Latest
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!
Social housing to be prioritised for former Service personnel with PTSD
NEWS
22 Jan, 2019
Former Service personnel suffering from PTSD or other mental illnesses will be prioritised for social housing under new proposals. New measures could help councils ensure that members of the Armed Forces and Veterans suffering from mental ill health are given priority for social housing. Divorced partners of Armed Forces personnel will also benefit for the first time.
Opening the door to motorsport for disabled drivers
NEWS
11 Jan, 2019
Team BRIT – the most inspirational team in motorsport – is creating an exciting opportunity for disabled drivers, through its new Racing Academy.
Avoid the umbrella trap
ARTICLES
08 Jan, 2019
Former Royal Engineer Rob Burgess (pictured) tells us about the pitfalls of umbrella companies for self-employed contractors – and how he can help you avoid them
Cyber studies: Rebecca Thomas
CASE STUDY
20 Dec, 2018
Ambition for career in cyber security reignited for former intelligence analyst in the Army thanks to SaluteMyJob training course
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 3: No offer? No problem!
ARTICLES
20 Dec, 2018
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 …
New year, new possibilities
ARTICLES
19 Dec, 2018
A new year often brings the chance to think about our potential. With that in mind, find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma opens up study opportunities for those with a Services background …
Transitioning into Physiotherapy: Daniel Partridge’s story
CASE STUDY
19 Dec, 2018
ELC Q&A with former Royal Engineer Daniel Partridge
Reach out, we’ll be there
ARTICLES
19 Dec, 2018
How one man benefited from Stoll’s Veterans’ Outreach Service
KELLY RICHARDSON, RAF RESERVIST
ARTICLES
18 Dec, 2018
The Reserve Forces are an integral part of the nation’s Armed Forces. With the government’s plans to increase the size of the Reserves to create a more balanced Armed Forces structure, their contribution will be more important than ever. In the third and final part of our series, read about some of those who’ve already joined up – and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.
Boat building for beginners
ARTICLES
13 Dec, 2018
‘Being a member of the Forces can feel like you’re on the open ocean,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man.
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 7
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 7: Financing exports
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 6
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 6: Managing cash flow
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 5
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 5: Accounting records to satisfy the tax authorities
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 4
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 4: Start-up finance
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: part 3
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 3: What business format should a start-up adopt?
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 2
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 2: Why do a business plan?
Preparing for business with ICAEW and X-Forces: Part 1
ARTICLES
19 Nov, 2018
Part 1: The business plan
New Principles of Security Management course launched
NEWS
06 Nov, 2018
PerpetuityARC Training, part of Linx International Group, has launched its new Principles of Security Management course. The three-day classroom course uses case studies and group work to provide a comprehensive introduction to the essentials of corporate security management, and is the first course to be hosted at PD Ports’ training facility in Teesside, north-east England.
Transitioning into fitness training: Chris Oakes’s story
CASE STUDY
18 Oct, 2018
‘I joined the Army in 1986 and, after ten years with 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, transferred into the Army Physical Training Corps. Here I enjoyed a full career helping Service men and women from all three Services develop physically, mentally and emotionally, retiring as a Captain last year to start my own coaching business – “unlocking people potential and maximising people performance” – and turn my life passion into profit.
Mark Campbell - Opted NEBOSH Package
CASE STUDY
16 Oct, 2018
with Chief Petty Officer Mark Campbell
When to say no
ARTICLES
15 Oct, 2018
‘We have 24-hour supermarkets, you can get a McDonald’s day or night, and Amazon delivers on a Sunday,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. ‘We’re all working longer and expect other people to be open too. But whereas a large business can scale itself up, when you’re on your own, you can’t work 24 hours. You have to sleep and eat – and even have some fun!
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 2: Job market research
ARTICLES
15 Oct, 2018
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 …
The Access to Higher Education Diploma
ARTICLES
15 Oct, 2018
Opportunities and challenges for students with a Services background
A helping hand across the years
ARTICLES
11 Oct, 2018
As George’s story shows, Stoll is there to help Veterans whatever their age. You never know when you may need help …
RAF joins Tech She Can pledge
NEWS
10 Aug, 2018
More than 50 major organisations have now signed up to the Tech She Can Charter, a commitment to take action together to increase the number of women taking up technology roles in the UK.
Coach and bus travel savings for serving and former members of the Armed Forces
NEWS
10 Aug, 2018
National Express offers the largest discount of its kind in the UK on its coach services (60% off travel), through the Defence Discount Service, and recently extended the discount to include group bookings, so if a serving member of the Armed Forces books discounted travel with National Express he/she can also book his/family at the full discounted rate. The discount details are as follows.
A PhD in pants!
NEWS
10 Aug, 2018
A scientist at the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is celebrating after his research into washing underpants earned him a PhD from Cranfield University.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR JOB SEARCH Part 1: Assess your skills
ARTICLES
10 Aug, 2018
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 with the advice you need to power up your job search …
Think you’re not qualified for a healthcare career? Think again!
ARTICLES
10 Aug, 2018
There are almost 410 Access to HE courses in health-related subjects and more than 200 specifically designed for progression to a degree in nursing. Each year, around 50% of Access to HE students study Diplomas in health, public services and care. Could you join them?
