Quest Magazine

Independent resettlement & recruitment guide for Armed Forces & Veterans

‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’
‘Sorry, no stereotypes!’
ARTICLES
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
Get on course to a smoother transition
Get on course to a smoother transition
ARTICLES

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?
Career Coach: your first step on the path to a new job?
ARTICLES
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
Networking for knowledge
ARTICLES
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!
From Armed Forces to civilian life – change your career with NEBOSH!
ARTICLES
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 …
All I want for Christmas …
All I want for Christmas …
ARTICLES
… 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!
Power up your HE options
Power up your HE options
ARTICLES
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?
Want to know where to work?
ARTICLES
Check out this guide to the best-performing business sectors in the UK
Prepared to succeed
Prepared to succeed
ARTICLES
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 …
The future is soft
The future is soft
ARTICLES
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
Working for the wounded
ARTICLES
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
Fully charge your future
Fully charge your future
ARTICLES
Become an electric vehicle charging point installer in one of today’s fastest-growing industries
Uniting to fight homelessness
Uniting to fight homelessness
ARTICLES
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
It’s not rocket science
ARTICLES
‘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 …
Making university affordable for you
Making university affordable for you
ARTICLES
Members of the Armed Forces are just as welcome at university as anyone else, and if you are looking to study at university next year, there are a number of useful military bursaries available …
A home fit for a hero
A home fit for a hero
ARTICLES
As the leading provider of supported housing for Veterans, Stoll supports the most vulnerable Service leavers by providing them with an affordable home to rent and the support they need to lead independent lives. People come to Stoll at various stages in their lives, from those who have just started their transition to civilian life to others who require assistance much later, such as George Brown, who – with his wife Anne – moved into the Sir Oswald Stoll Mansions in 2014 …
The full package
The full package
ARTICLES
Lieutenant Gary Bickley, Royal Navy, reports on his experience of NEBOSH instruction at Woodward SHE Ltd
Key skills
Key skills
ARTICLES
Do you have a business idea in your head that just won’t go away? Are you imagining a life beyond uniform where you control your own destiny and become your own boss? I remember it well,’ says regular QUEST contributor, Steve Bulleyment, director of specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man. And, to celebrate 15 years of running his own business, he’s here with 15 tips to support you on your own journey.
The perfect fit for Forces families
The perfect fit for Forces families
ARTICLES
Recruit for Spouses is an independent social enterprise that is dedicated to supporting, championing and finding gainful employment for spouses and partners of members of our Armed Forces – and getting talent back into the workforce
Happy in your own company?
Happy in your own company?
ARTICLES
Of all the challenges you’ll face in starting your own business, loneliness may be the hardest to cope with, says Steve Bulleyment, director of Lincolnshire-based specialist auto locksmith company Car Key Man and Quest’s self-employment guru

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 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
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
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
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
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