A North soldier is looking forward to life on Civvy Street thanks to the Corporate Management Development Centre at Newcastle Business School (NBS), part of Northumbria University.
Steve Gaskell, a Regimental Quarter Master Sergeant (RQMS) for the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick, recently graduated from NBS with a Diploma in Management Development having first completed a Certificate in Higher Education. NBS joined forces with the British Army in 2003 to offer soldiers from the rank of corporal upwards and officers the chance to study an online programme that helps them become more effective in their current roles, ultimately preparing them for life outside the armed forces.
NBS Graduate Steve Gaskell
Commenting on his recent success Steve said: "I've been in the army for 21 years and am due to leave in March next year. I signed up to the NBS programme as I wanted formal accreditation for the management skills I have learned in the army and to help me make the transition to civilian life. Through their online programme, I've gained in depth knowledge about managing and working with people, communications skills and quality control. I left school without any qualifications and have found it invaluable to gain a formal academic qualification through work-based projects. It's exactly what the armed forces need."
RQMS Gaskell achieved the year-long Diploma in Management Development while stationed in Northern Ireland and then Iraq. The 38 year old added: "I was a Company Sergeant Major whilst serving in Iraq and when I wasn't on the streets of Basra or patrolling the local provinces, I studied for my qualification. It was a challenging environment and the biggest difficulty was getting on the Internet. As a Senior Non Commissioned Officer, it was difficult to hog the Internet to study when junior ranks were waiting to contact friends and family back home."
When Sergeant Major Gaskell returned to the UK, he was promoted and posted to Catterick, and offered a place on the day release scheme. This meant he was given every second Friday off to visit NBS. He has now set his sights on starting a degree in business studies later this year.
Programme director at NBS Sandra Corlett said: "The course has proven a real hit. Although armed forces personnel have vast managerial experience, civilian employers need to see recognised qualifications on paper. A formal academic qualification really can make a difference when officers move on from army life and it can also add significant value in their current position."
The Corporate Management Development Centre at NBS offers a multitude of training and development options and has significant links with public and private sector companies across both the UK and the globe. From remote-based learning and one day courses to full three year programmes, NBS offers bespoke solutions to suit the specific needs of individuals and businesses.
For further enquiries about the programmes on offer to British Army Personnel please contact our CMDC office for an invitation to our dedicated website and literature.
Date Posted: 22.03.07