed Forces for seven years and, when I left, I joined Lockforce. I had read about Lockforce in an issue of QUEST that was given to me during my resettlement.

‘I joined Lockforce because I wanted to be my own boss. I’m doing a job I love, but have a network of colleagues who are there to help – as well as head office, which is just a phone call away. I have had someone to cover my back and teach me about running a business, and to provide me with the training I felt I needed.

‘The training worked very well for me, it was on a oneto-one basis up in Leeds with another member of the team called Carl. It started in a classroom and then we would go out doing jobs with real customers, so we actually got hands-on training while doing live jobs, which is how I like to learn.

‘Running the business is great! I work the hours I want to, I am earning more than I ever could have running a business alone, and my business has more than doubled since year one and is still growing. The results I am getting are a reflection of what I’ve put in to my franchise: I get directly rewarded according to how hard I work.

‘I have children so I get to spend time with them now, which I didn’t while I was in the Armed Forces, so now I get to make up for that. When they finish school I can be there to pick them up – I can make my work revolve around my life, whereas in the Armed Forces I had no opportunity to do that.

‘If you’re thinking about joining Lockforce, I would say do your background research, check that it’s something you definitely want to do, and ask yourself if you want to invest in your future. Then make sure it’s something that interests you. At the end of the day, it’s going to be your life going forward. As for me, I feel confident that my future with Lockforce will be exciting and lucrative.’

Get in touch 0118 929 1496 megan@lockforce.co.uk www.lockfranchise.co.uk See the advertisement on page 17

Five questions to ask if retraining as an electrician

If you’re thinking of training as an electrician then it pays to get the right advice from the right people. As the UK’s leading electrical training company, Trade Skills 4U prides itself on the quality of the training it provides, as well as advice. It believes that Forces people possess the best characteristics to work as electricians. Ex-military ‘sparkies’ often prove very successful, and are well respected by customers and employers alike. This is because the traits required to be successful in both careers can be very similar, including discipline, patience, physical ability and problem-solving skills. Combine this with the UK’s current need for qualified electricians and there’s no better time to consider a long and fruitful career in the electrical field. But, before you start out, it’s wise to ask yourself some basic questions …

at 16 weeks (over a 30-week period) and a cost of £7490, plus you will need to do an NVQ to get your gold card. If you simply can’t afford the time or money to go fully qualified, then training as a domestic installer now is a great option to get you out there earning as soon as possible. If at a later stage you do decide to go fully qualified, you can do it when you are in a better position financially. It also means you get your foot in the door sooner and can build up a network of contacts so that, when you do train, you are in a much better position to complete an NVQ. If you are using your ELC and you go down the domestic route then you will be able to fund most of the cost of the course, whereas with the fully qualified route you will be required to fund a much larger proportion yourself.

Why do you want to work as an electrician? What’s your goal?

As a career, being an electrician means that you will work with your hands and your head, which is one reason many people are drawn to this trade. However, how you perceive your future career is key. Do you want to work for yourself on a range of smaller jobs, or would you prefer to be employed on long-term contracts or on a permanent basis? The answer will have a bearing on the choice you make, and the reason for this is described next …

Do you want to be self-employed or would you prefer to work for someone else?

As mentioned above, both routes can lead to employment and self-employment. Due to the nature of the market in the UK, students will realise it’s easier to find longer jobs and permanent roles if they undertake the fully qualified route. That’s because the domestic installer market is made up of micro-businesses, which are generally sole traders or have just a few staff. Trade Skills 4U also believes that a Service leaver will have an advantage as a newly qualified electrician because he or she has been part of a troop and created a close bond with those they have worked with. This has many benefits when coming out of the Forces, as you will generally have a wide network of connections. This can be useful when either calling for additional help or planning a project that requires different disciplines.

Do you know the difference between ‘domestic installer’ and ‘fully qualified’ routes?

At present, the industry is set up in such a way that new entrants have to choose between becoming a ‘fully qualified electrician’ (who can undertake all types of work – domestic, commercial, industrial, etc.) or a ‘domestic installer’, who can work only on residential properties. The key thing is that if you train as a domestic installer and then choose to go fully qualified you may have to repeat some aspects of your training. As a very basic guide, domestic installers tend to work on a wider variety of smaller jobs on a selfemployed basis or in very small teams. The commercial (fully qualified) route keeps all of your options open; however this means that you are more likely to find work within a larger contracting company and focus on longer contracts or on a permanent basis. Either way, seeing as Service leavers don’t mind hard graft, you would easily thrive working in any setting, either self-employed, in a small team or for a contracting company.

How much time and money can you afford to spend getting qualified?

The difference between going fully qualified or domestic only is significant in terms of time and money.

For initial training with Trade Skills 4U, the domestic route costs £2495 and takes roughly four weeks, whereas with the fully qualified route you are looking

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Do you intend to work abroad or in Scotland?

Just as a final spanner in the works, it’s important to note that the domestic installer scheme covers England and Wales (and even then there may be some variations). If you want to work abroad or in Scotland, then you will need to look at going down the fully qualified route. Likewise, if you are planning to move to sunnier climes, you will probably want to check with the country in question which qualifications it accepts.

It is most likely that you will need to have completed electrical diplomas, and possibly the NVQ too. Trade Skills 4U recommends you speak with UK NARIC,* which can assist in mapping the different international requirements.

To find out how to access our courses speak to a member of the team today.

Get in touch 01293 529 777 www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/resettlement * www.naric.org.uk

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FFor or further informa information tion on course schedules and prices call FREEPHONE 0800 612 9193 or contact Richard Lee on 07814 678406 Email: info@ubi-tech.co.uk www.ubi-tech.co.uk www.ubi-tech.co.uk In association with

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>> IN BRIEF Final effort to find family of World War II hero Clifford Granville Shaw

At just 19 years old, Aircraftmen 1st Class (AC1) Clifford Granville Shaw should have had his whole life before him, instead he was killed when his RAF Bristol Blenheim bomber was shot down over France in 1940.

The MoD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) is now appealing for his family to get in touch after his grave site was finally identified, more than 70 years after he was killed in action.

I DID IT! Name: Jamie Fanneran Final rank: Sergeant Years served: 15 Course: Open I.T (various courses) Jamie Fanneran, 31, served in the Royal Signals, specialising as a Communications Systems Operator, before leaving the Services in January 2016 ‘to settle my family in a fixed location, to give my children stability and schooling. I also wanted to start early on a second career rather than playing catch-up later post-military.’

We asked Jamie to tell us about the training and experience gained during his Service career that he now finds useful in civilian life. Jamie says, ‘I have various IT and telecoms skills that I can apply to the commercial environment.

Although most skills are transferable, the more technical elements are bespoke to the MoD, therefore recertifying through resettlement was vital for me.’ While serving, he also achieved civilian qualifications including various management NVQs as well as NVQs in engineering and telecoms (mainly through Foundation Modern Apprenticeships).

During resettlement, as well as his CTW, he also undertook the ISO 27001 Lead Implementor and Lead Auditor course, which was completed using IT Governance. Jamie’s online-based training with Open I.T was, he says, ‘very useful’. ‘They provided me with some good certifiable attributes. That was the reason I was able to gain such fast and solid employment. I decided to move into the information/IT security space and Open I.T provided me with the training to get certified in a number of key areas that employers were screaming out for from their IT professionals. Through Open I.T I have managed to achieve the following certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security and CISSP, and I’m currently going through the process of certifying in Microsoft’s MCSE: Server Architecture. These are vital certifications for me that give my employer the confidence that I can work in a multitude of technical areas, and be able to provide the necessary support and guidance from a security perspective.’

He is now working for FIS Global in Birmingham as a Senior Information Security Officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Jamie says that the job involves ‘managing the information security compliance aspects for various business lines such as retail payments solutions and banking hosted services, as well as provisioning of key contracts, providing technical solutions to the financial and retail sector. I also ensure that corporate information systems are kept in a secure manner and are up to current regulatory standards.

‘Working in a small, close-knit team of professionals is fantastic – being given a task, and allowed the freedom to run it and provide periodic progress reports.

Knowing that cyber-security is the next big thing, any competence in IT or security in general is a bonus when looking at future employment prospects.

‘The relaxed atmosphere of my new role makes it easier to integrate with different areas of the business, and engage with many external agencies and clients. Not wearing a uniform took some getting used to, although having the freedom to choose your own suit for work makes you feel more integrated with the local community. My salary is currently slightly higher than it was in the MoD, and is due to shoot up in line with the current commercial rate for my job role, which means it will surpass my MoD salary by a long way.’

Open I.T is a UK Learning Centre that helps thousands of working professionals, Service personnel and jobseekers into IT training programmes every year.

Open I.T works with the MoD to provide resettlement training and accreditations on behalf of all major vendors such as Microsoft, Cisco and CompTIA, covering industry-recognised professional courses and certifications such as the MCSE, CCNA, CCIE, CompTIA A+, Security+, ITIL, Prince2, CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker). For full course listings, information and prices, please contact our resettlement training staff (see contact details below).

Get in touch 0800 599 99 98 or 01279 621 750 resettlement@openittraining.com www.openittraining.com/elc See the advertisement on page 27

12

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

Serving in the RAF, Clifford, who lived in Wraxall, Bristol, was the son of Percy Merryweather Shaw and Ellen Grace Caroline Shaw, also of Wraxall. He had a brother, Ernest, who also died during the Second World War. An appeal has been launched to trace Clifford’s family so that they can be invited to attend a service of rededication of his grave in France this October.

If you can help to trace Clifford’s family, please call Louise Dorr at the JCCC on 01452 712612 ext. 5465 or email her at DBSJCCCCommem4SO3@mod.uk

£140,000 grant for Veterans projects in England and Wales

The Soldiers’ Charity has given a £140,000 donation to Alabaré Homes for Veterans to help it continue its work in England and Wales. Alabaré Homes for Veterans offers support to Service men and women across the UK who have left active service and are experiencing difficulty adapting to civilian life. Alabaré currently operates 24 Homes for Veterans across England and Wales, providing bed spaces for 120 Veterans in crisis. The charity offers temporary support, helping Veterans to gain the skills and confidence they need to move on.

Says Jason, a Veteran who Alabaré has helped: ‘Alabaré Homes for Veterans has provided fantastic support for me, and was brilliant at helping me get my life back on track. With my determination and their support, I am in a really happy place right now and looking forward to a bright future.’

To find out more about the work of both organisations, visit www.homesforveterans.co.uk or www.soldierscharity.org

Learn a trade: plastering, tiling, plumbing, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying …

Working for yourself as a self-employed tradesperson after completing an intensive training course may seem impossible but, as the following case study shows, with the right training and support you can do it …

I DID IT! Name: Jamie Turner Course provider: Construction Skills College Having completed 13 years’ service in the RAF, Jamie Turner decided to complete a plastering, plumbing and tiling course at Construction Skills College. Since completing the course he has set up as a self-employed tradesperson and now has a contract working for his local council.

