Quest September 2017

YOUR HOME FOR EVERYTHING ELC SEPTEMBER 2017

£250 PRIZE WINNER It could be you!

ELCs EXPLAINED

Find out how on page 46

All you need to know!

PLUS Access Diplomas Civvy savvy Resettlement planning Transition support

And get on course for these careers: Health and safety Rail

FORMER MEDIC’S NEW CALLING Francesca turns her transferable skills to training

INCORPORATING COURSES 4 FORCES COURSES I FUNDING I CAREERS I RESETTLEMENT

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T

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E

EDITOR WELCOME TO THE LATEST ISSUE OF QUEST magazine, incorporating COURSES 4

FORCES, the place where you’ll find ‘everything ELC’ (and more!) under one roof. If this is the first time you’ve picked up a copy, you’ve come to the right place: whether you’re still in uniform or have already started preparing for life on civvy street, our magazine of two halves is the only guide you’ll need to courses, funding, careers and resettlement.

The first part of the magazine focuses on ‘Your ELC’, bringing together all you need to know about claiming that very valuable funding and how best to use it – whether you’re still serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim. As well as answering all your important questions about the ELC application and claims process, we also delve into how distance learning can help you in your quest for qualifications, and highlight the benefits of higher-level study. Talking of high achievements, the subject of our HE success story this month – published novelist and director of production at a top engineering firm, Steve Higgs – is quite literally on course for success, largely thanks to his dedication to the pursuit of qualifications with an application to civvy street. He’s also our latest ‘QUEST questionnaire’ £250 prize winner! Turn to page 46 to find out how you could follow in his footsteps.

Our focus this time falls on two career areas we know are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already looking ahead to their transition: health and safety, and rail. Find out about the sort of courses that will help you further your skills in these areas, whether to boost your Service career prospects or to smooth your resettlement with relevant qualifications that will make you a more desirable employee on leaving. Beyond that, there’s a brief guide to the opportunities opened up by the Access to HE Diploma, making higher education an option for those

who thought it wasn’t, and the section winds up with our one-stop education and funding planner.

In part two, there’s the usual QUEST mix of inspiration and practical guidance on resettlement issues. First, we hear from former frontline medic, Francesca Burrows, who has transferred her unique Forces experiences to a new role delivering first aid and leadership training. After that you’ll find us taking to the air with Stoll, and the story of how they supported an RAF Veteran into employment with a leading airline.

Beyond the workplace, regular contributor Ryan Mansfield – our man ‘on the outside’ – has some more of his usual down-to-earth advice to help make sure you’re civvy savvy. To aid your resettlement prep, you’ll also find full CTP course and events listings, and our ‘Transition Factfile’, pulling together in one place useful info from a range of sources.

All this is held together by ‘The Hub’, where you’ll find essential information on courses and training options, transition news and reader reports.

Yet again gathering together indispensible course and career information in one handy guide, we hope you’ll find this issue has plenty to say to you in its quest to support you during your Service career and beyond.

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

Lynn Brown Editor

Quest and the Quest logo are registered trade marks of

Bulldog Publishing Limited Unit B4, Beech House, Melbourn Science Park, Melbourn, Herts SG8 6HB Telephone: 01763 268120 email: info@questonline.co.uk www.questonline.co.uk EDITOR Lynn Brown MANAGING DIRECTOR Bruce Hodge ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER David Lidbury Account Managers Tony Heathfield 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

CONNECT WITH US questonline.co.uk questmagazine

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September 2017

3

SEPTEMBER 2017 >>

Contents YOUR ELC

06 ELC 101: the basics 08 Are you eligible for ELC? 10 How to use your ELC funding

20

11 How to claim if you are still serving 12 How to claim after leaving 14 Avoiding queries or rejection 16 ELC dos and don’ts 18 Higher-level study 20 HE success story: Steve Higgs’ career is well on course thanks to his impressive haul of qualifications – he’s also our latest £250 prize winner!

22 Distance learning 25 Qualifications to further your Service career 26 On course: Health and safety 29 Health and safety case study: Richard Kear 34 On course: Rail careers 38 The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma 44 Education and funding planner 46 Useful contacts

THE HUB 48 Course and training options, transition news and reader reports

YOUR RESETTLEMENT

52 Success story: inspiration from those who’ve already made the transition. This month, former frontline medic Francesca Burrows 56 Transition support: how Stoll is helping vulnerable Veterans 58 Civvy savvy: advice from the ‘other side’ 60 CTP courses and events 62 Transition factfile

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September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

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Q

YOUR ELC ELC BASICS

ELC 101 The basics

S

ubject to certain eligibility

l

The PF FE/HE scheme provides

l

Withdrawal once payment has been

criteria (see page 8), the ELC

Service leavers and Service personnel

made due to foreseeable postings/

scheme offers currently serving

in their qualifying resettlement phase

Service activities will usually meant

or former Service personnel access to a

with access to a first full level 3 or a

first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational

first HE qualification (a foundation

equivalent) or a first higher education (HE)

degree or a first undergraduate

compassionate reasons cause your

qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a

degree or equivalent) with support

withdrawal, you should seek advice

towards tuition fees.

from your Education Staff or Learning

Only one ELC claim can be made in

Adviser.Q

first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees. Here’s the basic

l

information you need to know … l

The ELC lower tier offers up to three

l

learning of at least 20% of the cost (the ELC element includes VAT but

tier offers up to three payments of up

excludes travel, accommodation, food,

to £2,000 in three separate financial

books and materials). l

l

You must discuss your plans with

The three separate years do not have

your line manager and education

to run consecutively, and may be a

adviser before making any financial

combination of both higher and lower

commitment. l

ELC are available for full- or part-time

ELC may be claimed for the same

study for a qualification at level 3 or

learning course if it continues for more

above, as defined on the NQF or SCQF,

than a year, or for a different learning

with an organisation on the approved providers list maintained by ELCAS.

purpose each year. l

You must make a contribution to your

separate financial years; the higher

levels. l

If one course combines with others for

l

a single learning purpose these can be

− – Service training

combined to claim ELC.

− – civilian accredited Service training

You may not claim ELC for:

A new ELC award was created in 2016.

(unless at least 30 hours extra work

It’s an aggregated lower-tier award,

is involved, together with a separate

which is a single payment of up to

If unexpected Service or

any one financial year (April to March).

payments of up to £1,000 in three

years. l

that no further claims will be allowed. l

exam, assessment or assignment)

£3,000 for those with six or more

− – membership fees

years of qualifying service, which will

− – books and materials

count as all three awards.

− – normal Service sport and adventurous training.

ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS From its inception until the end of July 2017, 383,091 people had registered with the ELC scheme and 129,775 claims had been made, to the value of £199.4 million.

6

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

cti

personal development/ resettlement

training

compliance

training instructor course

Value:

£2000+ £2,400 products

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Qualifying trainers, managers and health and safety specialists for the future Train2Train is the leading provider of compliance training and instructor-based courses within the UK. Our Compliance Training Instructor course (CTI) has been specifically developed for individuals who wish to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to deliver a range of first aid, health and safety, food safety and fire safety qualifications. It is recommended to those who are looking to deliver both accredited and non-accredited qualifications, either for their own company or on behalf of a training organisation.

The course is delivered over 10 consecutive working days. To provide flexibility, learners can also choose to complete modules of the course over a period of time at a venue or venues of their choice.

All learners will receive a comprehensive instructor’s pack valued at over £2,500, including training presentations that can be downloaded on to an iPad Mini, which is also included as part of the course, as well as materials, handouts and learner thumbnails.

On completion of the course, should you wish to apply for tutor and/or centre status to deliver regulated qualifications, you must meet the prescribed quality assurance standards as set out by a regulated awarding organisation.

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 and will look great to a prospective employer.

Training venues include: Doncaster Catterick Cyprus

Blandford Oakham

*Minimum numbers required Visit: www.Train2Train.org for further information

Further details on this and other courses available, including: NEBOSH, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Teaching qualifications, please contact us at: e: info@train2train.org t: +44 (0)1302 363136 w: www.train2train.org

First Class publications from Highfield Products - a global leader in compliance and work-based learning training materials, and winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. iPad mini which can be fully loaded with Highfield Products Ltd training presentations.

Partner 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, Highfield Qualifications.

Learners should note that the successful completion of the course does not guarantee approval by a regulated awarding organisation.

©Train2Train 2017

cti

Q

YOUR ELC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Are you eligible for ELC?

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

have left the Service or entered your

day of service, you will be eligible to claim

currently in service will be auto-

qualifying resettlement phase on or

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

enrolled on the ELC scheme, as will

after 17 July 2008

meeting the other conditions associated

meet UK residency requirements to

with the scheme.

All Regular Service Personnel (SP)

future SP on completion of their Phase 1 training. l

l

l

qualify for full state subsidy.

Special eligibility criteria apply if you were

for both ELC lower-tier and FEHE

medically discharged from service before

discharged?

awards will increase from four to six

achieving the required number of years’

You are eligible to claim ELC at the

years from 1 April 2017. If you will

service. If this is the case, please seek

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

already have accumulated four years’

advice from your unit education staffs.

depending on your length of service on

In detail …

lower-tier award and FEHE.

When can you start claiming ELC?

completing six years of service, you may

If you left – or are due to leave –

You can start claiming when you have

be eligible to make claims at the lower-

service on or after 1 April 2016, you

accumulated the necessary qualifying

tier rate if the injury or illness was caused

are entitled to post-service access to

years of service. For example, if you

or significantly worsened, wholly or

ELC and FEHE for five years.

registered on the ELC scheme and have

predominantly by service, as defined by

If you left between 1 April 2011 and 31

been serving since 1 April 2000, you will

the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

March 2016 inclusive, you will have

have been entitled to start claiming at the

(JSP765).

until 31 March 2021 to use your ELC or

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

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

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

What if you are no longer serving?

If you left before 1 April 2011, you

above, from 1 April 2017, the qualifying

If you have already left the Service or are

will retain ten years of post-Service

service for lower-tier awards will increase

in your resettlement phase, you may be

access.

from four to six years. However, if you will

eligible to claim under the terms of the

have accumulated four years’ qualifying

Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher

service before 1 April 2017, you will still be

Education (PF FE/HE) scheme. Take a

able to claim your lower-tier awards.

look at the feature on page 12 to find out

To take advantage of ELC support, you

l

8

you are medically discharged prior to

more – or, for full details and to check the

must:

l

the date of discharge. Additionally, if

you keep your entitlement to use ELC

In brief … l

What about if you are medically

The qualifying service required

qualifying service before 1 April 2017,

l

l

have completed four years of full-time

What happens if you are made redundant?

detailed eligibility rules, visit

service or, from 1 April 2017, six years

Irrespective of whether or not you applied

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

have joined – or since April 2016

to be made redundant, you will cease

been automatically enrolled – on the

to accrue service for ELC eligibility on

Find out more

scheme and completed four years’ or,

the day you leave service. If you have

Much more detailed information is

from 1 April 2017, six years’ qualifying

accrued six or more years’ service since

available in JSP822, which can be

scheme membership

registering on the scheme by your last day

downloaded from the ELCAS website at

apply only for a first eligible FE/HE

of service, you will still be eligible to claim

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

qualification at the level for which you

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

are academically qualified to enter

accrued eight or more years’ service since

learning on leaving the Service

registering on the scheme by your last

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

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

Upcoming Dates in 2017:

29th September, 27th October, 17th November

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

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

9

Q

Distance learning

Distance learning YOUR ELC SPENDING OPTIONS

What is distance learning?

D

ASK YOURSELF ‌

istance learning allows people to study when and where they â—?

Does the course lead to the â—?

Will there be an exam at want, rather than on the same site as the institution that is qualification I want/need? the end? providing the education (as is the case with ‘traditional’ study). As �

Will the course train me to â—?

Is the provider inspected or well as ‘distance learning’, you are likely to come across terms such as the level required (by me or accredited by an ‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all these a potential employer)? independent body? types of learning are likely to overlap, but, as a rough rule of thumb, �

Can I view the training â—?

If I choose to study for a open learning includes more face�to�face classes than distance materials first, before degree, do I have to learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are committing?

Or chat to complete it in three years? tutors and physical material available to help students. â—?

Will I receive any special previous learners?

Distance learning ranges from courses of even as little as a few â—?

Do I have to pass an entry consideration for study hours, to degrees and postgraduate qualifications that may involve test? problems as a result of several years’ study. So�called ‘short courses’ typically last days or �

How much support is operational duties? weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those subjects with a â—?

Is the course available via available?

And in what strong practical element often have modules that are appropriate for learning tools that I will be form? distance learning. â—?

Can the whole course be able to access? (For Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days, done at a distance, or is it example, if you are in an learning materials and support may be provided by either one or a necessary to attend training environment where IT combination of the following means: books, telephone, DVD, CD� sessions at specific times? availability is limited, you ROM, email, the internet, podcasts and via mobile learning, where �

How much time do I need should select a course the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or to set aside for study? where it is possible to use through a wireless server. Some providers offer course elements via â—?

How much will the course paper and telephone, at the iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free of charge. Many cost? least for a limited period.) courses make extensive use of the internet. Others involve tutor groups, which may meet regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’ LC are available for full- or partl foundation degrees duration for classroom education on top of regular, directed CHOOSING A COURSE time study for a qualification at l postgraduate qualifications coursework at a distance.

Before deciding on a course, you level 3 or above, as defined on the l other academic qualifications should consider: National Qualifications Framework/ l professional self-development APL AND CATSto your personal Convenience is the key l its relevance Regulated Qualifications Framework l for accreditation development plan The great thing about distance learning(NQF/ – especially those in theof prior learning your ability undertake RQF),* anwho organisation l world vocational training When choosing a course,ltwo terms to betoaware of are it Armed with Forces, may be posted anywhere in the – is that it l

likely disruptions to Service on the approved providers list held byOnce you have l registration fees of prior learning (APL) and the Credit accreditation puts you in control of your education. chosen and and accreditation requirements enrolledand on your course when, ELCAS viewable at (see below), you are free lto study sports qualifications Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Both allow a l the flexibility of the study method. teaching organisation to give credit to: where – and, these days, how – you choose, fit your qualifications www.enhancedlearningcredits.com It couldso you l can overseas learning elsewhere, and education around your current work and/or family be an A-level, or an NVQ 3 or equivalent l commitments. resettlement training�(during lastobtained two � relevant experience at work in the subject concerned.

You might be an early bird, who works best first thing in the award. You may also use ELC to fund years of service only). * The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is You should always ask about APL CATS, to and avoid repeating morning; or you might be a night owl, who finds the evenings the replacing theand Qualifications Credit Framework anything above that, too, like university To find out more about accessing higherthings you have already(QCF) done. best time to study successfully – it’s entirely up to you. And of course, from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects modules or nationally recognised diplomas. level study in particular, take a look at our in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile learning, the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

This might include: feature on page 18.

Continued on page 10

How to use your ELC funding When your claim’s approved, there’s a wide choice of where to spend your funding

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Course notes

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM YOUR ELC

Engineering your way to the top

Accredited Competence in General Locksmithing level 3 course

M

A

echanical engineer Metal door lock bodies 1 Safe & Secure’s level 3 course is Alexander Bill completed Knob sets conducted over a three‐week period, his MBA part‐time at Aston Pad locks comprising two weeks in the technical Business School and, three Locker locks workshop and one week’s field training. months after graduating, Lever rim locks (Field training can be arranged at a later landed a senior role with global Bullet warded mortice locks 2/3 lever date for convenience.) The aim of the transport business Alstom.

