Quest Magazine

Independent resettlement & recruitment guide for Armed Forces & Veterans

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H&S QUALIFICATIONS ‘Why change a winning team?!’
H&S QUALIFICATIONS ‘Why change a winning team?!’
NEWS
Pat (Spike) Hughes recently received his City & Guilds level 5 Diploma in Health and Safety. The Diploma is a natural next step for those in a safety position after certificate-level courses, and leads to Graduate membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
HE’s apprenticeship revolution
HE’s apprenticeship revolution
ARTICLES
Apprenticeships are at the forefront of a huge change in the world of higher education – it is now possible to be an apprentice at all levels of learning, right up to master’s
Former Army Major tries out with Team BRIT
Former Army Major tries out with Team BRIT
NEWS
Bernie Broad, a former Army Major with the Grenadier Guards, recently spent the day with Team BRIT, which aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to race in Le Mans.
Hands-on higher education success
Hands-on higher education success
ARTICLES
Barney Polden graduated from the College of Osteopaths in 2017 with a first-class degree and was nominated by the College for the Institute of Osteopathy’s (iO) Rising Star award. Here’s Barney’s back story …
Your choice for specialist customised learning solutions
Your choice for specialist customised learning solutions
NEWS
Your choice for specialist customised learning solutions Train2Train has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Armed Forces, with most of its tutors having experienced full colour service.
Your attention please!
Your attention please!
ARTICLES
Regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, is here with the first in a new series of regular features on how not to leave the Forces. First under the microscope is pensions – undeniably boring, but at the same time vitally important to your future
One man’s transition to traditional boat building
One man’s transition to traditional boat building
NEWS
Geoff Bowker tells us how the courses he took at Lyme Regis-based Boat Building Academy set him on course for a successful new career …
Trades salaries in the spotlight
Trades salaries in the spotlight
ARTICLES

Electricians’ salaries remain the highest in the building trades. Training provider Trade Skills 4U has some advice on how you too can join their well-paid ranks

Words of wisdom
Words of wisdom
ARTICLES
An eclectic mix of war, love, fun and sadness, The Words of the Wise Old Paratrooper, by Robin Horsfall, is a collection of humorous short stories with a military flavour, accompanied by poetry and philosophical thoughts – some deep, others satirical …
It’s all about that base
It’s all about that base
ARTICLES
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, helping the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. Former Para Steve Plume tells us how they gave him a firm foundation on which to build his life …
Transitioning to an electrician: Adrian Thompson’s story
Transitioning to an electrician: Adrian Thompson’s story
CASE STUDY
… with Army dog handler turned electrician, Adrian Thompson
New bookbinding qualification for WIS veterans
New bookbinding qualification for WIS veterans
NEWS
The Printing Charity is to fund six Wounded, Injured or Sick (WIS) veterans to undertake a new, internationally recognised level 3 City & Guilds qualification in bookbinding set up by Bound by Veterans (formerly known as the Wiltshire Barn Project).
Transitioning into driving instructor: Phil Coleman’s story
Transitioning into driving instructor: Phil Coleman’s story
CASE STUDY
After leaving the Army in 2009 I found myself working as an air conditioning engineer for a couple of years before going on to the close protection scene in Iraq.
Transitioning into cyber security: Wesley Freeman’s story
Transitioning into cyber security: Wesley Freeman’s story
CASE STUDY
Wesley starts out by saying that he acquired a number of transferable skills during his time in the Army that he believes are of value to civilian companies. He explains: ‘It might not feel like it at the time, but you really are taught a lot of independent skills in the Army. When you leave, you might find yourself wondering if a lot of the industries you’re interested in getting involved with are out of your skill-set or you don’t have what’s required, but just try stuff out. You’ll start to adapt and learn very quickly, and you’ll find you’re actually a lot more capable than you think. You really find yourself utilising the skills you learned over your career. That can-do mental attitude, the ability to work alone, that ability to always find a solution to a problem – if you don’t know something, making sure you find out.’