He tells Quest, ‘I didn’t have a clue how to do anything before the course, but both the course and my tutors gave me the confidence to go self-employed. I found the course intensive and enjoyable, and what I liked about the college were the training bays, the amount of hands-on practical training and the outstanding knowledge of all the tutors. They offer their support after the course and I have been in touch with them since for advice, which is invaluable.’

The courses are taught by experienced tradespeople and Jamie was taught by a

Gas Safe plumbing and heating engineer with 26 years’ experience, an experienced tiler who has 20-plus years’ experience and an experienced plasterer who has 42 years’ experience. Training is delivered in purpose-built training bays, and all tools and materials are provided throughout the course.

‘I only completed my training this year,’ continues Jamie, ‘and I have already done three complete bathroom refurbs, I have plastered five houses from top to bottom, and I have completed a number of other plastering, plumbing and tiling jobs. I am currently working with a property developer doing a full house renovation.

‘I would definitely recommend Construction Skills College if you are thinking of learning a trade.’

Construction Skills College provides accredited training in plastering, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying and rendering at its dedicated training centre in Staffordshire.

Get in touch 01782 837007 donna.king@tradeteacher.co.uk www.tradeteacher.co.uk See the advertisement on page 52

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

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questonline.co.uk 2016 February 2015l/September www.questonline.co.uk

65

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COVER STORY

THE MAN WITH THE

GOLDEN GOAL Army veteran Tommy Lowther has found something very precious in his passion for football and he’s putting it to excellent use as a way of helping fellow ex-Forces personnel make the transition to civilian life through the sport

‘You literally think the world will be a better place without you in it. It’s like being trapped in your own head. You know it’s not normal behaviour and you feel like a burden. It’s an awful, awful experience. I used to be embarrassed about it, but it all depends on how you deal with it. If you let

Photo courtesy of The Teesdale Mercury

it rule you that one day, it will rule you the next.’

Inspiration through recovery Following his breakdown, Tommy enrolled on a Pathfinder course via Help For Heroes, which is designed to help veterans ‘find a way of life again’ (see box). ‘It

Your mascot in recovery: Help for Heroes ‘saved my life,’ says Tommy

J

oining the Army straight from

bomb thrown at him and suffered minor

school, Tommy Lowther, now

burns to his face.

33, went on to serve in Northern

14

Having left the Army after three years,

Ireland, Gibraltar and Iraq with the 1st

being medically discharged in 2001, Tommy

Battalion Light Infantry. ‘I was a boy in a

then went on to work for the Metropolitan

man’s world,’ he says. ‘I had literally only

Police for five years, but it was only after

just turned 18 and was thrown into the

later contracting for GlaxoSmithKline and

thick of it in Northern Ireland at the height

being offered a permanent job that he had

of the Orange march season. I got pulled

a breakdown and was diagnosed with post-

into the crowd and was stamped on. They

traumatic stress disorder about 18 months

broke my eye socket. I got a bloody good

ago. ‘I was pretty much at my lowest,’ says

beating that day.’ He also had a petrol

the father of two.

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

HELP FOR HEROES’ PATHFINDER COURSE

having trouble with what most people

his own business: ‘They gave me the tools

would consider day-to-day tasks. ‘At the

to take Sporting Force to a level I’m not

The Pathfinder

time I didn’t know what was wrong with me;

sure I could have done on my own. With

course provides

I would have low moods and be depressed;

the knowledge, commitment, passion and

wounded, injured

I got sacked from my job because I was

hard work of the X-Forces team, I feel that

and sick veterans

having so much time off work. Then I spoke

I have a fantastic support network behind

with the tools,

to Help for Heroes. They saved my life

me.’

support and time they need to help them

because I was in a pretty bad place.’

successfully transition into their civilian

Now, having founded Sporting Force

Following on from the Pathfinder

last year, Tommy is keen to provide

life. The three-phase programme (Inspire,

course, Tommy’s next step was to enrol on

his own support network too, and is

Enable, Support) helps veterans learn

X-Forces’ Business Experience Programme

working with several football clubs

more about themselves, develop skills and

(see box). Having won his own battle and

across the country to provide work

identify new opportunities.

addressed PTSD with a positive attitude,

experience opportunities for veterans.

Tommy had become aware of the shocking

Through Sporting Force – whose motto

or email career.recovery@helpforheroes.

statistics on those who have not been

is ‘Create Your New Life’ – his aim is to

org.uk

so fortunate and wanted to find a way

support others who may have had similar

to help them too. It was through his own

experiences and are struggling to cope.

did everything it says on the tin,’ says

involvement in and enthusiasm for sport –

‘What I’m trying to do now is reach out

Tommy. ‘It helps you find a path in life. It

football in particular – that the idea for his

to people. It isn’t just about work or

is literally what saved my life. It got me

own initiative, Sporting Force, was born. In

employment, it’s about giving them a bit of

where I am now. What it did for me and my

putting together his business plan prior to

confidence back, letting them know they

relationship with my family is incredible.’

launching Sporting Force, Tommy says he

And, importantly, it is where he found the

benefited immensely from the invaluable

inspiration for, and began to develop, his

help of X-Forces and its Business

current venture: Sporting Force.

Experience Programme, as outlined in our

X-FORCES’ BUSINESS EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

To find out more, call 01980 844257

As a sufferer of PTSD, Tommy

story on page 8. X-Forces’ in-depth training

Since 2014, X-Forces

had been in the position where many

programme and expert advisors guided him

and Help for Heroes

ex-Service personnel find themselves,

through the practical aspects of setting up

have supported more than 50 wounded, injured and sick Service men and women through their Business Experience Programme.

This is a six-day handson programme that delivers bespoke support tailored to each individual, their circumstances and ideas. These potential entrepreneurs are taken through each area of enterprise, and coached in life skills for business – a valuable asset whether they ultimately decide on selfemployment, regular employment, or a combination of both.

These incredible individuals are fasttracking their learning in business and, thanks to the course, are able to gain proven insights and confidence that will help them in making important decisions about starting a business or working within a business – as well as access to a network of like-minded people beyond the six-day programme.

To find out more, call 0800 307 7545, email info@x-forces.com or visit www.x-forces.com

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

15

Q

COVER STORY think of’, and this, he says, can help give

‘The veterans find the team spirit

veterans the confidence to get back into

and camaraderie at Sporting Force very

work.

healing. They have the chance to meet

A pilot project at Middlesbrough FC led

Pitch perfect: Sporting Force recently organised an open day for Service men and women at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium

up with other veterans, speak to our

to one veteran being given a permanent

veteran liaison officer, and experience real

post in the hospitality section and another

empathy and compassion in surroundings

group of up to eight is set to start at Milton

they can relax in – there’s no chintz or

Keynes Dons in the coming weeks.

scented candles.

Recovery through sport

of recovery the individual is at and, even

‘Recovery through sport is massive

if they are not yet ready to begin a new

because it gets the endorphins going,’ says

career, we will work with them to prepare

Tommy, ‘but you don’t necessarily have

for when the time is right. We help with

to be a football fan because there are so

every aspect of a work placement, from

‘We are on hand whatever the stage

many different opportunities. If you are, or

CVs to interviews, and – even after

still have things to offer. They have really

know, a veteran that wants to get involved

securing a successful result – we will

good transferable skills that money can’t

I would encourage them to take that first

always be on hand, whenever they need

buy. They can get out of the house and

step of picking up the phone because it

us. We may be based in Bishop Auckland,

they can integrate with society.’

might just change their life.’ (Full contact

but we are helping veterans throughout

details are supplied at the end of this

the UK!’

Sporting Force

feature.)

Working in partnership with professional sports clubs and companies linked to the industry, Sporting Force offers work placements to wounded, injured and sick serving and ex-serving men and women.

‘We understand how daunting life in the civilian world can be,’ says Tommy, ‘particularly when a cherished life in the military comes to an abrupt end. Sporting Force takes every step side by side with those heroes during what can seem an impossible transition.’

Through the scheme, which aims to help them adjust to civilian life, veterans spend four weeks with a football club while also gaining a level 1 NVQ, employability skills and the chance of permanent work thanks to learning the ropes in various roles. Says Tommy, ‘It could be ticketing, it could be marketing, it could be hospitality or ground keeping. There’s physio, dietician, administration and finance.

Football clubs have everything you can

CAN SPORTING FORCE HELP YOU? If you are a wounded, injured or sick serving or ex-Service personnel (or family member/partner of someone who is) please complete the simple form you will find on the Sporting Force website at sportingforce.org and someone will call you back for a chat, or email them at members@sportingforce.org

16

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

Sporting Force offers work placements to wounded, injured and sick serving and ex-serving men and women

MORE ABOUT TOMMY

What next?

and Manchester United owners Roman

Tommy is the manager of an under-

The charity is now also working with

Abramovich and Mike Glazer. He hopes

10s football team and is in the final

Leeds United, has a new programme

future case studies will convince them

stages of completing his level 2 football

with QPR, and recently organised an

to finance the initiative for the next five

coach qualification. He has a very close

open day for Service men and women

years, including setting up a base and a

relationship with Middlesbrough Football

at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. The deal

recovery centre. That really would be a win

Club acting as a local talent scout – a

with QPR includes a ten-week personal

worth celebrating!

position it offered him after seeing a

development and employability course,

news article about he had set up a junior

followed by six-week work placement for

For more general information about

school football league for 18 local schools.

veterans.

careers in sport and fitness, turn to our

The Sporting Force difference

feature on page 34. Q

The charity, which itself has an £80,000 deal with Help for Heroes, also arranges sporting activities. One veteran

Tommy acknowledges that there are

said after a week at an outdoor adventure

already organisations supporting the

centre in Scotland, ‘I have never felt so

THE X-FORCES FACTOR

military and veterans, but Sporting Force

alive and engaged since leaving active

Since its launch in July 2013 X-Forces – the

is different, he says. ‘These organisations

service.’

MoD’s official training partner for self-

often focus on physical recovery, mental

After building up several successful

employment, delivering training through the

health or financial support. Our focus

case studies, Tommy is now seeking to

Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – has

is on providing opportunities and work

meet the FA board to secure its help in

nurtured and guided 700 new businesses,

placements in the sports industry, initially

rolling out Sporting Force to football

and facilitated £6.9 million in seed funding. It

through professional football clubs.

clubs across the country. Ultimately,

supports Service leavers, veterans, spouses,

Tommy wants all 92 clubs in the FA to

reservists, cadets and dependants.

working with sports organisations we can

sign up. He has already spoken to the top

To find out more about running your own

offer opportunities that appeal to those

ten Premier League sides: ‘It took ages,

business and the support available from

with an active background, ignite a passion

but every single one came back and said

X-Forces, visit www.x-forces.com

and help create a new life outside the

they would like to get involved.’ Contacts

Services.’

have also put him in touch with Chelsea

‘Life in the military is active and by

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

17

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BUILDING TRADES

Trade up!

