Latest
Could cycle maintenance be your next career?
NEWS
15 Jun, 2021
Find out more in this Q&A with Dave Ball (pictured above), a level 3 student in Cycle Maintenance and Repair at Cycle Systems Academy …
TechVets expands free cyber training to tech-curious Service leavers
NEWS
15 Jun, 2021
The tech and cyber industries are crying out for talent says TechVets, a unique not-for-profit initiative and RFEA programme dedicated to building a bridge for veterans into cyber security and the technology sector. Fortunately, it has received a funding boost that will enable it to extend its offer of free training to upskill more veterans than ever before and support them into sustainable careers in these sectors …
Selected support organisations
ARTICLES
31 May, 2021
Just a few of the many organisations that exist to offer advice, information and support to Service leavers …
Tax exemption measures for those who are no longer serving
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
Under the ELC scheme, most courses of study undertaken by individuals still serving are exempt from taxation, either as income or as a benefit in kind, if they can be justified as ‘work related’ …
Already left?
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
How to claim your ELC if you are no longer serving …
Make your claim with care
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
Don’t let queries or rejection slow down your claim – get it right first time!
Streamline your application with our list of dos and don’ts
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
Useful pointers to help you get your claim right-first-time …
Help yourself – and benefit your Service too
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
If you use your ELC wisely while still in uniform it will also be of benefit to your Service …
Spending options
ARTICLES
27 May, 2021
Once your ELC claim has been approved, you’ll find plenty of study and training course choices open to you …
Transferable skills – your vocational vaccine
ARTICLES
25 May, 2021
As you prepare for employment, shining a light on the many transferable skills – ‘soft’ as well as technical – you can demonstrate thanks to your military career will help you in your quest to secure work, says Claire Withey, an associate solicitor in the military claims team at specialist law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp …
Serious about becoming a health and safety professional?
NEWS
25 May, 2021
The NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is a great place to start …
Open the door to a new career as a locksmith
NEWS
25 May, 2021
Learning a trade like locksmithing has long been a popular option for those leaving the Armed Forces, however choosing the right provider can be a difficult decision …
Delivering technical education for more than 25 years
NEWS
25 May, 2021
CNet CEO Andrew Stevens discusses why Service leavers should consider a career in the digital infrastructure industry …
Time to sign up for NEBOSH course packages at Catterick and Rosyth
NEWS
23 Apr, 2021
Woodward SHE Ltd is excited to announce that, following the lifting of the national lockdown, it will be restarting delivery of its NEBOSH training course packages for Service leavers in May at both IPS Innovate (near RRC Catterick) and the Rosyth Business Centre (near MOD Caledonia) …
The Heropreneurs Awards: extraordinary opportunities for military entrepreneurs
NEWS
23 Apr, 2021
The Heropreneurs Awards, established in 2018 to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the military community in business, are going online for 2021!
Soldiering On Awards 2021 announces record nominations and eclectic judging line-up
NEWS
20 Apr, 2021
As nominations close for this year, the Awards team are delighted to announce that a record 275 individuals, partnerships and organisations have been nominated, the highest tally in SOA’s 10-year history and a 20% increase on 2020 …
Stronger together, in song
NEWS
13 Apr, 2021
The Military Wives Choirs received part of a grant awarded to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Here’s how they used it to help alleviate loneliness and isolation among the Armed Forces community during the COVID-19 pandemic …
All you need to know about the IOSH Managing Safely course
NEWS
25 Mar, 2021
One of the UK’s leading providers of health and safety training, Dorset Health and Safety Limited offers a comprehensive range of courses from the major providers – this includes the Managing Safely course developed and certificated by IOSH …
Be in it to win it!
NEWS
25 Mar, 2021
Veterans Prize Competitions offer you the chance to win fantastic prizes, while raising much needed funds for the military community …
Lockdown job success!
NEWS
25 Mar, 2021
How generous funding is helping one charity change veterans’ lives …
Laying the foundations for healthier, safer construction sites
NEWS
25 Mar, 2021
A new two-week qualification from NEBOSH, one of the world’s leading H&S awarding bodies, aims to boost health and safety in the construction sector …
New fire safety qualification promises practical skills – fast!
