Armed Forces Covenant

Armed Forces resettlement, training and jobs in one place, updated daily

Training, careers and resettlement support for the Armed Forces

Quest helps serving Armed Forces personnel, Service leavers, veterans and their families plan their next step. Explore training providers, understand Enhanced Learning Credits and discover civilian career opportunities.

ELCAS courses  |  ELC funding  |  Resettlement guide  |  Civilian careers

Latest

TechVets expands free cyber training to tech-curious Service leavers

TechVets expands free cyber training to tech-curious Service leavers

15th Jun 2021

News

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

Selected support organisations

31st May 2021

Article

​Just a few of the many organisations that exist to offer advice, information and support to Service leavers …
- Sponsored Content -
Transferable skills – your vocational vaccine

Transferable skills – your vocational vaccine

25th May 2021

Article

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 …
Open the door to a new career as a locksmith

Open the door to a new career as a locksmith

25th May 2021

News

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 …

Time to sign up for NEBOSH course packages at Catterick and Rosyth

Time to sign up for NEBOSH course packages at Catterick and Rosyth

23rd Apr 2021

News

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) …

- Sponsored Content -
Stronger together, in song

Stronger together, in song

13th Apr 2021

News

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 …
- Sponsored Content -
Take advantage of tech discounts

Take advantage of tech discounts

23rd Mar 2021

News

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 …
TechVets podcast aims to boost diversity

TechVets podcast aims to boost diversity

16th Feb 2021

News

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 …
Welcome to Boarding for Military Families at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall

Welcome to Boarding for Military Families at Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall

7th Jan 2021

News

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.
- Sponsored Content -
Helping Service leavers become cyber specialists

Helping Service leavers become cyber specialists

4th Dec 2020

News

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 …

CNet’s resettlement programmes: Andrew Stevens

12th Nov 2020

Case Study

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 …

- Sponsored Content -

Transitioning into safety consultancy: Stuart Gilkinson’s story

12th Nov 2020

Case Study

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 outdoor education: Chris Kerr’s story

2nd Nov 2020

Case Study

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!

Risk management needs you!

15th Oct 2020

News

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 …
- Sponsored Content -
How you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

How you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

14th Sep 2020

Article

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.
New College Durham shortlisted for two AAT Awards

New College Durham shortlisted for two AAT Awards

24th Jun 2020

News

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.
- Sponsored Content -
Life in lockdown at Lockforce

Life in lockdown at Lockforce

4th May 2020

News

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”.
- Sponsored Content -

Transitioning into the fitness sector: Jonny Holloway’s story

22nd Apr 2020

Case Study

‘Leaving the military as an able-bodied person is hard enough, let alone being disabled,’ says Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Holloway, who tells QUEST how, since leaving the Army following life-changing injuries, he has forged an all-action career in the fitness sector …

Flexible distance learning at Leeds Beckett

Flexible distance learning at Leeds Beckett

1st Apr 2020

News

Studying a distance learning course at Leeds Beckett University offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you are looking to pursue the career you have built in the Armed Forces, or if you’re currently preparing to leave and looking for a change, we have an option available. Our entry requirements are flexible too, which offers people with different experiences and qualifications the opportunity to pursue their desired path.

Transitioning into the transport sector: Ian M. Crome’s story

23rd Mar 2020

Case Study

As you may have read elsewhere on the Quest website, Veterans’ Gateway recently introduced its first ever branded truck, kindly sponsored by international haulage business, Marine & Cargo, which recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant. One of the first veterans the company has employed since signing is 329 Dvr Ian M. Crome, formerly of the Royal Corps of Transport. Here’s what Ian has to say about his journey …

- Sponsored Content -
‘Wish I’d done it years ago’

‘Wish I’d done it years ago’

16th Feb 2020

News

University of Cumbria nursing graduate Derrick Tyson says he has no regrets about leaving the Forces to take a new direction – indeed he wishes he’d changed career years ago!
We’ve got employee support in our sights!

We’ve got employee support in our sights!

13th Feb 2020

Article

… so says Jacobs, which aims to be very much more than a global professional services company with a huge international presence. In the UK it’s carrying out major projects including HS2 and Crossrail, but at the individual level it’s also doing a great deal to support its ex-Forces employees …
Specialist support for job seekers

Specialist support for job seekers

12th Feb 2020

Article

A new initiative that sees RFEA confirmed as lead partner for The Royal British Legion’s employment support programme is set to help thousands of ex-Forces personnel and their families in civilian life
- Sponsored Content -
‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’

‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’

23rd Jan 2020

Article

Transitioning to the civilian workplace on leaving the Services is now about much more than stereotypical roles such as security guarding or taking a conventional ‘trade’ with you (useful as these still are), says Claire Withey of Bolt Burdon Kemp. And, when it comes to 21st-century resettlement, she’s keen to emphasise the current breadth of skills the ex-military have to offer potential employers
Biomechanics Coach Diploma

Biomechanics Coach Diploma

22nd Jan 2020

News

When I retired from the Armed Forces in December 2012, I decided to go into the fitness industry, an area to which I had devoted much of my time in the military and something I have always had a real passion for. I used my first ELCAS grant to become a personal trainer and opened a small gym with my daughter in February 2013.
Get on course to a smoother transition

Get on course to a smoother transition

3rd Jan 2020

Article

Your time in the Forces is likely to have been an all-consuming career experience. Despite that, you may yet have many years ahead of you in the workplace, which means it’s important to make the most of the resettlement options open to you. This five-step guide will help you to plan …

From Armed Forces to civilian life – change your career with NEBOSH!

