Latest
SSAFA survey seeks better understanding of needs
NEWS
11 Feb, 2020
A new survey report aims to improve understanding and support for Forces families with additional needs or disabilities
Running your own business: Get some help
ARTICLES
23 Jan, 2020
Imagine arriving at your new posting and there’s no one to hand over to you. Your phone is already ringing and people are asking you questions you can’t answer. You have reports to write, deadlines to meet and not a clue how to do most of it. That’s exactly how starting a business can feel, says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, and he has a few ideas as to what you can do about it …
‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’
ARTICLES
23 Jan, 2020
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
NEWS
22 Jan, 2020
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.
Applications now open for Forces Live Events (CSE) Beneficiary Fund
NEWS
22 Jan, 2020
Whether you’re planning a families’ day event, homecoming or a show out on ops, the Forces Live Events (CSE) Beneficiary Fund is now open for applications from the military community in the UK or overseas …
Get on course to a smoother transition
ARTICLES
03 Jan, 2020
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 …
Career Coach: your first step on the path to a new job?
ARTICLES
02 Jan, 2020
Most adults returning to study choose programmes based on their career goals. Now, for the first time, Career Coach helps users search for Access to Higher Education Diplomas linked to their chosen careers, highlighting the skills and knowledge needed to enter particular job roles and industries
Networking for knowledge
ARTICLES
19 Dec, 2019
The word ‘networking’ provokes a Marmite-like response: people either relish every opportunity or shy away from it entirely. Whether you are still serving, already in employment or embarking on starting your own business, you will undoubtedly acknowledge that connections are the vital ingredient to success.
From Armed Forces to civilian life – change your career with NEBOSH!
ARTICLES
18 Dec, 2019
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 …
Winners of Women in Defence UK Awards 2019 announced
NEWS
17 Dec, 2019
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
NEWS
13 Dec, 2019
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.
Job-hunting inspiration from ‘the world’s most ambitious job applicant’
NEWS
13 Dec, 2019
Prime Minister. Galactic pilot. Strictly head judge. Formula One racing driver. Pope. These are just a few of the many outrageously ambitious job vacancies that Sam Broadley applied to fill over the course of 17 years, from England manager aged 19 to James Bond at 36. He was successful in none of them.
All I want for Christmas …
ARTICLES
10 Dec, 2019
… well it wasn’t this, says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. Freezing wind-tunnel conditions, snow falling and the light fading. Merry Christmas? Bah humbug!
Electrical training company salutes forgotten heroes
NEWS
06 Dec, 2019
To recognise the bravery of our military personnel and to help with life after they leave the service, electrical training provider Trade Skills 4U are proud to offer a training bursary scheme dedicated to those who have fought for our country.
Power up your HE options
ARTICLES
01 Dec, 2019
Throughout your Service career you will have been continually focusing on reskilling and upskilling, but you might need higher-level qualifications or want to try something new and change direction when you make the transition from Service life. The Access to HE Diploma could be just what you need …
Want to know where to work?
ARTICLES
17 Nov, 2019
Check out this guide to the best-performing business sectors in the UK
Prepared to succeed
ARTICLES
12 Nov, 2019
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 …
Building diversity
NEWS
06 Nov, 2019
13 Armed Forces organisations share in CITB funding to get 11,800 people of diverse backgrounds into construction …
Help for Armed Forces families to become school admissions savvy
NEWS
06 Nov, 2019
With more than 76,000 children from Armed Forces families attending schools in England, additional help is at hand to support these families to navigate the school admissions process.
Be part of something bigger – work with MAF
NEWS
01 Nov, 2019
In the remote communities where we serve, medevacs happen all the time. MAF is a lifeline for thousands like Opeyeytato …
The future is soft
ARTICLES
21 Oct, 2019
Employment patterns are changing, nowadays a job for life is rare and it is expected that in future it will be normal to change career many times during your working life. Do you have the skills to succeed in this new world of work?
Working for the wounded
ARTICLES
16 Oct, 2019
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
Transitioning into an electrician: Luke Strudley’s story
CASE STUDY
15 Oct, 2019
Whenever military service is coming to an end it’s always good to have a plan. However, it also helps to do something that has the power to open up several different doors.