NEWS
23 Mar, 2021
NEBOSH, one of the world’s leading health and safety awarding bodies, has launched a new globally relevant fire safety qualification, which can be completed in just a week …
Making a real difference for the RAF family
NEWS
23 Mar, 2021
How the RAF Benevolent Fund is enabling work to support RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families …
SSAFA Adoption Service celebrates success in the LGBTQ+ Forces community
NEWS
23 Mar, 2021
With LGBTQ+ Adoption and Fostering Week recently having been celebrated, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been celebrating its success in finding caring military families of all backgrounds for children in need …
Take advantage of tech discounts
NEWS
23 Mar, 2021
Those who work for the UK’s Armed Forces, veterans and the wider defence community can get their hands on exclusive tech offers thanks to Defence Discount Service …
PM awards outstanding young fundraiser for aviation art
NEWS
26 Feb, 2021
Aviation enthusiast Jack Berry, 14, who has illustrated a book on military planes in aid of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has received British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award …
Thumbs up for fundraiser and aviation artist Jack’s new book
NEWS
26 Feb, 2021
Aviation fanatic Jack Berry, 14, from Sunderland has collected his plane drawings in a truly inspirational and informative book, which aims to raise funds for military charities …
TechVets podcast aims to boost diversity
NEWS
16 Feb, 2021
TechVets, a unique not-for-profit initiative and RFEA programme dedicated to building a bridge for veterans into cyber security and the technology sector, has launched a new podcast series to help raise awareness of key issues such as diversity in industry …
Military Wives Choirs sing out for new members
NEWS
16 Feb, 2021
Women from across the Armed Forces community are eligible to join the Military Wives Choirs. Perhaps you or your partner would like to join them …
Who protects the protectors?
NEWS
19 Jan, 2021
West Sussex fire chief Sabrina Cohen-Hatton discusses mental health and sexism with injured veteran Josh Boggi in latest episode of the Resilience Sessions podcast …
Welcome to Boarding for Military Families at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall
NEWS
07 Jan, 2021
A film to demonstrate the wonderful pupils of St Mary’s Hall, an insight into boarding life and a behind the scenes look into Stonyhurst facilities. The film features Headmaster Ian Murphy, Head of Boarding Kirk Stokes, Head of History Paul Garlington and Mrs Charlotte Dilworth - SENCO.
New SIA website: update your bookmarks!
NEWS
08 Dec, 2020
On 10 December the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is moving its website to a new address – part of gov.uk – and closing its current site …
Support the Forces community with 12 Days of Kindness this Christmas
NEWS
08 Dec, 2020
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is calling on the public to take part in its 12 Days of Kindness initiative to give back to local communities while raising much needed funds to support the men, women and families of the Armed Forces …
Spark a brighter future with free Electronics Skills Programme
NEWS
08 Dec, 2020
Tech Lancaster has launched the free training scheme to fast-track Greater Manchester and Lancashire residents into new careers in electronics and technology …
Study for a PT qualification throughout the COVID-19 outbreak
NEWS
08 Dec, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has seen the country face one of the most difficult periods in its history. Many of us now find ourselves having to stay at home, leaving behind our usual daily routines. This is particularly frustrating for fitness enthusiasts, who are used to being active all the time ...
Worried about your career prospects in a corona world?
NEWS
07 Dec, 2020
Best-selling careers author John Lees’ latest edition of his book, How to Get a Job You Love, is here to offer advice and reassurance …
Helping Service leavers become cyber specialists
NEWS
04 Dec, 2020
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity is launching a new partnership with TechVets, an organisation dedicated to building a bridge for veterans – like Gareth Paterson (picture above) – into cyber security and the technology sector …
Project Future: finding opportunity amid uncertainty
NEWS
03 Dec, 2020
You want to be your own boss, but how do you take the right decision and make it happen? The world of work is probably unrecognisable from when you started your career, but even though it’s full of uncertainty, it’s also full of opportunity. Never has it been easier to start a business and make an impact in the world …
Free access to MUTV for UK Armed Forces
NEWS
20 Nov, 2020
Manchester United has become the first Premier League football club to stream its dedicated club channel, MUTV, free of charge on BFBS TV Player …
Empowering you!
NEWS
16 Nov, 2020
RFEA is offering new services to give more employment support to military women, spouses and partners …
CNet’s resettlement programmes: Andrew Stevens
CASE STUDY
12 Nov, 2020
CNet Training CEO Andrew Stevens talks to Quest about his company’s resettlement programmes and how CNet has managed to continue educating the industry throughout the pandemic …
Transitioning into safety consultancy: Stuart Gilkinson’s story
CASE STUDY
12 Nov, 2020
Stuart Gilkinson CMIOSH is a chartered health and safety professional and managing director of Dorset Health and Safety Ltd (DHS). Here he describes the responsibilities of safety consultants in the health and safety industry, and his own route into the role …
Transitioning into facilities management: Q&A with Richard Hay
CASE STUDY
10 Nov, 2020
with Kuehne + Nagel Overland site operations & process manager, Richard Hay
Remembering the 100th anniversary of the Unknown Warrior
NEWS
09 Nov, 2020
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is asking the public to remember this often-forgotten element of Armistice Day
Transitioning into outdoor education: Chris Kerr’s story
CASE STUDY
02 Nov, 2020
A former Sub Unit Commander, Joint Operational Support Staff Officer, Senior Logistics Operational Officer and Officer Commanding Soldier Development has been appointed head of outdoor education at leading independent Welsh school, Christ College Brecon (CCB).
