www.courses4forces.co.uk
TM
Summer 2015
COURSES
4 FORCES
In association with the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS)
Distributed to all MoD Units by BFPO under contract
C
An OUR Con
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Contents
Contents
4
Enhanced learning credits – what they are and how to claim them
8
Distance learning
14
Your questions answered
18
Using learning credits with individual resettlement training costs
24
View from the Ministry
32
Enhanced learning credits: dos and don’ts
34
Approved providers and preferred suppliers – the differences
36
The ELC claims process for those who are no longer in the Armed Forces
38
Exemption from taxation for payments made to Service leavers under the
Enhanced Learning Credits scheme
40
Course notes
54
Index to advertisers
www.courses4forces.co.uk
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COURSES
4 FORCES
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
3
Enhanced learning credits – what they are and how to claim them
ENHANCED LEARNING CREDITS
– what they are and how to claim them
(For a full explanation of ELC see Joint
Service Publication JSP898 – Defence
Direction and Guidance on Training,
Education and Skills)
nhanced learning credits (ELC) are a
very attractive addition to the MoD’s
allowances, and users must ensure that they
follow the letter and spirit of the
regulations that govern them. In outline,
individuals join the scheme, complete some
years of service and then draw down cash to
support approved learning.
E
Joining
Those wishing to join the scheme must be
in the Armed Forces. All recruits can
register during their first year of service,
with a further registration window between
the eight‐year and the eight‐and‐a‐half‐year
point; forms are available from education
staffs,* learning and education centres, and
the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS)
website at
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com.
Registration date in the first 12 months will
be the actual date the form is submitted.
Registration date in the post‐eight‐year
window will be the dated from the eight‐
year service point.
People already serving at 1 April 2003
who registered by 1 April 2004 will have
their eligible service reckoned from 1 April
2000 or their date of enlistment, whichever
is the later. People who joined on or after 1
April 2003 and joined the scheme during
their first year of service will have their
eligible service reckoned from their date of
enlistment. No service before 1 April 2000
can be taken into account under the
scheme.
Length of service required
Before being allowed to make an ELC claim
at the lower level (currently up to £1,000),
an individual must have at least four years’
service. Before being allowed a claim at the
higher rate (currently up to £2,000), they
must have completed eight years’ service.
This service period must be complete
before starting the learning for which ELC
will be claimed, and the latest date for
making a claim is ten years after leaving the
Services.
ELC awards
ELC may be claimed for a maximum of
three separate years, which do not have to
run consecutively, and may also be a
combination of both higher and lower
levels. They may also be claimed for the
same learning course if it continues for over
a year or for different learning purposes for
each year. If one course combines with
others for a single learning purpose they
can be combined to claim ELC.
Only one ELC claim can be made in any
one financial year (April to March).
Individuals must make a contribution to
their learning of at least 20% of the cost.
The ELC element includes VAT but excludes
travel, accommodation, food, books and
materials. There is no entitlement to travel
at public expense for ELC training activity,
unless the ELC is drawn for resettlement
purposes. (Authority to travel at public
expense for resettlement training is in
accordance with JSP752, Ch. 4.)
The learning purpose must benefit the
Service and advance the individual’s
development plans. Claimants must plan
their personal development, often best
demonstrated through a personal
development record. The individual
resettlement training costs (IRTC) grant may
be used in addition to ELC to pay towards
the cost of the same learning activity where
the activity fully meets the ELC scheme
criteria (i.e. the pursuit of a nationally
recognised qualification at level 3 and above
delivered by an ELC approved provider).
Learning must be cost‐effective and
authorised, and the provider must be an
approved provider. Documentary proof that
learning has taken place will be needed for
claims.
Continued on page 6
* Where the phrase ‘education staff(s)’ is used in this publication it is to be interpreted throughout as referring to all Army Learning and Development Officers (LDOs) and Individual Education and
Resettlement Officers (IEROs), RAF Learning Centre and Education Staff, and RN/RM Education & Resettlement Officers (EROs), and Naval Education and Training Service (Operations) Officers (NETSOs).
4
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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5
Enhanced learning credits – what they are and how to claim them
Tax
Most work‐related learning undertaken
during service will not be treated as income
or a taxable benefit. With effect from
September 2012, ELC payments to Service
leavers (SL) were also exempted from tax.
Advice
Before deciding on learning, people should
consider:
●
its relevance to their personal
development plan
●
their ability to undertake the course
●
likely disruptions from service
requirements
●
the flexibility of the study method.
Individuals must discuss their plans with
their line manager and education adviser
before making any financial commitment.
