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10 Sesame August/September 2002 Issue 210OU in the workplaceControlling the air– and their futuresTaking control: (l-r) Wing Commander Mark Rogerson, Flight Sgt. Ian Layton, Corporal John Jenkins, Corporal Lisa Spencer, Flight Lt. Claire Owens, CorporalPat Tuckey, Squadron Leader Sue Sinclaire and Corporal Tracey PerrettBy Jane MatthewsAnyone who thinks the OUis complicated should lookover air traffic controller IanLayton’s shoulder.It’s like switching on the TV andfinding the screen filled with small print.Except each little trail of word spaghettirepresents thousands of tons of metaland fuel in the skies around the UK.The need to give 110 per cent attentionto ensuring none of the spaghetti gets tangledmight suggest air traffic controllerswould want nothing more demandingthan a game of table tennis when they’reoff duty.But at the RAF’s Air Traffic ControlCentre in West Drayton, a 747’s lengthfrom Heathrow, 13 of the 180 militaryemployees are students or graduates ofthe OU.modernFor Ian, currently following apsychology profile, there is no contradictionbetween the demands of study anda role which involves training others toconcentrate at the console and supervisethe highways in the sky. He says: “I cansee the links between what I do, trainingpeople and cognitive psychology –the academic explanation for what we aredoing every day.”There are synergies too, between thekinds of skills both study and the rolerequire. Says Ian: “Good communicationskills, an ability to see all over the screenand be able to divide your attention arerequired. You also need to be able to planeffectively and quickly, and to assesswhat is important information and whatis background. I find my studies relate alot to the things I do at work.”With 14 years’ service behind him Ianhopes to use his psychology degree tolaunch a new career in air accident investigationwhen he leaves the RAF – amotivation which chimes well with theRAF’s philosophy of supporting servicemenand women in preparing for life outof uniform, according to his commandingofficer Wing Commander Mark Rogerson.Mark’s support for his colleagues’ OUstudies is evidenced by his own status asan OU MBA. He observes: “In the last 15years the armed forces have come onenormously in encouraging learning.The RAF is a modern organisation nowand its transition and resettlement programmefor those moving from service tocivilian life is quite outstanding.”That programme includes up to 50 percent towards course fees, plus residentialschool fees and travel expenses paid infull with time off for exams and tutorials– even when, as is the case for those airtraffic controllers studying history, lawand earth sciences, their degree may notbe directly relevant to daily working life.It is pragmatism, of course, of the samekind which recently saw the launch of anOU/RAF pilot training scheme to addressa changing world in which signing up fora service career at 16 or 18 may not seemsuch a good career choice for schoolleavers as heading off to conventionaluniversity. The scheme enables schoolleavers to study for a degree and as RAFofficers at the same time.skills transferBut it is also modern managementpractice, says Mark. “The RAF is nolonger a one-stop shop and I think it seesthis learning philosophy as a real need.It’s a great recruiting tool.“It is also allowing the government totransfer skills from the military into thecivilian workforce where there are gaps.In my own case my MBA will help convinceemployers that we no longer standand shout but can manage people andmanage a big business. Our skills inlogistics, as operations managers, and inIT and engineering, are in increasingdemand outside.”In the recreation room, where OUcourse books line up on the tablealongside coffee cups, other squadronmembers are aware that their OUqualifications will make them moremarketable. Lisa Spencer will be takingD218 Social policy to Bosnia where sheis being posted this month, but after sixyears in the RAF is already looking aheadto a change of direction into social work.encouragingPatricia Tuckey joined the OU whenshe was in Cyprus and is now studyingED209 Child development. “I had lots oftime off in Cyprus and saw someone doingit and thought it looked interesting.”John Jenkins, currently studying D317Social psychology, expects to followMark into a career in management in theprivate sector, while Tracey Perrett istaking the same course for interest.She comments: “I think the OU has areally good reputation in the forces andyou see other people doing it andmanaging which is encouraging. Myhusband is also in the air forceand is studying political science with theOU.”Squadron Leader Sue Sinclaire overseesthe training operation for a team ofair traffic controllers who currently dealwith 120,000 movements a year, of which38 per cent involve civilian aircraft. Sheviews the squadron’s OU links from botha personal and professional perspective.“I have had three different postings anddiscovered for myself that it doesn’tmatter if you are detached away for fourmonths because you can take yourstudies with you. The OU fits ideally intoair force life.“I finished my own degree just before Ihad a baby which was timed to perfectionand as squadron leader I am now able tosay to those who come to me ‘have youthought about doing this?’”