Risk management needs you!
NEWS
15 Oct, 2020
Is a career in risk in your sights? ELCAS funding for the Institute of Operational Risk (IOR) Certificate in Operational Risk Management is now available for Service personnel …
Life-changing injuries don’t have to mean giving up on the activities you love
ARTICLES
28 Sep, 2020
Some Service men and women suffer life-changing injuries while serving in the Armed Forces. With so much change to come to terms with in every aspect of daily and family life, it isn’t surprising that many disabled veterans believe that they will never be able to participate in their favourite activities again. The impact that belief has on individuals who may have otherwise lived and breathed sport and fitness throughout their military careers cannot be underestimated.
Building a career beneath the waves
ARTICLES
22 Sep, 2020
Austin Phillips and Richard Purdy – engineers from SMD, independent designer and manufacturer of work class and specialist subsea ROVs – tell us about the paths that led them to a career in subsea engineering …
How you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
ARTICLES
14 Sep, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost every aspect of life. In April 2020, Veterans UK announced that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), designed to compensate Armed Forces Personnel injured during service, had been shut down as a result of COVID-19. Fortunately, the closure was only temporary and the scheme has since reopened, and although they may experience a backlog in the short term, it is positive news that a scheme that helps so many is once again operational.
Enterprise Learning: gateway to opportunity
ARTICLES
09 Sep, 2020
In the second part of our new series on Enterprise Learning, Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE, CEO and Founder of X-Forces Enterprise and Chair of the Soldiering on Awards, tells us why enterprise skills are at the centre of everything she does. And, despite the current uncertainty we are experiencing, she tells us why Enterprise Learning should by no means be considered a luxury …
University recognised for commitment to Armed Forces community
NEWS
26 Aug, 2020
York St John has been awarded Gold status from the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme …
What is Enterprise Learning?
ARTICLES
30 Jul, 2020
Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE (pictured) is CEO and founder of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and Chair of the Soldiering On Awards. In this first part of our new series, she explains why enterprise skills are at the centre of everything she does – and, while we are experiencing the fallout from COVID-19, what exactly Enterprise Learning is and why it remains as important as ever …
A day in the life … Abi Thompson, project manager at SMD
ARTICLES
29 Jul, 2020
This new series takes a look at what it’s really like to work in some popular fields …
Resettlement is close to our heart …
ARTICLES
27 Jul, 2020
So says Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society, who offers some personal reflections on his own journey through the resettlement financial planning process
New College Durham shortlisted for two AAT Awards
NEWS
24 Jun, 2020
New College Durham are proud to have been shortlisted for Tutor of the Year and Student of the Year at the AAT Training Provider Awards 2020. The College is the only provider in the north of England to have made the shortlist.
BuildForce Veterans pre-employment modules
NEWS
07 Jun, 2020
A series of online mini-modules has been developed by University College of Estate Management (UCEM) for Buildforce as part of the CITB’s Pathways into construction programme focusing on Veterans.
RAF veteran climbs UK and Ireland’s highest peaks at home for Armed Forces charity
NEWS
18 May, 2020
An RAF veteran has taken on the challenge of climbing the equivalent of the UK and Ireland’s highest peaks to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Combat Stress and RFEA in partnership with Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund
NEWS
12 May, 2020
Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund will be collaborating with veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress and RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity in a three-year partnership to improve the transition to civilian life for veterans and their families.
Landmarc and UK Connect help troops stay connected
NEWS
12 May, 2020
Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and UK Connect have worked in partnership to enable vital broadband provision at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Halton Training Camp, a key asset in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Covid-19 strategic response.
Super Yacht industry news from YPI Crew
NEWS
04 May, 2020
The super yacht industry appears to be sailing calmly through the choppy waters of coronavirus …
Life in lockdown at Lockforce
NEWS
04 May, 2020
As emergency locksmiths we are fortunate to be in an industry that is still in demand. Door and window locks don’t care about the lockdown so we are still receiving calls and the guys are helping to “Keep You Safe”.
SSAFA to support UK military community abroad post-Brexit
ARTICLES
30 Apr, 2020
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been awarded a grant of £295,000 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to assist British nationals in countries across Europe after Brexit …
The Resettlement Grant
ARTICLES
30 Apr, 2020
Many of you will be leaving the Armed Forces with a Resettlement Grant (RG). The RG is a tax-free lump sum intended to help Regular Service personnel settle into civilian life. There is no stipulation as how you use it – you can spend it on beer if you like, but you need to remember that, if you take up another military post too quickly, you might have to repay some or all of it. In this short article Mary Petley of the Forces Pension Society explores the rules relating to RGs …