Withdrawal once payment has been
made due to foreseeable postings/Service
activities will usually result in no further
claims being allowed. If unexpected Service
or compassionate reasons cause
withdrawal, ELC may be carried forward
for two years or a refund may be possible
and an extra ELC authorised. All cases will
be judged on their merits. The cancellation
and reinstatement process is published in
JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance
on Training, Education and Skills. It is
supplemented by detailed guidance from
an individual’s single‐Service education
authority.
Learning purposes
Next steps
●
●
ELC are available for full‐time or part‐time
study for a qualification at level 3 or above,
as defined on the NQF or SCQF, with an
organisation on the approved providers list
held by ELCAS. This might include:
●
foundation degrees
●
postgraduate qualifications
●
other academic qualifications
●
professional self‐development
●
accreditation of prior learning
●
vocational training
●
registration and accreditation fees
●
sports qualifications
●
overseas qualifications
●
resettlement training (during last
two years of service only).
ELC may not be claimed for:
●
Service training
●
civilian accredited Service training
(unless at least 30 hours extra work is
involved, together with a separate
exam, assessment or assignment)
●
membership fees
●
books and materials
●
normal Service sport and adventurous
training.
●
●
●
●
●
Read JSP898 – Defence Direction and
Guidance on Training, Education and
Skills.
Register for the scheme in accordance
with published guidelines.
Think about what fits your personal
development plan and your future.
Check that the course you wish to enrol
on is allowable under the rules.
Get the necessary approval to enrol.
Talk with your line manager and
education/learning staff.
Start learning, to make the most of
your life.
IMPORTANT REMINDER!
If you left the Armed Forces in 2005 and have
yet to use your ELC, time is running out. You
have ten years after leaving Service to make
your claim, so act now. Use it or lose it!
ELC SCHEME: LATEST STATS
From its inception until the end of
March 2015, 361,985 people had
registered with the ELC scheme and
105,014 claims had been made, to the
value of £148.6 million.
Courses at
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Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
7
Distance learning
Distance learning
What is distance learning?
istance learning allows people to study when and where they
want, rather than on the same site as the institution that is
providing the education (as is the case with ‘traditional’ study). As
well as ‘distance learning’, you are likely to come across terms such as
‘open learning’ and ‘distance supported learning’. In truth, all these
types of learning are likely to overlap, but, as a rough rule of thumb,
open learning includes more face‐to‐face classes than distance
learning, while the word ‘supported’ usually indicates that there are
tutors and physical material available to help students.
Distance learning ranges from courses of even as little as a few
hours, to degrees and postgraduate qualifications that may involve
several years’ study. So‐called ‘short courses’ typically last days or
weeks as opposed to months or years. Even those subjects with a
strong practical element often have modules that are appropriate for
distance learning.
Thanks to the wide availability of useful technology these days,
learning materials and support may be provided by either one or a
combination of the following means: books, telephone, DVD, CD‐
ROM, email, the internet, podcasts and via mobile learning, where
the student accesses course content stored on a mobile device or
through a wireless server. Some providers offer course elements via
the iTunes Store, which can be downloaded free of charge. Many
courses make extensive use of the internet. Others involve tutor
groups, which may meet regularly, or ‘summer camps’ of a few weeks’
duration for classroom education on top of regular, directed
coursework at a distance.
D
ASK YOURSELF …
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Does the course lead to the
qualification I want/need?
Will the course train me to
the level required (by me or
a potential employer)?
Can I view the training
materials first, before
committing? Or chat to
previous learners?
Do I have to pass an entry
test?
How much support is
available? And in what
form?
Can the whole course be
done at a distance, or is it
necessary to attend training
sessions at specific times?
How much time do I need
to set aside for study?
How much will the course
cost?
●
●
●
●
●
Will there be an exam at
the end?
Is the provider inspected or
accredited by an
independent body?
If I choose to study for a
degree, do I have to
complete it in three years?
Will I receive any special
consideration for study
problems as a result of
operational duties?
Is the course available via
learning tools that I will be
able to access? (For
example, if you are in an
environment where IT
availability is limited, you
should select a course
where it is possible to use
paper and telephone, at
least for a limited period.)
APL AND CATS
Convenience is the key
The great thing about distance learning – especially for those in the
Armed Forces, who may be posted anywhere in the world – is that it
puts you in control of your education. Once you have chosen and
enrolled on your course (see below), you are free to study when,
where – and, these days, how – you choose, so you can fit your
education around your current work and/or family commitments.
You might be an early bird, who works best first thing in the
morning; or you might be a night owl, who finds the evenings the
best time to study successfully – it’s entirely up to you. And of course,
in these days of laptops, notebooks, tablets and mobile learning,
When choosing a course, two terms to be aware of are
accreditation of prior learning (APL) and the Credit
Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS). Both allow a
teaching organisation to give credit to:
●
learning obtained elsewhere, and
●
relevant experience at work in the subject concerned.
