Getting Qualified

Adapted from CivvyStreet Magazine, October 2013.

Although recruiters realise that there’s more to a CV than qualifications, it may be the case that, at least in the initial, selection process for interview and so on, that they will be guided by lines in the sand drawn of levels of qualifications. Recruiters may be looking for a minimum number of GCSEs, A-levels or a degree. We look at what you can do with your current qualifications and how you can upgrade them as you emerge from your time in the Armed Forces.

Because of the different options available in the Services, it’s entirely possible that one recruit will have had vastly different qualifications from the next. This is also the same at the time when Service personnel come to make a decision to leave.

The Armed Forces remains an excellent place to learn new skills and pick up qualifications and so a Service-leaver could have gained a huge variety of qualifications (similar or the same as those gained by civilians) during their Service. One of the issues that leavers sometimes face is simply that whilst they have a general idea about what they want to do after the Services they aren’t sure if their qualifications will be good enough or whether they need to update and expand their portfolio. The following is a simple guide:

No qualifications

Lots of jobs carry a general requirement for GCSE’s and A-levels etc. Without these you’ll need to focus on your other attributes including skills, experiences and the qualities that ex-Service personnel are reputed for.

Gaining qualifications

The nature of the job you’re aiming to do will direct you towards the sorts of qualifications you’ll need. You might choose to re-sit GCSE’s at a college that can either lead you to further study or a job.

Leaving with GCSEs

The fact is that times have changed and GCSE’s are no longer the currency they once were. Saying that, if you have sufficient grades you can use them as a springboard to further study – usually A-levels or AS-levels or start a job with low responsibility and a basic salary.

Leaving with A-levels and AS-levels

There are merits to job-hunting with A-levels even though the jobs market is becoming over-subscribed with graduates. In some sectors (customer service, retail management and travel) there has been a move towards targeting recruitment at people with A-levels. Employers see that you’ve got a good standard of education and that you are now prepared to make your mark in industry, where others perhaps side-step that decision because they aren’t sure about what they want to do. Your focus, therefore, is impressive.

Gaining A-levels

Studying for A-levels or AS-levels improves skills and of course adds to your portfolio of qualifications. Courses are usually run by colleges and can lead to undergraduate places on degree courses in any number of subjects.

Leaving with a Degree

A degree shows that you have invested in your education (and career) and that you have spent probably three years at study. As a graduate you’ll have far more choices regarding jobs and be able to get on the ladder at a higher rung than other people. Whilst you can choose to study full time at a university there are likely to be further options including part-time study and distance learning which could be built around other things in your life.

Because of the increasing numbers of graduates, this is a competitive part of the jobs market – but at least you’ll be in the mix. Being a graduate should mean that you have a good chance of earning good money and starting a new career at a relatively high level.

Studying for a Degree

You’ll need to apply to University’s through the UCAS system (or directly?). Some may offer you an unconditional acceptance based on your experience but most wil be looking for A-levels. The grades will differ for individual course subjects and by institutions.

Leaving with HND or HNC

Both qualifications can be used to gain professional status in a specific job sector or with extra study, lead to a degree. A HNC qualification can give you access to the second year of a degree course whilst an HND can give you access to year two and possibly, three of a degree course.

Studying for HND or HNC

These are vocational qualifications designed to give the skills needed to join various sectors. To join an HNC or HND course you’ll need at least one A-level. They are assessed through projects and practical assessments and can take you straight into a job because of their specific relationship to industry.

Post graduate qualifications

It is unlikely that you’ll be leaving the Armed Forces with post graduate qualifications.

Masters (MA or MSc, for example)

Usually a one-year course consisting of research based learning at a university or via distance learning, although it can be longer for certain qualifications such as, Master of Architecture (that takes over three years).

Doctorate (PhD or DSc, for example)

In most careers this is the terminal degree with no higher qualification available.

Any job advertised as a postgraduate job will almost certainly be a senior role within the company or organisation. Aside from your academic excellence you will likely need to have some form of management/leadership skills or qualities – that can perhaps be drawn from your time in the Services.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

Depending on length of service, CTP offer free resettlement services to all ranks of the UK Armed Forces, including the†Navy & Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force – their aim is to help make the transition as smooth as possible.
They can provide flexible support from two years before discharge, through to two years after.

RFEA

The Regular Forces Employment Association’s (RFEA) simple aim, since 1885, has been to help those leaving the Armed Forces to find and to remain in employment throughout their working lives. This is done as part of the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) for up to two years after discharge and thereafter is done on behalf of the Service Benevolence Funds. RFEA Employment Consultants have the ability to ‘connect-the-dots’ between Military skills and the job market and have a unique understanding of Service-leavers are looking for.
More info: www.rfea.org.uk