Latest

A pandemic success!

14th Apr 2022

Article

John Burfield’s new business has taken him from Armed Forces to award-winning businessman in the space of just two (very extraordinary) years …

White lies? Don’t do it!

14th Apr 2022

Article

You can’t get away with the odd porky on your CV any more, says author and careers advice expert, Edd Williams. Here he shares his extensive experience of working on more than 100,000 CVs, in light of findings that revealed three in five employers have rejected candidates for lying on their CVs …

Unlock your housing options

16th Mar 2022

Article

When it comes to buying or renting a property, whether or not you’re a first-timer it’s never too early to start planning where you’re going to live on leaving – and, more to the point, how you’re going to pay for it! Luckily there’s a lot of help available – financial and otherwise – to aid your preparations …

Teaming up to tackle transition

16th Mar 2022

Article

With the final of the Six Nations Rugby Championship taking place this month, we’re on the sidelines to check out Rugby for Heroes’ Transition through Rugby course. Aiming to foster a sense of belonging you might otherwise miss on civvy street, it could be your pitch-perfect pathway to a less rocky resettlement. Why not give it a try?

Armed Forces resettlement guide

16th Mar 2022

Article

Advice from the CTP, official provider of career guidance, skills training and job-finding assistance to Service leavers. Information on transition services and entitlements, Standard and Enhanced Learning Credits, Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) and duty allowances …

I love my work!

14th Feb 2022

Article

Craig Bones, 54, left the Forces back in 1995 following just over 10 years’ service, which saw him specialise as a ground-to-air missile defence instructor in the RAF Regiment. Now self-employed and running his own specialist bespoke travel adventure business with his wife Heather, he tells Quest how his working life really took off post-RAF …

Study for an MBA

14th Feb 2022

Article

If your CV includes an MBA, it’s likely to focus employers’ attention. It’s a highly respected qualification, sought after in a wide range of career sectors, and the routes to achieving it are eminently flexible. Make it your business to find out more …

Amey adopts innovative scheduling solution to transform repair services for MoD homes

7th Feb 2022

News

Amey, a strategic supplier to UK defence, has introduced a new digital solution to enhance the maintenance of military homes across the UK, significantly reducing carbon emissions …

Our next big battle: global warming

7th Feb 2022

News

Lieutenant General Richard Nugee, who devised the UK military’s strategy on climate change and sustainability, has visited Antarctica to see for himself the growing effects of global warming …

University of Bristol announces 400 new PhD scholarships

7th Feb 2022

News

The University of Bristol has announced it will create 400 new postgraduate scholarships. The new £4.2m annual investment – totalling £16.8m over the next four years – opens up Bristol’s world-leading research to a global audience and will help to shape the next generation of postgraduate researchers …

Royal Signals veteran publishes fundraising poetry collection

7th Feb 2022

News

Gina Allsop, a Royal Signals veteran from Brighton, was supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity last year after she was knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run incident. Now she is repaying the charity by publishing a poetry book to raise money and say thank you for the support she received …

BFBS launches new radio station: BFBS Best of British

7th Feb 2022

News

BFBS recently launched its new radio station, BFBS Best of British, available worldwide online, via the BFBS iPhone and Android apps, and on your smart speaker …

Here’s to more support for military partners!

7th Feb 2022

News

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity is now able to offer even more employment support to military spouses and partners (including separated, divorced, widowed and overseas) looking to take the next step in their career, thanks to a new expansion of its services …

SMSpouses On Tour: one-to-one social media training on your doorstep

7th Feb 2022

News

The team behind BFBS’s highly successful SMSpouses training programme is going on tour to six locations across the UK, plus RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, enabling military spouses to book a free face-to-face social media and coaching session with one of the SMSpouses coaches …

Believe in yourself … and your skills

20th Dec 2021

Article

Recent research has revealed that some veterans lack confidence in the skills their military experience can bring to the civilian workplace. It’s a view that, fortunately, is not widely shared by employers …

Tackling the data centre skills shortage

20th Dec 2021

Article

It takes a lot for competing companies to work together for the betterment of an entire industry, but that’s exactly what is happening now to help tackle the data centre skills shortage …

Unwrapping the true value of veterans

8th Dec 2021

Article

Transferable skills are for life, not just for Service. That’s why civilian employers should welcome veterans to their workforce, says Ahmed Al-Nahhas, head of the military team at London-based law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp. Here he explains why …

Will you send a card to Stan?