You should always ask about APL and CATS, to avoid repeating
things you have already done.
Continued on page 10
Safe departures take more than pilots; train to become an
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Open Learning Courses
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PROVIDER NUMBER
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Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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The College of Estate Management, an approved ELC provider,
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Law degrees in two or four years
‘ The course is extremely well run, very
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
9
Distance learning
you can set up and study at a location of your choice – home or work,
at a cafe, even while travelling. Importantly, too, you can work at
your own pace – there are no term‐times to be rigidly stuck to
(although you may have to sit exams, and these may take place only
at specific times).
To sum up, distance study enables you take responsibility for your
own learning. However, although you will be in control, a good provider
will offer support – so you will most certainly not be alone, left
completely to your own devices, but will have back‐up and assistance as
and when you require it. There are also likely to be self‐checks and
interim tests to help ensure that you are on target, and tutor‐marked
assessments to provide valuable feedback, as well as a telephone
helpline to call or an address to email for advice if you get stuck.
How do I choose a course and provider?
Although necessarily influenced by market forces (i.e. demand from
learners), a vast array of courses is available in distance learning
form. And because the choice of provider is huge, too, you are more
than likely to be able to track down the course that you are looking
for. This may be something that will give you a general grounding or
background in a particular subject or area (that you may go on to
study in more depth later), or you might be looking to focus on
something very specific – such as the entrance examinations of a
particular professional body.
Both higher education (HE) and further education (FE) courses
can be taken via distance learning. The difference between is not
always clear‐cut, and in some cases (e.g. foundation degrees), both
are involved. Many qualifications are modular; this means that they
can be earned by learners completing modules, often of their own
choosing; credits gained from a selection of such courses can be
added together to gain degrees and other HE qualifications. It is not
always necessary to have an undergraduate degree to gain a master’s;
neither is it necessary to have one in order to achieve many
professional qualifications.
Increasingly, Service people will take distance learning modules
as part of the training that produces their career progression. So, you
could be studying with a view to gaining qualifications that will help
you while in the Forces or when you leave, or just for personal
interest – out of enthusiasm for a particular subject.
But how do you know who is a good provider and who is not?
And exactly which course do you need? All this choice can prove
confusing! In the accompanying box, there is a checklist that should
help you.
Finding out more
Service education and training staff, both within the learner’s unit
and specialists, often provide the best advice about what individuals
want and what it is actually possible for them to achieve. They can
also provide access to the funding available to support study, and
recommend the subjects that you should be encouraged to pursue –
particularly with a view to a second career when leaving the Services.
Increasing numbers of Forces learning and education centres and
personal learning advisers also have access to e‐learning
opportunities.
Information about courses is also available from learndirect (see
‘Key contacts’). It, too, runs its own courses and learning centres with
tutor support, where students can undertake online learning, and
which use ICT systems to enable users to access learning.
Other information sources include direct from the ‘horse’s
mouth’ (somebody who has first‐hand experience of a course or a
training provider), written prospectuses and, of course, the internet.
The website of the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
(ODL QC) is particularly helpful (again see ‘Key contacts’).
Continued on page 12
MARITIME & ENGINEERING
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FURTHER YOUR
QUALIFICATIONS?
Develop your skills and increase your employability with a
recognised University qualification
The University of Derby Online Learning is one of the UK’s
leading providers of online distance learning.
We provide structured and supported undergraduate and
postgraduate degrees and short courses that can be studied
part time online from anywhere in the world.
Online learning offers you a flexible way of completing a
University qualification while still serving in the military,
equipping you with the practical skills and knowledge to
further your career.
Choose from a wide range of courses in subject
areas including:
•
•
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Accounting and Finance
Business and Management
Computing and IT
Counselling and Cognitive Behaviour
Environmental Sciences
Health and Social Care
Hospitality Management
Professional Engineering
Psychology and Ergonomics
Ready to find out more?
Call: +44(0)1332 594000 or Email: OnlineAdmissions@derby.ac.uk
Whether you’re starting out, moving up or starting again
WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE
www.derby.ac.uk/military
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
Who are the learning providers?
Many learning providers are neither HE nor FE institutions, although
they may have links of varying strengths with one or more colleges or
universities. Many companies run large training departments, and
there are also many commercial organisations that provide training
to paying clients. Much of the training such providers deliver is of
excellent quality and targeted carefully at the needs of civilian
employers in a specific market sector. Many commercial businesses
offering training use the premises of academic institutions to deliver
courses, and may have contracts with employment agencies to help
their students find work.
