Below are some hints and tips when applying for ELCAS, IRTC or SLC funded training. It can be a daunting process leaving the military, but we are here to support and guide you through our resettlement period.
Things to think about
- Make sure you understand the regulations – see Joint Service Publication JSP822 – Defence Direction and Guidance on Training, Education and Skills, which can be downloaded from the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.
- Consult your education/learning staff and line managers to discuss your personal development plan, do you have a new career that you want to develop.
- Plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days between submitting an ELC claim and needing to book a course. Places on our 4-week course are sometimes booked months in advance so try not to leave it to the last minute, we do operate a reserve list for this course.
- Be prepared to provide evidence that the ELCAS approved course you would like to do is at least level 3 (or equivalent) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF),* and that it directly benefits the Service (unless your claim is resettlement-related during your last two years of serving).
- Ensure that the training is delivered by an approved ELC provider if using your Individual Resettlement Training Cost (IRTC) grant along with ELC to fund a nationally recognised qualification at level 3 or above, you can check them out on the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.
- Consult your education, learning, training and/or resettlement adviser if you aren’t sure of the best way to use funding for your resettlement training.
- Inform ELCAS if your last day in Service alters from that originally stated, complete and return the evaluation questionnaire when you’ve finished your studies; if you don’t, and can’t provide evidence that you completed the course, your future claims will be denied.
- Use your Standard Learning Credits each year, maybe think about using them to gain a CSCS card or short Health & Safety qualification that will help you with future work.
- If you or your family need support with finding employment, contact https://www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk/. Forces Families Jobs is the go-to place for training, employment and volunteer roles for family members of currently serving UK military personnel.
Things to avoid
- Do not commit any payment contributions to course providers until you have received a claim authorisation note (CAN) and have obtained approval from your own Service.
- Do not automatically assume that approved provider status means that the entire portfolio of a provider’s courses meets the level 3 requirement eligible for ELCAS funding, all courses provided must be approved by ELCAS and many providers offer a range of programmes that could be IRTC or SLC funded if not a level 3.
- Do not enrol on a course with a new provider who is awaiting ‘approved’ status; wait until this has definitely been achieved – if this takes too long, look on the ELCAS website for an alternative provider.
- Do not think a course that would normally take a civilian 4 years to complete, can be completed by someone leaving the Armed Forces in 6 weeks. Check out the credentials of the training provider and where the course will take you, ask to see reviews from previous learners.
If you need any advice and guidance, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the team.