Choosing the right vocational training
Category: Tips and Advice
Publish date: 02/07/2015
When leaving the Service, you get the chance to undertake vocational training to help you shape your future career. Liz Taylor, CTP Director of Training, shares her tips on how to ensure you make the right choice.
“The training you choose is not an end in itself but part of the route along your resettlement journey”, says Liz. “It needs careful planning and consideration before committing any time and funding to it. You should, of course, do your own research but also use the knowledge and expertise of your Career Consultant who is there to advise and guide you towards the correct choice.”
How do I decide what training to undertake?
The first step is to identify the qualifications employers are looking for. The goal for many Service leavers is to find employment, and so the training you undertake has to be appropriate to the sector you are aiming to work in. Search for live job vacancies on CTP RightJob or other job sites and see what the required qualifications are. Be aware that some accreditations are bespoke and not all employers recognise these less mainstream ones. To check, see if a range of providers deliver the particular qualification you are looking into; if not, then it may only be accepted by very few employers and not nationally recognised.
What about my transferrable skills?
You will bring many transferable skills with you to the civilian workplace: some of these – such as teamwork, integrity, punctuality and time management - are not quantifiable and don’t carry a piece of paper proving that you have them. Employers value these ‘soft skills’ highly too, but they need supporting by vocational training to prove that you also have practical or commercial knowledge. You may also have leadership skills that don’t carry an accreditation but can be proved in other ways: make sure you have examples ready before you attend an interview.
I’m looking to continue using my military trade in a civilian career – do I need any qualifications?
If you’re looking to continue in a similar field to your job in the military, concentrate on the vocational accreditation that proves your existing knowledge and skills, and that can be applied in a commercial environment. For example, if you are aiming to work in the Facilities Management world and have a military background in that area, then you will need the commercial vocabulary and a recognised qualification, such as the BIFM Facilities Management Level 4 Award, to gain employment.
I’ve already got the qualifications I need – how should I spend my IRTC Grant? If you are confident that you have the knowledge and qualifications for your future career then consider training that can add support to your application; health and safety training is always welcomed by employers, as is a First Aid qualification.
I’m planning a complete career change – where should I start?
If you are considering a change of career direction then it is important to ensure your expectations are realistic. For example, with a maximum of 7 weeks Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) to retrain, you will not be able to qualify as an electrician. However, you can complete meaningful training that will start you on that career path. With good foundation knowledge you can continue training post-Service and, if terms and conditions are met, use Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) for higher qualifications whilst in employment.
There are so many training providers – which ones should I book with?
For peace of mind you need to book your training with an MOD approved provider; this will ensure quality control and value for money. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) offers a range of Contract Funded training which has been ‘pre-paid’ for you by the MOD. This offers exceptional value for money and is the best way to make the most of your ‘GRT pound’.
The CTP also offers a programme of Non-Contract funded training that you can use your Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) or ELC grants for; it is closely monitored for quality and is very competitively priced.
If the CTP does not offer the course you are interested in then you are able to find details of courses offered by hundreds of MOD approved Preferred Suppliers on the CTP website. All companies on this list have been quality checked, so you can book with confidence.
The correct choice of training course can be the vital link between the skills you have gained during your military career and gaining successful civilian employment. The opportunity is to be valued and through careful research, combined with guidance from your Career Consultant, you will reach the best decision to suit your needs.
Further information
Speak with your Career Consultant for advice or reassurance
Visit www.ctp.org.uk/resettlement-courses to view courses offered by the CTP and Preferred Suppliers
Read JSP 534, paragraphs 0401 – 0437 for MOD policy on Resettlement Training
Call the Course Booking and Information Centre on 02894 456 200 for bookings and enquiries about CTP courses