Sash and dead locks 2/3/5 lever workshop training is for you to gain in‐ Alex began his career at 5 lever British Standard mortice locks depth technical knowledge of the Alstom more than a decade APG door locks locksmith trade, allowing you to ago as a commissioning Digital locks understand the workings of the majority engineer. He rose to the Lock fitting of locks you will come across in The Aston Business School position of sales manager and MBA helped Alex Bill progress Key cutting customers premises be they domestic or his career then operations manager, but Safes commercial. found the commercial and Car opening You will be taught to strip and business side of selling and delivering advanced industrial Specialist non‐destructive lock opening assemble locks, make keys for them by services exciting. Says Alex, ‘Following a really successful techniques hand and machine, and pick them open. project, the station director of a client was talking to me You will also be taught other opening about the MBA he had done at Aston – it sounded very One‐week field training methods using specialist equipment. You interesting and appealing. He actively encouraged me to do Week three of your course will be spent will be trained on locking systems that one for myself. And I’m glad that I did! out with a locksmith doing daily work on are found on wooden, aluminium and ‘It has had a number of benefits, not just for myself, but a hands‐on basis. You will not just be an UPVC doors, as well as in what to expect also directly for Alstom Power. For example, it has enabled observer, you will be doing the work as when coming across steel doors found on me to impact the profitability of our service operations. At well. This is designed to give you commercial premises, such as final‐exit the same time, the improvements to my skills when invaluable experience in situations that doors and grill‐type gates. presenting and communicating to a wide range of audiences may arise, especially dealing with the Along with all of the above you will – 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 Alex adds, ‘It was challenging to find a balance between for you to complete this week separately business. You will be given guidance on carrying out my day job, going to lectures, studying at the at a later date if this is more suitable. what stock to put in your vehicle, how Do not leave until the lastare minute.

1.

Read Joint Service JSP822 – Defence weekends and my family. Publication However, Aston was great, and Direction Class hours 9 am–4Allow pm. time for your vehicle8. should be laid outeverything and veryand flexible.

When,for towards the end my second equipped, and even of vehicle anywhat new type publicly funded providers to be accepted on to the Guidance Training andofEducation . year, my daughter was born I was able to rearrange my exams.

This is without the bestweeks. locksmith to use. We will also help you to acquire scheme, as the registration process can doubt take several 2. Think about what fits your personal development plan and Likewise, for my MBA dissertation, Aston was just as training course available anywhere in the accounts at the major locksmith supply Once they have been accepted, you can submit an application your future. flexible.

UK today and, on successful completion, companies in the country. These to study them.at 3. Discuss this withvaluable your line manager and education/learning ‘One of the most things I learned was how to you will be awarded your level 3 NCFE accounts will allow you towith purchase, analyse and understand a wide range of complex and often Accredited Certificate infee, Providers are tools expected waive any initial registration trade price, 9. stock for your van, and toNational staff. incomplete sources of information, and then synthesise Locksmithing. any specialist requirements that you so don’t pay any ofmay your own money towards the cost of their 4.

Get the necessary approval to enrol. them into a coherent and compelling argument and short If you have any questions or would have. You will also receive a full set of tuition fees – if you do, it will not be refunded.

5.

Go to thethat ELCAS websitetoatthe point. presentation gets straight like to book a course, please call 01432 course notes. All of this is backed‐up by 10. You must submit a separate claim form for each year of www.enhancedlearningcredits.com and complete the ELC ‘The MBA definitely gave me the knowledge and skills to 341257. a free 24‐hour helpline should you have progress my career, helping me to be promoted to general course – if you don’t, it could result in support being application form online. problems while a trading. manager.’ withdrawn.

6.

Check the ELCAS database of approved providers to see if the

Making an application Your step-by-step guide

Two‐week technical workshop

11. Start learning, and make thein most of your life! you wish to enrol on is allowable under the rules.

Get touch Getcourse in touch Subjects covered

Tel: 01432 341257 7. you204 wish to use a provider that is not on the list, ensure Tel: If0121 3099 Pinthey tumblerELCAS locks has produced a useful flow diagram to sum up the claims

email: saslocksandtraining@gmail.com email: aremba@aston.ac.uk eligible to participate in the scheme (they must deliver Disc locks process. You can find this in the Annex at the end of JSP822, Web: www.safeandsecurelocksmithcourses.co.uk Web: www.aston.ac.uk Radial locks

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

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11

Q

YOUR ELC HOW TO CLAIM AFTER LEAVING

No longer serving?

Here’s how to claim your ELC if you have left the Services

A

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

lthough the main purpose of ELC

claim form to them at the relevant address

Royal Navy

is to encourage serving personnel

(again, see box), along with:

ELC Manager, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,

to pursue higher-level learning

l

evidence of your last day of Service,

Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth

that benefits both the learner and the

which could be a copy of your

PO2 8BY

Armed Forces, it also allows level 3-plus

discharge document, a copy of your

02392 625954

learning to be pursued during resettlement

P45 terminating employment or a

NAVYTRGHQ-EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk

or for up to five years after leaving the

document stamped by your regiment

Services.* The majority of this learning

confirming your leaving date**

Army

a copy of a utility bill showing your

Learning Credit Scheme (LCS) Manager,

home address

Education Branch Zone 4, Floor 2, Army

full information about the course

Personnel Services Group, Home Command,

future employer and, nationally, adding to

you wish to undertake and including

Ramillies Building, Army HQ

the UK’s skills base.

details of your registration date where

Monxton Road, Andover SP11 8HJ

is likely to be vocational (learning new

l

skills or enhancing existing ones), with the qualification benefiting the learner and a

First of all, refer to the eligibility

l

applicable. Q

criteria listed on page 8. To make a

01264 381580 elc@detsa.co.uk

claim, download the appropriate form

The Army Single Service telephone helpline

from the ELCAS website and complete

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

it fully, except for Parts 4 and 5 – your

refer to JSP822 at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

Single Service Representative (SSR) will

com for the expiration date of your claims.

Royal Air Force

complete these elements (you will find

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

Learning Credits Administrator,

their contact details in the accompanying

your discharge document from the RAF Disclosures

Accreditation and Education Wing, RAF

box). Send your otherwise fully completed

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

Central Training School, HQ 22 TrgGp, Room

personnel can request details of discharge dates

IMPORTANT!

221B, Trenchard Hall, RAF College, Cranwell

from the Army Personnel Centre by calling 0845

NG34 8HB

All applications must be submitted to

6009663.

SSRs for approval at least 25 clear working days prior to the start of the course you wish to take. They will then submit approved applications to ELCAS. You should not submit your claim form direct to ELCAS.

12

WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

is open 9.30–12.30, excluding bank holidays.

01400 268 183 22TrgGp-CTS-AandEWg-LCA@mod.uk

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

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

13

Q

YOUR ELC HOW YOU CAN HELP

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

E

LCAS deals with many claims that

minimum criteria (level 3 or above on the

and research and discuss your learning with

have to be queried or rejected: almost

NQF or RQF) or the learning provider is

your line manager and Service education or

not on the ELCAS approved providers list

learning adviser. This also applies if you are

failure to follow the correct procedure for

a qualifying ex-Service person using your

authorising the claim

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

the course not commencing in the

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

qualifying financial year

enough you could find yourself significantly

incorrect financial data, such as the

out of pocket as retrospective claims are not

authorisation note (CAN) from ELCAS

learner’s contribution being less than

allowed under any circumstances.

learners failing to allow sufficient time

20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated

20% of claims received fail to comply

with the correct procedures. Some of the

l

main reasons for rejection include: l

applicants enrolling on a course – and

l

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

l

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

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

days of the start of the course will

all rejected/queried claims)

provider may supply many courses, but only

applicants not registered on the ELCAS

those approved courses at NQF/RQF level 3

system

or above (and equivalent) listed on the ELCAS

more than one active claim being

website may be considered for ELC purposes.

l

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

14

offered by an approved provider are

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

submitted before the course evaluation

l

as exceeding the ELC award

so any claim submitted within 25 working automatically be rejected l

l

Also, do not assume that all courses

l

So:

processed for an individual in the same financial year.

l

plan ahead and get it right first time

automatically rejected

To help avoid rejection on grounds such as

l

don’t buck the system or pay upfront

the course does not meet the necessary

those listed above, you should plan ahead,

l

complete your claim with care! Q

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Q

YOUR ELC ELC DOS AND DON’TS

ELC dos and don’ts Do: l

l

enhancedlearningcredits.com

provide evidence that you completed the course, your future claims will be

Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction

approved ELC provider if using your

denied.

and Guidance for Training and

Individual Resettlement Training Cost

l

Education, which can be downloaded

(IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a

Don’t:

from the ELCAS website at www.

nationally recognised qualification at

l

enhancedlearningcredits.com

level 3 or above

to course providers until you have

consult your education, learning,

received a claim authorisation note

consult your education/learning staff

l

(CAN)

training and/or resettlement adviser if

personal development plan

you aren’t sure of the best way to use

plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days

funding for your resettlement training

provider status means that the entire

remember that the scheme operates a

portfolio of a provider’s courses meets

l

l

automatically assume that approved

the level 3 requirement

needing to book a course

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

be prepared to provide evidence that

if you are eligible and have used the

the course you would like to do is at

Aggregated Lower Tier award you will

financially without having first obtained

least level 3 (or equivalent) on the

not be able to use it again, so think

approval from your own Service and a

(NQF) or Qualifications and Credit

l

carefully before submitting a claim

National Qualifications Framework

l

commit any payment contributions

and line managers to discuss your

between submitting a claim and l

your studies; if you don’t, and can’t

ensure the training is delivered by an

make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service

l

it out on the ELCAS website at www.

l

inform your Education Staff,

enrol on a course or commit yourself

CAN from ELCAS l

enrol on a course with a new provider

Framework (QCF),* and that it directly

Learning Adviser or Single Service

who is awaiting ‘approved’ status;

benefits the Service (unless your claim

representative if your last day in

wait until this has definitely been

is resettlement-related during your last

service alters from that originally

achieved – if this takes too long, look on

two years of serving)

stated

the ELCAS website for an alternative

complete and return the evaluation

provider. Q

ensure the course provider has approved provider status by checking

l

questionnaire when you’ve finished

* The QCF is being replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) from 1 October 2015 onwards. Ofqual expects the QCF to expire on 31 December 2017.

16

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

17

Q

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

Aim higher!

I

f you’re thinking of embarking on a

career openings, but if it turns out

higher education (HE) qualification

you’re no good at it, you’re unlikely

that’s great – you can use your ELC

to end up with a good qualification

to fund anything above level 3, and that

at the end of it – and may even fail

includes university modules and nationally

altogether.

recognised diplomas. Other HE courses open

It’s a good idea to start by

to you for consideration include diplomas,

thinking about the qualifications

bachelor’s degrees, foundation degrees

you already have and the subjects/areas you

and postgraduate qualifications. The only

have a flair for. Other things you might want

through students completing a number

problem you are likely to have is in deciding

to think about include the course provider’s

of modules, the distinction between HE

exactly what and how to study!

academic reputation (you can find university

(generally academic) and further education

league tables and subject ranking tables

(FE) (often vocational) can be unclear.

online), its graduate employment rates, and

Credits from a selection of courses can often

You may already have a pretty good idea

links between the university or college and

be added together to gain degrees and other

of what you’d like to study at a higher

employers.

HE qualifications.

Choosing an HE course level but, if you’re unsure, our advice is to

Having decided what you want to study,

With many qualifications being earned

Both HE and FE courses can be taken via

make sure you understand the nature of

you will be faced with a variety of ways of

distance learning. The difference between

the subject you are considering, especially

studying it.

these is not always clear-cut, though, and

if it’s something new to you. So do your

18

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

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

research, and ensure you know exactly what

How do HE courses differ?

a course is offering you – topic areas, what

The most basic difference is between the

are modular; this means that you complete

the modules will cover, etc. Whatever else

levels of courses. While most HE courses

them in sections (modules), often of your

you take in to consideration, it goes without

lead to a degree, some lead to sub-degree

own choosing, and credits gained from a

saying that you must have a strong interest

qualifications such as a Higher National

selection of such courses can be gathered

in the subject and the course content, as

Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma

together to ‘add up’ to degrees and other HE

you will be spending three years or more

(HND) or a foundation degree. In general,

qualifications.

occupied with it, which won’t be much fun

such courses will be shorter than a degree

if it turns out you’re not that struck with it

course, more vocationally orientated and will

TO HELP YOU CHOOSE …

after all!

have lower entry requirements. Some will be

Which? University is a free and

You are also likely to do better at a

linked to degree courses, though, giving you

independent website packed with

course if you already have an aptitude for

the option of progressing to a degree if you

everything you need to find the right

the subject. It might be a really fascinating

perform well enough on the early parts of

university course for you. See http://

course, which promises to lead to a host of

the course.

university.which.co.uk

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

both types are involved. Many qualifications

Please note that Service leavers cannot

usually takes three or four years to complete

access support under the FEHE scheme to

full-time (some degrees, such as medicine,

SOURCES OF ADVICE

commence studies at master’s level but they

can take five or six years).

Your line manager should be your

can utilise their ELC for study at this level.

first point of contact. Each unit has

Postgraduate qualifications

an education/learning specialist, and

popular higher-level course options you

Postgraduate qualifications are HE

each Service also has a network of

could choose from …

qualifications that require learners to have

educational and learning centres

already completed a bachelor’s degree.

where advice can be sought and ideas

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

Most types of postgraduate qualification will

explored.

generally fall into one of two categories:

in open learning, with distance learning

HNCs and HNDs are work-related

postgraduate certificate or postgraduate

generally catering for students who are so

(vocational) HE qualifications. While

diploma.

far away that they study almost entirely by

Here’s a rundown of some of the other

bachelor’s degrees (see below) tend to focus

include taught and research elements. They

themselves.

designed to give you the skills to put that

Think you’re missing the necessary basics?

knowledge to effective use in a particular

If you aren’t already in possession of the

ELC funding for higher education

job. Highly valued by employers, both in

lower-level qualifications you would normally

The good news is that your ELC provides

the UK and overseas, they can also count

need to build on in order to secure your

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

towards membership of professional bodies

place on an HE course, the Access to Higher

HE qualification (e.g. foundation degree, first

and other employer organisations. HNCs

Education (HE) Diploma – often referred

undergraduate degree or equivalent) free

can take one year to complete full-time and

to by its shorthand form, Access Diploma

from tuition fees. This commitment means

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

– could be for you. It’s a qualification that

that Service leavers who have joined at level

learning). HNDs take two years full-time and

prepares people for study at university,

2, say, and have taken the opportunity to

can also be taken part-time (which takes

and is designed for those who would like to

gain a qualification such as an advanced

longer). (The award of an HND requires more

study in HE but who left school without the

apprenticeship, or other accredited learning

units to be passed than for an HNC.) They

usual qualifications, such as A-levels. It is

at level 3 or equivalent, may now be able to

equate to approximately halfway between

widely accepted by universities and colleges,

access their first higher-level qualification.

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

having been developed with their support,

as mentioned above, more practically based

and is designed to provide a good grounding

than the latter.

in the knowledge and study skills needed

Training and Education, which can be

to succeed in HE. Although equivalent to

accessed and downloaded at www.

Foundation degrees

A-levels, Access Diploma courses are put

enhancedlearningcredits.com Q

Foundation degrees combine learning with

together with people who haven’t studied

work experience if you decide you want

for a while in mind – and most don’t require

to ‘earn while you learn’. The equivalent

prior qualifications. Many are suitable for

COURSE FINDERS Full- and part-time courses

of two-thirds of a full honours degree, this

study part-time or in the evenings, which

l

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

is a fully flexible qualification that allows

adds to their flexibility. Most FE colleges

Compare official course data from

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

in England and Wales offer such Access

universities and colleges, including

lifestyle. On passing, you will gain 240

courses, and a number are available through

student satisfaction and jobs after

‘points’ towards a full degree course, and full

distance learning, so you should be able

study (you have to apply to the college

account will be taken of any prior learning

to find a course that is convenient for you,

and experience you have accrued, too.

and that caters for your interests or career

l

UCAS: http://search.ucas.com

Recent developments, including university

ambitions. You can find out more about

Search and apply for full-time courses

partnerships and funding, make these

Access to HE courses, browse courses and

qualifications increasingly available to

read success stories on the Access to Higher

people in the Services.