7th Dec 2021

News

A volunteer at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is asking people to help a 100-year-old veteran, former Second World War Gunner Stan Vickers, celebrate Christmas this year by sending him cards and well wishes …

Pall-Ex delivers £25,000 donation to Combat Stress

7th Dec 2021

News

Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd has underlined its commitment to veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress with a £25,000 donation …

How Eric engineered a future in gas

7th Dec 2021

News

After 38 years’ service, WO1 Eric Bristow, 57, is leaving the Forces this December to work as a gas engineer, having specialised as an Artificer in the Royal Marines. While serving, he achieved an engineering degree, as well as civilian plumbing and heating qualifications.

Silver status for SAS

25th Nov 2021

News

SAS, the global leader in analytics, has achieved Armed Forces Covenant Silver status for its support of serving and ex-military personnel …

Enhancing the lives of Catterick Forces families

25th Nov 2021

News

Amey and its supply chain partner, Tivoli, have committed to working with social enterprise e50k to enhance the lived experience of Forces families at Catterick Garrison …

Free advice for veterans seeking a role in the Fire Service

25th Nov 2021

News

RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity is teaming up with representatives from the Fire Service to offer free careers advice to any job-seeking veterans interested in a role …

The team tackling veteran pain head on

21st Nov 2021

Article

A special profile of the extremely valuable work being done by London’s King Edward VII’s Hospital to offer practical advice and support to veterans suffering chronic pain, via its specialist online and veteran-specific Pain Management Programme …

Self-employment takeaways

21st Nov 2021

Article

For many people, starting their own business is a pipe dream, more of an unattainable fantasy than a realistic career option, but it’s also an option that could see you reap the dividends if you can make it work for you. So says Ryan Mansfield and, as someone who’s ‘been there, done that’, he should know – and he has plenty of advice to offer …

Life’s a gas for Sam and Jacob!

9th Nov 2021

News

Sam Went, 41 (pictured above with his son Jacob), now working as a gas engineer and owner of his own company, Sam’s Plumbing and Heating Ltd, left the Forces as a LCpl in early 2020 after 12 years’ service having specialised as a driver in the Royal Logistic Corps. While serving, he gained all driving licences and advanced driving qualifications.

Certifications and qualifications – what’s the difference?

9th Nov 2021

News

Certifications and qualifications attract a certain level of kudos, yet what do they mean and what sets them apart? CNet Training has the answers …

Build your construction skills with a free course

9th Nov 2021

News

As part of a new government initiative, Building Heroes is offering free training at Skills Bootcamps, with flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for those aged 19 or over …

SIA: search for a training provider

9th Nov 2021

News

Thinking of a career in the security industry? You can use the SIA’s new ‘Search for a Training Provider’ tool to find your perfect provider …

The best of both worlds

21st Oct 2021

Article

As both a firefighter and a soldier, Shaquille Goldsmith’s motivation is to try to be the best – at his career, protecting others and serving his country …

A practical guide to PTSD support

11th Oct 2021

Article

Recognising that many current and former UK Service personnel have been deeply affected by the recent military withdrawal from Afghanistan, Ahmed Al-Nahhas, head of the Military Claims Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, shines a spotlight on PTSD and the support available to those who may be struggling with this potentially debilitating condition or caring for someone who is …

Your Gold Learning Partner for health and safety training!

8th Oct 2021

News

Dorset Health and Safety Limited is delighted to announce that it has been awarded Gold Learning Partner Status from NEBOSH – the world’s leading accreditation body for the health and safety industry …

Auto industry in drive to recruit Service leavers

22nd Sep 2021

Article

Both the automotive sector and veterans rallied to offer help and support during the pandemic, deploying vehicle fleets and transporting PPE to hospitals and vulnerable communities. Recognising this valuable connection, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has pledged its commitment to advocate for the recruitment and retention of ex-military personnel across the automotive industry …

Make a successful transition to civvy street: a practical guide

22nd Sep 2021

News

When it comes to your resettlement, a number of organisations exist to provide support and guidance, says Hannah Swarbrick, an Associate in the Military Claims Team at specialist law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, but pinning down the right information can seem an overwhelming task. With this is mind, she has written this article to address some of the FAQs raised by her clients …

‘Refuelling my resilience’

22nd Sep 2021

Article

Meet Army Reserve Corporal Natasha Jones, an NHS dietitian in an emotionally demanding civilian role, who is reaping the benefits of also being able to refuel and rearm Apache helicopters …

Amazon joins RFEA’s Careers Sitrep to offer free advice to veterans

13th Sep 2021

News

Multinational conglomerate Amazon is joining up with RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity to offer free careers advice to job-seeking veterans, as part of the charity’s latest Careers Sitrep event on 17 September …

Swap the Services for scaffolding and enjoy free training

8th Sep 2021

News

Military personnel now have another incentive to swap the Services for the scaffolding industry – free and full scaffolder training …