Issue 210 August/September 2002 Sesame 11Holidays 2002June – October, 3 nightsfrom £127GuernseyIsland HopperWalk in unspoilt CorfuExplore unspoiltCorfu with escortedwalks andincluded excursions.The resort has alwayswelcomed its British visitorsand is famed forfriendliness, scenery andclimate. This holiday isoffered exclusively toreaders of Sesame up toOctober 2002.The road to Arillas onthe north-west coast wandersthrough peaceful hillsidevillages far from thetourist mainstream beforedescending into olivefrom £329groves and pine treesdown to the clear blue sea.September and Octoberare ideal for warm seas,ripe fruit and balmyevenings; April and May forthe wild flowers, twinklingfireflies and amorous bullfrogs.It’s a chance to step offthe beaten track intounspoilt villages, pick yourown oranges and figsoff the trees and drinkcrystal clear cold springwater. Our holiday includestwo escorted walks(approx. four hours each),Guernsey Tourist Boardexploring villages, monasteries,a working bakery andthe fantastic views of offshoreislands and the forbiddingcoastline of Albaniaacross the Ionian Sea.Also included is a fullday coach excursion visitingmany of the famousresorts including Koulouraand Kalami where theDurrell family lived andGerald was inspired towrite My family and otheranimals.No holiday to Corfu iscomplete without visitingPaleokastritsa and thewhitewashed monasteryperched on the cliff, overlookingthe tiny bays ofclear blue sea.A Corfu shopping trip isalso included in the price.The unique beauty of Corfutown owes much to the mixtureof architectural stylesleft behind by theByzantines, Venetians,Russians, French, Italianand British.Your accommodation inArillas is in privately ownedapartments of the highestquality, located in quieterareas not more than tenminutes’ walk from thebeautiful beach. Holidaycode, C100. Details asbelow.Guernsey and its neighbouringislands make an ideal choicefor a romantic summer orautumn break and with our Island-Hopper offer you can enjoy a fly-driveor sea-drive holiday of three nights ormore from just £127, saving up to25 per cent on brochure prices.Our special deal with Channel Islandsspecialist Travelsmith includes returntravel by air from selected UK airports orby sea via fast catamaran, a minimum ofthree nights B&B accommodation in a 3-crown Guernsey hotel, free hire car*, plusa day trip to the beautiful island of Herm.You can also choose to add on excursionsto the equally fascinating islandsof Jersey, Alderney or Sark, whichalthough they share the same warm climate,differ greatly in both scenery andcharacter.You will stay in a twin/double room withprivate facilities at the Abbey Court Hotel,on the outskirts of Guernsey’s historiccapital, St Peter Port, which makes aperfect base from which to explore.(Please note children under 12 are notaccepted at this hotel).The second largest of the ChannelIslands offers a delightful mix of Englishand French culture, idyllic scenery, entertainment,restaurants to tempt everypalate and VAT-free shopping bargainsgalore.Travel by sea with Condor fromWeymouth, or by air from Southampton(with free airport car parking).The following excursions are available:Sark day trip from £19.90 per person bysea; Jersey day trip from £38 per personby air; Alderney day trip from £56 per personby air.Extra nights B&B including car hire areavailable from just £21 per night.Supplement per person for other airportsand seaports on request. Holiday codeC173/OU. Details below.