Transitioning into intelligence analyst: Pete Durbin’s story
Transitioning into intelligence analyst: Pete Durbin’s story
CASE STUDY
Pete Durbin always wanted to join the Army and enlisted in the Intelligence Corps when he was 19. He left in 2016 as a Sergeant after 11 years’ exemplary military service. Pete is now working as an intelligence analyst at a leading UK insurer and credits completing SaluteMyJob, IBM and the Corsham Institute’s i2 analyst training as a reason for gaining such a highly sought-after role.
Achieve your qualification in management and leadership or coaching and mentoring
Achieve your qualification in management and leadership or coaching and mentoring
NEWS
Barrie Smale, Director of I2L Ltd (trading as inspired2learn) explains how distance learning can be the ideal way for military service leaders to achieve a widely recognised qualification …
What’s it like to work for Aeropeople Ltd?
What’s it like to work for Aeropeople Ltd?
NEWS
The inside story …
I DID IT!
I DID IT!
NEWS
‘Having served with Army Air Corps for 11 years, I was looking to start a new career in something hands-on that allowed me to be my own boss. After a bit of investigation into courses and possible career options, becoming a locksmith really appealed to me.
Transitioning to a coaching mentor: Christian Woodfield’s story
Transitioning to a coaching mentor: Christian Woodfield’s story
CASE STUDY
Christian Woodfield from inspired2be.
Transitioning into health and safety: Richard Kear’s story
Transitioning into health and safety: Richard Kear’s story
CASE STUDY
with RAF Aircraft Engineer, Richard Kear
Transitioning into Fire Risk Assessor: Craig Parker’s story
Transitioning into Fire Risk Assessor: Craig Parker’s story
CASE STUDY
‘While on work placement during my resettlement and termination leave, I was advised to undertake a fire risk assessment course by my employer, and Vulcan Fire Training was the company recommended by them.
Rehab Recovery
Rehab Recovery
NEWS
Over the last decade, the Armed Forces have improved access to addiction treatment for both members and ex-members, although the situation is far from perfect.
Building better bailiffs: EndeavourUK
Building better bailiffs: EndeavourUK
CASE STUDY
How one training company changed the future of the enforcement industry
Transitioning into health and safety adviser: Neil Duddy’s story
Transitioning into health and safety adviser: Neil Duddy’s story
CASE STUDY
Having served in the Royal Engineers for five years, specialising as an Engineering Surveyor, LCpl Neil Duddy, left the Army in 2008 with a host of qualifications under his belt, including: HNC in Engineering Surveying, SVQ level 2 in Construction and Civil Engineering Services, and NVQ level 2 Security, Safety and Loss Prevention
Owner and director of RW Safety Solutions: Ray West’s story
Owner and director of RW Safety Solutions: Ray West’s story
CASE STUDY
Ray West, owner and director of RW Safety Solutions, originally attended the Vulcan Fire Manager course in 2001 before ELCs existed.
I DID IT!
I DID IT!
NEWS
From Royal Navy engineer to super yacht engineer …
Using ELC: James Pope’s story
Using ELC: James Pope’s story
CASE STUDY
Having enlisted in 1985, former Royal Navy WO1 James Pope, 48, left the Armed Forces in October 2016 because of ‘life aspirations’. He says that, ‘After 32 years and several high-profile jobs the challenges had started to dry up somewhat.
Transitioning to Operations Training System Manager: Richard Saunders’s story
Transitioning to Operations Training System Manager: Richard Saunders’s story
CASE STUDY
Following 22 years in the RAF, ex-Acting Wing Commander, Richard Saunders left in October 2015 to pursue a civilian career and gain a more stable work–life balance.
Transitioning into mechanic: Bob Skivington’s story
Transitioning into mechanic: Bob Skivington’s story
CASE STUDY
‘Leaving the Army and starting a new job or business is a difficult task. Gaining the correct up-to-date qualifications for your new job or business venture is just sensible thinking.
Gaining an MBA at London Business School (LBS): James Scott-Barrett’s story
Gaining an MBA at London Business School (LBS): James Scott-Barrett’s story
CASE STUDY
James Scott-Barrett trained at Sandhurst and served in the Scots Guards for six years, three of which he spent as a platoon commander in Afghanistan. Now, he’s halfway through an MBA at London Business School (LBS). So what made him step out of uniform and into student life?