Fully charge your future
ARTICLES
15 Oct, 2019
Become an electric vehicle charging point installer in one of today’s fastest-growing industries
Charitable coffee on the hoof!
NEWS
14 Oct, 2019
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.
Uniting to fight homelessness
ARTICLES
11 Oct, 2019
Working alongside likeminded charities and organisations, Stoll recently opened the door on the new No Homeless Veterans campaign, which aims to support all veterans in housing need
It’s not rocket science
ARTICLES
09 Oct, 2019
‘With the 50th anniversary of the moon landings this year, and my love of anything space related, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to look at what we can learn from the amazing achievement of getting a human walking on the moon,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. So here he is, with some of his customary down-to-earth advice …
Premier Global NASM appointed exclusive UK fitness training provider by Pure Gym
NEWS
01 Oct, 2019
In a bid to create a clear route to market for personal trainer graduates, and to provide seamless access to quality continual professional development (CPD), Premier Global NASM has partnered with Pure Gym, the UK’s largest gym chain and recruiter of fitness professionals …
Building new careers in construction
CASE STUDY
11 Sep, 2019
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
RFEA receives generous funding to help thousands of ex-Service personnel
NEWS
04 Sep, 2019
RFEA – the Forces Employment Charity – has received two generous grants from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, totalling almost £400,000. The funding will enable RFEA to continue its hugely successful work to provide employment advice, guidance and mentoring to veterans through its Ex Forces and Bridging the Gap programmes.
Making university affordable for you
ARTICLES
31 Aug, 2019
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 …
Three-quarters of families who lost someone serving in the Armed Forces feel disconnected from them
NEWS
27 Aug, 2019
In its annual member survey, bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers, found that three-quarters of families felt disconnected from the military community following the death of a loved one who was serving
Transitioning to franchisee: Craig Tiley’s story
CASE STUDY
19 Aug, 2019
Craig served in the British Army for 15 years as a Logistics Specialist Royal Engineer. Read on to discover how he successfully made the transition from Forces to franchisee …
Full range of CNet courses gain ELCAS approval
NEWS
19 Aug, 2019
World-leading technical education provider, CNet Training, has announced ELCAS approval for its full range of programmes spanning the network cable installation and data centre sectors.
A home fit for a hero
ARTICLES
18 Aug, 2019
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
ARTICLES
13 Aug, 2019
Lieutenant Gary Bickley, Royal Navy, reports on his experience of NEBOSH instruction at Woodward SHE Ltd
Key skills
ARTICLES
13 Aug, 2019
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.
The perfect fit for Forces families
ARTICLES
09 Aug, 2019
Recruit for Spouses is an independent social enterprise that is dedicated to supporting, championing and finding gainful employment for spouses and partners of members of our Armed Forces – and getting talent back into the workforce
Britain’s military veterans need better backing to become entrepreneurs
NEWS
31 Jul, 2019
The entrepreneurial and workplace talent of Britain’s military veterans isn’t being fully realised, according to a new report from the Federation of Small Businesses, which calls for a better connection between Service leavers and the small business community …
Circular economy firm offers career path to veterans
NEWS
17 Jul, 2019
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.
Transitioning into HR: Jane Fryatt’s story
CASE STUDY
09 Jul, 2019
Meet the military spouse getting ahead in HR
Happy in your own company?
ARTICLES
09 Jul, 2019
Of all the challenges you’ll face in starting your own business, loneliness may be the hardest to cope with, says Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man and Quest’s self-employment guru
Street food start-ups
ARTICLES
09 Jul, 2019
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 …
Transitioning into risk and project management: Alastair Allison’s story
CASE STUDY
27 Jun, 2019
Alastair Allison MSc, CISM SIRM, Director of Enterprise Risk, Bupa Insurance Ltd and Bupa Insurance Services Limited.
