Quest Magazine

Independent resettlement & recruitment guide for Armed Forces & Veterans

Transferable skills – your vocational vaccine
Transferable skills – your vocational vaccine
ARTICLES
As you prepare for employment, shining a light on the many transferable skills – ‘soft’ as well as technical – you can demonstrate thanks to your military career will help you in your quest to secure work, says Claire Withey, an associate solicitor in the military claims team at specialist law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp …
Life-changing injuries don’t have to mean giving up on the activities you love
Life-changing injuries don’t have to mean giving up on the activities you love
ARTICLES
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
Building a career beneath the waves
ARTICLES
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
How you can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
ARTICLES
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
Enterprise Learning: gateway to opportunity
ARTICLES
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 …
What is Enterprise Learning?
What is Enterprise Learning?
ARTICLES
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
A day in the life … Abi Thompson, project manager at SMD
ARTICLES
This new series takes a look at what it’s really like to work in some popular fields …
Resettlement is close to our heart …
Resettlement is close to our heart …
ARTICLES
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
SSAFA to support UK military community abroad post-Brexit
SSAFA to support UK military community abroad post-Brexit
ARTICLES
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 …
The Resettlement Grant
The Resettlement Grant
ARTICLES
Many of you will be leaving the Armed Forces with a Resettlement Grant (RG). The RG is a tax-free lump sum intended to help Regular Service personnel settle into civilian life. There is no stipulation as how you use it – you can spend it on beer if you like, but you need to remember that, if you take up another military post too quickly, you might have to repay some or all of it. In this short article Mary Petley of the Forces Pension Society explores the rules relating to RGs …
Useful contacts
Useful contacts
ARTICLES

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

Are you eligible?
Are you eligible?
ARTICLES
Take a look at the ELC eligibility rules below to find out …
Claims checklist
Claims checklist
ARTICLES
Keep your claim on track with our step-by-step guide …
Online lifelines
Online lifelines
ARTICLES
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
Expect the unexpected
ARTICLES
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 …
Where to work in 2020
Where to work in 2020
ARTICLES
Check out this guide to the current best-performing business sectors in the UK …
We’ve got employee support in our sights!
We’ve got employee support in our sights!
ARTICLES
… 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’
‘I just feel overwhelmingly lucky’
ARTICLES
… 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
Specialist support for job seekers
ARTICLES
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
Running your own business: Get some help
Running your own business: Get some help
ARTICLES
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 …

Resettlement Training Courses See all

QA | Cyber Security
We only work with leading instructors who are not only subject matter experts, but also understand the importance of learner engagement, offering fun ways to learns. We have 28 FTE Project Management Trainers alone with an average tenure of 10years training experience .
Nationwide, London
Electrical Courses Ltd | Engineering - Electrical / Electronic
Electrical Courses Limited is very proud to have the opportunity to offer training courses for military leavers and ex-military servicemen and women. We are ELC registered and our Managing Director and lecturer Neil Phillips served in the army himself, which has given him the advantage of understanding what it is like to leave the military and step into the civilian life. Because of Neil’s past with the armed forces we can give you the best support for when going through such a big change in your life and achieving your goal of becoming a qualified Electrician on civi street.
East of England
Compassa | Health & Safety
Compassa provides the world’s only Online IOSH and NEBOSH (health and safety management) courses making full use of Smart Video Technology. Their courses are fun, effective, and engaging with tons of personality. Designed by health and safety professionals and ex-NEBOSH examiners, their courses can be studied flexibly in your own time, 24/7, from any location with a web connection. The course experience is second-to-none and transforms an online course into something which feels like 1-to-1 tuition.
International, Nationwide
Cycle Systems Ltd | Sports / Fitness & Leisure
Established in 2007 , Cycle Systems is one of the longest standing and leading providers of Pro Level 3 training in bicycle maintenance in the UK.
South West
FutureSmart | Management and Leadership
FutureSmart provides the opportunity to study masters degrees, professional and even training qualifications wrapped around your present life. The way forward has many options but we help make your choice become a reality. We specialise in supporting military personnel to gain key qualifications, to ensure a supported transition into civilian careers.
International, Nationwide

Latest Jobs See all

Senior Station Technician / Station Technician | Breakdown ServicesHighway MaintenanceLogistics & Distribution Search and Rescue
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.
RNLI
Defence Digital Cyber Security Analyst | Computing & ITCyber SecurityCyber SkillsDigital InfrastructureSecurity
Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world. We do this by putting innovative and effective technology into the hands of over 200,000 users, from the boardroom to the front line. We lead on cutting-edge data science, automation, and cyber security at scale. Our mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe. Defence Digital forms part of Strategic Command which manages the MOD’s joint capabilities for the Army, RAF, and Royal Navy.
Ministry of Defence
Horologist | Horology
Ramco UK Limited has been helping organisations sell their surplus assets since 1996. We work with the Ministry of Defence in the sale and marketing of equipment they no longer need and they trust us to help them maximise the value. As a result of a recent declaration, we are looking for a horologist who can assist in diagnosing faults, conducting repairs and restore ex-military watches. We would ideally be looking to find someone who had an existing small workshop set-up including tooling.
Ramco Limited
Elementary Flying Training (EFT) QFI | Airport Roles and Ground CrewAviation SecurityFlight
Ascent has been a trusted provider of innovative training systems since 2008. We design, develop and deliver world-class, bespoke training for the armed services, through the UK Military Flight Training Services (UKMFTS).
Ascent Flight Training
Physical Security Development Engineer | Engineering - Electrical / ElectronicSecurity
You’re an enthusiastic team player with a passion for computers and electronics. You enjoy developing and building prototypes and creating products using the latest 3D printing technology. And you’re a highly creative self-starter who’s ready to work on your own or alongside other members of a small team. But now you want to do something new. You want to take your career to a different level, and work with an organisation that has real influence around the world.
FCDO SERVICES

University See all

University of Sterling |
The one thing that students talk about the most at the University of Stirling is the sense of community. At Stirling, students from all different backgrounds come together on a beautiful campus and are able to settle in, make new friends and get involved in everything there is to offer.
Scotland
Anglia Ruskin University | Health Care and Nursing
If you’re a serving member of the Armed Forces looking to develop your knowledge and skills to enhance your existing role, or you’re planning for life after military service, then ARU can help.
East of England
Aston University | Teaching
WHAT IS THE AUEA TROOPS FOR TEACHERS PROGRAMME? AUEA’s Troops to Teachers is an initiative designed to support service personnel preparing to leave or who have recently left the Armed Forces become University Technical College (UTC) trainers/teachers.
West Midlands
Queen Margaret University |
We are proud to support armed forces veterans and are committed to supporting ex-service members (and their families) who are seeking re-training back in the civilian world.
Scotland
University of Chichester | Accountancy and Book-keeping
The University of Chichester is a respected institution that offers a wide variety of courses. It has been in the Top 40 of UK universities for the past five consecutive years, and in the most recent league table was ranked 26th out of 122 UK universities (Guardian University Guide 2025).
South East