You are likely to have heard of some of the bigger distance
learning organisations, however – as mentioned above – there are
many other providers out there too, also offering a wide range of
courses, some with discounts for Service people (ask your education
and training adviser for further information). To see a list of ODL
QC‐accredited learning providers, visit its website and click on the
‘Find an accredited provider’ link.
Service people are eligible for grants and some other financial
support when undertaking distance learning. Chief among these are
enhanced learning credits (ELC) and standard learning credits (SLC).
There may even be other funding routes that education, learning and
training staffs may be able to access. Selected learning providers also
offer discounts to Service personnel, so do check with them
direct.
KEY CONTACTS
learndirect, Tel: 0800 101 901 Website: www.learndirect.co.uk
Twitter: @learndirect
Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC),
Tel: 020 8658 8337 Website: www.odlqc.org.uk
Funding
Course costs vary enormously, and it is very important to discover all
the costs of a course before embarking on it, including hidden extras
like revision courses, exam fees, materials used and ‘subscriptions’.
Those in the Armed Forces should also recognise that they should
expect to pay for at least some of their personal development –
including distance learning courses – themselves. After all, they will
benefit in the long term, and civilians, likewise, certainly expect to at
least make a contribution to their own learning.
Helping the Armed Forces Personnel
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Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
13
Your questions answered
Your questions answered
Q: When can I start claiming ELC?
A: If you have registered on the enhanced
learning credits (ELC) scheme and have
been serving since 1 April 2000, you have
been entitled to start claiming at the
£1,000 level from 1 April 2004 and at the
£2,000 level from 1 April 2008. In all
other cases, registered personnel may
make claims at the £1,000 level four years
after enlistment, and at the £2,000 level
eight years after enlistment.
Q: Joint Service Publication JSP898 –
Defence Direction and Guidance on
Training, Education and Skills – states
that the course must be of a level 3 or
above. What does level 3 mean?
A: That the course is on the National
Qualifications Framework/Qualifications
and Credit Framework at this level; it
could be an A‐level, or an NVQ 3 or
equivalent award. You may also use ELC
to fund anything above this, like
university modules or nationally
recognised diplomas.
14
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
Q: How do I know if the course I want to
do is level 3 or above?
A: For some courses, this will be very
obvious. The qualifications offered by
institutes, and some specialist courses,
may not be so clear. You should ask the
training provider to confirm the level
with the awarding body that accredits
the course. Most qualifications can be
found in the directory British
Qualifications or on the Register of
Regulated Qualifications website at
http://register.ofqual.gov.uk
Q: What does JSP898 mean by
‘vocational courses’?
A: These are courses that are job or skill
specific, like NVQs that have to be
completed in the workplace or through a
college with work placements. You are
assessed on the job, and build up a
portfolio of evidence showing that you are
competent in the role. Often, they can be
very hands‐on courses, like plumbing,
welding, heating and ventilating courses,
which lead to the qualifications required
for very specific trades.
Q: Can I use ELC for any course?
A: No. If you are still serving, the course
must be at level 3 or above, and it must
be with an approved provider listed on
the dedicated ELC website. The website
address is www.enhancedlearning
credits.com The course must also be of
benefit to the Service, to meet tax office
guidelines.
Q: Can I use ELC for a sports course?
A: If you are planning on taking an
instructor or coaching course, it could be
permissible but, if the course can be
taken through local tri‐Service
arrangements, it will not be allowed. You
would also have to present evidence as to
how you would use the sports
qualification to the benefit of the Service
and how you are currently involved in
that sport. The training provider would
need to be on the approved list of
providers (see below).
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Your questions answered
Q: What do you mean by resettlement
phase?
A: After an individual has completed their
mandatory Service Resettlement
interview and fully registered for
resettlement on JPA.
Q: Why does learning have to be ‘of
benefit’ to the Service?
A: HM Revenue & Customs rules are that
any money provided for personal
development has to be of immediate
benefit to the Armed Forces and the
individual, or the MoD would be liable
for tax.
Q: If I do a module for £450 can I use the
rest of my £1,000 or £2,000 later in the
same financial year for a different
course?
A: No. ELC is a ‘one‐hit’ claim per year.
Q: Can I use Standard Learning Credits
(SLC) in the same financial year that I
use ELC?
A: Yes, if it is not for the same course of
study.
Q: Where can I find the list of approved
training providers?
A: You can search the ELCAS website by
name to see if the provider has already
been approved. You can also check
through the whole list.
Q: If a company is on the approved
training provider list, can I do any of
its courses?
A: No, only the courses that meet the
criteria in JSP898 – Defence Direction
and Guidance on Training, Education
and Skills – the course must be at level 3
and above, and listed on the ELCAS site
as being approved.
