Latest

Risk management needs you!

15th Oct 2020

News

Is a career in risk in your sights? ELCAS funding for the Institute of Operational Risk (IOR) Certificate in Operational Risk Management is now available for Service personnel …

Life-changing injuries don’t have to mean giving up on the activities you love

28th Sep 2020

Article

Some Service men and women suffer life-changing injuries while serving in the Armed Forces. With so much change to come to terms with in every aspect of daily and family life, it isn’t surprising that many disabled veterans believe that they will never be able to participate in their favourite activities again. The impact that belief has on individuals who may have otherwise lived and breathed sport and fitness throughout their military careers cannot be underestimated.

Building a career beneath the waves

22nd Sep 2020

Article

Austin Phillips and Richard Purdy – engineers from SMD, independent designer and manufacturer of work class and specialist subsea ROVs – tell us about the paths that led them to a career in subsea engineering …

How you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

14th Sep 2020

Article

The coronavirus pandemic has affected almost every aspect of life. In April 2020, Veterans UK announced that the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), designed to compensate Armed Forces Personnel injured during service, had been shut down as a result of COVID-19. Fortunately, the closure was only temporary and the scheme has since reopened, and although they may experience a backlog in the short term, it is positive news that a scheme that helps so many is once again operational.

Enterprise Learning: gateway to opportunity

9th Sep 2020

Article

In the second part of our new series on Enterprise Learning, Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE, CEO and Founder of X-Forces Enterprise and Chair of the Soldiering on Awards, tells us why enterprise skills are at the centre of everything she does. And, despite the current uncertainty we are experiencing, she tells us why Enterprise Learning should by no means be considered a luxury …

University recognised for commitment to Armed Forces community

26th Aug 2020

News

York St John has been awarded Gold status from the MoD Employer Recognition Scheme …

What is Enterprise Learning?

30th Jul 2020

Article

Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE (pictured) is CEO and founder of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and Chair of the Soldiering On Awards. In this first part of our new series, she explains why enterprise skills are at the centre of everything she does – and, while we are experiencing the fallout from COVID-19, what exactly Enterprise Learning is and why it remains as important as ever …

A day in the life … Abi Thompson, project manager at SMD

29th Jul 2020

Article

This new series takes a look at what it’s really like to work in some popular fields …

Resettlement is close to our heart …

27th Jul 2020

Article

So says Neil Marshall, Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society, who offers some personal reflections on his own journey through the resettlement financial planning process

New College Durham shortlisted for two AAT Awards

24th Jun 2020

News

New College Durham are proud to have been shortlisted for Tutor of the Year and Student of the Year at the AAT Training Provider Awards 2020. The College is the only provider in the north of England to have made the shortlist.

BuildForce Veterans pre-employment modules

7th Jun 2020

News

​A series of online mini-modules has been developed by University College of Estate Management (UCEM) for Buildforce as part of the CITB’s Pathways into construction programme focusing on Veterans.

RAF veteran climbs UK and Ireland’s highest peaks at home for Armed Forces charity

18th May 2020

News

An RAF veteran has taken on the challenge of climbing the equivalent of the UK and Ireland’s highest peaks to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Combat Stress and RFEA in partnership with Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund

12th May 2020

News

Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund will be collaborating with veteran’s mental health charity Combat Stress and RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity in a three-year partnership to improve the transition to civilian life for veterans and their families.

Landmarc and UK Connect help troops stay connected

12th May 2020

News

Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc) and UK Connect have worked in partnership to enable vital broadband provision at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s (DIO) Halton Training Camp, a key asset in the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Covid-19 strategic response.

Super Yacht industry news from YPI Crew

4th May 2020

News

​The super yacht industry appears to be sailing calmly through the choppy waters of coronavirus …

Life in lockdown at Lockforce

4th May 2020

News

As emergency locksmiths we are fortunate to be in an industry that is still in demand. Door and window locks don’t care about the lockdown so we are still receiving calls and the guys are helping to “Keep You Safe”.

SSAFA to support UK military community abroad post-Brexit

30th Apr 2020

Article

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has been awarded a grant of £295,000 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to assist British nationals in countries across Europe after Brexit …

Useful contacts

27th Apr 2020

Article

Need to know more? Here’s who can help …

Are you eligible?

27th Apr 2020

Article

Take a look at the ELC eligibility rules below to find out …

Claims checklist

27th Apr 2020

Article

Keep your claim on track with our step-by-step guide …

First RAF CIPD student graduates at CAVC: Carly Smith’s story

22nd Apr 2020

Case Study

Corporal Carly Smith has become the first of the cohort of Armed Forces personnel to graduate in her Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) studies at Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC).