Education homepage at www.accesstohe.

on gaining knowledge, HNCs and HNDs are

Full details can be found in JSP822

– Defence Direction and Guidance for

or university direct)

by course name, provider name or location l

ac.uk

Degree courses

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

A bachelor’s degree is a course of HE

How to learn

academic study leading to a qualification

Qualifications can be earned through full-

such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor

time courses, part-time courses, day release,

Postgraduate study

of Science (BSc). They are sometimes known

night school, open and distance learning

l

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

(see the feature on page 22 of this issue).

degree is designed to give learners a

There will usually be more times when

thorough understanding of a subject, and

students get together for joint study periods

Search for full- and part-time courses

Prospects: www.prospects.ac.uk/ postgraduate-courses

l

Postgraduate Search: www. postgraduatesearch.com

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

19

Q

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

£250 PRIZE WINNER!

success Author of his own

… that’s Steve Higgs, our latest QUEST quarterly £250 prize winner, who has put to excellent use the courses and funding available to him during and since his time in uniform. His pursuit of higherlevel qualifications got him noticed while serving – and, now he’s left, his dedication to self-enhancement is still giving back, seeing him secure a high-ranking role at a top-flight engineering firm while also finding success as a published novelist alongside his day job. Steve tells us his story so far …

I

spent a little shy of 25 years in the

GCSEs, which I had missed out on as a

continually search for more, to question

Army, joining the REME in 1988 as

schoolboy.

the ‘why’ and to link ideas. In so doing

I registered for Enhanced Learning

one can achieve a deeper understanding

career I chose was one that demanded

Credits (ELC) moments after they were

of business drivers, so learning becomes

a level of continuous learning with

announced, and knew instantly that I was

understanding and studying for exams

abundant equipment courses, trade

going to spend every available penny on

transforms into innovating for profit.

development courses and, as I was lucky

improving my knowledge and education

enough to be selected for Artificer

for the benefit of my military career and to

an apprentice vehicle mechanic. The

prepare me for what would come

training, an HNC in Mechanical

after.

Engineering.

I have no doubt that

The opportunity to utilise learning credits was one I seized on early in my career, using the lesser Standard Learning Credits (SLC) to offset

To visit Steve’s author page on Amazon click on www.amazon.com/-/e/ B073QRX9K1

my visible pursuit of high-level qualifications, such as a master’s degree in Engineering Management, aided my promotion prospects while still in uniform and I

the cost of a bachelor’s

advanced ahead of my peer

degree in Technology, and

group at every turn. However,

to gain vocational qualifications

there is benefit beyond the simplistic

such as IOSH Managing Safely and

20

From Army Captain to author – and director of production at a successful engineering firm: career moves worth contemplating

PRINCE2 for project management, as well

enhancement of one’s knowledge base, as

as more academic qualifications such as

the applied learning causes the student to

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Success story: Steve’s first published novel, a crime-comedy, has attracted five-star reviews

benefit beyond the simple enhancement

zombie stories with my own unique crime-

stopped with my exit from the Forces

of one’s knowledge base. In June, I

comedy spin.

and exhaustion of ELC funds. You

achieved a long-term goal and became

should be prepared for this

a published author. My first novel,

My education has of course not

I was able to achieve this only because I applied myself to do more than I had to,

entitled Paranormal Nonsense:

too. I had planned for a

avoided coasting and really challenged

Blue Moon Investigations Book

career in logistics and distribution, but once

1, is available in Kindle or

employed discovered

paperback format from

Connect with Steve at www.linkedin.com/in/ steven-higgs-25678049

knowledge gaps where my staff knew more about basic

myself. I hope you find the effort to do the same. Good luck! Q

Amazon, and will very soon be

work-related subjects

released as

or had more pertinent

an audio book

qualifications at a lower

too. It’s a crime-

level than I. To correct this,

comedy, which has

over the past few years I have

thus far received nothing

added several new qualifications, chief

but five-star reviews. My

among which are the NEBOSH National

second book is also nearing

General Certificate in Occupational Health

completion and is set for

and Safety, and the CPC Road Haulage

release before Christmas,

Association Operators Licence, which

and I have been invited to

allows an individual to operate a haulage

contribute to an anthology of

Capt. Higgs and the soldiers of 2Plt Quebec Coy on parade

BothSpring of these role as 11:25 Page 47 Coursesfleet.

4 Forces finalunderpin 2015_C4Fmy16/03/2015 director of production at a multi-million-

IT COULD BE YOU!

Could you be our next quarterly £250 prize winner? To find out how to follow in Steve’s footsteps, turn to page 46 or visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can www.courses4forces.co.uk find out more and download a copy of the Quest Questionnaire. We look forward to portfolio, which harks back to what I hearing from you eligibility ‌ Claimants must consult with their education staff to check for ELC funding before making any commitment to study was trying to put across above, about pound engineering firm in the south-east.

There is a recent addition to my

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E LC

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

21

Q

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

Remote control

Let the classroom come to you!

ASK YOURSELF … l

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

l

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

T

What’s involved?

can study when and where you

Courses delivered through distance

want. There’s no need to be

learning range from those taking as

l

Can I chat to previous learners?

physically on-campus to study or take

little as a few hours, to degrees and

l

Do I have to pass an entry test?

(some) training courses. And that, of

postgraduate qualifications that may

l

How much support is available? And in

course, is a considerable benefit to those

involve several years’ study. So-called

of you posted to far-flung locations,

‘short courses’ typically last days or

meaning that you can continue your

weeks as opposed to months or years.

distance, or is it necessary to attend

studies wherever in the world you may

Even those subjects with a strong

training sessions at specific times?

be. Nothing need come between you and your preparations for life in the civilian world.

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

In truth, all of these

practical element often have modules

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

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

l

Thanks to the wide availability of useful

what form? l

l

How much does the course cost?

l

Will there be an exam at the end?

l

Is the provider inspected or accredited by an independent body?

l

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

provided by either one

years? l

following means: books,

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

phone, DVD, CD-ROM, email, the internet, podcasts

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

and support may be or a combination of the

Can the whole course be done at a

l

technology these days, learning materials

Can I view the training materials first, before committing?

that are suited to distance learning.

types of learning are

22

employer)?

hanks to distance learning, you

operational duties? l

Is the course available via learning

and via mobile learning; the latter

tools that I will be able to access? (For

more face-to-face classes than distance

is where the student accesses course

example, if you are in an environment

learning, while the word ‘supported’

content stored on a mobile device or

where IT availability is limited, you

usually indicates that there are tutors

through a wireless server. Some providers

should select a course where it is

and physical material available to help

offer course elements via the iTunes

possible to use paper and telephone,

students.

Store, which can be downloaded free of

at least for a limited period.)

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

23

Q

YOUR ELC DISTANCE LEARNING

charge. Many courses make extensive

focus on something very specific – such as

and learning centres with tutor support,

use of the internet. Others involve tutor

the entrance examinations of a particular

where students can undertake online

groups, which may meet regularly,

professional body.

learning, and that use ICT systems to

or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’

Other information sources include

duration to provide classroom education

further education (FE) courses can

that complements regular, directed

be taken via distance learning. The

direct from the ‘horse’s mouth’

coursework at a distance.

difference between these is not always

(somebody who has first-hand experience

clear-cut though, and in some cases

of a course or a training provider),

(e.g. foundation degrees), both types

written prospectuses and, of course, the

The great thing about distance learning –

are involved. Many qualifications are

internet. The website of the Open and

especially for those, like you, in the Armed

modular; this means that you complete

Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL

Forces – is that it puts you in control of

them in sections (modules), often of

QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key

your education. Once you have chosen

your own choosing, and credits gained

contacts’).

and enrolled on your course (see below),

from a selection of such courses can be

you are free to study when, where – and,

added together to ‘add up’ to degrees and

these days, how – you choose, so you can

other HE qualifications. It is not always

Who are the learning providers?

fit your education around your current

necessary to have an undergraduate

Many learning providers are neither HE

work and/or family commitments. It’s

degree to gain a master’s; neither is it

nor FE institutions, although they may

entirely up to you.

necessary to have one in order to achieve

have links of varying strengths with

many professional qualifications.

one or more colleges or universities.

At your convenience

And, of course, in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile

Increasingly, Service people like you

Many companies run large training

learning, you can set up and study at a

are taking distance learning modules

departments, and there are also many

location of your choice – home or work, at

as part of the training that contributes

commercial organisations that provide

a cafe, even while travelling. Importantly,

to career progression. So, you could

training to paying clients. Much of the

too, you can work at your own pace –

be studying with a view to gaining

training such providers deliver is of

there are no term times to be rigidly stuck

qualifications that will help you while in

excellent quality and targeted carefully

to (although you may have to sit exams,

the Forces or when you leave, or just for

at the needs of civilian employers in a

which may take place only at specific

personal interest – out of enthusiasm for a

specific market sector. Many commercial

times).

particular subject.

businesses offering training use the

To sum up, distance study enables you

But how do you know who is a good

premises of academic institutions to

take responsibility for your own learning.

provider and who is not? And exactly

deliver courses, and may have contracts

However, although you will be in control,

which course do you need? All this choice

with employment agencies to help their

a good provider will offer support – so you

can prove confusing! In the accompanying

students find work.

will certainly not be alone, left completely

‘Ask yourself …’ panel, there is a checklist

to your own devices, but will have back-up

that should help you.

and assistance as and when you require it.

You are likely to have heard of some of the bigger distance learning organisations, however – as mentioned

There are also likely to be self-checks and

Finding out more

interim tests to help ensure that you are

Service education and training staff,

out there too, also offering a wide

on target, and tutor-marked assessments

both within your unit and specialists,

range of courses, some with discounts

to provide valuable feedback, as well as a

can often provide the best advice about

for Service people (ask your education

telephone helpline to call or someone to

what you might want and what it is

email for advice if you get stuck.

actually possible for you to achieve.

How do I choose a course and provider?

They can also provide you with information about the funding available to support your studies,

above – there are many other providers

Q

and training adviser for further information). Q

KEY CONTACTS

Although necessarily influenced by

and recommend the subjects that

demand from learners, there are loads

you should be encouraged to pursue –

of courses available in distance learning

particularly with a view to a second career

0800 101 901

form. And because the choice of provider

when leaving the Services. Increasing

www.learndirect.co.uk

is huge, too, you are more than likely to

numbers of Forces learning and

@learndirect

be able to track down the course you

education centres and personal learning

are looking for. This may be something

advisers also have access to e-learning

Open and Distance Learning Quality

that will give you a general grounding

opportunities.

Council (ODL QC)

or background in a particular subject or

24

enable users to access learning.

Both higher education (HE) and

Information about courses is also

area (that you may go on to study in more

available from learndirect (see ‘Key

depth later), or you might be looking to

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

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

learndirect

020 8658 8337 www.odlqc.org.uk

Q

YOUR ELC QUALIFICATIONS TO FURTHER YOUR SERVICE CAREER

Boost your prospects

while serving

How your ELC can benefit both you and your Service publication, the main purpose

A

that your Service role might require,

place with Summit Skills with regard to

of ELC is to encourage serving

but that are also highly likely to prove

building services engineering-related

personnel to pursue higher-level learning

useful once you leave the Forces, could

courses. A great many other areas are

that benefits both the learner and the

include accountancy and management

likely to serve you well in future, too – not

Armed Forces. This is to comply with

qualifications, or courses related to

forgetting the benefit to your Service

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) rules,

health and safety, and facilities or project

branch now, of course! Q

which state that any money provided for

management. Depending on your Service

your personal development has to be of

role, you could find yourself in a position

immediate benefit to both the Armed

to embark on a range of studies that will

Forces and the individual – if not, the

turn out to have a very useful crossover

MoD would be liable for tax! (See the

into the civilian workplace when the time

accompanying box for more tax-related

comes for you to make the transition.

s noted elsewhere in this

information.)

Some of the areas of education

For example, thinking of IT training

remain in Service. Similar work has taken

TAX EXEMPTION MEASURES FOR THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER SERVING Under the ELC scheme, most courses of

as an example, the Tech Partnership

study undertaken by individuals still serving

those courses that will benefit your own

(a network of employers working to

are exempt from taxation, either as income

career and promotion prospects in the

creating skills for the UK’s digital

or as a benefit in kind, if they can be justified

Services – and ultimately help you find

economy) has been involved in putting

as ‘work related’. In order for Service leavers

employment on leaving – as well as offering

together a matrix of eligible higher-level

to benefit fully, too, HMRC and MoD worked

a benefit to the Service while you remain

vendor IT qualifications, which in these

together to reach an agreement on tax

in uniform.

high-tech times will prove as useful to

exemption. This means that the Service

you on leaving as they are while you

leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner

The best of both worlds is offered by

or eligible partner, where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on payments received under the ELC and FEHE schemes. This allows them to draw maximum benefit from the schemes.at least for a limited period.

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

25

Q

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

The workplace

warriors In their quest to protect the working population today’s health and safety professionals take a proactive, preventative approach to problems such as injury, accidents and equipment failure. Perhaps you have what it takes to join them in their important mission?

What’s involved?

W

minimise accidents and injuries, occupational

‘competent’ people with responsibility

health and safety policies, and make sure

H&S culture, ensuring that both employers

for H&S, irrespective of the size of the

that both the employees and employers

and employees abide by safety legislation,

organisation or the field in which it operates.

stick to them, as well as following national

and that safety policies and practices are

A ‘competent’ person is somebody with the

safety legislation. Depending on the kind

adopted and observed. H&S officers play

necessary experience, training, knowledge

of organisation you are working in, your

a vital role in preventing and controlling

and/or other qualities to undertake the

role could cover areas such as occupational

operational losses and occupational

role, particularly risk assessment. Because

health, noise, safe use of machinery, fire

health problems, as well as accidents

organisations are obliged by law to employ

safety and control of hazardous substances.

and injuries. These days, H&S has moved

such a person, training and experience are

orkplace health and safety (H&S) officers use their skills and knowledge to promote a positive

several steps away from reactive, accident-based management and towards a more preventative approach, as highlighted

by NEBOSH’s Certificate in the Management of Health and Wellbeing at Work.

H&S officers (or advisers) are

health problems and operational losses.

The law calls for employers to appoint

legal requirements for the management

of their job while having

– and work together with many different

organisations will employ a specialist (or

people, from employees and employers

specialists), or use a consultancy.

carrying out inspections and risk assessments, and thinking about how risks could be reduced

l

investigating accidents and recommending improvements to safety standards

l

keeping records of accidents and inspection findings

l

writing reports to suggest improvements

l

advising on protective clothing and safety equipment

l

ensuring equipment is safely installed

l

organising safe disposal of hazardous

other responsibilities too. Larger

to trades unions and directors. As an H&S

26

Your other key tasks might include: l

the individual concerned

responsible for it as part

based in a huge range of consultancies to multinational firms

part of your role will call for you to draw up

of H&S. A breach of H&S law

NEBOSH is a criminal offence that Certificate in the can result in fines, Management of Health and imprisonment, or both.

Well-being at Work In smaller For the skills and knowledge organisations, the to tackle health and well-being H&S ‘competent’ at work person function www.nebosh.org.uk/ might form one part qualifications/certificate/default. of a wider role, with asp?cref=570&ct=2

organisations – from small

As your aim is to prevent health problems, accidents and injuries at work,

substances (e.g. asbestos) l

providing training (to both managers and employees) in H&S issues and risks

l

staying up to date with changes in the

officer, you will help to plan, implement,

The day job

monitor and review the preventative and

So, if you are thinking of a career as an H&S

On an average day, you will probably also

protective measures that companies are

officer or adviser, what are you likely to find

be required to wear protective clothing like

required, or choose, to follow, and work to

yourself doing on a day-to-day basis?

overalls, ear defenders and safety glasses.

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

law.

You will also need a clean driving licence

a trainee position. The type of training you

if your job calls for you to travel between

choose will depend on the industry you work in, or wish to work in. All workplace

sites.

Skill up while serving It almost goes without saying that most Service people work for at least some of the time in

TRANSLATE YOUR SKILLS The skills and qualities essential for an

H&S practitioners need a basic

H&S professional are very likely to be

core of knowledge in order

familiar to military people like you:

to practise effectively.

FIND OUT MORE …

If you are new to H&S, on the RoSPA website: you can start by taking www.rospa.com/occupational- an introductory course safety/advice/career/ that covers the basics workplace, regulations,

environments or with

self-confidence

l

an eye for detail

l

problem-solving skills

l

systematic approach to work situations

(health and safety in the

potentially hazardous

l

l

diversity of work environments

l

good communication skills (for

risk assessment and basic

dangerous equipment, or

writing reports or dealing with

accident investigation). Courses

both. Across all branches and

employers)

are usually available on a part-time basis

trades there are those with practical

l

flexibility

experience and awareness of H&S at work –

or can be done via online and distance

l

wide-ranging responsibilities

you may well be one of them! Indeed, many

learning. Courses for which you could use

l

the ability to analyse what went

Service people actively involved in H&S work

your ELC include:

wrong and, importantly, how to put

may not even recognise that is what they

l

it right.

are doing, or might consider it a relatively

level 3 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace level 3 (NVQ) Certificate in Occupational

as the qualification for aspiring H&S

Health and Safety

professionals, designed to provide students

National General Certificate in

with the expertise required to undertake a

Occupational Health and Safety.

career as a safety and health practitioner.

while you are still serving. You may

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

It assumes prior learning equivalent to the

currently be in a post that enables you to

occupational health and safety practice will

National General Certificate.

gain significant H&S qualifications (e.g. N/

provide you with good career opportunities.