Seeking to progress in a practical career?

There’s a huge range of roles to choose from in Britain’s biggest industry

What’s involved?

Electrical engineering?

C

l plumbing

are expected to continue to be the main

l

onstruction is Britain’s biggest

l bricklaying

industry and looks set to stay that

l plastering

way: private housing, and industrial

l

and commercial requirements in particular,

Basic requirement: 17th Edition Wiring Regulations

carpentry and joinery (woodworking)

drivers for the sector over the next few

gas installation and maintenance

years.

l

Work in this field covers an enormous

We will look at each of these in turn.

air conditioning and refrigeration.

variety of roles – so, if you are a practical person, interested in how things work and are put together, why not consider

shows that you know the necessary regulations and how to use them – it is virtually impossible to start in the

industry without it. The next step may be the Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installation award and, after that, further qualifications to level 4 and

Electrical installation and maintenance

beyond through Energy & Utility Skills (the UK authority on professional development

the building trades as a possible way to

Electrical engineers deal

and employment in the energy and utilities

construct your ideal next career? Well-

with power generation

industries, focusing in particular on for

trained, competent trades people are

and supply. Modern

power, gas, waste management, water and

always in demand. Read on to get an idea

manufacturing techniques

renewables) and other bodies.

of just some of the main roles that make up

tend to make replacement

this busy and diverse sector.

18

Regulations, which

CITB (the industry training board for

of a faulty component more cost-effective

the construction industry and a partner

for the consumer than mending it in situ.

in ConstructionSkills) predicts that there

Building-related careers in brief

This means much of the traditional role of

will be a growing need for qualified

Some of the major skills in which people

the maintenance engineer has changed,

electricians over the next couple of years,

who work in the building trades are trained

with removal and reinstallation now the

so the prospects are good. However, if

include:

norm. For electrical engineering, the

you want to qualify as a civilian electrician

l

basic requirement is 17th Edition Wiring

you will find that this involves a significant

electrical installation and maintenance

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

ELECTRICAL SAFETY, PART P AND DOMESTIC INSTALLER SCHEMES Part P of the Building Regulations states that certain types of household electrical work (classed as major works) must, by law, be approved by a certified contractor or building inspector. This means any new circuits, changes of consumer units, works in special locations such as bathrooms and anything that involves a new supply must be notified to building control. However, if an electrician is registered on a Domestic Installer scheme they are able to self-certify their work, saving time and money.

This is what many people refer to as being officially ‘Part P’ registered.

To start out in the industry, you must learn to rewire a house, pass your 2382 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and, ideally, City & Guilds 2392-10 Testing and Inspection. Awareness of a qualification covering Part P building regulations is also recommended. These courses will enable you to operate on a self-employed basis and, where necessary (for any major installations), you will need to certify your work via building control.

Once the level of major installations has increased, you might look to register on a

IT IS BECOMING NECESSARY TO HOLD REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCE TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT IN THE INDUSTRY

domestic installer scheme in order to save time and money.

To register on a scheme you will be required to complete the level 3 Certificate in Installing, Testing and Ensuring Compliance of Electrical Installations in Dwellings – or, simply put, a ‘Qualified Supervisors’ course. This course will take four to six weeks, and is suitable for self-employed electricians

amount of study/training (even if, while serving,

or those looking to supervise a small team of

you have been an electrical fitter or mechanic, or

installers.

even an electrical artificer). Would-be electricians must pass

In order to become registered, you need to apply to a

the Electrotechnical Services NVQ at level 3. You may be

scheme provider by completing and returning an application form

able to qualify through an apprenticeship scheme with an

(companies that run such schemes include NAPIT, NICEIC, ELECSA and

electrical contractor, but the range of apprenticeships available

BSi). On receipt of the completed form, the scheme provider will arrange

will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills

to send an inspector to your place of work to assess your compliance

employers need from their workers. If you are not eligible for

with BS7671, and visit a selection of recently completed installations. On

such a scheme, you could learn the theory and some of the

passing this assessment and being registered as a domestic installer,

practical skills needed for the NVQ by taking the City & Guilds

you are permitted to certify your own work (self-certify). Thereafter, the

Technical Certificate in Electrotechnical Technology, levels

scheme provider is notified following each completed installation and

2 and 3, at a college. However, to become fully qualified you

keeps records of completed work, which it can provide as required to

must complete the work-based NVQ. Industry bodies strongly

local authorities and customers. You pay an annual fee to the provider to

recommend that you gain a placement or employment with

remain registered on the Qualified Supervisor (Part P) scheme.

an electrical contractor as soon as possible after you start the Certificate, so that you can complete the NVQ.

Due to recent changes in the regulations, it advisable to check with the scheme provider exactly which courses they recommend you have before making your registration. This will ensure that you do not waste

Plumbing

time or money on the wrong course(s). It is also worth ensuring that Plumbers install central heating systems,

you train with a reputable course provider – most of these will be ELC

controls and pipework; sanitary systems;

registered.

drainage systems; guttering and rainwater

If you would like to find out more, a good source of information is the

systems. Heating systems may be powered

Trade Skills 4U blog at www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/tradeskills4u-blog

using electricity, gas, oil or solid fuel.

Sometimes refrigeration and water purification systems are

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

19

Q

BUILDING TRADES

also fitted (but see ‘Air conditioning and

Plastering

Gas installation and maintenance

refrigeration’, below). Maintenance work

Most people know about

includes routine servicing and emergency

plasterers applying wet

Anyone working on gas

repairs. Repair work involves finding

finishes to walls, ceilings

appliances or fittings

faults, replacing or repairing damaged

and floors; this is known

must be competent and

parts, carrying out tests and making sure

as solid plastering. Fibrous

registered with the Gas

everything works properly. A range of

plastering involves making ornamental

hand and power tools are used to cut, bend

plasterwork in a workshop – the kind

Competence can continue to be proven

Safe Register (GSR).

and join metal and plastic pipes.

you might see on decorative ceilings.

under the Accredited Certification

Most plumbers in the UK work directly

Plasterers have to be prepared to work at

Scheme (ACS) through a distance learning

for a plumbing or maintenance firm, while

heights, and will spend most of their time

programme. ACS has a two-day core

others, particularly in the domestic sector,

indoors. Again, wage rates are set annually

domestic gas safety assessment and a

are self-employed. Plumbers work in a

by BATJIC.

number of appliance assessments that

team or alone, and, on domestic repair

Currently, demand for skilled labour

take half a day each. A competent student

and maintenance, tend to deal with clients

outstrips supply so overtime and

should take five days to pass the full

direct.

incentives are often available. Payment

domestic suite of qualifications.

to subcontracted labour tends to be at an

Bricklaying

Energy & Utility Skills has developed

agreed price per linear metre of partition

a set of occupational standards and

As suggested in the title

installed, so speed and accuracy can be

qualifications at levels 1 to 4. The objective

of this feature, this is the

important. The work provides a high level

is that the resulting qualifications will be

job most likely to spring

of job satisfaction, with plasterers often

as common as possible across industries to

to mind in connection with

progressing to higher roles or even owning

enable workers freedom of employment in

the building trades. And

their own companies.

the entire sector.

Carpentry and joinery (woodworking)

Air conditioning and refrigeration

though not the be-all-and-end-all, it’s still has a significant part to play. Bricklayers use many different types of material to create different effects (such as

Carpenters and joiners

The refrigeration and air

ornamental walls and vaulted archways).

prepare and put in place

conditioning (RAC) industry

They also use a variety of specialist tools

most of the wooden

is growing in importance:

to spread mortar, cut bricks or blocks to

parts of buildings – from

ensuring that the air in

size, and to check that walls are perfect.

floorboards and roof

particular environments

If you’re considering this role, you should

trusses to expertly crafted windows

is neither too hot nor too cold calls for

enjoy working outdoors and be happy at

and doors. They use very specialised

specialist skills. This is an environmentally

heights. You should also be physically

woodworking tools and work with many

friendly and highly technical industry – part

fit, careful, accurate and able to follow

different kinds of wood. They often work

of the RAC engineer’s job is to ensure

detailed instructions from architects.

in teams and have to be able to calculate

people and businesses are using energy

Bricklayers often travel around the

angles and dimensions to make sure

country, and sometimes abroad.

everything fits. They need mathematical

Wage rates are set annually by the Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial

aptitude and generally have to be just as good with their heads as their hands.

Council (BATJIC). Overtime and incentives

Wage rates are set annually by BATJIC,

THE CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CERTIFICATION SCHEME

are often available, and some bricklayers

with overtime

The CSCS was set up to help

progress to technical, supervisory and

and incentives

the construction industry

managerial roles.

often available.

improve quality and reduce

Carpenters and

accidents. CSCS cards are

joiners sometimes

increasingly demanded as proof

move into other

of occupational competence

Why choose the National Construction College?

allied occupations,

It’s CITB’s network of colleges, training and assessing construction skills UK-wide www.citb.co.uk/training-courses/ why-choose-national-construction-college

including

Source: www.cscs.uk.com

formworking, shopfitting, bench joinery, maintenance work and interior systems installation; some

by contractors, public and private clients and others.

They cover hundreds of building tradesrelated occupations so there is a card suitable for all roles (for example, ‘Craft

move into management or run

and Operative’ cards include those for

their own businesses.

bricklayers, carpenters and joiners, formworkers and plasterers).

To find out more, visit: www.cscs.uk.com

20

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

as efficiently as possible, by working with

You can find more information about

might start by learning the basics of a

renewable technology (special types of gas

working in this sector, and about relevant

trade, and go on to become an expert in

that don’t damage the ozone layer) and

training providers, on the websites of

a particular part of it, another might build

seeing how consumers can reduce their

the Chartered Institution of Building

a portfolio in a number of skills to qualify

energy consumption.

Services Engineers, the Air Conditioning

them for a supervisory role then general

and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)

management.