Q: If I left the Service before 1 April 2008
and had not used my ELC, will I be
able to claim £1,000 per year or
£2,000?
A: It would remain at the £1,000 level. You
must accumulate eight years of qualifying
service before being eligible for the
higher tier of ELC. This can be achieved
only while serving.
Q: Can I secure my place on a course and
pay a deposit before starting the
claims process?
A: As a general rule, you should not part
with any money without approval from
your education staff, or a letter from
ELCAS giving you a ‘claim authorisation
note’. If a deposit is required on booking,
www.courses4forces.co.uk
any payment made prior to the issue of a
claim authorisation note is at your
personal risk and must not exceed the
limit of your personal contribution.
Q: I am working in an overseas location
that has no education/learning staff
anywhere near it. Who can I get to
authorise my claim?
A: Each single Service has made
arrangements to help people serving
overseas who do not have the normal
education facilities available. Your unit
administrative staff will have the
necessary details.
Q: I am not going to be able to see my
education/learning staff face to face
as I am on an operational tour. What
can I do?
A: You should telephone your usual
education/learning centre to discuss your
position.
Q: Can I get my line manager or unit
staff to authorise my claim?
A: No. Line managers and unit staff are
eligible to sign registration forms and
they must also sign claim forms. Final
authorisation must be given by an
education/learning officer whose name is
on the ELCAS database. If in doubt,
check at your education/learning centre.
Please note that claim forms must not be
submitted direct to ELCAS.
Q: What do I need to take with me when
I go to see the education/learning
staff?
A: All the information about the course you
wish to study. Also take a training and
development plan (from your PDR) and a
claim form signed by your line manager.
Q: Do I pay up front and claim the
money back?
A: No. Refer to the flow chart on the back of
JSP898 – Defence Direction and
Guidance on Training, Education and
Skills. ELC pay up to 80% of course costs
to a maximum of either £1,000 or £2,000.
The individual pays the rest up front, but
only once they have a claim authorisation
note from ELCAS.
Q: When I have left the Service, who do I
contact for a claim form?
A: Refer to the website for a claim form.
Claims will be authorised by single
Services.
Q: What will happen if I get deployed
during my course and I can’t continue
with it?
A: You need to inform ELCAS as soon as
possible. You must get a letter from your
line manager explaining why you cannot
continue, and forward this to ELCAS at
the time of withdrawal.
Q: When I want to take a course, do I
have to discuss it with my line
manager?
A: Yes, you need to be supported by your
line manager. They will be best placed to
know if work commitments are likely to
allow that level of study. A good time to
discuss this is during your appraisal,
when drawing up your training and
development plan. You also need their
signature on the claim form before an
interview with education/learning staff.
Q: My location and discharge date have
changed since I registered for ELC. Do
I need to contact ELCAS to inform
them?
A: No. They can make changes to your
details when you make a claim. You do,
however, need to inform them if you
leave the Service and later rejoin. You can
get a form from the website to record
periods of interrupted service.
Q: I have not yet received confirmation
of acceptance from ELCAS that I am
registered. What should I do?
A: Telephone the ELCAS helpline on 0845
300 5179, and give your name and service
number to confirm if you are registered.
Q: Can I use SLC to pay for an exam
relating to the course of study being
funded by ELC?
A: No.
Q: Can I use my Individual Resettlement
Training Costs (IRTC) and ELC to fund
the same course of study leading to
achievement of a nationally
recognised qualification?
A: Yes. For courses that started on or after 1
September 2008, it is permissible to use
IRTC with ELC or SLC (but not both) to
fund a learning activity during
resettlement if, in all instances, the
criteria of the relevant learning credit
schemes are met. For example, IRTC may
be used with ELC but only during
resettlement and to fund a nationally
recognised higher‐level qualification
(level 3 or above) delivered by an
approved ELC learning provider.
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
15
Your questions answered
Q: Do I still need to make a 20%
minimum personal contribution
towards the cost of the qualification
course during resettlement if I am
using IRTC with SLC/ELC to fund the
same activity?
A: In the first instance yes, because you are
required to submit a claim in accordance
with the current ELC regulations. You
may subsequently submit an IRTC claim
in accordance with resettlement policy
to claim your IRTC grant in full or part
to help pay towards the cost of the
higher‐level learning. However, under
these circumstances only, it is
permissible for Service leavers to use
IRTC to pay, in part or in full, the
mandated 20% personal contribution
element.
Q: This doesn’t seem fair. Why only
under these circumstances during
resettlement am I allowed not to
make a personal contribution?