SVQs or NEBOSH awards). There are also

Recognised by the IOSH as being equivalent

related courses:

courses you could take that are aimed at the

to the NEBOSH National Diploma, each takes

l

potential manager who sees H&S as part of

approximately a year to achieve.

unimportant part of their job.

l

Forces-run modular training courses in H&S, leading to a certificate, offer an opportunity to gain relevant qualifications

a job description (e.g. the IOSH Certificate

l

ELC and SLC cannot be used together

in Managing Safely) or the person looking

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

to specialise in this field (e.g. the NEBOSH

training that is below the level 3 threshold,

National General Certificate, seen as the

you might want to consider, say, the

essential minimum qualification for any full-

level 2 Award in Health and Safety in

time health and safety job).

the Workplace, which provides essential

Get qualified!

knowledge and understanding of health a level 1 Award in Health and Safety in

study for health and safety qualifications

a Construction Environment, if you are

once you already have a job, or take a

looking to work in a H&S-related role in the

relevant training course before you look for

construction industry; this qualification will

Common areas of employment include:

National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

l

International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

l

Diploma in Environmental Management (level 6)

l

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

l

and safety in the workplace. There is also

To become an H&S adviser, you can either

WHERE DO H&S PROFESSIONALS WORK?

NEBOSH also offers the following H&S-

Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate

l

National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety (level 3)

give you the essential knowledge to manage

NEED TO KNOW

health and safety, and holding it will also

1. Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

allow you to take your CITB test and apply

– the government body that ensures

for your CSCS card.

risks to health and safety from work

To work as a full-time health and safety

situations are properly controlled

l

chemicals and allied industries

l

construction

officer, you may need a higher level of

l

education and training

qualification approved by the IOSH (see

l

engineering

below). You can progress to more advanced

l

hospitals and clinics

qualifications as your skills develop and your

l

local government

level of responsibility grows.

l

manufacturing

l

oil and gas

NEBOSH

body for H&S qualifications (universities

l

transport

The NEBOSH National Diploma in

and other bodies also provide

l

telecommunications.

Occupational Health and Safety is seen

qualifications recognised by IOSH)

2. Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) – the professional body for H&S practitioners 3. National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) – an independent awarding

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

27

Q l

l

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY membership of the IOSH (see above) within a

Occupational Health and Safety

year. Training can be expensive, but there is

staff through an online recruitment process.

National Certificate in Environmental

financial help available.

Trainees will usually spend their first two

Management l

l

l

years training in the Field Operations

National Certificate in the Management

Use your ELC

of Health and Well-being at Work

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

deployed into the Hazardous Installations

International Certificate in Construction

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

Directorate to meet business needs or for

Health and Safety

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

personal development.

International Technical Certificate in Oil

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

and Gas Operational Safety.

com and is at level 3 or above. For full details

What can you earn?

of how to make the most of your ELC, refer

Note: the following figures are intended as a

to our in-depth features on pages 6–25.

guideline only.

Finding employment

Salaries vary widely depending on role

IOSH Membership of the IOSH is seen as essential by most H&S professionals who are beyond ‘competent’ person status

Directorate. After that, some may be

As noted above, most H&S officers/

and responsibilities, location and type of

and specialists in their field.

advisers get into this role

company. They can range from £22,000

Membership grades depend

by either completing a

on a combination of qualifications, experience and achievement. The IOSH also runs a series of courses that promote a culture of safe working,

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

such as its modular Managing Safely course. You can find out more on its website (see ‘Key contacts’).

to £35,000 a year, again depending on the exact role. The current average salary for

qualification and then looking for work or

H&S professionals with up to four years’

studying while working.

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

Note, though, that it is

those with up to nine years’ experience.

becoming more common

H&S trainers are also well paid by today’s standards. A NEBOSH National Diploma

for advisers to enter the profession with a degree-

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

level qualification. Some good

depending on experience and managerial

advice is that employers tend to

Other qualifications

Health and safety professionals

Scientific, engineering or technical degrees,

should also keep their skills up to

HNDs, HNCs, National Diplomas and National

date. And, if you can bring a range

Certificates are particularly appropriate

of additional skills – such as being able

for H&S. There are also postgraduate

to provide in-house training in areas like

qualifications in H&S, with particular

manual handling or first aid – that’s another

emphasis on occupational, environmental

benefit as far as employers are concerned.

and hygiene aspects. Some universities

In addition, the Management of Health and

have MSc distance learning programmes

Safety at Work Regulations outline the legal

that focus on H&S and can lead to corporate

requirements for safety management issues and, if anything, this increases the need for

FIND JOB VACANCIES AT … l

l

l

l

l

l

HealthandSafety-Jobs

companies to employ ‘competent’ persons themselves, as opposed to dealing with safety issues via consultants.

Jobs range from a small company

www.healthandsafety-jobs.co.uk

employing an individual to a major

Safety and Health Practitioner

organisation that has an entire safety

(magazine of the IOSH)

team. Some companies specialise in H&S

www.shponline.co.uk

issues such as planning supervision, safety

Major online job sites and

audits, engineering surveying and insurance

recruitment agencies

company safety assessments. Facilities

Websites of large organisations and

management is another sector where

multinationals

employment possibilities are enhanced

Websites and publications relating

by a safety qualification. As noted above,

to the industry you’re interested in,

many employers look for H&S advisers to

e.g. construction

have training qualifications, and to be able

National and local media

to assess the need for, design and deliver safety training.

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

responsibility. With experience and more

Q

favour job applicants who have good people management and interpersonal skills.

28

The HSE employs inspectors and other

International General Certificate in

responsibility, senior H&S advisers could earn £50,000 or more. Q

KEY CONTACTS

Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 0300 003 1747 advice@hse.gsi.gov.uk www.hse.gov.uk @H_S_E

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

Q

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: HEALTH AND SAFETY

H&S Q&A

with RAF Aircraft Engineer, Richard Kear Enlisted: March 1996 Years served to date: 21.5 Current rank: Sergeant Service branch: RAF Specialisation/trade: Avionics Engineer

Hello Richard! Please tell us which

I provide in the RAF to future civilian

How do you think the courses you have

qualifications you have used your ELC for

employees.

taken will help in your subsequent civilian career?

to date?

NEBOSH Occupational Health and Safety,

What format did the study take?

I believe they will prove invaluable in my

and the ILM Leadership and Management

Both courses involved in-depth classroom

hope of developing a career within the

Diploma, both taken with Oak Tree

study with further self study. ILM required

world of health and safety.

Management & Training Ltd.

3,000-plus word essays for each module

What made you choose those courses?

I chose the courses to reinforce the

covered, and NEBOSH was completed with

Did you have any advice from your

two exams and a practical assessment.

commander/education adviser that you

I thoroughly enjoyed the courses, which

would like to share with fellow readers?

military qualifications I had already gained.

were delivered by a fantastic group of

Plan as far ahead as you can prior to

In addition, I felt my skill-sets needed

trainers who were all keen to pass on their

deciding what courses to take and make

transferring into ‘civilian-speak’.

wealth of experience. While hard work on

sure they will benefit your future career.

an intensive level, the results will be worth What were they like?

it in the long term. Having a good selection

What advice do you have for other

Very well organised with all necessary

of fellow learners provides additional

Service people registering for or using

provisions made. All information for the

stimulus and helps with shared learning.

ELC? Seek guidance from your unit training

courses, including administration, was provided in good time prior to the course

Will you attend any other related

adviser and make sure you get your courses

starting.

courses?

booked well in advance to ensure you get

This month [September 2017] I am attending

your chosen dates and location.

Were the courses academic, vocational or

a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioners’

a mix?

course followed by OHAS 18001 Health and

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

Vocational.

Safety Lead Auditor Course.

I would highly recommend Oak Tree for their fantastic support throughout all my

What civilian qualifications you have

What do you hope to gain from these?

learning with them. The service they provide

obtained so far during your Service

I hope they will give me a greater insight

is second to none and they are always on

career?

into life in the civilian world by engaging

hand to help should you require further

BA (Hons) Criminology, IOSH Managing

with fellow course attendees. On

guidance.

Safely and IOSH Manual Handling Instructor.

earlier courses, I was fortunate to have professional and enthusiastic colleagues

To find out more, see

Did your chosen ELC-funded courses build

who were able to provide me with valuable

www.oaktree-training.co.uk/mod

on these?

advice for my future civilian employment.

Definitely! That was the main reason I chose these particular courses. The ILM Diploma will translate the level of management

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

29

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3518

Q

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RAIL

It’s not just for train drivers!

What’s involved?

R

ail offers an environmentally friendly way to transport people and freight around the country.

Within the sector, many different career

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

opportunities are available, fuelled by the fast growth of the industry, which has

an international industry, with multinational

Skill up while serving

created demand for enthusiastic people

companies using their worldwide

Rail is an excellent transport resource

with new ideas to meet the challenges that

experience. There are also rail-related

for heavy and bulk items. Many military

lie ahead.

public-sector jobs working for government

movements use rail transport, large supply

departments or agencies.

depots will often include loading and

UK train operating companies (TOCs for short), like Arriva, Merseyrail and Virgin, run

unloading facilities, and the use of troop and

the National Rail Network. That means they

has featured in the news a great deal

medical evacuation trains is quite normal.

are responsible for the UK’s passenger train

recently, particularly with regard to the

Indeed, establishing a railhead, as well as

services, and look to recruit people who can

controversial planned HS2 high-speed

a port and airhead, is an early priority in

look after their customers at stations or on

rail link. This is just part of the radical

any expeditionary operation, to enable bulk

their trains. They are also seeking people

overhaul of the UK rail system to which the

shipment of manpower and material.

to drive their high-speed or metro trains,

government has pledged investment, aiming

and technicians to look after the complex

to achieve greater efficiency, reduced

industry, the following general skills will

equipment involved every day.

congestion, environmental benefits and

boost your chances:

lower fares. Such an approach is sure to

l

Network Rail is the national organisation

34

The structure of Britain’s rail industry

that looks after the rail track and signals;

have a fundamental effect on the sector,

it needs people who understand how to

increasing the range of job opportunities for

make a complex system work efficiently.

those wishing to take up a new career in this

Many other organisations supply goods and

thriving industry.

If you’re considering a career in the rail

people skills – customer care and team working

l

technical skills – IT and engineering skills for some roles

l

commercial skills – an understanding

services – such as caterers, consultants and

of the marketplace and the ability to

contractors. Designing and building trains is

optimise resources.

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Get qualified!

The variety of different jobs in the rail

that you can use your ELC towards them:

NETWORK RAIL NEEDS YOU!

transport sector means that there are

l

available at level 3 and above, meaning level 3 = AS/A levels, NVQs, BTEC

You may be used to a field-based

several different routes into it. At entry

Nationals and Awards, Certificates

environment working with big kit in all

level, good maths, English and IT skills are

and Diplomas

weathers. Or you may have been desk

level 4 = NVQs, BTEC Professional

based, involved in planning and analysis,

Diplomas, Certificates and Awards

strategic design, systems or electrical

level 5 = HNCs, HNDs and Foundation

engineering. Dependent on your skills and

Degrees

experience, you may be suited to one of

level 6 = bachelor’s degrees, BTEC

our engineering functions:

Advanced Professional Diplomas,

l

maintenance

employees, in areas like maintenance and

Certificates and Awards, Graduate

l

asset information

signalling. It offers a range of programmes

Certificates and Diplomas

l

track

level 7 = master’s degrees,

l

buildings and civils

postgraduate certificates.

l

construction signalling, power and communication

in demand, while, for more senior roles,

l

technical, engineering and business-related qualifications are sought after, along with

l

soft skills like those highlighted above, in the ‘Skill up while serving’ section.

l

Network Rail runs training courses for

that are accredited by universities, colleges

l

or professional bodies, providing job-related training at all levels, including:

The National Skills Academy for Rail

l

l

National Vocational Qualifications

(NSAR) (see ‘Key contacts’) National

Just like the Forces, we rely on a number

(NVQs)

Network supports professional

of support functions. If you don’t feel

l

Higher National Certificates (HNCs)

development and training throughout

engineering is for you, we have plenty of

l

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)

the UK. This includes Network Rail, the

other areas that you may be better suited

l

professional diplomas

National College for High Speed Rail,

to, such as:

l

bachelor’s degrees

private providers, specialist centres

l

commercial management

l

master’s degrees.

(e.g. the National Training Academy for

l

finance

There are various different qualifications

Rail) and strategic partner FE colleges

l

HR

available that can help you make yourself

and universities. The Network ensures

l

legal

more attractive to employers in the first

there is access to quality professional

l

project management.

instance. For instance, the following railway

development and training throughout the

Join us and we'll give you every

engineering-related qualifications are

UK.

opportunity to develop a highly rewarding and long-term career, offering training and development that will make the most of your potential.

GET INFORMED

Source: www.networkrail.co.uk

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

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

35

Q

YOUR ELC ON COURSE: RAIL

IF YOU DO WANT TO BE A TRAIN DRIVER …

Visit the website of Careers that Move, an organisation that – as its In addition, registration as a Chartered

in the passenger transport sector.

Engineer (CEng) is recommended for

planned for the UK rail sector add up to

The site offers an array of very useful

technical rail professionals.

a growing demand for new staff on the

interactive tools designed to support

railways, although the industry already

you in your job search in this industry

Use your ELC

– whether you’re looking at train driver

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of

particularly in specialist engineering

roles or something else. To find out

learning can be taken, provided it is offered

positions, so if that’s your specialism you

more about this particular career,

by an approved provider listed on the ELC

could find yourself very much in demand.

though, visit careersthatmove.co.uk

website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.

One significant development has been

and scroll down to click on the ‘Career

com and is at level 3 or above. For full details

the requirement placed on Network Rail’s

map’ tool. Then, in the ‘Industries’

of how to make the most of your ELC, refer

contractors to employ more staff direct

menu on the left, select ‘Rail’. Here

to our in-depth features on pages 6–25.

and rely less on agencies, in an attempt to

you can click on various areas of

has recruitment problems at all levels,

improve standards in the quality of new

interest to access a huge amount of

Finding employment

advice about how to become a train

Despite the recessionary gloom lingering

maintenance also calling for new staff.

driver, as well as many other rail and

in some sectors, the future for railways

Indeed, Network Rail has announced that

transport roles. There is also in-depth

remains remarkably bright. Both passenger

it is in the process of creating more skilled

information on light rail, tram and

and freight transportation demand remains

engineering jobs to help deliver some

metro roles. It’s really worth a look!

high and is predicted to continue to grow, as

of Britain’s most vital rail infrastructure

road gridlock becomes ever more common

projects.

and fuel prices increase. As noted above, new

build, with the in-house management of

As you might expect, there is a lot of

and improved railway lines are planned for

competition for train driver positions,

considered very complementary to a variety

the near future, so it seems that rail travel is

with many TOCs actively seeking to recruit

of rail-connected careers:

definitely here to stay.

drivers. The job has come a long way from

The following qualifications are also

l

l

l

36

The aforementioned developments

name suggests – focuses on careers

Network Rail is also keen to recruit

the schoolboy dream, with today’s driver

rail-related project managers

ex-Forces personnel, recognising the cross-

having a critical safety role, and needing

CSCS Certification – many rail projects

over between the two careers: ‘The skills

to undergo a rigorous aptitude test and

require construction workers to hold

and experience you’ll have picked up in the

training programme. Qualifications are less

a valid CSCS (Construction Skills

Forces are easily transferable to the kind

important than the ability to think clearly

Certification Scheme) card, which proves

of work we do here. The big connection is

and concentrate, and rewards reflect the

they are competent at carrying out

safety. You’ll know that keeping yourself and

importance of the person in the cab, who can

specific tasks

your colleagues safe is top priority in the

attract a salary of up to £50,000 (source:

IRSE (Royal Institution of Railway Signal

Forces. And it is for us too. After all, millions

Careers that Move).