From Armed Forces to civilian life – change your career with NEBOSH!

18th Dec 2019

Article

Stepping into civilian life and finding a whole new career path can be challenging. However, for four Service leavers, this was made much easier with a NEBOSH qualification to their name. Here they tell us about the impact NEBOSH qualifications have had on their new careers …
- Sponsored Content -
Winners of Women in Defence UK Awards 2019 announced

Winners of Women in Defence UK Awards 2019 announced

17th Dec 2019

News

The winners of the Women in Defence UK Awards were recently announced at a ceremony attended by guests from across the defence enterprise. Air Marshal Sue Gray presented the awards at a ceremony at the Guildhall, London, to the winners of each of the 10 categories and an overall award for Woman of the Year. This year – the awards’ fourth – more than 470 nominations were received from across the defence community, including the Armed Forces, MoD civil service, GCHQ, MI5, defence industry and the defence third sector.
Free online counter-terrorism training

Free online counter-terrorism training

13th Dec 2019

News

Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence holders can now access free online counter-terrorism training from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), which has created special password-protected access for the security industry. This means that everyone – from frontline operatives to managers and directors – can access up-to-date counter-terrorism guidance free of charge.
Prepared to succeed

Prepared to succeed

12th Nov 2019

Article

Now working as technical developer with CNet, Clint Sherratt’s time in the Forces saw him work hard to accumulate skills and qualifications that he knew would stand him in good stead on leaving …
- Sponsored Content -
Working for the wounded

Working for the wounded

16th Oct 2019

Article

The Scar Free Foundation recently announced its conflict wound research priorities and launched a call for pilot studies to address these vital areas. If you or someone you know has been affected by this issue, read on to find out about the valuable work of this very special organisation – and some of those it has already helped
Charitable coffee on the hoof!

Charitable coffee on the hoof!

14th Oct 2019

News

Over just one weekend, a 40-year-old horse trailer has been converted into a mobile coffee bar by Combat2Coffee, a group of volunteers from the veterans community, with the aim to raise funds for military charities Help for Heroes and Combat Stress.

- Sponsored Content -

Building new careers in construction

11th Sep 2019

Case Study

According to one of the country’s leading suppliers of building materials, former Armed Forces personnel have the perfect traits for careers in construction. Here we introduce just a few of the many Service leavers who have gone on to craft themselves successful second careers in that flourishing sector

Making university affordable for you

Making university affordable for you

31st Aug 2019

Article

Members of the Armed Forces are just as welcome at university as anyone else, and if you are looking to study at university next year, there are a number of useful military bursaries available …
- Sponsored Content -
A home fit for a hero

A home fit for a hero

18th Aug 2019

Article

As the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. People come to Stoll at various stages in their lives, from those who have just started their transition to civilian life to others who require assistance much later, such as George Brown, who – with his wife Anne – moved into the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in 2014 …
The full package

The full package

13th Aug 2019

Article

Lieutenant Gary Bickley, Royal Navy, reports on his experience of NEBOSH instruction at Woodward SHE Ltd
Key skills

Key skills

13th Aug 2019

Article

Do you have a business idea in your head that just won’t go away? Are you imagining a life beyond uniform where you control your own destiny and become your own boss? I remember it well,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. And, to celebrate 15 years of running his own business, he’s here with 15 tips to support you on your own journey.
- Sponsored Content -
Circular economy firm offers career path to veterans

Circular economy firm offers career path to veterans

17th Jul 2019

News

EFT Consult, a Swansea-based company that specialises in cutting-edge and innovative technologies in relation to the design and consultancy of the built environment, and the implementation of the principles of the circular economy, has partnered with the British Training Board to help 100 veterans and Service leavers to gain skills and work opportunities beyond the Armed Forces.
Street food start-ups

Street food start-ups

9th Jul 2019

Article

As a nation, we are big foodies. Whether we are gorging on TV shows like MasterChef or The Great British Bake Off, or queuing up to try the new healthy juice bar in town, everyone wants good food and they want it now. But street food is not only a huge hit among customers looking for a more fun and convenient way of dining, it is also a great way for budding chefs to take the leap into entrepreneurship …
- Sponsored Content -
- Sponsored Content -
- Sponsored Content -

QUEST Magazine

Latest Quest magazine covers

Your guide to ELC, Training, Courses, Careers and Support during resettlement into civilian life

Subscribe Latest

- Featured Advertisers -

Dorset H&S LDC QHSE newto Aurora Energy You and Sea WFST Lighthouse Safety Core Elements MK Safety Site Competence