Further Education
Use our searchable database to find publicly funded further education higher education (PF FE/HE) scheme providers for UK Armed Forces service leavers. This vital military resettlement scheme grants eligible service leavers a fully funded first further or higher education qualification, including a diploma, foundation degree, or undergraduate degree.
Service Leavers' Guide
Last checked 18th November 2025
This Armed Forces resettlement guide has been produced from the gov.uk website to provide help and advice on a range of topics as you plan for your transition to civilian life. It aims to give useful information on the sort of help you can get, who can provide it and the action you need to take.
Your Gas Training and Career Made Simple
The Future Of Heating Engineers
What does the future of gas look like?
The current state of the heating market is looking very fruitful for engineers. Just as we saw in 1967 when we went from town gas to natural gas from the North Sea, change is coming. When we went to natural gas, the demand for engineers was at a peak. The changeover meant constant work for engineers and made a career in gas very in demand.
With the popularity of the air source heat pump courses Gastec run, you can see a similar trend in engineers becoming multi-skilled as they wait to see what fuel sources will become the new normal. It is common knowledge that heat pumps will never be suitable for every home in the U.K., and reading the popular press, you will see a heavy investment in hydrogen. A gas and hydrogen blend is looking very likely as a stepping stone towards net zero. The future of heating engineers will be a multi-trade discipline with engineers holding qualifications in multiple work areas.
Whatever the fuel source, a level 3 qualification in any of the Gastec ELC-approved courses will be the first step towards a fruitful career in heating engineering.
What is Gastec able to offer my business opportunities?
Here at Gastec, we branch out to multiple sectors of the heating industry, we cover a lot more than just Gas Safe courses. Over the years, we have seen thousands of engineers leave service and gain domestic Gas Safe accreditation. However, the journey only starts here. Branching out your portfolio of qualifications is a surefire way to increase your business opportunities; why not offer heat pump installations to your customers? Or even branch into OFTEC oil accreditation. Whichever route you take with your business, we have three decades of experience to guide you in the right direction.
What Qualifications Will I Get for Using My ELC Funding with Gastec Training?
The Gastec domestic Managed learning programmes contain everything you need to start working in domestic or commercial properties under your own Gas Safe registration or under any company as soon as possible.
In all areas of gas work, a core gas safety assessment must be achieved before an individual appliance assessment can be undertaken. Core gas safety assessments exist for domestic gas, liquid propane gas, commercial gas, commercial catering, commercial laundry, gas emergency service providers, and metering opportunities.
For Example:
Domestic Natural Gas:
You first obtain a core Domestic Gas Safety – CCN1 (compulsory), which now includes CPA1 (combustion performance analysis).
Once the core CCN1 has been completed, the appliance assessment relevant to your work can be achieved.
Think of a core ACS qualification as the hub from which you can branch out your portfolio.
Common appliances to extend your CCN1 from are:
Central Heating Boilers & Water Heaters – CENWAT
Cookers – CKR1
Gas Fires – HTR1
Meters – MET1
All of the above are standard with Gastec’s domestic managed learning programme. Be careful when selecting your provider because if you get stuck with only a CCN1 and CENWAT qualification, you must wait 12 months with Gas Safe registration before adding any appliance. Gastec ensures you leave with qualifications that set you up for instant employment or self-employment. Whichever MLP you decide to take, rest assured that your journey doesn’t stop there; the horizon is endless for business opportunities.
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Advertising Enquiries
Since 1999, QUEST has been informing its readers of their education and career options, and the steps they need to take to transition smoothly into civilian life. A comprehensive educational, resettlement and recruitment resource, QUEST’s main function is to provide up-to-date information and guidance on the funding available to members of the Armed Forces, either serving, resettling or veterans. The invaluable and sought-after information in its pages has proven to be effective in assisting ELCAS-funded candidates with their course bookings to enhance their career prospects.
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Welcome to the latest Quest Magazine
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About Quest
QUEST – Has established itself over 20 years as the go-to resettlement guide to careers and training opportunities for those leaving HM Armed Forces, Veterans and families.
Published monthly, Quest E-magazine brings readers the best of both worlds – so, whether they are still in uniform or have already started preparing for life ‘on the outside’, it’s the only E-magazine providing essential information on funding, courses, training, careers and transition.