Transitioning into accounting and finance: Stephen Beck’s story
Transitioning into accounting and finance: Stephen Beck’s story
CASE STUDY
On completion of my foundation degree I was able to gain entry at the University of Plymouth, where the qualifications I had gained at college allowed me to join the final year of an accounting and finance degree.
Transitioning into driving instruction: John Bathgate’s story
Transitioning into driving instruction: John Bathgate’s story
CASE STUDY
‘Throughout my eight-month journey from application to the CRB to passing my Part 3 test, I received excellent support and guidance from all concerned.
Former RAF Wing Commander sets up Drone Pilot Academy
Former RAF Wing Commander sets up Drone Pilot Academy
CASE STUDY
Having served in the RAF for 17 years, former Wing Commander Jim Ixer hung up his flying gloves and entered the rapidly expanding commercial drone industry.
Using Oak Tree to transition into a management role: Paul Bailey’s story
Using Oak Tree to transition into a management role: Paul Bailey’s story
CASE STUDY
I believe that the experience and qualifications, together with Oak Tree’s CV and interview techniques coaching, enabled me to secure my current role.
Learn a trade: plastering, tiling, plumbing, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying …
Learn a trade: plastering, tiling, plumbing, carpentry, kitchen fitting, bricklaying …
CASE STUDY
Working for yourself as a self-employed tradesperson after completing an intensive training course may seem impossible but, as the following case study shows, with the right training and support you can do it …
Transitioning to a locksmith: Ricky Burt’s story
Transitioning to a locksmith: Ricky Burt’s story
CASE STUDY
‘I joined Lockforce because I wanted to be my own boss. I’m doing a job I love, but have a network of colleagues who are there to help.
Beverley Thorogood - studying on BA Business & Enterprise
Beverley Thorogood - studying on BA Business & Enterprise
CASE STUDY
I realised that the skills and knowledge I’d gained throughout my adult life were much greater than I’d given myself credit for
Transitioning to a career in Health and Safety: Ron Fellowes’s story
Transitioning to a career in Health and Safety: Ron Fellowes’s story
CASE STUDY
Having left the Marines in 2012, I followed the crowd onto the ‘circuit’ for about three years – however, having spent too much time away from my family, I decided to put my ELC to good use.
Starting BA Business & Enterprise: Terverr Beynon’s story
Starting BA Business & Enterprise: Terverr Beynon’s story
CASE STUDY
After choosing to leave the Army after 20 years’ service I knew that I required some commercial business education, exposure and some valid qualifications to underpin the management skills learned in the Army.
Using Oak Tree Management & Training: Gary Burden’s story
Using Oak Tree Management & Training: Gary Burden’s story
CASE STUDY
The training I received from Oak Tree set the foundations for a successful second career: using the qualifications I gained, I have achieved professional recognition for my qualifications and experiences gained in Service and since leaving.
Transitioning into IT: Jamie Fanneran’s story
Transitioning into IT: Jamie Fanneran’s story
CASE STUDY
Jamie Fanneran, 31, served in the Royal Signals, specialising as a Communications Systems Operator, before leaving the Services in January 2016 ‘to settle my family in a fixed location, to give my children stability and schooling.'
Using Akona training: Scott Berry’s story
Using Akona training: Scott Berry’s story
CASE STUDY
I had often thought of working within the rail sector, but had no idea what to do or how to get started.
Transitioning into a career in the railway industry: Ashley Bray’s story
Transitioning into a career in the railway industry: Ashley Bray’s story
CASE STUDY
After some research I found the railway was taking on trainee linesmen so I investigated this thoroughly.
Forces in Mind Trust report on positive impact of self-build projects
Forces in Mind Trust report on positive impact of self-build projects
NEWS
Self-build projects can have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing and relationships of ex-Service personnel, suggests a new report by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the Forces in Mind Trust, released today (1 February 2016).
Transitioning into engineering: Natalie Chapman’s story
Transitioning into engineering: Natalie Chapman’s story
CASE STUDY
Natalie Chapman served as a LBdr in the Artillery, specialising in logistics, before leaving the Army in November 2015 after almost eight years of service, to seek a new career after a 'change in her priorities'. She now works for EDF Energy as an engineer, a role she's now been in for almost a year, which sees her 'fit meters and deal with the electrical side of any problem with a meter or related to electricity that I can solve'.