Engineers) Accredited Technician, for

of people depend on us every day to get

those wishing to work specifically in

them to their destination, safely.’ Good news

recruit customer service staff to work

signalling.

if your plan is to pursue a rail-related career!

at stations and on trains. These positions

APM Project Management, for aspiring

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

TOCs are also finding it difficult to

need few formal qualifications, but they do

business that relies on getting the most

well as other short-term contract work at

require an ability to deal with the travelling

out of limited physical resources, so those

stations and on trains. Q

public. Network Rail has a significant

with a logistics background are in demand.

shortage of signallers, too, and is seeking

Academic qualifications and practical

new recruits. As with driving, the job of

experience help to secure the better-

regulating train movements demands

paid management positions, but the

attention to detail rather than a long list of

most serious skill shortage remains

qualifications.

in the engineering functions, which

Infrastructure maintenance

is why, as noted above, Network Rail has

Q

organisations employ a small core staff,

announced the creation of the more skilled

and there are vacancies for workers to

engineering jobs; this is likely to remain the

maintain the track and signalling structures.

case for some time to come.

Skill levels vary from technical staff with

A good way to get more information

engineering experience and qualifications,

about vacancies is to look online. All the

to gangs of track maintainers who need

train operators are linked through one

physical strength and can work in all

central National Railways site operated

weathers. Many specialist agencies work

by ATOC and virtually all the companies’

under contract to supply such people. This

home pages include a job opportunities

can provide flexible work, good rates of pay

list. Network Rail has its own site (see ‘Key

and a useful entry into the industry.

contacts’) with a useful job search facility

There are also management and engineering opportunities. Rail is very

and full details of the sorts of roles on offer.

It is less simple to check for vacancies

much a people business, with many staff

with subcontractors because these

and even more passengers, and there

companies rely heavily on agency staff.

is significant demand for experienced

There are many agencies, and several have

customer service managers. It is also a

websites offering work in maintenance, as

All pictures copyright © Network Rail

KEY CONTACTS

ATOC Ltd 0207 841 8000 enquiry@atoc.org www.atoc.org

Careers that Move careersthatmove.co.uk @careersthatmove National Skills Academy for Rail 0203 021 0575 enquiries@nsar.co.uk www.nsar.co.uk @nsarltd Network Rail 0207 557 8000 www.networkrail.co.uk @networkrail

3 Diploma in Railway NVQ Level Diploma in in Railway NVQ Level 3 Diploma Railway Overhead Line Construction Engineering Line Construction Engineering Overhead Line Construction (QCF) (QCF) (QCF) Akona Ltd Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd isis a aTraining Solutions Company specialising Akona Ltd is aTraining Training Solutions Company specialising the delivery various vocational training packages. inin the delivery ofof various vocational training packages. in the delivery of various vocational training packages.

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

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

The course will be completed in in our indoor The course will completed our indoor The course will bebe completed in our brand practical rail training centre and includes practical rail training centre and includes new indoor practical rail training centre practical training sessions, classroom practical training sessions, classroom and includes practical training sessions, sessions and assessments. sessions and assessments. classroom sessions and assessments.

For this qualification we can offer you a rail AsAs Akona is is anan ELCAS approved Akona Ltd ELCAS approved sponsor andLtd employment opportunities. training provider this qualification can bebe training provider this qualification can funded byby Enhanced Learning Credits. funded Enhanced Learning Credits.

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

37

Q

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY

It’s never too late for a second chance! … thanks to the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

Even if you left school without the necessary qualifications, it could still be your ticket to HE

T

he Access to Higher Education (HE)

course, particularly if they haven’t been

became a teacher, as well as a role model

Diploma is a nationally recognised

in a classroom for some time – Access to

to her students and her own children.

qualification designed for people

HE tutors are aware of this and take it into account, so you won’t be ‘thrown in at the

course part-time while working full-time as

education, but left school without the

deep end’. The course is challenging, but

a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy.

qualifications needed. The Diploma is taken

the purpose of the Diploma is to help you

by people of all ages and backgrounds,

succeed.

‘There are probably a lot of people who, like me, didn’t have

although it is designed for adults who have few, or no, qualifications. Many Access to

‘The tutors were so enthusiastic

a wholly positive experience of

HE students are looking to transition to a

and understood our learning needs

school, and as a result spent

new career.

really well. When your confidence

years assuming that academic

was beginning to wobble, they’d

study wasn’t for them. For me,

step in with the right advice.’

taking an Access to HE course

‘If you are thinking about Access to HE, don’t let what might be stop

Sue Nelson

changed that view. With the help of supportive, good-humoured

you – let what could be drive you!

The course will provide all the skills

More than 330,000 of the mature students

and patient tutors, it provided me

you need to engage and be who you

who have gained an Access to HE Diploma

with the tools and, above all, the

really want to be.’

have gone on to university, changed their

self-belief to undertake a higher

career or moved up the career ladder.

education course. If you have

Sue Nelson was 43 when she started her

a sense of curiosity, and you’re

The Diploma is designed to offer academic

Access to HE course. Her early education

willing to commit time to study, an

preparation for higher education study in a

had been disrupted by regular moves

Access to HE course is a fantastic

supportive and encouraging environment.

with her Army family. She left school

opportunity. It gave me renewed

It delivers subject knowledge and study

at 15 and started work as a clerk. When

confidence in my ability to learn.’

skills to make sure students are ready to

circumstances meant she was not able to

start their HE journey. Many people are

work, she saw an advertisement that led

nervous when they start an Access to HE

her to take an Access to HE course. She

Alan Searle

38

Dr Mark Field did his Access to HE

who would like to go on to higher

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

Dr Mark Field

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

Dr Erik Johansson Cox was 31 years old, unemployed and living at home with his parents. He wanted a job, but decided to try an Access to HE course first. He became a research scientist, a job that has taken him around the world. He says the Access to HE course gave him a second chance.

‘Access to HE gave me the opportunity to start afresh, build a career and improve my self-worth.’

Dr Erik Johansson Cox A desire to push herself to achieve something while her four children were young pushed Gabrielle Holmes to enrol on an Access to HE course. At first she worried she wasn’t clever enough to cope with education, especially having been away from it for 20 years. Having completed her degree and become a midwife, she has this advice for anyone thinking about taking an

a higher education course each year

can search by subject, college or location.

Access to HE Diploma: ‘You can achieve so

and continue their transition to new

Most Diplomas are taught in further

much if you have faith in yourself, and an

challenges

education colleges. However, they are also

recognised by HE providers across the

available from private training providers,

UK, so you are not tied to a particular

some of which offer distance learning

place for your next course of study

study options.

Access to HE course can kick-start that self-

l

belief.’

‘The Access to HE

l

at level 3, which is the same academic

course introduced

level as A-levels; universities make offers

me to the concept of

to A-level and Access to HE students

organised study.’

through UCAS.

Gabrielle Holmes You will be taught subject knowledge,

The Access to HE Diploma is a qualification … l

l

and learn the academic skills needed to succeed in higher education, in a

l

designed to prepare adults without

The Diploma is also designed for you to

the qualifications they need for study

use your life skills to help you with your

at university

studies, and to develop strong links with

that provides support and

your class, helping each other to succeed.

Access to HE Diploma 60 credits Grades - 45 credits at level 3 graded academic subject content - Pass, Merit or Distinction - unit grade profile achieved (no overall grade)

Credits - value given to units - based on the time of study required - 1 credit equates to about 10 hours of study - units sizes: 3, 6 or 9 credits

‘The other students were all of the

transition to a new career

same mind-set: they were there

designed to give you the skills, subject

to change their career pathways.

knowledge and confidence you need to

There was a good atmosphere of

succeed in higher education

mutual support, and to this day I

The Diploma is made up of blocks of

available at more than 300 providers;

am still in contact with many of my

study called units. Units are usually

you can search for a course near you

classmates.’

based around a particular topic. Each Richard Deacon

individual Diploma is governed by Rules of Combination, which explain which units

(see below, under ‘Find an Access to HE

l

Rules of combination - list of all units approved for a named Diploma - list units that must be done, mandatory - list units where there is choice, optional

other students, many of whom are in

using the Access to HE Diploma search

l

Units - blocks of study - usually based around subject topic - no national curriculum

supportive and encouraging environment.

encouragement, through tutors and

l

How is the Access to HE Diploma made up?

Diploma‘)

Access to HE Diplomas are available in a

need to be completed in order to complete

designed specifically for adults; around

wide range of subjects, from engineering to

the qualification. Each unit is allocated

50% of Access to HE students are over

nursing. More than 1,000 QAA-recognised

credits, and you must successfully

25 years of age

Access to HE Diplomas are listed on the

complete 60 credits, which meet the

that helps around 25,000 adults start

database on the Access to HE website. You

Rules of Combination, to achieve the

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

39

Q

YOUR ELC HIGHER-LEVEL STUDY up to an Access to HE Diploma, and find out more about what you will learn on the course. There is no national curriculum for Access to HE Diplomas so not all subjects will be the same at every college.

Take advice on funding Your education officer and college staff should also be able to give you advice about other funding opportunities that may available to help with living or childcare Diploma. Each unit is graded Pass, Merit or

costs.

Distinction, and you will receive a profile of grades, to a maximum of 45 credits at level 3. Universities will make offers for

Access to HE (1 or 2 years)

particular grade profiles.

Funding your studies Fees for Access to HE Diplomas vary and, if you’re eligible for the publicly funded FE/HE scheme, you will have options to pay for your Access to HE and university studies. Some Access to HE providers are listed on the ELCAS website at

• Self-belief • Speak to the education officer • Get GCSEs in English and maths • Find a Diploma • Funding option: publicly funded FE/HE scheme or Advanced Learner Loan

• Learn new skills • Study with support • Build a new network of friends • Accept HE offer

Enrol

After graduation

• HE studies • Use Access to HE skills • Advanced Learner Loan cancelled on completion

• Further study?

• Graduate profession?

• e.g. engineer, lawyer, medic, teacher – a world of choices!

Graduation (3 years in HE)

www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Tuition fees for all QAA-recognised Access to HE Diplomas (those listed on our database)

What next?

can also be paid for using an Advanced

First, check your qualifications

Visit our website

Learner Loan. Information about these can

Do you have GCSEs in English and maths?

… at www.accesstohe.ac.uk and take your

be found on the relevant section of the

If you don’t have them already, it is a good

first step to find out more about Access to

gov.uk website: www.gov.uk/advanced-

idea to do them before you start your

HE Diplomas. It’s never too late!

learner-loan

Access to HE Diploma. Your education

Access to HE Diplomas cost around

officer should be able to help you find a

Find out more

£3,350 if they’re paid for with an Advanced

GCSE course, and you may be able to do

Sign up for our email newsletter for Service

Learner Loan. However, when you complete

them before you leave the Service.

personnel, their families and advisers. Visit

your university studies, the balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be cancelled.

at: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/Access/Pages/

You can do this by searching the QAA’s

AHE4SP.aspx?acceptcookies=true

Diploma database at https://goo.gl/

Example repayment amounts Annual income Monthly income before tax

the Service personnel page on our website

Find an Access to HE Diploma

Monthly repayment

0XUJ4N It is also a good idea to look at HE get the career you want. There are lots of

THE ACCESS TO HE DIPLOMA

websites to help you find out about higher

The qualification was established in the

education and the courses on offer. There

1970s and continues to be designed

are hundreds of courses to choose from,

to increase participation in higher

so allow some time for this. The names of

education by individuals who are

most Access to HE Diplomas describe the

underrepresented. More than 250,000

start when you earn more than £21,000

HE course they are designed to prepare

Access to HE students have started

per year, which means you may be

you for – for example Access to HE Diploma

university since 1999.

paying the loan back while you study.

(Law). Reading about the successes of

So it is important to look in to your

Access to HE students might also help. For

funding options carefully to ensure you

real-life stories, visit

make the best choice for you. Access to

https://goo.gl/qgKL9h

Up to £21,000 £1,750 £0 £22,000 £1,833 £7 £25,000 £2,083 £30 £30,000 £2,500 £67 £35,000 £2,916 £105 £40,000 £3,333 £142

Advanced Learner Loan repayments

courses that interest you and will help you

View this feature online at

HE providers, your education officer or

40

transition staff should be able to help you

Contact the college

www.questonline.co.uk for full access

choose the best route.

Speak to college staff about how to sign

to all the live web links. Q

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

se ur Co ble A IR ila M ava w Ne now

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

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

11

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January 2016 / www.questonline.co.uk

43

Q Plan ahead!

YOUR ELC EDUCATION AND FUNDING PLANNER

Your one-stop guide to personal development and education opportunities, improving your career prospects and the funding sources available help you do it

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 page 22.

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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

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

Sponsored by

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 offers currently serving or former Service personnel access to a first full level 3 (GCE A-level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education (HE) qualification (e.g. a foundation degree or a first undergraduate degree or equivalent) free from tuition fees.

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

A new Publicly Funded Further Education/Higher Education ELC was created in 2016. It’s an aggregated lower-tier award, which is a single payment of up to £3,000 for those with six or more years of qualifying service, which will count as all three awards.

You must make a contribution to your learning of at least 20% of the cost, and must discuss your plans with your line manager and education adviser before making any financial commitment.

Detailed information about ELC can be found in the first half of this magazine.

For full details visit www.enhancedlearningcredits.com

Individual Resettlement Training 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.

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.

Jobcentre Plus Professional and Career Development Loans

Finding a job

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.

The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant

Q

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service and all Medical Discharges. It is a contribution to training costs and can be used internally at the Resettlement Training Centre (RTC), Aldershot, or at a Regional Resettlement Centre (RRC) for vocational training courses. It can also be used externally for training with CTP Preferred Suppliers.

IRTC is available for tuition fees up to a maximum of £534. A range of courses at the RTC Aldershot is delivered within the MoD contract (called Contract Funded training). These courses are pre-paid by the MoD and only ‘cost’ the Service leaver time and a portion of the £534 allowance. No money changes hands for the training but days and funding are deducted from the GRT allocation at a rate of £26.70 per day. The £534 gives access up to 20 days of CF training.

Any exam or registration fees are extra and payable by the students, but other allowances may be available to help with those.

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.)

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

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Q

YOUR ELC HELP AND ADVICE

Useful contacts

Need to know more? Here’s who can help …

F

or general enquiries about

Education and Resettlement Staff

RetResSO2or Civ: elc@detsa.co.uk

the scheme, eligibility and

seeking further clarification of sS

(

qualifications, seek advice from

instructions should contact SO3 EL3R, at DII: ‘NAVY TRG HQ-EL3R RESET

the following single-Service education and

Mil: 94391 7580 Civ: 01264

381580) l

RAF: Personal Learning Advisors

resettlement staff in the first instance,

SO3C’ (

not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role is to administer

625954)

Education Coordinators (REC) at RAF

Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 02392

(PLAs), and Resettlement and

Army: Individual Education and

Learning Centres. Education and

guidance on eligibility or education/

Resettlement Officers (IERO), at Army

Resettlement Staff seeking further

learning or resettlement needs. Policy

Education Centres, which must be used

clarification of sS instructions should

helpline details are as follows.

by Service leavers on resettlement.

contact SO2 Accreditation at DII:

applications, not provide advice and

l

l

RN: RN/RM Education and

Education and Resettlement Staff

’22TrgGp-CTS-AndEWg-SO2’ (

Resettlement Officers (EROs), Naval

seeking further clarification of sS

95751 6888 Civ: 01400 266888)

Education and Training Support

instructions should contact the relevant

Officers (NETSOs) and Naval

SO2 Retention and Resettlement in

In addition, advice on any aspect of the

Resettlement Information Officers

Regional Command (RC) – DII: RC-Pers-

ELC and FEHE schemes is available from:

(NRIOs) at RN/RM Learning Centres.

ETS-N-RetResSO2 or RC-Pers-ETS-S-

Mil:

People-TESRR-ResetOffice@mod.uk Q

WANT TO WIN £250?

Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize!

Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of qualifications (and are perhaps still working on others), or you’ve already negotiated the resettlement process and are well into your new life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us know about your experiences? Your own personal learning or resettlement story could feature in a future edition, helping others see just where their own skills and qualifications could take them.

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September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner.