David’s 75 miles for 75 years

8th Sep 2021

News

Cyclist completes epic aviation route in aid of humanitarian airline …

Veterans-focused mental health service launched by NHS

20th Aug 2021

Article

Veterans suffering a mental health crisis will receive specialist care as part of the new Op Courage service, a collaborative project between NHS England and the Office for Veterans Affairs. Claire Withey, an associate solicitor in the military claims team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, reports …

Reaping benefits beyond the workplace

20th Aug 2021

Article

Police Inspector and experienced Army Reservist Babatunde Adeyeye welcomes the skills development opportunities that come along with his dual roles, neither of which is what you’d call the regular nine-to-five …

Locksmiths in demand across the UK

13th Aug 2021

News

Join the UK’s largest locksmith community – a profession that gives you the luxury of being able to design your own career, choose your own hours and, most importantly, be in control of your own career pathway.

CNet Training: your Gold-level training provider

9th Aug 2021

News

Over the past 25 years, CNet Training (CNet) has educated thousands of Service leavers, providing them with the necessary skills, hands-on experience and much sought-after qualifications needed to enter the network infrastructure and data centre sectors (the digital infrastructure industry) …

Discover your development opportunities

3rd Aug 2021

News

Following the success of its first, support-focused, event in May, the Veteran Support Partnership is set to host a follow-up virtual event in September to showcase the development opportunities available to the Armed Forces community …

Supporting individuals to reach their full potential

3rd Aug 2021

News

A charity that has spent almost 80 years supporting veterans to adapt to and succeed in civilian life has embraced post-Covid lockdown challenges by looking to the future and recruiting key new people into top managerial roles …

Inspirational leadership, management and coaching courses

27th Jul 2021

News

inspired2learn offers a wide range of options to Service leavers looking for ELCAS-approved resettlement courses. Read on to find out how you could gain a professional qualification that will boost your transition prospects – and how others like you have already done just that!

All set to capitalise on the bike boom!

27th Jul 2021

News

In this Q&A, Matt Waters, a level 3 student in Cycle Maintenance and Repair at Cycle Systems Academy, shares his experience of the course and his future plans once qualified …

So much more than a weekend hobby

15th Jul 2021

Article

RAF Reserve Gary Forder is living his childhood dream of serving in the Armed Forces, and enjoying all the benefits and opportunities offered by Reservist life …

‘Without CNet I would not be in the role I’m in today’

15th Jul 2021

Article

… so says Peter Granger, who in this feature discusses his CNet resettlement training and how it helped to shape his career upon leaving the Armed Forces …

King Edward VII’s Hospital veterans’ grant open for applications

8th Jul 2021

News

Charitable hospital King Edward VII’s Military Grants Fund is open to applications, offering grants to cover up to 100% of fees for medical treatment for veterans …

Give your future career a lift!

1st Jul 2021

News

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association’s Military Transition Scheme (MTS) is now live …

Want to connect to a career in the electricity industry?

1st Jul 2021

News

Engineers from two power firms are helping those considering leaving the Armed Forces to explore career paths in the electricity industry …

The tools to succeed

1st Jul 2021

News

In this Q&A, Geoff Wilson talks about his experience training in Cycle Maintenance and Repair at Cycle Systems Academy, and what he plans to do with the qualification …

Changes to SIA training

1st Jul 2021

News

The SIA has created a downloadable flowchart with all the information you need …

New YouTube series spotlights Exercise Rattlesnake

1st Jul 2021

News

Forces News has launched an explosive new YouTube series, Exercise Rattlesnake, which gives a rare in-depth look at one of the world’s biggest, most hardcore military exercises this year, designed to test UK and US troops to their absolute limits …

How teamwork really did make the dream work

25th Jun 2021

Article

This is the inspirational story of how Richard Harvey, with the support of ELCAS and Study Active, achieved his dream of qualifying as a personal trainer and opening his very own gym, The Hurt Locker Bridport …

Soldiering On Awards 2021 finalists announced

23rd Jun 2021

News

At the beginning of Armed Forces Week, the Prime Minister joined the ranks of Soldiering On Awards supporters as the 2021 category finalists were announced …

New Resettlement Grant rates released

15th Jun 2021

News

Many of you will be leaving the Armed Forces with a Resettlement Grant. The Forces Pension Society reports that the amounts paid have recently been updated …

Help grow a sustainable future

15th Jun 2021

News

Environmental management is key to a successful and sustainable future. The new NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate will help organisations reduce their environmental impact and have a positive influence on society …

Could cycle maintenance be your next career?

15th Jun 2021

News

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

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

31st May 2021

Article

​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

27th May 2021

Article

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?

27th May 2021

Article

How to claim your ELC if you are no longer serving …