Latest
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 …
Ready for your next road trip?
ARTICLES
10 May, 2018
‘I love to travel,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘They say you can be addicted to it. If so, that’s me and it’s why I loved flying so much in the RAF. Visiting so many amazing places with a great crew was so rewarding. And travel is very much like starting a business …’
Strong foundations
ARTICLES
09 May, 2018
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Most who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not all. Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers – like Martin – by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
Military Veterans recognised for their business achievements
ARTICLES
09 May, 2018
Sponsored by Quest, the British Ex-Forces in Business Awards is a new awards programme that identifies business role models for Service leavers, to support them during resettlement and promote the value of military-gained skills in the wider UK workforce. Here we check out this year’s inaugural shortlisted candidates.
On hand to help and ready to listen
ARTICLES
20 Apr, 2018
Established to be the first point of contact for support, Veterans’ Gateway is a new service that can connect Veterans, their families and their carers to organisations that can help them with a range of issues, including those related to housing, finance, mental health and employment
A change for the better
ARTICLES
20 Apr, 2018
Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not everyone does. Stoll – the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans – helps the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
Get ahead … get AHED
ARTICLES
15 Mar, 2018
The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is designed for adults and is taken by people of all ages and backgrounds – it’s a nationally recognised qualification for people who left school with few qualifications and now want to go to higher education, with many looking to transition to a new career
Transitioning to a career in fitness: Jel Bearder’s story
CASE STUDY
14 Mar, 2018
How ex-soldier Jel Bearder made the leap to a new career in fitness – with the help of Veterans’ Gateway
There’s no base like home
ARTICLES
13 Mar, 2018
Stoll is the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans. Most people who leave the Armed Forces transition effectively back into civilian life, but not everyone does. Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers – like Alex – by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives.
The key difference
ARTICLES
09 Mar, 2018
‘When I bump in to friends still in the Forces, or talk to customers still serving,’ says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, ‘I’m often asked how self-employment compares with being in the Forces.’ In this, the first of a new series that aims to offer a flavour of what can happen when you’re self-employed, you might find a few answers to that question …
Confident Data Skills
NEWS
13 Feb, 2018
A new book reveals how anyone can learn to use data and get ahead in their career …
Check yourself with OddBalls
NEWS
13 Feb, 2018
A brand new, easy-to-use ‘check yourself’ free testicular cancer app has been launched by UK charity the OddBalls Foundation.
Learn for life and make learning work for you
ARTICLES
08 Feb, 2018
When you ask young children what they want to be when they grow up they are often very clear: ‘I’m going to be an astronaut … a princess … a doctor.’ Not all of us can realise our childhood dreams, but for some they do come true. Find out how QAA-recognised Access to HE qualifications have helped others follow their dreams and change their lives – many of whom thought higher education wasn’t really for them
The ELC advantage
CASE STUDY
08 Feb, 2018
Using his ELC, Stuart Keillor, a Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy currently working as a programme manager at the MoD London, has combined his military career with continuous learning opportunities, culminating in an MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University
Gain a degree with WBDL
CASE STUDY
08 Feb, 2018
For many people the traditional notion of spending three years on campus studying a subject at university is simply not possible, but there is another option available …
Get paid – painlessly
ARTICLES
08 Feb, 2018
This article is for you if you’re thinking about self-employment and going it alone, says regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. He’s here with more of his customary good advice – this month, very pertinently, his topic is getting paid on time
How to win in the workplace
ARTICLES
08 Feb, 2018
Planning on hanging up your rank and uniform on Friday and sliding effortlessly into your new civilian career Monday? Think again! There is serious competition out there, says professional coach and mentor Sarah Davies, and you need to be flexible, focused and fully ready to adapt to the demands of your new role
A new vision for vulnerable Veterans
ARTICLES
08 Feb, 2018
Field Marshal the Lord Walker of Aldringham, Head of the British Armed Forces from 2003–2006, highlights one charity’s vision to help reduce homelessness among the UK’s most vulnerable Veterans
Groomed for success
NEWS
07 Feb, 2018
Have you considered dog grooming as a career?
H&S QUALIFICATIONS ‘Why change a winning team?!’
NEWS
07 Feb, 2018
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
ARTICLES
04 Jan, 2018
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
NEWS
03 Jan, 2018
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
ARTICLES
02 Jan, 2018
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
NEWS
02 Jan, 2018
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!
ARTICLES
02 Jan, 2018
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
NEWS
01 Jan, 2018
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
ARTICLES
01 Jan, 2018
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
ARTICLES
01 Jan, 2018
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
ARTICLES
01 Jan, 2018
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
CASE STUDY
06 Dec, 2017
… with Army dog handler turned electrician, Adrian Thompson
New bookbinding qualification for WIS veterans
NEWS
09 Nov, 2017
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
CASE STUDY
09 Nov, 2017
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
CASE STUDY
12 Oct, 2017
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
CASE STUDY
12 Oct, 2017
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
NEWS
10 Oct, 2017
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?
NEWS
10 Oct, 2017
The inside story …
I DID IT!
NEWS
13 Sep, 2017
‘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
CASE STUDY
13 Sep, 2017
Christian Woodfield from inspired2be.
Transitioning into health and safety: Richard Kear’s story
CASE STUDY
13 Sep, 2017
with RAF Aircraft Engineer, Richard Kear