Transiting to project manager for the NHS: Gavin Jones’s story
CASE STUDY
09 Aug, 2018
Gavin served for 24 years in the Royal Logistics Corps, taking part in deployments to the former Yugoslavia, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. His last role was as a Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer.
Transitioning into HR: Essa Badjie’s story
CASE STUDY
09 Aug, 2018
Essa was a corporal in the Army for ten years, being a part of different units/regiments, and also had a previous role as an HR administrator. He was based in various locations for six years before coming back to the UK.
Transitioning to the NHS: Tiffany Hemming’s story
CASE STUDY
09 Aug, 2018
Tiffany joined the Territorial Army in 1997, moving to the Regular Army in 2000 until she left the Armed Forces in October 2017. Her final role was overseeing the procurement of medical equipment and information systems, and all chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) equipment for Defence. She took part in deployments to Afghanistan in 2009 as Officer Commanding Close Support Medical Squadron, and also to Bosnia and Kosovo.
Life-changing opportunities through lifelong learning
ARTICLES
09 Aug, 2018
York St John University has been a leading education, training and research institution for 177 years. Equality, ambition and social justice are at the heart of the University’s ethos and this is reflected in its reputation for academic excellence, graduate employability and strong sense of community.
Rocket science
ARTICLES
09 Aug, 2018
‘If you love space (and I do),’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘you have to admire Elon Musk. Despite being told it would never work, so many times, he has done what any boy dreams of: making rockets and playing with them like toys.’ Could you apply the same enthusiasm and belief to the ‘reusable rocket’ of your potential new business?
MEET THE RESERVES Vickie Bracken, Army Reservist ‘Those who can, teach and train to be the best!’
ARTICLES
09 Aug, 2018
The Reserve Forces are an integral part of the nation’s Armed Forces. With the government’s plans to increase the size of the Reserves to create a more balanced Armed Forces structure, their contribution will be more important than ever. In our new series, read about some of those who’ve already joined up and how to find out more if you decide to follow suit.
Encouraging independence
ARTICLES
09 Aug, 2018
Sarah is due to leave the Army this September. After nearly 18 years serving, she shares how she found the prospect of leaving the Armed Forces with her four-year-old son overwhelming, and why the discovery of a Stoll property was a lifeline.
SSAFA Mentoring: Making sense of life after service
NEWS
30 Jul, 2018
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has created a new animation to promote the benefits of its mentoring service to veterans and their families adjusting to civilian life.
It’s never too late!
ARTICLES
15 Jun, 2018
The Princess Royal, Patron of the Institute of Learning and Work, recently said that adult education is good for people’s health, self-esteem and employability. A report by the funding body for higher education in England says graduates are more likely to feel satisfied with their life, be happier and feel more worthwhile than non-graduates. Good reasons to think about going back to education. Find out how an Access to HE qualification could help …
Feeling lucky?
ARTICLES
15 Jun, 2018
‘This is for you, if you are thinking about starting a business,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘Especially if you’re thinking about using your gratuity to fund it. Or maybe you don’t have a gratuity and you’re going to borrow the money, like I did. Either way, this article is about getting your best odds at the gambling table.’
Support where it’s needed
ARTICLES
15 Jun, 2018
The majority who leave the Armed Forces make a successful transition back into civilian life, but some don’t. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, with its new Centenary Lodge due to open in June – helps the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. Craig is just one example …
Marine Engineer: Steven Pearson
CASE STUDY
15 Jun, 2018
Marine Engineer Steven Pearson talks about using his ELC to transition into his civilian career.
Top tips for self-starters
ARTICLES
11 Jun, 2018
Chartered accountant, business adviser and author Allan Esler Smith has helped hundreds of people start up in business. Perhaps that could include you … but where can you get help and what are the current top tips? Allan’s here to help you get started on your self-employment journey.
Terrorism Studies at the University of St Andrews
NEWS
11 Jun, 2018
To mark Armed Forces Day, KNect365 Learning is pleased to announce a 50% discount on individual modules for serving members of the Armed Forces and Army Reserves for the University of St Andrews Terrorism Studies course.
Why choose BSc (Hons) Podiatry with the University of Plymouth?
NEWS
11 Jun, 2018
Podiatry is a rewarding healthcare profession involving understanding of musculoskeletal function and the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lower limb issues.
Find a new place to belong
ARTICLES
11 May, 2018
Higher education is not for everyone, but it could be your route through transition. Access to HE qualifications have already been the stepping stone to new careers for many members of the Forces family. Find out how the Access to Higher Education Diploma changed the lives of Mark, Tommy and Susan …
Liam McGough: using ELC
CASE STUDY
11 May, 2018
Building trades Q&A
with Able Seaman Specialist, Liam McGough
Disabled? Open up to free study
ARTICLES
10 May, 2018
The Open University (OU) recently launched the Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund, offering 50 disabled Veterans, injured in, or due to, military service, access to free OU education. In addition to free study, applicants will be offered further specialist careers and disability support. If this is something that could benefit you, read on …