So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you …

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

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We recommend that you book at least 16 weeks before to secure your course place, however do enquire for late availability.

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

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Q

HUB THE

THE HUB

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

The extraordinary journey of Robert L. Jones From a troubled adolescence to a life of military service and numerous achievements Being a strong advocate for continuous education and a lifelong learner, Robert studied the Certificate in Terrorism Studies from the CSTPV at the University of St Andrews, to help him with his teaching.

‘Raised in Indiana, growing up was a low point. I come from a diverse nuclear family.

In school, I wasn’t very academic, but two of my teachers saw something in me and made sure that I stuck it out and graduated. Looking at my community I didn’t see any opportunity. I was always up to mischief; I was a member of a street gang, always getting into juvenile things. I went to an uncle for advice and he encouraged me to go into the military to learn a skill. I joined in 1961.’

Continuing professional development ‘I completed all modules of the Advanced Certificate in Terrorism Studies. I also studied the Postgraduate Certificate in Security Studies. One instructor said, ‘You should be teaching.’ I was later appointed Adjunct Professor at Anne Arundel Community College. I now teach homeland security subjects.’

From theory to practice ‘As I go through and update course material for my students, I revisit my modules and notes from St Andrews. They have a direct impact on what I teach. I rarely use the textbook the college provides as it doesn’t go into depth. I tell my students, “Stay focused on your studies and what we discuss in the classroom. Seek a variety of open source materials, as well as multiple news sources to supplement our discussions.”’

Supporting fellow Veterans after retirement ‘I retired from the military after breaking my back in a skydiving accident. I went to work in a Veteran programme for men and women coming out of service and served on several national policy committees. I also worked closely with the Office of Public Liaison in the White House, among other duties.

‘The thing I always tell young people is to understand that education never stops. Look at globalisation and the transition of careers. You will change your path so many times it’s important to have your education to fall back on. I am always searching for ways to better my knowledge and expand my horizons to allow me to offer more to my students.’

Inspired by Robert’s story? …

Get in touch 020 7017 4483 security@knect365.com www.terrorismstudies.com See the advertisement on page 15

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Valuable training package awarded to first ‘deserving delegate’ Corporate Risk Systems Limited has a programme of donating an MoD Full House training package, valued at £2,600, to a deserving delegate at all remaining BFRS events in 2017.

The first of these is Kimberley Edmunds-Jones, who was nominated by the charity Armed Forces Bikers. The reason behind her nomination was that she has not found things easy since leaving the military – she has PTSD, but has worked hard to overcome barriers due to this. At present she is having difficulty securing full-time employment, but does pick up some part-time work.

The training package is of particular interest to Kimberley due to the path she wants to take, and the charity knows it will be the sort of training she can ‘really get her teeth into’.

Kimberly was presented with the certificate that will allow her to claim her future training at the recent BFRS Catterick Jobs and Careers Fair, by David Hancock-Dexter, Sales Manager for Corporate Risk Systems Limited, and Amanda Wood-Woolley from Armed Forces Bikers.

David and Kimberley initially thought that the combination of the Nebosh National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, Nebosh Certificate in Environmental Management and Nebosh Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate would be ideal for future job applications.

Get in touch 01332 527107 advice@crsrisk.com www.crsrisk.com See the advertisement on page 31

Enhanced NEBOSH training provision at Catterick for 2018 Woodward delivered the first NEBOSH National General Certificate resettlement course at Catterick Garrison in March 1993, and we’ve been delivering NEBOSH resettlement training to Service leavers ever since – with excellent results.

After the phenomenal success of our four-course NEBOSH Resettlement Package in Catterick this summer, we have decided to add an extra qualification to our NEBOSH resettlement packages for 2018.

With our new five-course NEBOSH Resettlement Packages, you can get even better value for your ELC claim and Graduated Resettlement Time with the same added convenience of being able to choose to stay on base at Catterick Garrison throughout.

Five-course, 30-day NEBOSH Resettlement Package • NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health • NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Safety and Health • NEBOSH National Certificate in Fire

Safety and Risk Management • NEBOSH Certificate in Environmental Management Funding: course fees NEBOSH National General, International General, Construction, Fire & Environmental Certificate Package – £2,804.00 per delegate • ELC claim £2,243.20 (combined lower-tier ELC) • Personal contribution £560.80 (IRTC grant and personal contribution) Funding: subsistence costs Food costs £4.00 per day for 30 days, which is £120.00 (GRT allowance). Please note this does not include lunch.

Also available Two-, three- and four-course NEBOSH resettlement packages are also available.

However, each course is limited to 20 delegates, so if you are interested don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Get in touch 01228 592614 info@woodwardgroup.co.uk http://woodward-group.co.uk/ military-resettlement/ See the advertisement on page 31

I DID IT! Name: Craig Parker Rank: former Lance Corporal, Royal Engineers Courses completed: Vulcan Fire Training Fire Manager and Advanced Diploma ‘While on work placement during my resettlement and termination leave, I was advised to undertake a fire risk assessment course by my employer, and Vulcan Fire Training was the company recommended by them.

‘I enrolled on to the five-day Fire Risk Assessor course, and found the training staff to be very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. This made it much easier to learn given the fact that everything on the course was based around real situations.

‘On completion of the course, I signed up to the Managing Fire Safety four-day course, which allowed me to complete the Fire Manager course, and the Fire Manager Advanced Diploma. The Managing Fire Safety course was more intense than the Fire Risk Assessor, but the invaluable knowledge of the instructors (both of whom are retired fire-fighters) made it easy to take in and learn.

‘I then attended the Advanced Diploma.

I was initially apprehensive about going on the course, not just because of the increased workload, but also doubting

my own abilities and experience. After my first day, however, my fears were laid to rest – the workload and exams, although mentally demanding, were not unachievable.

‘The instructors break every aspect down in such a way that you can easily understand, process and apply the knowledge to the job. They are enthusiastic and dedicated to what they do, which made learning from them so much more fun and achievable. I doubt I would have passed the course if it weren’t for their skill, approachability and dedication to their job.

‘Many thanks to the staff at Vulcan Fire Training, without whose help I would not have been able to complete – let alone pass – the course. It is more appreciated than you could imagine. Thank you.’

Note We have just heard from Craig that he has been awarded GradIFireE from the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE).

Get in touch 01925 211488 info@vulcanfiretraining.co.uk www.vulcanfiretraining.co.uk See the advertisement on page 30

>> BUSINESS START-UP

Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces Accounting records to satisfy the tax authorities

By Clive Lewis, ICAEW, in conjunction with X-Forces Legally you have to keep accounting records for your business. This is so you can fill in your tax return and show the figures are right. Good records will help you to run your business more efficiently. Here we focus on accounting records needed to satisfy the tax authorities.

HMRC checks on tax returns If HMRC has reason to suspect a self-assessment, Corporation Tax return or VAT return is incorrect, it will carry out a ‘compliance check’. After investigation, it may issue an assessment or amend the relevant return to collect any unpaid tax. You can ask for a review of, or appeal against, most of HMRC’s decisions, or ask for your appeal to be heard by an independent tribunal.

HMRC also carries out checks on how businesses keep their records. Initially, an HMRC representative might telephone you and ask questions to help establish whether you are keeping the business records you need to meet your legal responsibilities. They may arrange a suitable date and time for a visit to your premises. The consequence of a compliance check or ‘a business records check’ may be the business having to pay additional tax as well as facing penalties.

For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/recordkeeping/index.htm Records for Value Added Tax (VAT) Every business registered for VAT is required to maintain financial records that comply with the guidelines provided

by HMRC. For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/ index.htm Records for employers HMRC requires every business that employs staff to keep proper records for Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and for the calculation of tax liabilities. With the introduction of Real Time Information (RTI), employers must advise HMRC of their payroll at the same time as making payment to employees.

For more information, see www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye Limited company accounts It is a requirement of the Companies Act that every company should keep proper accounting records of money received and paid, of all sales and purchases, and of assets and liabilities.

For more information, see www.gov.uk/running-alimited-company/company-and-accounting-records 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

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Q

THE HUB

I DID IT!

Trade Skills 4U benefits from ethical investment fund

Name: Christian Woodfield Age: 29 Enlisted: 2005 Years served to date: 12 Current rank: Cpl Service branch: RAF Specialisation/trade: Mover

Please tell us which military qualifications you have obtained so far during your Service career?

Defence Instructor, Junior Leadership Management, Dangerous Goods And Explosive Movements qualification. … and which civilian qualifications?

English and Maths GCSEs, English AS level B, High Ropes Instructor, First Aid at Work and Lifeguard.

When and why did you register for ELC? February 2017. I saw ELC advertised in the education centre. I wanted to start a logistics management degree and needed a leadership management qualification before I could apply.

What qualification have you received as a result of using your ELC? Coaching Mentor and Leadership Management level 5.

Who was the training provider?

Andy Greene at Inspired2Be. Tell us about the course.

It is three weeks’ intensive insight into the learning and skill-sets required to be a coaching mentor, while also learning the difference between leaders and managers. It showed me new skills I wouldn’t have learned from military courses. It was very professional and very well taught. The study was a mixture of classroom-based and open learning to complete the courses set. The studying was manageable thanks to the highquality teaching I received. Classes had follow-up study sessions the next morning to check our understanding. The course has built on my earlier qualifications – and has improved my overall confidence. I would like to carry on my teaching as a coaching mentor so will look to take this further.

The course covers a broad spectrum and Andy is a great teacher who could be invaluable to teaching all ranks of the RAF on how to mentor and manage better.

Before you started, what did you hope the course would give you?

An overall knowledge, and different views on how to help my work and my mentoring grow. As for my military career, that it would help me grow as a leader and to develop future airmen. These hopes have now become fact! The course will also open doors to management positions, so I can succeed once I leave the Forces. It will help me use my skills and new confidence to take chances I wouldn’t have taken before.

Trade Skills 4U, the UK’s number-one electrical training company, has announced that it has won investment from a fund set up specifically to target companies that can make a positive social and environmental impact.

Palatine Private Equity set up the impact fund as a vehicle to assist the growth of companies that can make a positive difference while providing return on their investment. Palatine Private Equity was attracted to Trade Skills 4U due to the latter’s involvement in helping people retrain or upskill in the growing electrical and renewable energy industries. The investment further highlights Trade Skills 4U’s commitment to providing first-class training in the electrical sector for both experienced and new electricians.

Customers are assured that they will continue to see the same high standards of service delivered by the existing management team.

However, the investment from Palatine’s impact fund will enable Trade Skills 4U to further improve its offering in particular by opening further centres across the UK. Carl Bennett, Executive Chairman of Trade Skills 4U, says: ‘Trade Skills 4U provides exceptional training for adults who are looking to develop their skills in an environment tailored to their needs. The business has grown recently with the opening of a new centre in Warrington in 2016, and with Palatine’s support we are looking forward to increasing our presence across the country as well as our social impact. Palatine has an exceptional track record of supporting companies like Trade Skills 4U with their expansion plans. We have found a unique partner in Palatine given its reputation for responsible investing. It has demonstrated that it shares our passion and values, which support our distinctive proposition in the electrical training sector, and is fully aligned with us in delivering a positive social impact and supporting our continued growth.’

Beth Houghton, Head of Impact Fund at Palatine Private Equity, adds: ‘We are delighted to support the management team of Trade Skills 4U with their exciting and impactful expansion plans, and look forward to working with them to build on their success to date and explore a number of growth opportunities.’

For more information about the training opportunities offered by Trade Skills 4U, please visit www.tradeskills4u.co.uk Alternatively, if you would like to speak to our experienced course advisers please call 01293 529777 or 0800 856448.

See the advertisement on page 13

>> HOUSING

What advice do you have for others registering for or using ELC? If you have a course you want to do, and believe it will better you in all aspects of life, don’t wait to leave – do the course and realise your potential!

To find out more, visit inspired2be.com

A helping hand to get on the housing ladder When leaving the military, finding a home of your own can seem daunting, especially if you are leaving Service accommodation. The government’s Forces Help to Buy scheme has offered significant help to Services personnel wanting to become homeowners, with more than 23,000 applications made to date, and the scheme has now been extended to April 2018. To qualify, you must have more than six months left to serve when you apply.

Putting down roots in the local community can help families to settle in to civilian life, and there are a variety of other schemes out there – both government and private sector – to enable you to buy your own home. In addition to Forces Help to Buy, many house builders offer

50

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

their own support to make the process of buying a home both easier and more affordable.

In consultation with the MoD, Bovis Homes – an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award holder – has developed a unique discount scheme to support Forces personnel. It reduces the upfront costs of purchasing a new property with a discount of £500 for every £25,000 spent on any new Bovis Home, free curtains and carpets, £500 towards legal fees, plus other benefits. Bovis Homes’ south-west region is also offering the chance to secure one of its homes for a reservation fee of just £99, which is ideal if you are based in the area and want to remain local.

This Bovis Homes discount is available at locations across the country and, when used in conjunction with the government’s Help to Buy Equity Loan and Forces Help to Buy scheme, is known as ‘Trinity’. It is how Devon-based Naval officer, Craig Lawrence (pictured), recently became a homeowner. He says: ‘I’ve already recommended the Trinity scheme to many of my friends in the Forces. It’s easy to understand, reduces hassle and makes buying a home that bit more affordable.’

To find out more, visit Bovis Homes’ website at www.bovishomes.co.uk and read more about the scheme at www.trinitysw.co.uk

Want to keep flying? Here’s how …

If you are considering continuing to fly upon leaving the Armed Forces, equip yourself with the knowledge of what you’ll need to fly in the civilian world. First of all you’ll need a civilian licence – CPL or ATPL (you’ll need to check if you satisfy the prerequisites in either case). Depending on your aspirations, there will probably be specific further requirements – for example, if wanting the ability to fly IFR you will need to convert your military IR to a civilian qualification, and you’ll need a certain number of hours in order to fly HEMS or police aircraft. It pays to prepare yourself well in advance of your military leaving date.

At Babcock, formerly Bond, we maintain a full working knowledge of all regulatory changes as and when they are introduced. We operate an ATO (flying school) but we are also at the forefront of the HEMS, police and offshore sectors.

This is an ever-changing environment; as part of the training solution we want to be instrumental in preparing you for training, as well as guiding you through whichever course you undertake in preparation for your future flying career.

Scott Armstrong served in the Royal Navy from 1991–2017. After 26 years of flying in almost every environment possible, he was looking to continue a challenging and rewarding aviation career in the commercial sector. Scott says: ‘I chose Babcock to conduct my (self-funded) training – first, as they are a recognised and experienced training organisation, but also because they are familiar with the requirements of Service leavers. They produced a training programme specifically tailored to my experience. This was right for me both financially and in terms of managing my expectations.

‘The reception I received from the training team and the company as a whole was very similar to that of any military unit: pragmatic, efficient and keen to deliver what the customer wanted. During my training I was interviewed for and accepted a position as a touring pilot with Babcock. I am now part of a team that includes operations staff, logisticians, paramedics, doctors and engineers, all with a common aim: to provide a service that is second to none and leads the ways in the HEMS and air ambulance industry.’

Get in touch +44 1452 856007 or +44 1452 716348

I DID IT!

‘Having served with Army Air Corps for 11 years, I was looking to start a new career in something hands-on that allowed me to be my own boss.

After a bit of investigation into courses and possible career options, becoming a locksmith really appealed to me.

‘I spoke to many locksmith training providers, whose details I found on the internet and one of the companies that really stood out was Keytek. From the outset the staff on the telephone were friendly, polite and extremely helpful, and adopted a non-pressured and informative approach, which really helped and put me at ease. I was able to speak to their support staff and trainers directly before the course, and they ran me through exactly what would be covered and what I could realistically expect from being a locksmith.

‘I was also able to speak to the Keytek recruitment team, who gave me an idea of the amount of work I could expect on completion of the course, and the in-house marketing team were honest with me about start-up costs and answered the many questions I threw at them! It was for these reasons that I decided to train with Keytek – it they stood out to me as being genuinely the most professional of the many companies I had spoken to.

‘The guys in the office were very knowledgeable and I was able to speak to them about how to use my ELC towards paying for the course. They have obviously advised plenty of other candidates, and their knowledge on the ELCAS system was invaluable and helped me to understand the whole booking process.

‘Keytek was able to offer me a variety of courses and, after some deliberation and research, I decided to attend its eight-day level 4 NCFE-accredited course, which included five days within its purposebuilt training facility and three days “on the road” completing work with one of the instructors.