Careers in this industry may be roughly divided into two areas. Refrigeration

and SummitSkills (the standard-setting

engineers install, service and maintain

organisation for the building services

to hold registration or certification of

refrigeration systems in establishments

engineering sector) (for details of all of

competence and/or training in particular

like supermarkets, hospitals and food-

these, see ‘Key contacts’).

aspects of building skills to secure

processing plants. Air conditioning

Get qualified!

employment in the industry. Ambitious

engineers install, service and maintain

It is becoming increasingly necessary

Many of the trades discussed above are

people can start by gaining vocational

the systems that control and preserve

learned on the job, but the construction

qualifications in any of the trades

air quality, temperature and humidity

industry also has training schemes

described here while working, and develop

in locations such as schools and offices.

that combine working and education to

their skills through technical training,

Both may also work on construction sites,

produce qualifications that you can build

perhaps gaining certificates or diplomas,

depending on the type of work in which they specialise.

To start out in this sector, you will need an NVQ or SVQ at level 2 or 3.

After that, there is additional training you will need to complete in order to

Q

up over time to develop expertise in a

eventually becoming fully professionally qualified, perhaps even with a degree. Q

particular area. While one person

KEY CONTACTS

General

Semta (the Science, Engineering,

people start out as an apprentice straight

Find out more about the Building and Allied

Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance)

from school or college and train on the

Trades Joint Industrial Council (BATJIC), via:

0845 643 9001

job, if you are 25-plus you can still take an

Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

customerservices@semta.org.uk

become fully qualified. Although most

NVQ/SVQ without doing an apprenticeship

0330 333 7777

www.semta.org.uk

– however, to gain this qualification, you

reception@fmb.org.uk

@SemtaSkills

must be in a position to be assessed on

www.fmb.org.uk

site, carrying out work on real installations.

@fmbuilders

Plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, woodworking

As with an apprenticeship, you should be prepared to achieve the qualification over

Chartered Institution of Building Services

a number of years, not weeks or months

Engineers (CIBSE)

CITB

– there is no quick fix to gaining the right

020 8675 5211

www.citb.co.uk

qualifications and it is likely to take around

membership@cibse.org

@CITB_UK

four years.

www.cibse.org

0344 994 4400

Gas installation and maintenance

@CIBSE

Energy & Utility Skills Limited SummitSkills

0845 077 9922

020 7313 4890

www.euskills.co.uk

enquiries@summitskills.org.uk

@EUSkills

www.summitskills.org.uk @SummitSkills

Gas Safe Register 0800 408 5500

Electrical installation and maintenance

enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

City & Guilds

www.gassaferegister.co.uk

0844 543 0000

@GasSafeRegister

centresupport@cityandguilds.com www.cityandguilds.com

Air conditioning and refrigeration

@cityandguilds

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB)

Joint Industry Board

020 8254 7842

03333 218230

l.whittam@welplan.co.uk

administration@jib.org.uk

www.acrib.org.uk

www.jib.org.uk @JIBelectrical

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

21

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13 35 33

23

Q

COMPUTING AND IT

Make your application ‘The strong growth of tech employment in the UK sends a clear message to anyone considering career opportunities: there are a multitude of exciting openings for you,’ says a recent report from IT industry networking body the Tech Partnership. Are you ready to unlock them?

This includes knowledge of the most up-to-

computers and computer software to

date programming languages and systems

convert, store, protect, process, transmit

such as cloud computing (see below to find

and retrieve information, securely.

out more).

At the centre of everyday life and

Cyber security is a growing field

with a significant presence in almost all

that merits special attention (see panel).

industries and businesses, computing and

Currently there are not enough experts

IT together provide employment for an

to counteract more advanced cyber

I

enormous number of people. To get an idea

attacks. There has also been an increase

nformation technology (IT) is a

of just some of the jobs in this sector, take

in opportunities for information security

term that encompasses all forms of

a look at the accompanying ‘Typical IT jobs’

officers and information risk managers,

technology used to create, store,

box. You could be creating technological

who manage threats posed to businesses.

exchange and use information in its various

applications or systems, solving problems

Large organisations, the government and

forms (business data, voice conversations,

using technology or supporting people

social media companies, such as Facebook

still images, motion pictures, multimedia

who use it. IT is an important part of

and Twitter, are all keen to employ cyber

presentations … the list is pretty much

pretty much all industries these days,

experts.

endless). It is a convenient ‘umbrella’ term

from marketing, HR and finance to retail,

that is often used to encompass both the

manufacturing and the public sector.

What’s involved?

telecoms and computing/IT sectors (to

24

revolution’. It deals with the use of

Employers are looking for those who can combine technical skills with an understanding of broader business

find out more about the telecoms side of

Skills shortages

things, take a look at the feature on page

There is currently demand for higher-level

business issues. There is also a demand

30, which deals specifically with that area).

technical skills, in particular to develop

for numerate and IT-literate people to

IT is the technology that is driving what

products and services to meet the needs

work in analytics and solve business

is often referred to as the ‘information

of the fast-moving nature of the industry.

problems.

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

objectives to be able to solve real

TYPICAL IT JOBS Many jobs in this sector, particularly those that involve working with customers, require good interpersonal skills, as well as team-working and problem-solving abilities. All have technical content, ranging from the in-depth skills of a software developer through to roles that may need much less detailed knowledge. Some typical roles are: l business analyst l helpdesk operator l trainer l software developer l technical author l technician l engineer l computer forensics l content management l cyber security and risk management l data analysis and analytics l games development l geographical information systems (GIS) l hardware engineering l information management l IT consultancy (business and technical) l IT sales l software engineering (designing, building, developing, testing) l systems/network management l technical support l web design.

Related skills gained in the Get qualified!

Services Industry advice is to gain as much

of getting a good job, you should aim to demonstrate these attributes through work

Each Service has its ‘expert’ IT staff – if

academic knowledge as possible while

experience connected to ICT (information

that’s you, you are likely to know exactly

you are still serving, which can then be

and communication technology), or

where your particular skill set might lead.

enhanced by practical training during

a course or qualification in an ICT- or

Such experts are generally found in the

your resettlement period. Knowledge

business-related subject; and you should

specialist communications, administrative

can be developed through self study, and

develop – and be able to demonstrate –

and electronics branches, although some

academic qualifications via a college and

skills such as communications and problem

serving outside those areas may also

an industry placement nearer discharge.

solving.

have considerable expertise. Others

Career changers will have to learn to

will have specialised in computing and/

use specific applications or languages (see

Computing and IT qualifications

or electronics as part of their career

below). How much formal training you

Academic qualifications provide a thorough

pattern; they are still likely to have

need will depend on your new career path,

grounding in the principles that will be

a number of very transferable and

as well as your individual experience and

highly relevant for future training, although

marketable skills, but these may need

aptitudes. Options available range from

a lot of the detail will soon be out of date.

to be targeted in a particular area, or

conversion courses to work placements.

There are also both generic and vendor-

improved or widened in the period before

Some companies recruit only those who

specific qualifications. The generic ones

leaving.

have already been working in the industry,

certify achievements in the general field

but most will take on new entrants. Many

of computing and IT, while vendor-specific

and IT training available through the

will take new recruits with little or no

ones demonstrate a level of expertise in a

resettlement system. Preferred suppliers

technical knowledge and offer training,

particular manufacturer’s products. Many

and other training providers offer a wide

provided they have other valued skills, and

people hold both, and even a portfolio of

variety of courses in this field.

show they are enthusiastic and capable

qualifications in the products of different

of learning. To increase your chances

manufacturers, as it is often important to

There is a great deal of computing

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

25

Q

COMPUTING AND IT

be able to operate across both boundaries

be your academic starting point if you are

The CompTIA

and equipment.

a beginner.

The CompTIA runs a series of

Generic qualifications include

NVQs (levels 1 to 5) and apprenticeships

certifications, which are credentials

academic courses. Degrees (foundation

are available, based on sector-approved

achieved through a testing process to

or higher), HNDs and HNCs are all highly

national occupational standards (NOS)

validate knowledge within a specific IT

valued, with the theoretical knowledge

(see below), but some employers may

support function. Its exams are developed

involved always being relevant. Degrees

not be very familiar with them, and some

by subject matter experts and the

tend to be in computer science, with HNDs

other qualifications may be more useful.

certifications are recognised throughout

and HNCs in software engineering. An

Vocational A-levels may also be taken –

the industry as foundation-level skill sets.

A-level or GCSE in computer studies might

usually through colleges – and these can

Its qualifications are widely recognised and

provide a job-orientated qualification with

may also form modules in other ICT awards

a strong academic element. The experience

and programmes.

gained in acquiring these qualifications will be valuable in finding employment.

The British Computer Society The British Computer Society (BCS – the

SKILLS THE KEY TO TACKLING UK CYBER THREAT With cyber crime on the rise, ensuring the UK has the cyber security workforce it needs is now vital to keep both businesses and citizens safe. Computer security must become ‘a basic life skill’ for the UK to address the growing cyber threat, said MP Mike Hancock recently. In a speech made in London last month, the Minister of State for Business and Enterprise compared the need to become cyber aware to ‘learning to drive’, but added that the UK needs to grow an elite talent pool of cyber security specialists alongside this.

In 2015, two-thirds of large businesses in the UK experienced a cyber attack and almost a quarter suffered a breach at least once a month.

Mr Hancock stressed that the need to develop Britain’s cyber security strategy was a shared responsibility between employers and government. ‘If we commit now, together, the struggle in cyberspace is Britain’s opportunity,’ he said.

To find out more about the growing importance of cyber security skills, and how you can get qualified to become part of the solution, visit www.thetechpartnership.com/about/ our-priorities/cyber-security-skills

26

IT Professional Standards

Chartered Institute for IT) is a qualifying

The Tech Partnership’s NOS for IT

body for chartered IT professionals.

professionals are industry standards

It offers a range of qualifications and

for skills, developed in collaboration

certifications, such as the European

with employers, professional bodies and

Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) (see

others. They are continually updated for

box) and other user qualifications, as

all key disciplines of the tech profession,

well as BCS professional exams, which at

and provide the building blocks for

their highest level take students to the

qualifications and training.

academic level of an honours degree, and

The IT Professional Standards are

acknowledge practical experience and

organised into eight disciplines for the

academic ability. To see the full range,

profession. They are split by level, from

you’ll need to visit the BCS website (see

new entrants (level 3) to experienced

‘Key contacts’).

technical leads/senior managers (level 6), with a level 2 foundation level for some of the standards. Find out more

Professional vendor qualifications

on the Tech Partnership website: www.