A: Demonstrating a commitment to
learning and personal development is a
fundamental principle of the Armed
Forces learning credit schemes. For the
most part, the use of learning credits is
aimed at developing people in‐Service to
the benefit of both the Forces and the
individual. For Service leavers
undergoing resettlement, it makes sense
to use all the available funding to help
pay the costs of undertaking
qualifications and, where feasible,
rationalise learning credit regulations
with the resettlement rules. In addition,
for the majority of cases and especially
for more expensive higher‐level
learning courses, the principle of
personal contribution is preserved as
most claimants will make some element
of contribution that often exceeds the
20% minimum.
Q: Since I can’t use any unused ELC later
in the financial year for a different
higher course, can I carry forward
any outstanding IRTC grant balance?
A: In accordance with resettlement
regulations, you can use any balance of
IRTC to pay for another resettlement
activity. This is because IRTC is a grant
up to a maximum figure, so each
individual is guaranteed an allowance
to a maximum level to use as they
choose until it is spent. ELC and SLC are
not entitlements in that sense. The
Armed Forces, rather, make a
contribution to the actual cost of
learning up to a maximum limit, as
16
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
described in the scheme regulations. For
ELC this is based on a ‘one hit’ claim per
year, although for SLC multiple claims
can be submitted in each financial year
up to the maximum credit value, which
is currently £175.
Q: How do I know whether I should use
ELC or SLC plus IRTC in resettlement
to pay towards the cost of learning?
A: It depends on the cost of the learning
activity and whether it meets the criteria
of the various schemes. It makes sense
to optimise the funding available, but
talk this through with your resettlement
adviser if you are unsure about the best
route. In all cases it makes sense to
maximise the use of learning credits up
to the full value for which a claimant is
eligible, before considering using IRTC
to pay towards the same course. It
doesn’t make sense to waste any of the
value of learning credits.
Q: What information is available to
ensure that I use the correct
combinations of IRTC and learning
credits to maximise their value
during resettlement?
A: Service resettlement advisers (SRA) have
access to the latest advice and guidance,
and should be consulted in the first
instance. SRA have been given an
IRTC/learning credit calculator that may
also help to determine the net worth of
the funding options and allow Service
leavers to make an informed decision on
which, and in what order, IRTC and
learning credits can be used most
efficiently.
Q: How do I submit a claim? Do I use a
new form?
A: Having decided if it is to your advantage
to use IRTC with ELC or SLC, you follow
exactly the same process as before. For
ELC the application form has been
slightly amended and you are asked to
tick a box indicating whether you will
also claim IRTC for the same course of
study. Otherwise you submit a claim as
you do now, having calculated your 20%
minimum personal contribution. As for
IRTC, you can decide whether to claim
up to 80% in advance of your grant or
wait until after the course has completed
to claim back your IRTC entitlement,
which may contribute in full or part
towards refunding your 20% personal
contribution. You will have to ask the
provider to provide you with a clear
invoice detailing the separate course fee
elements.
Q: Can I only use SLC with IRTC to pay
for examination fees?
A: No, you can use it towards any
recognised national qualification or for
any of the other permitted uses laid out
in JSP898 – Defence Direction and
Guidance on Training, Education and
Skills.
Q: What happens if I am made
redundant?
A: No one is entitled to ELC. You become
eligible to claim ELC by meeting several
criteria, including length of qualifying
service. Service personnel made
redundant, irrespective of whether they
applied to be made redundant or not,
and who have registered with the ELC
scheme, will cease to accrue service for
ELC eligibility on the day they leave
service. Those who have accrued four or
more years’ service since registering on
the ELC scheme by the last day of service
will be eligible to claim ELC at the lower
tier (£1,000), and those who have accrued
eight or more years’ service since
registering on the ELC scheme by the
last day of service will be eligible to claim
ELC at the higher tier (£2,000), subject to
meeting the other conditions associated
with the ELC scheme. Moreover, that
rate can be claimed for up to ten years
after termination of service. People made
redundant before 31 March 2008 cannot
accrue the minimum service required
from the initial registration window to
be eligible for the higher‐tier rate. People
who have accrued less than four years’
service by the final date of service will
not be eligible for ELC funding as they
will not have achieved sufficient length
of qualifying service.
Q: What happens if I am medically
discharged?
A: Those who are medically discharged and
are registered members of the scheme
are eligible to claim ELC at the lower
(£1,000) or higher (£2,000) tier, as
dictated by their length of service on the
date of discharge. Additionally, those
who are medically discharged prior to
completing four years of service may be
eligible to make claims at the lower‐tier
rate if the injury or illness was caused or
significantly worsened, wholly or
predominantly by service, as defined by
the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
(JSP765).