‘One of my concerns was not only the amount of work I could expect but also the ongoing support I might require … I’m now out on the road completing work on a subcontractor basis and, although daunting at first, I soon settled in to my new career. The ongoing support I receive from Keytek has been second to none. There is a 24hour technical support line (believe me, I’ve tested that it is 24 hours!) and a dedicated engineer support team at head office who assist me with any other issues I may have. Moving into the locksmith industry was the best decision I’ve ever made and, if you are considering it as an option too, I would wholeheartedly recommend one of the Keytek courses.’

Elly.Clark@babcockinternational.com www.babcockinternational.com

01202 711195 academy@keytek.co.uk

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RAF and Army dominate OA Inter-Services Triathlon OA Inter-Services Triathlon 2017

Teams from the Army, Navy and RAF recently competed in the annual OA Inter-Services Triathlon at Cotswold Water Park. The RAF won both the men’s and women’s individual races, while the Army dominated the team categories. The event, sponsored by the Officers’ Association (OA), was organised this year by the RAF Triathlon Association.

Competitors swam through 1.5 km of open water, cycled 41 km of tricky terrain and finished the course with a 10 km run. The rain added an extra challenge, making both road and track slippery.

Senior Aircraftman Luke Pollard completed the race in 1 hour, 54 minutes and 40 seconds, while Flight Lieutenant Lucy Nell finished in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 44 seconds. Remarkably, this is the third time that each of them has won the OA Inter-Services Triathlon.

The Army won all three team awards: veteran male, open male and open female. In addition, the Army won both veteran individual awards. The fastest male and female veterans were Warrant Officer Class 2 Philip Westoby and Major Karen Peek. Lieutenant Henry ‘Harry’ Eaton, from the Army, and Lucy Nell won the fastest male and female officer awards.

For the full results, visit dbmaxresults.co.uk and, for more images and reactions from the teams, visit the OA Instagram and Twitter accounts: officersassociation @OfficersAssoc

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

51

Q

YOUR RESETTLEMENT SUCCESS STORY FACTFILE

A walk on the

Wild side I

t feels like a long way from war-torn Afghanistan to the

Former frontline medic, Francesca Burrows, served in the Army for 12 years and was awarded the DZ Award for Bravery* during her tour of Afghanistan. She left the Services in 2016 and has found a way of transferring her unique experiences to a new role delivering first aid and leadership training programmes with Call of the Wild, one of the UK’s most innovative training companies …

rugged landscape of South Wales, but in many ways the transition has felt fairly seamless.

In Afghanistan, I was responsible for teaching all new

soldiers entering the country – there were more than 200 new soldiers per day, so it was a big task! I also became the first-response medic, charged with organising the medical training of 350 soldiers. In 2015, I was promoted to senior manager, responsible for the medical service and support of 550 infantry soldiers.

I’m really proud of my Army career and the skills and mind-set it gave me.

Preparing for the future I gained a string of qualifications during my 12 years’ service – these ranged from medical and military qualifications to things such as Mountain Leadership. I think many of these qualifications helped me to work out what I wanted to do on the outside.

* Francesca was awarded the DZ Award for Bravery after the military vehicle she was travelling in with colleagues was blown up. Ignoring her own injuries, she treated those around her in a more critical condition. The DZ Award for Bravery is given in memory of Ella Dlugosz (known as DZ), who was killed in Iraq in 2007. She was one of the British Army’s youngest female soldiers to die on active duty.

52

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

ABOUT CALL OF THE WILD Call of the Wild has been delivering Although I loved what I did, my

I joined Call of the Wild a few months

personal, team and leadership

priorities had changed over time. I wanted

ago. I was attracted to them because of

development programmes for its

to be closer to home and family – and to

their values and standards. After being in

clients for 19 years. It has its own

start to build my own family, too.

the military for 12 years you get very used

73-acre training centre in the Brecon

to a family feel and this company gave me

Beacons National Park and travels all

that.

over the UK delivering programmes

Now, instead of battling the Taliban, I am helping to deliver training courses for a range of companies and organisations

Their support and professionalism

to clients, with the aim of creating

from all industry sectors. The role is

shone through and it’s something I

positive, measurable, transferable

different, but my Army career prepared

wanted to align myself to. I am really

and lasting behavioural change for its

me for setting goals and taking the

looking forward to the challenge ahead,

clients.

necessary steps to achieve them.

developing the first aid offer and working

Finding a suitable role

on leadership programmes.

Call of the Wild’s philosophy is based on experiential learning

Call of the Wild owns a 73-acre

– believing that the most powerful

I wanted to find a position within a

training centre on the hills above the

and lasting learning comes from an

company that had a similar sense of

village of Abercrave in the Brecon

individual’s experience of the world

camaraderie to my Army position. My

Beacons National Park. I have joined a

and their subsequent reflection on

first job in civvy street was as a first aid

team of 50 staff, 25 of whom are full-time.

that experience. Learning by doing,

trainer – I went to apply for a course using

My role here focuses on business

my Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC), and

development. I contact previous and

they recognised my qualifications and

existing clients, and answer any queries or

invited me to an interview.

source new enquiries. I am also involved

WE ALL HAVE QUALIFICATIONS AND LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT WORKPLACES LOVE AND WANT

not just listening. www.callofthewild.co.uk

with site visits and meetings, where we

fair, and they want to make a positive

assess how we can add the most value

impact to society. Their ethos is very

to a business or organisation. I also book

similar to a military ethos, and very

people on to first aid and health and

family orientated. They work to better

safety courses.

one another, and are always looking to

I love my job! I love that the team

improve, grow and help more people …

and company have good values and

and that’s exactly the type of company I

standards – they are professional and

wanted to work for.

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

53

Q

COURSE YOUR FACTFILE RESETTLEMENT CHOICES SUCCESS STORY

Planning for civvy street

something that is drilled into you in the

feeling not reporting back to someone on

I’m really glad that I registered for

Army, where you have a strong sense of

what you’ve done that day.

Enhanced Learning Credits. I chose to do

team: you don’t finish until the last man

a higher-education qualification to better

has finished, and that outlook is invaluable

Advice for others

my chances of employment in civvy street.

in any workplace.

I think my main advice would be don’t

I think it’s really important to register for

Resettlement

there, but they think it’s a long-winded

Doing a one-week resettlement course

a job – we all have qualifications and life

process to use the grant. However, it’s

really benefited me. I think it helped

experience that workplaces love and want.

actually very simple to do and I highly

me mentally more than anything. It’s a

recommend everyone uses what they are

big adjustment period and the course

because they are so useful, and make

entitled to – you can never learn too much!

helps you to realise what’s going on in

sure you take up all the grants that you’re

the outside world and how you can best

eligible for.

I THINK IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO REGISTER FOR ELC Through ELC I did a CAVA Assessor Awards/Certificate Qualifications course, which was really helpful to have on my CV.

prepare for it.

think it is. Don’t worry about not getting

Attend all the mandatory courses

I think it’s important to take the time

The course also helps you to realise

to get yourself mentally ready, too; speak

the qualifications you have and actually

to people who have just gone through the

how much of an asset you would be to a

transition, not those who have been out for

workplace. It boosts your confidence and

years. If you speak to the people who have

gets you mentally prepared for big change.

left most recently, they can tell you exactly

I have found that my personality,

what it’s like.

And stay connected with those that are

I had heard from previous Service leavers

and the skills and drills I learned in the

that it’s a good qualification to have,

military actually fit into civilian life well, so

still serving when you leave. It helps with

and hoped that the course would give

I haven’t had to change much. I think the

the transition – don’t totally cut yourself

me a different experience of education

biggest and most difficult change has been

off from the Services.

and teaching styles. In the military, you

getting used to not being given orders.

get used to teaching in the same style,

Daily and weekly you are told what to do

sure you get into a routine as soon as you

whereas this course teaches you to be a

in the military, but in my new job role the

can and just enjoy the new chapter! Q

more versatile teacher, which is definitely

company very much trust me and let me

needed in the civilian workplace.

get on with things, and are there

Transferable skills I think the single most important skill that I’ve transferred from my military background is discipline – it’s about turning up on time and doing what you said you would. And accountability – if I’ve said I’ll do something I will do it.

There are lots of other things too – like always being smart and well presented, and having a robust mentality, which is something that has helped me to teach to all sorts of students.

Enthusiasm and motivation to get a job done, no matter what, is another key transferable skill.

And that get-up-and-go mentality, no matter what the hour or what is needed, you get it done – that is a very powerful life skill.

And, of course, there’s teamwork – the value of helping others even if you have things to do yourself is

54

worry! Civvy street is not as bad as we

ELC. A lot of people know that they are

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

to support and guide me. It’s a very strange

It’s not an easy transition, but make

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

WANT TO WIN ÂŁ250?

Tell us your story. Feature in QUEST and be in with a chance of winning our quarterly cash prize!

Here at QUEST we’re always keen to hear from our readers. Whether you’re still serving and have already amassed an impressive array of A qualifications career in law (and are perhaps still working e negotiated the without a law degree on others), or you’ve already resettlement process and are well into your new Make a successful uccessful tr transition ansition life – and work – in civvy street, why not be an ond career b y stud ying into a second by studying inspiration to other QUEST readers and let us

SLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` MVY H WHYHSLNHS X\HSPĂ„JH[PVU I` experiences? know about yourdistance earning Your own personal learning learning or resettlementvider story could feature in a no. 1105 future edition, helping others seehool.ac.uk just where cilexlawsc and their box. them.

Contact S in the search own skills and qualifications could take

And that’s not all – aside from the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping and inspiring those who are following in your footsteps, you could also get your hands on our quarterly £250 prize! Every three months we’ll select one reader’s success story as our lucky winner.

So, help others and potentially help yourself! What are you waiting for? Visit www.questonline.co.uk where you can find out more and download a copy of the QUEST QUESTIONNAIRE. We look forward to hearing from you ‌

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Gas training at Kier Gas training with you in mind

15 week BPEC Foundation Course leading to ACS for those service leavers with little or no experience.

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March 2015 / www.questonline.co.uk

13

55

Q

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION SUPPORT FACTFILE

‘The wind beneath my wings’

With the support of Stoll, RAF Veteran Brian is taking to the skies as he completes training with a leading UK airline to become a flight attendant …

B

‘For the next three years I was

given his own flat at the Stoll Mansions

personnel administrator in 1986.

homeless, either sleeping on a friend’s

in Fulham. ‘It was exhilarating; I’d been

He served for six years, during

sofa or having to face the streets. For a

given a lifeline. Moving into Stoll was the

which time he was based at RAF Wyton,

while I was at a shelter, which was just

beginning of me being able to turn my life

RAF Gatow in Berlin and finally at Biggin

awful. I was in a temporary room with no

Hill, as well as a four-month tour to RAF

windows, just a tiny skylight.

After a year of settling in

Mount Pleasant in the Falklands. He says:

I had no idea what to do.’

at Stoll, Brian applied to

‘I had left school and saw an opportunity

Unfortunately, as Brian

to sign up to the RAF at the careers

had no dependants he

office. I went for it and didn’t look back.’

was at the bottom of

After his time in the Forces, Brian

the priority list to be

rian joined the RAF as a

had an opportunity to train to become

found local authority

a croupier. This took him to London,

accommodation. He was

Dublin, round the Caribbean and to

desperately trying to

the Judean desert. Brian loved the job

find accommodation, but

and continued to succeed. However

he didn’t know where to go or

after 25 years of being a croupier, the

who to ask.

London casino he was working in at the

56

around.’

an airline to train as a

Stoll provides safe and secure housing that allows Veterans to live comfortably and independently

After three years, Brian by chance saw

flight attendant. He had always wanted to do it and saw it as his chance to start afresh. There were 20,000 applicants trying to secure a place on the training scheme but

Brian successfully got through on his second time round and is now a fully fledged air steward.

time was suddenly closed down. Once

something about The Royal British Legion

Although the six-week programme

his redundancy money ran out he was

on television and got in touch with them.

was incredibly intense, Brian thoroughly

evicted from his home with nowhere to

Immediately he was put in contact with

enjoyed it. Speaking of his experience, he

go.

Stoll and, within a few months, had been

says: ‘This is a career I’ve always wanted

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

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

to have. It’s people focused, I can travel and I’m so excited to get stuck in to the role. We’ve covered everything from customer service to emergency landings on the water – I’ve got an entirely new skill set.’

Stoll supported Brian throughout his application by funding travel to and

100% Guaranteed Work Placements

from his course and buying him

Stoll offers a unique combination of housing, health and well-being support to vulnerable and disabled ex-Service men and women

a computer with up-to-date software for his study. Brian says: ‘Stoll’s Employment Advisor has had a huge input while I’ve been training – my computer is a godsend, and means I can learn in my own

time and space, rather than using a public computer.

‘I’ve really taken to my job in the skies and there’s no need for me to be nervous, I feel a million dollars. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. Suddenly I’m flying all over the world, I’ve got a purpose and a wonderful flat to come back to. It’s amazing. I would say to anyone who finds themselves in my situation after leaving the Forces, to not give up. You can do anything you set your mind to – but you don’t have to do it alone. There is so much help and guidance to get you to where you need to be.’

Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans.

Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life. But not everyone does. Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service Leavers by providing people with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. The charity, Walking With The Wounded, provides Stoll with an Employment Advisor to support Veterans to get a job or training.

Find out more Stoll’s outreach team provides advice and support to Service

Q

leavers and Veterans on a wide range of issues, from housing to work and benefits to access to expert healthcare. Q

KEY CONTACT

Stoll 446 Fulham Road London SW6 1DT 020 7385 2110 outreach@stoll.org.uk www.stoll.org.uk

Drop-in Stoll’s drop-in runs every second Wednesday of the month at its Fulham site (see above), in the Community Hall

Brookhouse Training Centre is the Uk’s Number One gas, plumbing and electrical training and assessment specialist.

We offer full and part time training courses with Level 3 Qualifications.

So, if your next move is a career in gas engineering or domestic electrical contracting, you need to speak to us first.

Call today for an informal chat or to arrange a visit to one of our open mornings

0844 415 2700

Go to www.brookhousetraining.com/MOD

questonline.co.uk l September 2017

57

Q

YOUR RESETTLEMENT CIVVY SAVVY

RYAN MANSFIELD

L

eaving any job can

Stick at it!

be demanding on the

school, and I’m aware that this

emotions. We may

may even be the first job chat

have a blurry misconception

you have ever prepared for.

of our own self-importance

I’m also sure that everyone

and interrogate ourselves with

you know is eager to chuck in

questions like, ‘How will they

their two-penn’orth and advise

cope without me?’ or ‘Am I

you on what you should say

letting them down?’ This is

and do, making it all seem very

normal and far more common

confusing. Well it’s not.

The key advice to

than you might think – and won’t be helped by the reality

remember from this, if

that you perhaps no longer

nothing else, is that times

view some of the people you

have changed, and pretty

work alongside as colleagues,

much everything I say from

but as friends. Nevertheless,

here on out fits comfortably

the fact that you have QUEST

within that statement. You

in your hands is more than

need to try to portray who

enough evidence that the time

you are as much as possible.

is right and you’ve moved on,

The older generation will tell

or know that it’s just a matter

you to cover your tattoos and shave your stubble off; your

of time until you do.

Indisputably the biggest nuisance in this situation is the pursuit of a new job. No question. Finding and applying for jobs that tick a satisfactory amount of boxes on your fantasy wish list, only to never hear back from most of them

‘Searching for a job is very much like trying to hit a piñata,’ says QUEST’s regular civvy contributor Ryan Mansfield. ‘You’re blindfolded and you have no idea what will happen each time you take a swipe … but you do know that the law of averages says you’ll crack it in the end …

mum will tell you to be the ‘sharpest dressed there’; your mates will give you a load of tosh suggestions they’ll claim they’ve used in the past, when really it’s just the Carlsberg talking.