Professional vendor qualifications

thetechpartnership.com/standards-and-

are training and exams in a specific

quality/it-professional-standards

manufacturer’s products. The manufacturer should be a major supplier

IT User Standards

in the industry for its qualifications to

IT User Skills Standards (NOS) are

have value, but do bear in mind that a

industry standards for skills, developed in

qualification that is very valuable today

collaboration with employers, professional

may have less value tomorrow if a

bodies and others. These standards detail

manufacturer goes out of business or there

the specific areas of competence needed

is a major change in technology.

by IT users in all industries. They are easy

Microsoft qualifications are perhaps

for employers and training providers

the best known, with Microsoft Certified

to use, with each area of competence

Solutions Expert (MCSE) seen as the

defined at foundation level (0) and at three

globally recognised standard for IT

levels of progression (1–3). Find out more

professionals. This focuses on the ability

on the Tech Partnership website: www.

to design and build technology solutions,

thetechpartnership.com/standards-and-

which may include integrating multiple

quality/it-user-skills-standards

technology products and span multiple versions of a single technology, whether

ITQ: IT User Qualification

on-premises or in the cloud. The Microsoft

The IT User Qualification (ITQ) is a

Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)

nationally recognised qualification for

certification is also available and is a

those who need digital skills as users

prerequisite to Microsoft’s MCSE expert-

of technology. It is designed for people

level certifications for experienced IT

including those using technology at work,

professionals. It focuses on the ability to

in education and when looking for work.

design and build technology solutions.

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

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

Your Next Career?

Cyber Security (Fastest Growing Sector in IT) Nine out of ten IT employers have reported difficulty in recruiting for cyber security positions and 80% have said that demand is set to increase over the next seven years. Military personnel have the exact background employers are looking for, which will transit into a successful civilian career within Cyber Security.

The Practitioner Certificate in Cyber Security Technologies (PCCST) program takes students of varying experience levels and re-skills them so that they can enter the industry not as a trainee but as qualified Security Professional making you productive from day one.

This in-depth, hands-on, 12-week course will take you from ground zero into a rewarding and lucrative career in the Cyber Security world.

The course will allow our students to leave as sought-after professionals, well-equipped with the in-demand job skills and certifications needed to be employed as technically well rounded professionals in any Cyber Security team.

Successful completion of the proposed curriculum will earn students some of the most recognised Industry Certifications as listed below: • Certificate in Information Security Management Principals (British Computer Society) • Security+ (CompTIA) • Firewall VPN Training – Design and Implementation • Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge plus (Cloud Security Alliance) • RESILIA Foundation & Practitioner (Axelos - Best practice of Cyber Reliance) • Professional Ethical Hacker (Mile2) • Penetration Testing (Mile2) • Certified Information System Security Professional, CISSP (ISC2) Quest March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:26 Page 11

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questonline.co.uk l September 2016

27

Q

COMPUTING AND IT

THE TECH PARTNERSHIP The Tech Partnership is a growing network of employers collaborating to create the skills needed to accelerate the growth of the UK’s digital economy. Its strategy is to: l inspire new talent l create new jobs, accelerating the flow of talented people from all backgrounds into technology careers l develop new skills, making it easier for employers to develop strategic digital skills – for example, cybersecurity, Big Data, mobile and e-commerce l raise standards by setting industry standards, and accrediting and promoting education and training that meets them.

To find out more, visit www.thetechpartnership.com

THE ECDL The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the world’s number one IT user qualification. Seen around the world as the benchmark for digital literacy, the ECDL equips learners with the skills to use a computer confidently and effectively, building on existing knowledge and motivating further learning.

No prior computing skills or knowledge of IT are required to study for the ECDL – it is designed for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enhance their career prospects or for personal development.

The ECDL is composed of a range of modules – each provides a practical programme of up-to-date skills and knowledge areas, which are validated by a test. This enables you to develop and certify your computer skills in the subject areas of your choice and to the level you need. Through the combination of modules you choose, you can create your own individual ECDL Profile. Choosing the combination that is right for you will depend on your current skills and experience, as well as on what you want from your qualification.

To find out more, visit the BCS website: www.bcs.org The ECDL Foundation website is at www.ecdl.org

Microsoft, of course, offers a host of

commonly change employer every two

differently targeted certifications and

years or so. In-house training is often

exams – for full details, check out the

provided, and good people can achieve

‘Learning’ area of its website:

rapid promotion. Q

www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/ default.aspx Microsoft is not, of course, the only manufacturer on the market, and other big players, like Novell (Certified Novell Engineer and Certified Novell Administrator) and Cisco Systems, also have their own qualifications.

Finding employment

KEY CONTACTS

British Computer Society

Securing employment is inevitably a

01793 417424 or 0845 300 4417

combination of:

(lo-call rate)

l

qualifications

www.bcs.org

l

experience

@bcs

l

networking

l

work placements

l

the right CV

020 7330 6060

l

going for the right job.

info_uk@comptia.org

CompTIA UK

Those entering similar employment to

www.comptia.org

that they had in the Forces may well start

@CompTIA

at the same level; those going into an unrelated field will probably start further

Tech Partnership

down the ladder. Once into a company the

020 7963 8920

employment possibilities are enormous

info@thetechpartnership.com

in this expanding and changing industry.

www.thetechpartnership.com

‘Permanent’ employment is often regarded

@TechPartnership

as lasting three to five years, and people

28

Q

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

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

NOW DELIVERED ACROSS THE UK

BABE - Edinburgh Napier University’s Innovative one year top up degree Entry requirements for BA Business and Enterprise include the vocational qualifications that go with forces rank, Personnel of Chief Petty Officer, Staff Sergeant, Flight Sergeant equivalent and above are eligible for direct entry* • Students attend local monthly workshops • Registered for ELCs, balance payable over 6 months More details can be found at: http://www.courses.napier.ac.uk/BusinessandEnterprise_OffCampus__W30015.htm Or email BABE administrator Suzanne Smith su.smith@napier.ac.uk * Personnel below this rank may still qualify and Military Civil Servants with 2 years’ management experience are also likely to be eligible, contact to check

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

29

Q

TELECOMS

This is your new career calling ‌ If you enjoy constant change and want to get involved with technology at the cutting edge, why not connect with a career in the telecoms industry?

reflected in the skills required and the job roles available. Traditional phone calls continue to be the industry’s biggest revenue generator, but thanks to advances in network technology, telecoms today is less about voice and more about text (messaging, email) and images (e.g. video streaming). High-speed internet access for

What’s involved?

30

computer-based data applications, such

I

broadband (including ultrafast broadband,

as broadband information services and

t is a wide-ranging, competitive and

which is now being rolled out), telecoms

interactive entertainment, is pervasive.

fast-changing industry, offering an

is fast becoming indistinguishable from

Digital subscriber line (DSL) is the main

array of career options. Driven by

IT. Many of the new technologies use

broadband telecoms technology and the

advances in communications technology,

broadband data networks carrying high

fastest growth comes from (value-added)

notably mobile phones, the internet and

volumes of multimedia traffic, which is

services delivered over mobile networks

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

‘The telecom sector continues to be at the epicenter for growth, innovation, and disruption for virtually any industry. Mobile devices and related broadband connectivity continue to be more and more embedded in the fabric of society today and they are key in driving the momentum around some key trends such as video streaming, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile payments.’

Deloitte

telephones, television and much more besides, and may be used to transmit voice, data, graphics or any combination of these. The most common carriers of fixed telecoms are cables, made from both copper and fibre-optics.

Networks Typically, a number of different commercial organisations will both provide and share telecoms network facilities.

Signals pass through switches and links owned by many companies and rented by the service provider. The routing is up to the owner of the links, and a mobile phone call will be just one message among those of many other phone users. However, over the next few years, there will be a move away from circuit-switched voice networks to a system that works completely through the internet.

communications, which used to be two separate areas, are now coming together

they get to the right place. They may need

and using the same communications

to be compressed and then decompressed,

channels. The key to telecoms is

and they may be split into tiny fragments,

‘bandwidth’ – the amount of information

with each one being sent separately and

that can be carried by a particular

the whole being reconstituted.

method of transmission like a cable or a radio wave. Modern developments involve enlarging the capacity of the links, increasing global coverage, joining end-users together, and

If you’re thinking of a career in telecoms you need to be familiar

By March 2016, 90% of UK premises were able to receive superfast broadband

with the term ‘information and communication technology

providing more facilities over a greater number of networks.

To most people these days, mobile telecoms means mobile or smart phones, linked using radio

Each Service has its ‘expert’ telecoms staff in the specialist communications and electronics branches, although there may be other people serving who have considerable expertise. Some will have relevant qualifications.

You may have specialised in telecoms and/or electronics as part of your career pattern. If so, you are likely to have a number of very transferable and

and microwaves, and masts and dishes seen all around. Satellites

the IT and telecoms industries mentioned

may also be used in both mobile and

above is demanding upskilling in telecoms

static telecoms networks. Digital TV

to a profile more similar to that of

uses both cable and satellite services,

the IT industry, with skills which were

while 3G and 4G technology, smart

traditionally regarded as being IT-based

phones, tablets, personal digital

rather than telecoms-based now being

assistants (PDAs) and quad-band

required. (To find out more about this,

devices are commonplace.

you might want to take a look at our ‘Computing and IT’ feature on page 24.)

Fixed telecoms

And, as with the IT sector, business and

Fixed telecoms may include all the

interpersonal skills are becoming more

infrastructure necessary to run a

important too.

local (LAN) or wide area network

IT industries means that voice and data

Related skills gained in the Services

appropriate degrees and some other

Mobile telecoms

(ICT)’. Indeed, the convergence between

The convergence of the telecoms and

Messages need protocols to ensure

(WAN), and the links between the two. It may provide business services,

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS You need to discover the area of telecoms that is right for you, and for which you can reasonably expect to have the necessary qualifications and background. There is a wide range of resettlement training courses in this sector, but it’s a good idea to talk with people already working in the industry to try to establish a reasonable starting point based on your skills and experience. You should then look for the courses and training that suit you.

The key is to start early and take resettlement training, so that it can be enhanced by self study, academic qualifications and an industry placement.

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

31

Q

TELECOMS

THE DAY JOB: TELECOMS TECHNICIAN Telecoms technicians install, repair and maintain broadband, mobile phone and landline telephone networks. They also work on satellite, digital TV and fibre-optic systems. If you have good practical skills, and can track down and solve problems, this could the job for you. You need to be well organised, able to follow technical diagrams, and happy to work as part of a team or on your own. You will need a background and qualifications in a related area, like electronics, electrical servicing or computer networking.

As a telecoms technician you would install, test and repair communications and data communications systems, such as: l fixed-line and mobile telephony networks l copper-wire and fibre-optic cabling l VoIP communication systems l analogue and digital satellite systems l wireless radio networks providing internet access via PCs, smartphones and tablets.

Your work could vary in scale from setting up a communications network in a large organisation to the installation of a home satellite system. Your work could involve: l laying, connecting and testing underground and underfloor cabling l testing and repairing faults in public and private switching exchanges l working with aerial rigging and related equipment l installing mobile and static antennae on buildings or masts l designing, building and testing telecommunications components and equipment.