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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The entry requirements for the Masters in Entrepreneurial Leadership (MEL) include the vocational qualifications
Staffgo
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mean that
personnelranks
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programme*
and
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months.
above are automatically eligible to join the programme* and gain a Masters qualification in less than 20 months.
›Jkl[\ekjXkk\e[feZ\$X$dfek_nfibj_fgjXkcfZXcm\el\j`eZcl[`e^k_\gfjj`Y`c`kpf]fe$YXj\kl`k`fe%
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
17
Using learning credits with individual resettlement training costs
Using learning credits
with individual resettlement
training costs
Introduction
The MoD has optimised funding for Service
leavers so they can use learning credits
during resettlement with their individual
resettlement training costs (IRTC) grant to
pay towards the cost of eligible learning
activities. The learning activity must meet
fully the criteria of either the enhanced
learning credit (ELC) or standard learning
credit (SLC) schemes. This provides better‐
targeted public funding where the learning
leads to the same outcome – a nationally
recognised qualification.
Claiming IRTC with ELC
Claims for both ELC and IRTC to pay
towards a single resettlement learning
activity should be submitted in accordance
with the individual scheme regulations. The
20% minimum personal contribution should
be paid on receipt of the claims authorisation
note (CAN) from ELCAS, and MoD will be
invoiced separately by the learning provider
to pay the difference. Someone claiming ELC
may then submit a retrospective IRTC claim
on completion of the course to claim back
the difference up to the maximum IRTC
allowance. The Service leaver may continue
to apply routinely for pre‐payment of IRTC
using the current procedure.
Funding combinations during
resettlement
IRTC may be used together with ELC or SLC,
but all three cannot be amalgamated. ELC
and SLC are designed to fund different
learning purposes and cannot be used
together. For example, SLC may not be used
to fund an exam for a course of study that
has been supported by ELC. The MoD
monitors providers closely to ensure that
costs remain competitive and are not
inflated to obtain the maximum funding
available.
When using IRTC with ELC or SLC during
resettlement, the individual may use the IRTC
element to pay for, in part or in full, the 20%
minimum personal contribution. This
exception will be permitted only under these
specific circumstances; otherwise the rules for
each scheme remain unchanged. The MoD
18
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
decided that funding should be optimised to
enable Service leavers to undertake valid
resettlement activities to help them secure
employment. Some element of personal
contribution will usually continue, especially
for more expensive, higher‐level
qualifications where the 20% minimum will
more than likely be exceeded.
“It is not permitted
to combine all three
funding streams of
IRTC, SLC and ELC
towards the cost of
a single resettlement
activity”
Implementation rules and
guidance
Rules
In essence:
●
IRTC + ELC
●
IRTC + SLC
●
IRTC + ELC + SLC
Key points to note
●
●
●
●
Optimisation of funding for
Service leavers
However, the order in which ELC or SLC and
IRTC are used can affect the overall net value
of the funds to Service leavers. ELC may only
be used once for a single educational activity,
regardless of whether the cost of the activity
is less than the value of the credit, whereas
IRTC may be used against multiple learning
events if the grant value exceeds the cost of
the resettlement activity. Any unspent IRTC
may be directed towards another training
activity. Because IRTC may be used to finance
multiple courses or training while ELC may
not, Service leavers should work out how best
to optimise the funding support available
when undertaking resettlement. For SLC the
position is different as more than one claim
for smaller‐scale learning activities may be
submitted in each financial year provided
that the credit maximum, currently £175, is
not exceeded. Service people should use
advice and guidance available from
education, learning and resettlement
advisers.
Yes
Yes
No
●
IRTC may be used in concert with ELC or
SLC to fund a recognised learning
activity, in accordance with the SLC and
ELC scheme rules.
The policy and procedures for
submitting an ELC, SLC or IRTC claim
have not changed. No new allowance has
been created. The funding is not
combined into one pot.
An SLC or ELC claim should be
submitted, with the individual making
their minimum 20% personal
contribution.
An IRTC claim should be submitted
either in advance of the allowance or in
retrospect, once the learning activity has
been completed.
These processes are completely separate,
in accordance with learning credit and
resettlement regulations.
Some additional points
●
●
●
IRTC may be used with ELC or SLC to
fund a learning activity during
resettlement, but in all instances the
criteria of the relevant learning credit
scheme must be met. The regulations
about each learning credit scheme are
published annually in Joint Service
Publication JSP898 – Defence Direction
and Guidance on Training, Education
and Skills.
IRTC may be used to pay for the
minimum 20% learning credit personal
contribution, either in full or part,
where a learning activity meets the
criteria for both schemes.