Transitioning to risk manager: Joe Gossage’s story
CASE STUDY
27 Jun, 2019
Risk Manager for the Executive Committee of the Army Board, British Army
Furthering her career
ARTICLES
14 Jun, 2019
In its first year, the Further Forces programme has helped people from all roles within the Armed Forces to find new careers as teachers of post-16 students. Hannah Payne, currently undertaking a work placement as a lecturer at Hartpury College, is just one of them …
A life lived in colour
ARTICLES
14 Jun, 2019
Stoll resident and former WREN Mollie Macartney (pictured centre) – still an action woman at 94!
Simon Fisher: using ELC to transition into Health and Safety
CASE STUDY
12 Jun, 2019
Regimental Sergeant Major Simon Fisher
A business to suit you
ARTICLES
11 Jun, 2019
Thinking about starting a business when you leave the Forces? ‘We’re going to look at the differences between being self-employed and running a business,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘They may look like the same thing on the outside, but they’re completely different animals …’
Social Media Spouses goes live!
NEWS
21 May, 2019
Applications are invited for the first free social media training programme for military spouses and partners …
From RAF to tech innovator: Elaine Whyte’s story
CASE STUDY
06 May, 2019
Life as an RAF engineer taught me the value of operating in the air. I've drawn on this to help develop our drone business, says Elaine Whyte, now UK drones lead at PwC
Transitioning to counselling/ teaching: Danny Abdy’s story
CASE STUDY
01 May, 2019
Former Training Regiment Staff Sergeant now working to support vulnerable young people
Support, structure, stability … Stoll
ARTICLES
01 May, 2019
When injuries forced Mac to leave Service life behind, he was distraught. Finding himself without a home and needing to regain some stability in his life, he reached out to Stoll …
Antisocial media
ARTICLES
13 Apr, 2019
‘When you start a business, advisors will tell you to use your time to build up a presence on social media,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘After all, it’s free advertising. But are you ready to waste all that time? And are you ready to become public property?’ This month, Steve examines the truth about social media in business …
Cyber studies: Jasmine Eyers
CASE STUDY
13 Apr, 2019
Thanks to a partnership with IBM and the Corsham Institute, SaluteMyJob is able to offer Veterans and Reservists free training in two of IBM’s key cyber security software products – ambitious Army communications systems specialist, Jasmine Eyers, is just one of those who has already benefited
Iain Clark - ICT Technician
CASE STUDY
13 Apr, 2019
Iain Clark left the RAF in November 2017, having served 12 years, with his final role being ICT Technician in Trade Group 4 (TG4). He left in the rank of Corporal and during his Service gained an ITIL Foundation qualification.
Is your family leaving the services?
ARTICLES
10 Apr, 2019
The transition period between the point of activating your departure from the Armed Forces to handing in your military ID card on your final day can be an unsettling time for any Service leaver, but what about the impact it has on your family? Luckily Veterans’ Gateway is on hand with advice and support. Read on to find out more …
Learning for life Making learning work for you
ARTICLES
18 Feb, 2019
Speaking at the World Education Conference in January 2019, the English Education Minister, Damian Hinds MP, [1] said: ‘It’s not only that a good education helps you find skilled, rewarding work. It’s that everyone should have a chance to discover the joy that comes through learning.’ Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma students know from personal experience the joy of learning and the important role it plays in their personal development.
Mark Stevens – The Building Safety Group
CASE STUDY
15 Feb, 2019
What’s this health and safety lark all about then?
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 3: No offer? No problem!
ARTICLES
14 Feb, 2019
Want to find your ideal job? Need to be able to prepare an excellent CV, answer tough interview questions and impress prospective employers? Lynn Williams, author of Ultimate Job Search, is on hand some more useful advice to power up your job search …
Jon Willis - Travel Risk Manager
CASE STUDY
14 Feb, 2019
with former Corporal Jon Willis
Supporting Veterans in times of crisis
ARTICLES
14 Feb, 2019
Veteran and Stoll resident Tina Fairbrass shares her story of how she overcame an extremely difficult time in her life
Things I wish I’d known …
ARTICLES
13 Feb, 2019
Thinking about starting a business when you leave the Forces? Regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, takes us through the top five things he wishes he’d known before striking out on his own – in the hope they’ll help you decide if starting a business is one of your options too!