Source: National Careers Service

32

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

The total number of fixed voice lines decreased by 0.3 million (1.0%) to 33.2 million in 2015, while the total number of mobile subscriptions, including handset, dedicated mobile data and machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, increased by 1.6 million (1.8%) to 91.5 million.

Source: Ofcom, UK figures

courses you should look at day release, evening classes, open learning and the internet for opportunities to learn before you leave.

Once you have left the Forces, you would normally receive training from your employer, as well as ongoing courses to keep you up to date. You

may also be able to work towards industry qualifications, such as: marketable

l

level 3 Diploma in Telecommunication

l

level 3 (NVQ) Diploma in Cabling

skills, although these may need to be targeted in a particular area.

Systems

Even without the necessary technical background, you can still

Installations l

level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Rail

l

HND in Electrical or Electronic

enter the industry, but probably be at a lower level. Your personal

Engineering Telecoms Installer

qualities are valued, as are the core skills you may bring, including map

Engineering (Communication) l

foundation degree, HND or

reading, first aid and even an ability

degree in telecommunications,

to work at heights.

data communications and digital communications.

Get qualified!

A suite of national occupational

It is possible for you to gain

standards has been launched by the

qualifications through your

Tech Partnership. To find out more about

employment and personal

these and to get a wider picture of the

development while serving. This will

qualifications available, visit

primarily be to do with the theory

www.thetechpartnership.com

necessary to use equipment, its actual use, and how to pass on that

Finding employment

knowledge to others. The academic

Industry recruiters face three main

background and the principles of

problem areas:

certain equipment use will be highly

1. lack of qualifications

relevant to future employment,

2. lack of experience

so your aim should be to build up

3. shortage of essential skills.

these qualifications, while if your

Also regarded as being of key importance

career path does not include such

to employers, and likely to be possessed by

With more experience, you could progress to network planning and design, the research and development of new products, and project management.

What can you earn?

Because pay varies so much from one company and contract to another, the following figures are for guidance only, although the average reported annual

The growth of 4G has been rapid; in Q4 2015, 4G accounted for almost half of all mobile subscriptions (46%). The availability of 4G mobile services increased too, with 97.8% of outdoor premises covered by at least one operator in May 2016.

salary is around £35,000: l

engineer – £15,000 to £25,000

l

team leader – £18,000 to £22,000

l

project manager – £22,000 to £40,000

l

technical trainer – £28,000 to £50,000

l

network engineer – up to £50,000.

Overtime, shift work and benefits can increase these rates. Q

Q

Source: Ofcom, UK figures

KEY CONTACTS

Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd 01923 803030 office@cai.org.uk www.cai.org.uk @CAILtd Fibre Optic Industry Association 01763 273039

Service leavers, are:

to complete an apprenticeship with an

secretary@fia-online.co.uk

l

problem-solving skills

electronics, telecommunications or IT

www.fia-online.co.uk

l

oral communications

company. Vacancies in your area will

l

team-working skills.

depend on the local jobs market and the

Institute of Telecommunications

In addition to catering for continued

types of skills employers need from their

Professionals (ITP)

growth, telecoms recruitment also needs

workers. Alternatively, you may be able to

01932 788861

to replace those leaving the sector due to

get a trainee position with an installation

enquiries@theITP.org

retirement or for other reasons. More than

company if you already have experience

www.theitp.org

one-third of companies trying to recruit

and/or qualifications in electronic or

@ITPnetwork

telecoms professionals report difficulties

electrical engineering, or servicing. If not,

in attracting applicants with the right skills.

you could take a college course to gain

Society of Cable Telecommunication

This is generally due to mismatches in

qualifications in these areas.

Engineers (The Society for Broadband

terms of business and high-level technical

As data (IT) and telecommunications

Professionals)

skills needs. Micro establishments are

systems continue to merge, demand

01923 815500

most likely to rate applicants’ skills levels

is increasing for technicians who have

office@thescte.eu

as below those required. Virtually all

skills in both fields, especially wireless

www.scte.org.uk

companies experiencing recruitment

broadband technologies and VoIP.

@scte_

problems report a negative impact on

Typical employers include telephone and

their company’s activities, the most

broadband network providers, mobile

common effect being difficulties in meeting

phone operators, cable, satellite and digital

020 7963 8920

customer service objectives.

TV companies, rail signal engineering and

info@thetechpartnership.com

power transmission companies. There may

www.thetechpartnership.com

to the industry. To become a

also be opportunities with the Ministry

@TechPartnership

telecommunications technician for

of Defence, the police and emergency

instance (see panel), you may be able

services.

There are various ways in

Tech Partnership

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

33

Q

SPORT AND FITNESS

Sport and

fitness What’s involved?

T

certificates qualify holders to join the

one of the fastest-growing sectors in the

civilian authorities (courses on coaching

UK economy, focusing on the leading and

and officiating, for example, can lead to

supervision of sport, exercise and physical

recognised civilian qualifications).

ogether, sport and fitness make

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS

up one of the UK’s largest

– see box), and there is growing formal

employment sectors, as well as

recognition for military qualifications by

activity. The UK has thousands of sport and

relevant Service training and experience,

public use, and there is increasing demand

but you must be prepared to take

for skilled exercise professionals to fill the

additional courses or undergo assessment

growing number of employment vacancies.

to reach official standards. Indeed, when

Related skills gained in the Services

34

The sector will generally accept

fitness clubs, leisure centres and gyms for

many people think of ex-Services personnel going into the fitness business, military PT-based organisations (e.g. ‘boot camps’)

Each Service has its PT instructors. Military

are the first to spring to mind, with their

PTI class 1, 2 and 3, and the All Arms PTI

outdoor fitness classes run by serving or

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

THERE IS INCREASING DEMAND FOR SKILLED EXERCISE PROFESSIONALS TO FILL THE GROWING NUMBER OF EMPLOYMENT VACANCIES

former members of the Armed Forces. With

teamwork and interpersonal experience.

this in mind, there are courses available

Many sport and recreation-related

that are specially tailored to Service leavers

foundation, graduate and postgraduate

wishing to take up such roles.

degrees allow people to teach PE in schools.

The situation is similar in outdoor

Some are part-time or taken through

education and development. The various

distance learning, so they are suitable

regulatory bodies accept only civilian

for those already in employment. Higher

qualifications, so Armed Forces’ adventurous

national diplomas (HNDs) and certificates

training instructors will have to ensure

(HNCs) also prepare people for management

they meet civilian standards if they wish to

jobs, although expertise in a particular sport

continue in this area on leaving the Services.

or area of fitness is also required.

Get qualified!

qualifications, and sports coach UK works

There are many different qualifications

with the various sport national governing

that help with a career in sport and fitness.

bodies (NGBs) to provide personal

Technical ability is critical, as are skills like

development programmes for all sports

effective communication, customer care,

coaches.

Some FE colleges offer specialist

READ ABOUT REPS …

If you are serious about finding work in the fitness industry, you should be affiliated to the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). This is an independent public register that recognises the qualifications and expertise of health-enhancing exercise instructors in the UK. One of its key functions is to provide a system of regulation for instructors and trainers, to ensure they meet the health and fitness industry’s agreed national occupational standards (NOS). Members are acknowledged for their: l professionalism l adherence to the industry’s nationally recognised standards l ongoing education.

They are bound by a Code of Ethical Conduct and hold appropriate public liability insurance. In order to remain on the Register, members must continue to meet the standards set for their profession through continuing professional development (CPD).

Membership, which costs £40 a year, is open to exercise and fitness professionals in a wide variety of roles. It also allows for the transferability of skills throughout the UK, across participating countries in Europe and around the world.

To find out more, visit www.exerciseregister.org

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

35

Q

SPORT AND FITNESS

SKILLS SHORTAGES IN THE INDUSTRY Research has identified particular recruitment difficulties and skills issues facing employers in the sports, fitness and outdoors sectors. The most common skills highlighted as in need of improvement among existing staff were: l sport-specific technical skills l communication l management l child protection.

Source: SkillsActive

regulation for everyone involved with

available; in addition, entry to roles at

exercise and fitness (again, see the box),

an older age is not uncommon. There

while physical education teachers in

are a host of industry-endorsed courses,

schools and colleges will have a teaching

vocational qualifications, apprenticeships

degree or postgraduate qualification in

and training schemes available.

PE. There are sport National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/

Fitness instructing

SVQs) at levels 1–3. For the most up-to-

A common way to enter the health and

job role in the industry, like a sports

date information on these, contact

fitness sector is as a fitness instructor.

development officer or outdoor instructor.

SkillsActive (the Sector Skills Council

Although there are no formal academic

Coaches need an appropriate qualification

for Active Leisure, Learning and Well-

requirements for this, a recognised

from a sport NGB, and many of the

being) direct (see ‘Key contacts’).

fitness instructor qualification is usually

personal qualities of the coach are ‘people

Individuals are assessed in a number of

required and the minimum age to practise

skills’. There is a growing trend within

competencies in the workplace, with most

unsupervised is 18 years. Applicants to

coaching towards part-time or freelance

qualifications requiring six mandatory

instructing courses require no formal

employment. Work is available as a

units and four optional ones. To gain

qualifications although it can be an

voluntary coach within sports clubs or as a

them, individuals will need a portfolio of

advantage to hold a first aid certificate.

part-time session coach in leisure centres.

skills and responsibilities. Many people

If you wish to enter the industry, it is –

Many coaches work freelance for a number

start by gaining a qualification like an NGB

as mentioned above – an advantage to

of organisations, and most have other jobs

coaching or fitness instruction award,

register with the Register of Exercise

as well.

and then work to gain the necessary

Professionals (REPs – see box). Fitness

experience.

instructor work can cover a wide range of

The outdoors

activities at a variety of levels, meaning

There are many organisations providing

there is also a range of opportunities

all age groups with a range of sporting,

In the fitness industry, the aforementioned REPs is a system of self-

36

Finding employment

Sports coaching, teaching and instructing

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

Coaching may form part of a full-time

Q

physical and development activities, like

Sports development

walking, climbing, kayaking and caving, or

Most local authorities and governing

just enjoying their surroundings. Instructors

bodies have sports development teams

must hold a recognised award from the

that provide sport and recreation on an

relevant NGB. Expedition companies usually

outreach basis, taking it into rural and

have a small head office staff who organise

urban communities. Experience in voluntary

and market the activities, and a number of

sports coaching and administration or

020 7211 6000

freelance leaders and guides who manage

strategic leisure management is relevant.

enquiries@culture.gov.uk

things in the field. Service experience is

Specific sports development qualifications

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/

relevant in this area, and it is common to

and courses exist at certificate and diploma

department-for-culture-media-sport

start as a contracted expedition manager

levels; however, coaching awards are usually

@DCMS

before joining a company in a regular

sufficient.

capacity.