*Airport/harbour collection/return andbased on a minimum 2 adults sharing a Fiestaor similar Group A car and excluding collisiondamage insurance payable direct.Camping in JerseySunny, friendly Jersey is idealfor a relaxed family campingholiday and now you couldsave up to 46 per cent offbrochure prices including free cartransport or car hire* and freechild places!Prices for our seven-night holidaysstart at just £89 per adult with travelto the island by ferry from Portsmouth,on the Condor high speed jet catamaranfrom Weymouth or Poole, or byair from Southampton, where free carparking is available.You will stay in a well-equipped,ready-erected tent that can comfortablyaccommodate 4, 5 or 6 peopleat the Beuvelande campsite, a memberof a small group of elite 5-pennantPremier Parks selected by the AA andfeatured in their Best Parks guide.Facilities at the site include a swimmingpool, free hot showers, gamesroom, cafe/restaurant, site shop andJersey TourismFrom £89pp – free child places – free car travel –free hire carlaundry room, plus the services ofTravelsmith representatives.The site is ideally placed to explorethe beautiful island of Jersey.Prices are per adult (based on 4adults sharing tent) via Portsmouth,Weymouth, Southampton or Poole.There is a £20 per person supplementfor 2 or 3 adults sharing on all dates.Prices for travel from other airports areavailable on request.All children under two go FREE.Children under 12 also travel FREE(based on a ratio of one child to oneadult) on all Portsmouth & Weymouthdepartures, on Poole departures upto July 4, with £49 thereafter, and forjust £69 on Southampton departures.If you travel by sea you can take yourcar FREE and if by air pick up a FREEhire car* on arrival. Holiday code:5D150/OU. Details as below.*Car transport based on a private car not exceeding5m in length and 1.85m in height.EuropeanCityBreakssave up to25 per centEurope has never been soaccessible or so affordable– and with ourspecial offer you can choosefrom a selection of two-nightcity breaks, flying on scheduledBritish Airways services andsaving up to 25 per cent offbrochure prices.Whether you want to cruise thecanals of romantic Venice or fairytaleCopenhagen, explore historicLisbon, take in the sights andsounds of newly-vibrant Berlin orstroll the beautiful boulevards ofParis – there is a holiday to suit you.Prices start from £155 perperson for two nights at the3-star Rivoli hotel in Paris andinclude flights from Heathrow orGatwick and bed and breakfasthotel accommodation .These European City Breaks,organised by Travelsmith UK Ltd(ABTA G5222/ ATOL 1917), can betaken up to October 29 2002, subjectto availability. Extra nights canbe added and other hotels may beavailable on request. Holiday code:C167OU. Details as below.Maxine FranceFor more details, brochures or to book the Guernsey Island-Hopper Break, Camping in Jersey, Walking in Corfu or a European City Break,just telephone the Travelsmith reservations line on 0870 748 1000 or 01621 784666 quoting the appropriate holiday reference code.Rhine Cruiseto ChristmasMarketsFour days full boarddeparting 14 Decemberfrom £169(three sharing one cabin)What better way to experience the famous GermanChristmas markets than by a cruise ship on thelegendary river Rhine?The staff of MPS Lady Anne will offer you a fantastic welcomethe moment you walk aboard. The vessel encapsulates a style thatwill allow you to rest, relax and feel at ease whilst aboard.An exciting on-board programme of activities is organised for theevenings whilst your days will be spent cruising the Rhine andstopping off at several different Christmas market towns where thestreets and shops are magically illuminated by a myriad of sparklingChristmas lights. A free Cologne orientation tour is included in theprice and an optional excursion to Rudesheim is on offer.Full details of this magical post-exam break are available from:Diamond Holidays, Overstone House, Kettering Road, MarketHarborough, Leicester, LE16 8AW. Tel 01858 431 900, quote tourno 1153.
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