Transitioning into the fitness sector: Jonny Holloway’s story

22nd Apr 2020

Case Study

‘Leaving the military as an able-bodied person is hard enough, let alone being disabled,’ says Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Holloway, who tells QUEST how, since leaving the Army following life-changing injuries, he has forged an all-action career in the fitness sector …

Online lifelines

22nd Apr 2020

Article

We are living through exceptional times, thanks (actually, no thanks) to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We know that many of you are currently confined to your homes, so we’ve put together some information we hope will help you access e-learning and entertainment opportunities allowing you to continue your studies, have fun – and perhaps learn a new skill.

Expect the unexpected

21st Apr 2020

Article

With the spectre of COVID-19 looming over both people and businesses, regular Quest contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man, revisits the unanticipated events that almost killed off his business, how he overcame them and his tips for keeping a business going over the next few months …

Flexible distance learning at Leeds Beckett

1st Apr 2020

News

Studying a distance learning course at Leeds Beckett University offers the convenience and flexibility to make education work for you. Whether you are looking to pursue the career you have built in the Armed Forces, or if you’re currently preparing to leave and looking for a change, we have an option available. Our entry requirements are flexible too, which offers people with different experiences and qualifications the opportunity to pursue their desired path.

Where to work in 2020

25th Mar 2020

Article

Check out this guide to the current best-performing business sectors in the UK …

Transitioning into the transport sector: Ian M. Crome’s story

23rd Mar 2020

Case Study

As you may have read elsewhere on the Quest website, Veterans’ Gateway recently introduced its first ever branded truck, kindly sponsored by international haulage business, Marine & Cargo, which recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant. One of the first veterans the company has employed since signing is 329 Dvr Ian M. Crome, formerly of the Royal Corps of Transport. Here’s what Ian has to say about his journey …

CITB backs project helping Forces veterans enter construction industry

15th Mar 2020

News

Former members of HM Armed Forces recently showcased their unique talents at a networking event hosted by Barclays Bank in Manchester. Project RECCE works with veterans and those getting ready to leave the Armed Forces, supporting them to pursue careers in construction.

Driving forward veteran recruitment!

25th Feb 2020

News

The inaugural Mission Motorsport National Transition Event held earlier this month offered the chance for veterans to engage with Forces-friendly employers – top brands from across the UK, who all recognise the valuable skills veterans bring to their workforce …

‘Wish I’d done it years ago’

16th Feb 2020

News

University of Cumbria nursing graduate Derrick Tyson says he has no regrets about leaving the Forces to take a new direction – indeed he wishes he’d changed career years ago!

We’ve got employee support in our sights!

13th Feb 2020

Article

… so says Jacobs, which aims to be very much more than a global professional services company with a huge international presence. In the UK it’s carrying out major projects including HS2 and Crossrail, but at the individual level it’s also doing a great deal to support its ex-Forces employees …

‘I just feel overwhelmingly lucky’

13th Feb 2020

Article

… so says Terry Cyrille, who approached Stoll in 2019 in need of help. He now lives at the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in Fulham.

Specialist support for job seekers

12th Feb 2020

Article

A new initiative that sees RFEA confirmed as lead partner for The Royal British Legion’s employment support programme is set to help thousands of ex-Forces personnel and their families in civilian life

SSAFA survey seeks better understanding of needs

11th Feb 2020

News

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

23rd Jan 2020

Article

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!’

23rd Jan 2020

Article

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

22nd Jan 2020

News

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

22nd Jan 2020

News

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

3rd Jan 2020

Article

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?

2nd Jan 2020

Article

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

19th Dec 2019

Article

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!

18th Dec 2019

Article

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

17th Dec 2019

News

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

13th Dec 2019

News

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’

13th Dec 2019

News

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 …

10th Dec 2019

Article

… 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

6th Dec 2019

News

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

1st Dec 2019

Article

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?

17th Nov 2019

Article

Check out this guide to the best-performing business sectors in the UK

Prepared to succeed

12th Nov 2019

Article

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

6th Nov 2019

News

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

6th Nov 2019

News

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

1st Nov 2019

News

In the remote communities where we serve, medevacs happen all the time. MAF is a lifeline for thousands like Opeyeytato …

The future is soft

21st Oct 2019

Article

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

16th Oct 2019

Article

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

15th Oct 2019

Case Study

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

15th Oct 2019

Article

Become an electric vehicle charging point installer in one of today’s fastest-growing industries

Charitable coffee on the hoof!

14th Oct 2019

News

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

11th Oct 2019

Article

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

9th Oct 2019

Article

‘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

1st Oct 2019

News

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

11th Sep 2019

Case Study

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

4th Sep 2019

News

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.