Sport, recreation and leisure centres

KEY CONTACTS

Department for Culture Media & Sport

Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs)

What can you earn?

0330 004 0004

The sport and fitness sector is not

www.exerciseregister.org

particularly well paid, starting with the

@REPsUK

Sport, recreation and leisure centres catering

minimum wage. According to the latest

for a wide range of indoor and outdoor

available edition of SkillsActive’s Working in

sports exist throughout the UK. Employment

Fitness Survey, the average basic salary is

0330 004 0005

varies from receptionists, lifeguards,

£22,700 across all occupations working in

www.skillsactive.com

coaches/instructors, supervisors, booking

full-time employment. However, this varies

@SkillsActive

managers and plant technicians to centre

widely according to factors such as location

managers. Most people start in this area

and type of work. Some examples are:

by obtaining coaching or lifeguard awards,

l

full-time gym instructor £15,100

0113 274 4802

and gain experience before moving into

l

full-time personal trainer £22,500

www.sportscoachuk.org

management.

l

part-time sports coach £16,700 part-time exercise referral £18,100. Q

@sportscoachUK

l

SkillsActive

sports coach UK

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Discovery Learning offers a range of Level 2, 3 + 4 fitness qualifications that can be funded through ELC credits. info@discovery.uk.com 0208 543 1017

questonline.co.uk l September 2016

37

– from the shop floor to very senior managers – have been public if you have never done this be given sound advice from professionals very noticeable.’ before. Please note that we can arrange with regard to the financial side of your Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing tooncourses Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business.

You will be given guidance carrying my day job, going to lectures, studying atplease the Whenout responding to advertisements mention Quest at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how weekends and my family. However, Aston was great, and Class hours are 9 am–4 pm. your vehicle should be laid out and very flexible. When, towards the end of my second year, my equipped, and even what type of vehicle daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams.

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September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

Q

Factfile Sponsored by

FACTFILE

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

This summary of personal development and resettlement information should be used as guidance and direction to the appropriate Service or civilian authority.

[Personal development and education opportunities] What is Personal Development (PD)?

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

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

PD won’t just happen. You must take steps to find out what’s available and decide what you want to do.

Use the flow chart below as a guide

Other sources of information include:

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

A PD Route Map

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

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

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

Q

In-Service

Local colleges or training providers

Distance/ open learning

eLearning – the Defence Learning Environment (DLE)

PD can mean anything from career courses to sports and adventurous training courses.

See Q for other options for Service personnel

A range of further education (16+) and higher education (degree and above) courses are available.

Ask your education/training officer or local college/library for a brochure

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

There is now a huge amount of high-quality learning material freely available online to Armed Forces and Civil Service personnel, accessible either over the World Wide Web or via the Defence Intranet.

The Defence Learning Environment (DLE) is the MOD’s central distance learning resource, providing ‘one stop’ access to a wide range of eLearning, courses, wikis, forums and other materials across a large number of key topics including: IT skills including ECDL, core competencies, health and safety, languages and business skills.

Readily available via your Defence Gateway account. Visit http://www.da.mod.uk/ Courses/Online-E-Learning/DLE or www.defencegateway.mod.uk

Grants and funding are available for most forms of PD. See ‘Sources of advice and finance’ for details.

Course complete? Look for your next learning!

Distance Learning

Q

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

To find out more, check out the article about distance learning on the Quest website: questonline.co.uk

40

September 2016 l questonline.co.uk

College Courses

Q

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

Personal Development Record (PDR)

Q

Everyone should keep their own PDR in which they should record educational plus other PD achievements, appraisals and courses. It encourages people to assess and evaluate what they are doing, what they have learned, and where they are going in terms of career and personal development.

Ask your education/training officer where you can get your copy.

Key: Q Service personnel

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

Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study Readers must consult t

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41

Q

FACTFILE

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Sources of advice and finance Standard Learning Credits

Q

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

Enhanced Learning Credits

Q

The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment of up to £2,000 per annum (depending on length of Service) in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. The scheme is based on the principle that individuals will make a personal contribution towards the cost of their learning. The ELC contribution may be up to 80% of the gross course value.

ELC funding is available only for courses that result in a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) (England and Wales), at level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification.

For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC)

Q

The IRTC grant exists to help towards the cost of resettlement training through the CTP or external training providers. The IRTC grant may not be used for Civilian Work Attachments but may be used in concert with a Learning Credit – Standard (SLC) or Enhanced (ELC) – for any course that is completed prior to the Service Leaver leaving the Service and subject to the relevant criteria of either scheme.

(See JSP 898 Part 4.)

Further/Higher Education (FE/HE) Access

Q

The Ministry of Defence and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills offer eligible Service Leavers free FE/HE support for a first level 3 or Foundation Degree qualification. To be eligible, Service Leavers must have registered for the ELC scheme while in Service, complete a minimum of four years’ productive service, complete a minimum of four years’ ELC scheme membership, thus qualifying for the initial lower-tier support, or eight years’ membership, qualifying for the higher-level support, and take up the offer of free support within ten years of leaving Service.

Local Education Authority (LEA) grants and low-interest student loans are available for anyone entering full-time education. They are means tested in that what you receive depends on your income and that of your family. If you are entering full-time education you should apply for one, even if you do not think you are eligible, otherwise you may not qualify for other benefits.

Contact your LEA for details.

Professional and Career Development Loans These are designed to help people change direction or increase their skills by providing a deferred repayment loan of between £300 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of tuition fees for a vocational course of up to two years, plus a further year’s work experience if appropriate. Courses can be full-time or part-time, or involve open or distance learning, and people who have been out of work for three months can apply to have all their course fees covered.

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.

Resettlement Grant (RG)

Q

The RG is paid only if there are no other terminal benefits due (so, if someone is medically discharged after the RG trigger point, RG is not paid as other benefits become due). The amount payable depends on length of Service and on which pension type the SL is on. The current rate for eligible Service Leavers who are on the most recent pension scheme is £9,825. It can be as much as £17,824 on previous pension schemes.

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Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Q

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death that is predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates for any injury, illness or death that occurred up to this date. All current and former members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists, may submit a claim for compensation.

For advice and guidance, call Veterans UK’s free helpline on 0808 1914218. Alternatively, you can visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service UCAS deals with applications for first degree and similar standard courses at over 250 universities and colleges in the UK. Remember that you no longer need A-levels to go to university – vocational A-levels/NVQs and access courses now qualify students as well.

If you are interested in entering higher education, call the UCAS hotline on Tel: 0371 468 0468 or visit www.ucas.com

University Short Courses

Q

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

Further details are available from education/learning centres or search in DINs.

learndirect learndirect is a free government service via which qualified advisers provide information on all aspects of learning, from UK-wide learning opportunities, to career guidance and sources of finance, and other national and local organisations that can help.

Advisers can answer questions on any aspect of learning.

The website address is www.learndirect.com The freephone number is Tel: 0800 101901.

Professional and Career Development Loans Finding a job

Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s largest databases of job vacancies, which is updated constantly. The database also lets you search for training, career information, voluntary work and childcare providers across the UK. You can search the database via Universal Jobmatch (www.gov.uk – search for ‘jobs’) or by using the Job Point in your local Jobcentre.

When you find a job you are interested in, either using the Jobcentre Plus job search or at the Job Point in your local Jobcentre, Jobcentre advisers will tell you how to apply, send you an application form and may even contact the employer (so have your address, National Insurance number, date of birth and the job reference number to hand).

Benefits

If you’re unsure which benefits you can get, you can check online using the Gov.uk ‘Benefits calculators’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘benefits calculators’).

To find out more about Jobseeker’s Allowance, who can get it and how to claim online, go to the Gov.uk ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’ pages ( www.gov.uk – search for ‘Jobseeker’s Allowance’).

You can also claim by phone by calling Jobcentre Plus on 0800 055 6688.

There’s a Welsh-language line on 0800 012 1888, and a textphone on 0800 023 4888 if you find it hard to speak or hear clearly. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am–6pm.

Armed Forces Champions

Q

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

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Resettlement: Preparation for leaving the Forces

Official provider of career guidance, skills training and job finding assistance to leavers of the Armed Forces The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is a partnering agreement between the MoD and Right Management to provide 3rd Line tri-service resettlement support. This consists of career transition services, training and job finding support for leavers of the Armed Forces. RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity – is an integral part of the CTP and leads on the provision of job opportunities and employment support.

This 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

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Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872930 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

Readers must consult their Single Service Advisors BEFORE committing to courses

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Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT)

GRT is the length of time that a Service Leaver is eligible to spend on resettlement activities, including workshops, training courses, civilian work attachments or individual resettlement provision.

Transition services and entitlements

Entitlement All Service Leavers, other than those discharged as Early Service Leavers, are entitled to receive the resettlement support detailed in the table below.

Principle Longer service is rewarded with entitlement to increased resettlement time. All Medically Discharged Service Leavers automatically qualify for the maximum entitlement. Entitlement includes grants, allowances, travel warrants, resettlement leave, consultancy, transition workshops and subsidised training.

Years’ Service

1. <1 2.

1+ 3.

4+ 4.

6+ 5.

8+ 6.

12+ 7.

16+

Normal Discharge

Medical Discharge(2)

CTP No No ESP FRP FRP FRP FRP

CTP GRT(1) FRP 10 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 30 FRP 35

GRT(1) 0 0 0 20 25 30 35

IRTC No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes

Outflow

<4 Years’ service or administratively discharged

IRTC Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Notes 1. Amount of GRT is in working days.

2. This includes Reservists who are Medically Discharged due to injuries sustained during operational commitments.

ESP: Employment Support Programme FRP: Full Resettlement Programme

Duty Allowances for Resettlement Activities Individual entitlements to allowances are found in JSP 752 and other single-Service regulations. If in doubt, Service Leavers should ask their resettlement advisers or Unit HR for advice. As with other duty entitlements, payments made in the pursuance of resettlement are made only for ‘actuals’ and administered through Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) self-service menus. At all times, receipts must be retained and produced in the event that a Service Leaver is selected for audit. Service Leavers’ entitlement will depend upon the nature of their discharge and the length of their Service. When selecting a training provider to deliver resettlement services, Service Leavers should be aware that the MOD operates a ‘Local Training First’ policy.

Wherever possible, resettlement training should be undertaken local to (i.e. within 50 miles by road or 90 minutes by public transport) Service or home accommodation.

Notwithstanding this, external training, including training undertaken overseas, that will incur subsistence costs may be arranged through any training provider in the event that there is no available CTP in-house training or training providers that can deliver an equivalent training outcome locally. All overseas training (see overleaf) must survive HQ scrutiny; and all accommodation, UK or otherwise, other than that offered under exceptional residential arrangements, must be booked through the Defence Hotel Reservation Service (DHRS). All residential accommodation offered by training providers must be pre-authorised by the Unit.