Now I’m not saying you should have a total disregard

or discover that the position

for job chat etiquette, but

is already taken. My advice: apply for plenty and see what

to focus our attention in this

to and see if you can make

happens.

feature: the interview. Having

it work between you. It’s all

doing what everybody says

said that, I really dislike the

a matter of mind-set – and

you should do, and what is

comparatively small

word ‘interview’. It seems far

keeping a lid on your nerves

actually best for you. For

percentage that expressed an

too serious and it puts me on

and demons is the best way to

example, I once went to what

interest in you will be in touch,

edge just to say it. So let’s

get ahead of the rest.

turned out to be a successful

and that’s where we’re going

refer to them as ‘job chats’

I have always been quite

from now on. I suggest this

lucky and seem to land jobs

wore the same outfit that

because it’s amazing how

rather than actually having

night for a party with friends.

an interview has the bizarre

to look for them. However,

If you don’t own a suit or

ability to make us very tense

having sat on both sides of the

feel uncomfortable in certain

and disrupt every butterfly in

interview desk, I know not only

type of clothing, then don’t

our belly. Why is that? We’re

how difficult it can be, but also

wear it! There are plenty of

going to sit down, have a ‘chat’

what companies tend to look

smart alternatives. The same

with a representative of the

for – and I’d like to share this

goes for the rest of your

organisation you’ve applied

with you. You may have been

appearance. The taboo that

From there, the

KEEPING A LID ON YOUR NERVES AND DEMONS IS THE BEST WAY TO GET AHEAD OF THE REST

58

in the Forces since you left

September 2017 l questonline.co.uk

there is a fine line between

job interview on a Friday, and

YOU NEED TO TRY TO PORTRAY WHO YOU ARE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

stuff … You get the gist. These

and intimidating interviewer,

who can’t wait to dart out and

people may interview eight or

take the advice of a young

breathe a big sigh of relief.

more candidates a day, and if

builder I once worked with: try

It demonstrates confidence,

you regurgitate the same as

to imagine them sitting on the

calmness and composure.

the robots before and after

toilet. Maybe it works? He did

Three qualities they are sure to

you, chances are – unless

get the job after all …

be looking for.

you’re particularly attractive –

You always want to stand

So can you recall the one

was once beards and tattoos

you’ll just blend in with all the

out. Even if it’s for something a

key statement? Times have

in the interview world is no

others and be forgotten about

little unorthodox, you want to

changed. You don’t have to

more, and as long as you look

come 5 pm.

be remembered for something.

conceal that little tattoo on

If there’s one thing that baffles

your foot, wear your dad’s

respectable, and your granny

So it’s essential we don’t

isn’t heading the interview

let our anxieties overpower

me in job chats more than

old-fashioned ‘interview suit’

panel, it shouldn’t hinder your

the reality of the situation

anything, it’s those people who

or treat the whole experience

chances.

and do whatever necessary to

respond with an immediate

like you’re being interrogated

steady our excessive worries.

‘No’ when asked if they have

at the end of a flashlight beam.

Mark Pilbeam, a lecturer in law,

When trying to land a new job,

any questions. No? You’ve had

If anything, they should be

once gave me one of those

we sometimes overlook the

several days to prepare for this

grateful that you are sitting in

obvious but invaluable pieces

fact that the panel are human

interview and you don’t have

front of them, wanting to work

of advice we don’t always

beings too, and just want to

one question to fire back at

for them. And, most important

think of it when it comes to

go home and sit with their

them after they’ve just grilled

of all, remember that they

job chats. He told me to avoid

families – just like the rest of

you for everything you’ve

want you to impress them and

what he called ‘conveyor belt

us. So try your best to brighten

got? This is your big chance

not mess it up. After all, what

responses’: loosely translated,

up ‘interview day’, because

to not only show you have an

company or organisation wants

don’t bother with all the ‘I

it’s not much fun for them

interest in the workplace you’re

to hire mediocre staff? Do what

work well as part of a team; I

either. Failing that, and if you

trying to join, but also that you

you have to in order to stand

A former colleague of mine,

est March 2016 Final_2016 07/03/2016 09:31 Page 44

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questonline.co.uk l September 2017

59

Q Courses and events YOUR RESETTLEMENT COURSES AND EVENTS FACTFILE

This guide includes the courses currently scheduled to run from October to November 2017 Additional courses may be scheduled by each Resettlement Centre according to demand. A list of all scheduled courses is available from your nearest Resettlement Centre. All the dates given should be confirmed with the relevant Resettlement Centres. Dates are correct at time of going to press.

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

RC Aldergrove

RRC Catterick rrccatterick@ctp.org.uk

rrccottesmore@ctp.org.uk

resettlementinfo@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE

START DATE END DATE

START DATE END DATE

START DATE END DATE

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Junior Ranks

CTW Senior Officer

10 October 2017

10 October 2017

12 October 2017

02 October 2017

04 October 2017

10 October 2017

13 November 2017 15 November 2017

30 October 2017

01 November 2017

30 October 2017

01 November 2017

07 November 2017 09 November 2017

13 November 2017

15 November 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

27 November 2017

29 November 2017

rcaldergrove@ctp.org.uk

12 October 2017

RRC Cottesmore Central London

12 October 2017

09 October 2017

11 October 2017

Interview Techniques (Snr Officer)

CTW Mixed Class

CTW Mixed Class

10 October 2017

12 October 2017

19 October 2017

16 November 2017 16 November 2017

21 November 2017

16 October 2017

18 October 2017

20 November 2017 20 November 2017

(Course location Preston)

17 October 2017

19 October 2017

FAR All Ranks

23 October 2017

25 October 2017

RC Northolt

CTW Officer/SNCO

13 November 2017

15 November 2017

02 October 2017

04 October 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

16 October 2017

18 October 2017

21 November 2017

17 October 2017

04 October 2017

17 October 2017

04 October 2017

RRC Aldershot

23 November 2017

23 November 2017

19 October 2017

rcnortholt@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE

rrcaldershot@ctp.org.uk

07 November 2017 09 November 2017

CTW Mixed Class

START DATE END DATE

Employment Support Programme Wksp

CTW Officer/SNCO

16 October 2017

18 October 2017

03 October 2017

05 October 2017

23 October 2017

25 October 2017

CTW Junior Ranks

12 October 2017

31 October 2017

02 November 2017

06 November 2017 08 November 2017

10 October 2017

16 November 2017 16 November 2017

14 November 2017

16 November 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

12 October 2017

12 October 2017

07 November 2017 09 November 2017

Housing

CTW Mixed Class

08 November 2017 08 November 2017

CTW Officer 14 November 2017 16 November 2017

03 October 2017

05 October 2017

31 October 2017

02 November 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

02 October 2017

04 October 2017

30 October 2017

01 November 2017

09 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness

13 November 2017 13 November 2017

19 October 2017

19 October 2017

06 November 2017 06 November 2017

Housing

RRC Colchester

25 October 2017

rrcnortholt@ctp.org.uk

CTW SNCO

09 October 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017 (Course location Brize Norton)

27 November 2017 29 November 2017

25 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness 05 October 2017

05 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

29 November 2017 29 November 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

CTW Mixed Class 09 October 2017

11 October 2017

RC Germany

06 November 2017 06 November 2017

16 October 2017

18 October 2017

06 November 2017 08 November 2017

Housing

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

01 November 2017

01 November 2017

12 October 2017

21 November 2017 23 November 2017

16 November 2017 17 November 2017

Housing 15 November 2017

07 November 2017 09 November 2017

CTW Officer/SNCO

11 October 2017

24 October 2017 15 November 2017

26 October 2017

28 November 2017 30 November 2017

Self Employment Awareness 10 October 2017

10 October 2017

05 October 2017

Housing 23 November 2017 23 November 2017

Self Employment Awareness

RC Plymouth

CTW Junior Ranks

Self Employment Awareness

05 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

22 November 2017 22 November 2017

11 October 2017

Employment Support Programme Workshop

03 October 2017

10 October 2017 12 October 2017

13 October 2017

27 November 2017 29 November 2017

rcgermany@ctp.org.uk

Employment Support Programme Wksp

(Course location Brize Norton)

CTW Officer

Employment Support Programme Wksp 23 October 2017

23 October 2017

27 November 2017 27 November 2017

03 October 2017

30 November 2017 30 November 2017

rcplymouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 09 October 2017

11 October 2017

13 November 2017 15 November 2017

CTW Mixed Class 02 October 2017

04 October 2017

23 October 2017

25 October 2017

06 November 2017 08 November 2017 14 November 2017 16 November 2017 (Course location Culdrose) 27 November 2017 29 November 2017

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CTW Officer/SNCO

CTW SNCO

CTW Officer/SNCO

CTW Officer/SNCO

16 October 2017

09 October 2017

11 October 2017

02 October 2017

24 October 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

13 November 2017

15 November 2017

28 November 2017 30 November 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

Employment Support Programme Wksp

Employment Support Programme Wksp

12 October 2017

12 October 2017

03 October 2017

05 October 2017

09 November 2017 09 November 2017

26 October 2017

16 November 2017

16 November 2017

17 October 2017

19 October 2017

30 November 2017 30 November 2017

Housing

Self Employment Awareness

21 November 2017

Self Employment Awareness

07 November 2017 07 November 2017

24 October 2017

Self Employment Awareness

09 November 2017 09 November 2017

Employment Support Programme Wksp

26 October 2017

RRC Tidworth

RRC Rosyth

18 October 2017

18 October 2017

18 October 2017

26 October 2017

28 November 2017 28 November 2017

RC Portsmouth rcportsmouth@ctp.org.uk START DATE END DATE CTW Junior Ranks 02 October 2017

04 October 2017

06 November 2017 08 November 2017

CTW Mixed Class 16 October 2017

18 October 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

CTW Officer 23 October 2017

25 October 2017

27 November 2017

29 November 2017

26 October 2017

24 October 2017

04 October 2017

26 October 2017

CTW SNCO

07 November 2017 09 November 2017 23 November 2017

rrctidworth@ctp.org.uk

10 October 2017

10 October 2017

17 October 2017

17 October 2017

START DATE END DATE

24 October 2017

24 October 2017

CTW Junior Ranks

21 November 2017

02 October 2017

04 October 2017

CTW Mixed Class

09 October 2017

11 October 2017

Housing

09 October 2017

16 October 2017

18 October 2017

30 November 2017 30 November 2017

(Course location Kinloss)

30 October 2017

01 November 2017

17 October 2017

rrcrosyth@ctp.org.uk

START DATE END DATE 11 October 2017

07 November 2017 07 November 2017 21 November 2017

06 November 2017 08 November 2017

Self Employment Awareness

(Course location Faslane)

13 November 2017 15 November 2017

23 October 2017

23 October 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

27 November-2017 27 November-2017

19 October 2017 25 October 2017

05 November 2017 07 November 2017

23 October 2017

27 November 2017 29 November 2017

(Course location Lossiemouth) 05 November 2017 07 November 2017

CTW Officer

06 November 2017 08 November 2017

10 October 2017

12 October 2017

14 November 2017 16 November 2017

31 October 2017

02 November 2017

(Course location Faslane)

14 November 2017 16 November 2017

20 November 2017 22 November 2017

(Course location Lossiemouth) 27 November 2017 29 November 2017

Visit www.ctp.org.uk for further details

Solent Gateway Limited is offering a fantastic and unique opportunity for you to transition from the Armed Forces to a civilian career whilst still serving the nation using the extensive skills acquired in the Forces.

SGL is a progressive and innovative company and are looking for motivated individuals to become part of a growing team of General Port Terminal Operatives and Supervisors who are also willing and committed to undertake duties of a Sponsored Reservist when required. In return SGL offer long term career development, competitive salary and training to obtain recognised civilian qualiďŹ cations whilst continuing to maintain core skills through Armed Forces annual training.

If you would like a new challenge with a company specialising in all aspects of Port Operations then Solent Gateway would welcome hearing from you.

For more information please contact: Mrs Debs Jones Email: debs.jones@solentgateway.com Telephone: 02380 664469

solentgateway.com questonline.co.uk l September 2017

61

Q

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

Transition factfile:

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

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

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

Employment Support Programme

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

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

Served more than 6 years – or medical discharge?

Yes

Attends Career Transition Workshop (CTW) or equivalent

Prepare Personal Resettlement Plan (PRP) with Career Consultant

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

Receives advice on or notification of matched job opportunities

Makes job applications

Secures employment

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

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

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

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

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

Resettlement Services

Resettlement Centres

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

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

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

3rd LINE Resettlement support at 3rd Line is provided by the CTP as outlined at the top of this page and in more detail on its website at www.ctp.org.uk

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Resettlement Centre Aldergrove Tel: 02894 421639 Regional Resettlement Centre Aldershot Tel: 01252 348336/339 Regional Resettlement Centre Catterick Tel: 01748 872949/2922 Regional Resettlement Centre Cottesmore Tel: 01572 812241 (ext 7716) Resettlement Centre Germany Tel: 0049 5254 982 x 5448 Resettlement Centre Northolt Tel: 020 8842 6063/6064 Resettlement Centre Plymouth Tel: 01752 557635 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

Sponsored by

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

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

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

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

Years’ Service

1. <1 2. 1+ 3. 4+ 4. 6+ 5. 8+ 6. 12+ 7. 16+

Normal Discharge

Medical Discharge(2)

CTP GRT(1) No 0 No 0 ESP 0 FRP 20 FRP 25 FRP 30 FRP 35

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

Transition services and entitlements

• 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 Credits 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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63

Q

YOUR RESETTLEMENT TRANSITION FACTFILE FACTFILE

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 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 Employment Events

CTP Future Horizons

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

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 Richard Jones, Programme Manager, on 07428 705 770 or meet with a CTP Future Horizons assessor at the following locations: >> ITC Catterick, Hook Company: 01748 872949/2922 >> ATC Pirbright, Sword Company: 01483 798614 >> Resettlement Centre Plymouth: 01752 557635 Follow Future Horizons on Facebook, and receive the latest news and updates from the programme.

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity We exist to provide life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers and veterans, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving.

Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment.

We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.

We are the leading provider of job opportunities and employment advice for ex-Forces men and women. We have thousands of job opportunities with employers who value military experience. We advise you on careers suited to you and we know which employers are recruiting in your area. We work with you so that you have a good CV, and support you through the application and interview process.

To register with us …

Tel: 0121 2360 058 Website: www.rfea.org.uk

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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

Sponsored by

Tel: 01908 587665 www.gastectraining.co.uk

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 2017

65

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You will be comfortable operating within an environment which places great importance on health & safety compliance.

What will the ideal candidate for DS Smith possess:â&#x20AC;˘ Current Digital Drivers Card and Driver CPC Card â&#x20AC;˘ Current C+E entitlement â&#x20AC;˘ Clean licence an advantage and a maximum of 3 points

To apply please send your CV or request an application form from Rachel.Mann@dssmith.com

On your application form or CV please specify your preference, whether days or nights and your preferred shift pattern

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• Are you a highly motivated, intelligent person with a work ethic and a conscience?

• Are you looking for a business that you know has the potential to earn you a large professional income each and every year?

• Can you work effectively in a team and as an individual?

• Can you absorb new information and are you willing o learn new skills?

• Does the thought of working in both Spain and the UK excite you?

• Is offering lucrative, below market value Spanish investment property advice to a growing client base something you could do?

Real-Estate International

We are experts in delivering high yield, below market value property investments as both a pensions hedge and as part of a planned investment strategy, to both seasoned professionals and first-time investors alike. However, this takes more than just a little hard work, good will and planning. It is also about caring and going the extra mile for each and every one of your clients.

Like any responsible, forward-thinking organisation, we have a training programme and support structure in place to guarantee that you start, grow and succeed in your business. Once you have the necessary skills and knowledge you will be in a position to become successful. You will be responsible for your own exclusive county area, you will be expected to build your business professionally and you will be expected to form lasting, personal relationships with your clientèle.

The potential business opportunities are almost limitless, for in addition to our key product areas, we are experts in retirement planning solutions, and are also uniquely positioned to offer accountancy, insurance and mortgage advice through our network of fully regulated partners. If you believe that you have something to offer us, and you know that you are the right fit for this exciting new position, then please join us for a lunch interview at our new Midlands office.

Please contact our recruitment director on 01832 864020 or email info@mondragonint.co.uk https://player.vimeo.com/video/231888081

Real-Estate International

INSPIRE

Volunteer at Sea Cadets to inspire young people in your community with the skills you learnt in the Armed Forces. sea-cadets.org volunteer@ms-sc.org Supported by Community Covenant Fund

Patron: HM The Queen Marine Society & Sea Cadets, a charity registered in England and Wales 313013, Scotland SC037808