It’s essentially a ‘magazine of two halves’: the first part puts at readers’ fingertips everything they need to know about claiming their ELC and how best to use it – whether they are currently serving or have already left but are still eligible to make a claim. As well as all the important ins and outs of the ELC application and claims process, QUEST also highlights how distance learning can help in the quest for qualifications, and homes in on higher-level study options, if that’s where readers are setting their sights. Each issue also spotlights selected career areas that we know from experience are popular choices with both Service leavers and those still serving but already thinking ahead to their transition. Readers can find out about the sort of courses that will help them further their skills in these areas – whether to boost their Service career prospects or to smooth their resettlement with relevant qualifications that will make them more desirable employees on leaving. The section winds up with our one-stop ‘Funding Factfile’, which sums up the financial support available to assist readers’ learning pursuits.
Part two of QUEST presents the usual mix of inspiration and practical guidance on resettlement issues that our readers have come to expect. From how-to guides to buying your own house to putting your pension plans in order, from reader success stories to civvy-savvy advice from those who have already negotiated the route through resettlement. Backing all this up are full Career Transition Partnership course and events listings and our own ‘Transition Factfile’ – readers’ one-stop shop for useful info from a range of sources. Holding all this together is ‘The Hub’ – home to pivotal information on course and training options, transition news and reader reports.
By gathering together under one roof, in a handy monthly guide, the essential course and career information our readers need, QUEST aims to support the UK’s Service personnel throughout their military careers and beyond.
Charity News
Charities dedicated to the Armed Forces are created with the specific purpose of assisting both former and current members of the Armed Forces, along with their families.
In the UK, the sector comprises a wide variety of such charities, with an estimated 500 organisations focused on providing welfare support to a community of roughly 6.5 million people. Directory of supporting charities
Charity Directory
The Armed Forces Charity Directory is a guide of Armed Forces Charities, with the aim of highlighting the great work they do in supporting the Armed Forces community.
Events Diary
Schools
Schools appearing on Questonline present an incredible double benefit by granting bursaries for the children of military personnel and providing job possibilities to those transitioning out of the military service. These educational institutions acknowledge the remarkable contributions made by military families and servicemen and women, and are dedicated to assisting them during their shift. By offering bursaries, they secure quality education access for service members' children, cultivating a supportive atmosphere that appreciates their distinctive situations. At the same time, these schools are eager to employ skilled and disciplined veterans and military personnel, recognising the invaluable competencies they introduce to the civilian work environment. This collaboration with Questonline enables schools to demonstrate their commitment to uplifting military families and professionals, and it cultivates enduring connections that are mutually beneficial for the individuals and the institutions alike. Why advertise your school with us?
Sign up for Quest
Apprenticeships
When leaving Service you may wish to change trades or career completely or you may have left after a shorter Service and wish to learn a trade and gain qualifications so in either situation an Apprenticeship may be something to consider. Apprenticeships allow you to combine work and study by mixing on-the-job training with classroom learning. You'll be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification, usually for one day a week either at a college or a training centre. By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll hopefully have gained the skills and knowledge needed to either succeed in your chosen career or progress onto the next apprenticeship level. Click here to see apprenticeships feature.
Franchises
Self-starter? If you’re thinking of going it alone and running your own business or taking on a franchise, there’s lots of advice to be had on topics from start-up funding to filling in tax returns. Want to find out more? Read our franchise article here
Contact Quest
If you have any questions, comments or would like to know more about Quest, please complete the form below or email us at info@questonline.co.uk.
Career Guides
Already know what kind of career you’d like to move in to? Or maybe you’re still looking for information that’ll help you make up your mind? Whatever stage you’re at, the QUEST Careers Hub provides in-depth insight on a wide range of industry sectors. To find out more, click on your area of interest below or use the search facility.
Jobs
With almost two decades of working with Service leavers to help them prepare for the next part of their working life, in the civilian workplace, QUEST is well placed to help you make your next career move. Check out our jobs listings below to find your next perfect placement …
Training Courses
Our searchable database helps UK Armed Forces personnel and Service leavers find ELCAS approved training courses for their military resettlement and career transition. Use your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) towards a nationally recognised qualification and plan your successful civilian future.
If you are looking for higher education click here.
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