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

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• Vulnerability Assessment • Resettlement Brief • Resettlement Interview • Gateway to 3rd Sector:

– Housing – Finance – Social Benefits – Employment – Pensions – Health

Employment Support Programme >4<6 Years’ Service

• Job-Finding Service • ‘RightJob’ Access • Consultant Interview • Housing Brief • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Access (on a standby basis) to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events

Full Resettlement Programme >6 Years’ Service

• IRTC Grant (£534) • Resettlement Leave (up to 35 days) • Career Transition Workshop (3 days) • Other Workshops – Self-Employment Awareness – Small Business Start-Up – CV Writing – Interview Skills – Networking • Career Consultancy • Travel Warrants (up to 7) • ‘RightJob’ Access • Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief • Housing Brief • Access to 50 Various Resettlement Training Centre Courses • Post Discharge Consultant Support (up to 2 years) • Employment Fairs and Events

Standard Learning Credits Enhanced Learning Credit Access to first FE/HE Qualification Resettlement Grant - Officers with 9 years service up to £14,686 - Other Ranks with 12 years service who are AFPS 75 up to £10,302­­ - Officers (9 years) and Other Ranks (12 years) who are AFPS 05 up to £10,302

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Resettlement Training

Service Leaver Support Teams (SLSTs)

Training provided by the CTP

Can be found at Army UK divisional and district HQs and at some regional brigades. They provide Service Leavers with information and help on a wide variety of subjects, including employment, housing, schooling, finance and other resettlement issues. They work in close cooperation with other agencies, including the RFEA, single-Service specialists and the CTP.

Skills training takes place at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC) in Aldershot and at a selection of Resettlement Centres. The RTC has bespoke workshops within its Building and Engineering Departments, and also offers Management and IT courses. Many of those on offer result in civilian-recognised qualifications.

To find out more about the wide range of courses available, and to search for dates and locations, visit our website at www.ctp.org.uk For all other enquiries, to check availability, or to make a booking or payment, contact our Course Booking & Information Centre (CBIC): Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk

Training provided by Preferred Suppliers The­­­Preferred Suppliers List (PSL) identifies a range of local training providers offering some of the most common vocational training that Service Leavers undertake. In order to qualify for the PSL, the training organisation is obliged to demonstrate financial reliability, appropriate insurance cover, past performance, future plans, training facilities, accreditation levels and quality standards. The PSL is published at www.ctp.org.uk and is also held in each of the Resettlement Centres. Preferred Supplier status is subject to continuous evaluation, on each course by the Service Leaver, by the CTP and by annual review.

Overseas Resettlement Training Resettlement training should, wherever possible, be undertaken either in-house (given the value for money and quality assurance available on those courses) or locally in recognition of the local training first policy. Authorisation for overseas resettlement training can only be made by HQ SDE staff on a case-by-case basis and through the intelligent application of the following conditions. >> The training outcome is not available under the local training first policy, either within the UK for those serving in UK or within their normal theatre of operations for those serving overseas. >> The total costs of the training overseas to the MOD, including eligible subsistence allowances and travel costs, which will be claimed under current regulations, are less than those that would be incurred if undertaking the training in the UK, i.e. the value for money consideration. >> SDE staff have reasonable assurance of the quality of the training and its recognition by UK employers.

Any request for overseas training must arrive with SDE HQ staff at least eight weeks in advance of the intended departure date, to enable the necessary political clearances for successful applications to be made.

CTP RightJob CTP RightJob is the CTP’s online job-finding service, listing thousands of live vacancies for Service Leavers from local, national and international employers. The CTP works with hundreds of organisations that recognise the benefits of recruiting from the ex-military talent pool, and value the experience and strong working ethos Service Leavers bring with them. The site is accessed via the CTP website and the login required is issued during CTWs. Call the Central Employment Team for more information, on 0121 236 0058.

Useful CTP Contacts TO BOOK A CTP WORKSHOP OR BRIEFING…

Call our central line 0203 162 4410 For booking your Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or any other workshop or briefing. (This is a not a premium rate number and you should only be charged at the normal national rate, dependent on the phone provider) Alternatively, if you are calling from a military line, contact the Resettlement Centre running the workshop which is normally the Resettlement Centre that you are registered with for your resettlement. Contact details can be found in the list of Resettlement Centres provided earlier in Factfile.

CALL OUR COURSE BOOKING & INFORMATION CENTRE (CBIC) Civilian: Tel: 02894 456 200 Military: Tel: 9491 56 200 or Email: coursebookings@ctp.org.uk

FOR RIGHTJOB ASSISTANCE…

CALL OUR CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT TEAM (CET) Tel: 0121 236 0058 If you have forgotten your RightJob password, have been locked out of your account or require support using RightJob.

CTP Future Horizons CTP Employment Events Our events can be of great benefit and provide an excellent opportunity to network with potential employers and discuss the job market in general, as well as within specific industry sectors. The main types that we hold are: >> Employment Fairs – attended by a wide range of national and local employers, seeking the skills, quality and experience that Service Leavers have >> Live Online Chat Events – enable Service Leavers to chat one-to-one with employers during dedicated time slots, about their company, current vacancies and any training needs >> Company Presentations – these focus on one particular company, which is normally actively recruiting for a number of vacancies. >> Search for upcoming CTP events on our website at www.ctp.org.uk

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity Job-finding assistance and access to RightJob is available through the RFEA Employment Compass Programme (ECP), a national employment support programme designed to address the employment needs of Veteran personnel who no longer qualify for MoD Resettlement support and are returning to the employment market after two years post discharge from service.

The RFEA’s aim is to assist Veterans to secure quality, sustainable employment for the rest of their working lives. RFEA has an unparalleled understanding of the skills and ambitions that ex-Forces/Veterans bring to the employment market.

We also have a proven track record of helping all ranks, trades, backgrounds and services to find, and remain in, work. Indeed, in 2014 RFEA provided employment support to just over 4,000 Veterans UK-wide.

Tel: 0845 873 7166 Email: AdminRFEA@ctp.org.uk Website: www.rfea.org.uk

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CTP Future Horizons understands that leaving the Armed Forces is a key point in the lives of all Service Leavers, and believes that everyone who has served, even for a short period of time, is entitled to support in transitioning from the military into civilian life. The programme will provide support and assistance to enable you to find suitable employment upon leaving the Armed Forces. Through its network of partners, it will link you in to the most appropriate level of support you need to help with the transition.

CTP Future Horizons has been developed in response to the recognition and commitment from the MoD to improve resettlement provision to Early Service Leavers (ESLs). It is open to ESLs across all Services, regardless of how long you have served or the reasons you have for leaving. The programme has been designed and is delivered by the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity.

To discuss any aspect of CTP Future Horizons, please call Darren Bickerstaffe, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 831274 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 475526 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.

CTP Assist CTP Assist aims to help wounded, injured and sick Service personnel who have the greatest need to find a new, fulfilling career that meets their individual needs, and to assist them in moving on with their lives. The support given will help to pinpoint a rewarding and realistic change of career. Service leavers who are likely to be medically discharged and are ready to engage in resettlement will be referred to the programme by their Chain of Command. To find out more about how CTP Assist can support you, visit www.ctpassist.ctp.org.uk

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Making the transition Even if you have a job to go to on leaving the Armed Forces, you are still strongly advised to attend the CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW), along with any other that you will find of benefit, such as CV Writing or Interview Techniques. The purpose of these workshops is to help you to recognise and assess your options and learn

skills in order to approach the civilian workplace and market yourself to a future employer. These are skills that are important to develop for life, and not just for your next job. If you don’t go – you won’t know.

The Self-Marketing Approach is based on the application of well-established marketing concepts to the task of getting a new job. Marketing is about delivering products and services to meet customers needs. In this case, you are the product, the customer is your next employer. Your task is to persuade the customer that the range of benefits, which you bring, match his or her needs.

Throughout our lives we are faced with choices or options and as you prepare to leave the Services, you are potentially about to face some of your biggest ones yet. You can never start this preparation early enough, so plan your resettlement carefully and thoroughly. In order to commence a successful self-marketing campaign one of the first things you should do is to decide what it is you wish to achieve.

Define the product

Understand the world of work

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

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

Identify as wide a range of your skills and experience as you can From these, you can choose which ones match what the employer wants Demonstrate your value to the employer List your successes Focus on skills and attitudes rather than tasks Identify transferable skills Learn to think in terms of product (you) and customer (your next employer) Remember, customers buy benefits Define yourself in terms of unique selling propositions (USPs)

Prepare self-marketing literature Your CV should include: >> a personal profile – your USP >> major achievements – the benefits you brought to current and previous jobs >> a focus on your transferable skills Your CV should avoid mentioning: >> details of salary >> references >> any negative aspects of your career to date >> clichés, jargon, abbreviations and untruths

What has changed since you joined the Services?

How do those changes affect you?

How do you effectively manage your own career?

What are the different patterns of work?

What do you want from a company?

How do you negotiate a salary package?

Identify your interests and skills >> >> >> >> >>

What are your interests?

What transferable skills do you have?

What training or qualifications have you done?

Can you identify what you have achieved so far?

Does all this help you decide what to do next?

Proactive networking >> >> >> >>

How do you establish a useful network?

How do you use networks to help you research?

How can networks help you into a job?

How can networks help with career development?

Research the market

Networking advice

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

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

Decide on sectors, geographical areas etc.

Use directories, databases, internet etc.

Ask for information Use your personal network Use industry associations, chambers of commerce etc.

Attend jobfairs and conferences

Implement a marketing campaign Use a variety of approaches, including: >> responding to advertisements >> direct approaches by phone and letter >> networking >> employment agencies >> develop a system and keep records of all activities >> follow up approaches systematically >> learn from your mistakes

Start early Create mutually supportive relationships Use these at all stages of career development, not just at time of job change Networks are useful information sources Successful people develop networks Use them to market yourself and your organisation

The CTP can help you find the answers to these questions through attending workshops and one-to-one sessions with your Career Consultant. If you are not yet registered with the CTP, speak to your local Resettlement Officer or Service Resettlement Advisor for further advice.

Sell yourself on a face-to-face basis >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

Research the employer Prepare interview responses Dress appropriately Arrive early; impress everybody you meet Smile Avoid crossing arms and legs when sitting Maintain eye contact Answer questions honestly, but focus on the positive Manage the interview to match your benefits to the employer’s needs Prepare questions that you can ask the interviewer Seek feedback and learn from mistakes

For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.ctp.org.uk questonline.co.uk l September 2016

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