The 20% minimum personal
contribution using ELC towards the cost
of the higher‐level learning (level 3 and
above only) should be paid up front by
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Using learning credits with individual resettlement training costs
●
●
●
the claimant directly to the course
provider. Any element of IRTC used to
fund the learning can be claimed in
advance (up to 80%) or in full or part on
course completion.
Using IRTC either in full or part,
together with ELC or SLC, must comply
with learning credit policy. Most
notably, if using IRTC with ELC then an
ELC approved provider must be used. If
using IRTC with SLC, provided that the
learning activity is in support of the
individual’s approved resettlement
strategy, the course undertaken need
not result in a nationally recognised
qualification.
The full course cost for a claimant
accessing SLC support should be paid by
the claimant direct to the course
provider. The difference up to a
maximum of £175 after deducting the
20% minimum personal contribution is
paid by MoD on course completion. Any
element of IRTC used to fund the
learning can be claimed in advance (up
to 80%) or in full or part on course
completion.
If using IRTC with SLC, then a Career
Transition Partnership (CTP) preferred
supplier or any other accredited
provider may be used.
www.courses4forces.co.uk
“It is not possible to
accrue, or carry
forward, any unused
element of ELC”
●
●
●
●
●
●
It remains the individual claimant’s
responsibility, with advice and guidance
from an education, learning and
resettlement adviser, to determine the
best way to optimise the funding
support available in resettlement to pay
for learning leading to a qualification.
If, after using IRTC together with ELC or
SLC, there is an unused IRTC element, it
may be used to pay towards another
training activity during resettlement.
It is not possible to accrue, or carry
forward, any unused element of ELC.
The principle remains one use of an ELC
in any one financial year.
It is possible to make more than one
SLC claim in each financial year
provided that the maximum credit,
currently £175, is not exceeded.
Just as it is not possible to use SLC and
ELC to pay for the same learning
activity (SLC are used to pay towards
●
lower‐level learning, while ELC are used
to pay towards higher‐level learning
(level 3 and above)), it is not permitted
to combine all three funding streams of
IRTC, SLC and ELC towards the cost of a
single resettlement activity. The
claimant should decide on the most
appropriate funding mechanism.
It is recommended that claimants
should consider using the learning
credit to fund the learning to the
maximum level for which they are
eligible during their resettlement,
before using IRTC to pay towards the
same activity. This may optimise the
funding available where a different and
additional learning activity might be
considered.
Where ELC is being used in conjunction
with IRTC and Graduated Resettlement
Time, it may be permissible to claim
both subsistence and travel in
accordance with JSP752. In such cases,
the validity of such claims is to be
assessed against the criteria laid down
in JSP534 (the Tri‐Service Resettlement
Manual).
Continued on page 22
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
19
Using learning credits with individual resettlement training costs
Funding examples using IRTC with learning credits
Using IRTC with ELC
Example 1
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
1,500
B
20% personal contribution
300
(20% of A)
Under ELC rules
C
ELC grant (£1,000 maximum) used
1,000
D
Outstanding balance
200
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
500
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
500
G
Remaining IRTC
34
£1,000 maximum paid by the Service
£500 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC and who has accrued the four years’ minimum eligible ELC scheme membership applies for a course costing
£1,500. Claimant pays £500 to provider to cover the minimum 20% contribution (£300) required to use ELC and £200 to cover the remaining balance
less the maximum ELC available.
The applicant uses £500 of their IRTC towards the cost of the course. They claim back £500 from their IRTC grant leaving a balance of £34 to contribute
towards the cost of any other resettlement training. The £1,000 ELC invoice is processed by ELCAS and the MoD pays the provider directly. Should the
applicant wish, they may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of their IRTC expended noting that if it is not used it will be reclaimed in the next period.
Example 2
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
3,000
B
20% personal contribution
600
(20% of A)
Under ELC rules
C
ELC grant (£1,000 maximum) used
1,000
D
Outstanding balance
1,400
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
2,000
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
534
G
Remaining IRTC
0
£1,000 maximum paid by the Service
£534 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC and who has accrued the four years’ minimum eligible ELC scheme membership applies for a course costing
£3,000. Claimant pays £2,000 to provider to cover the minimum 20% contribution (£600) required to use ELC and £1,400 to cover the remaining
balance less the maximum ELC available.
The applicant uses all (£534) of their IRTC towards the cost of the course. They claim back the full £534 from their IRTC grant. The £1,000 ELC invoice
is processed by ELCAS and the MoD pays the provider directly. As above, the applicant may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of their IRTC to
reduce the initial outlay.
Example 3
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
6,500
B
20% personal contribution requirement
1,300
(20% of A)
Under ELC rules
C
ELC grant (£2,000 maximum) used
2,000
D
Outstanding balance
3,200
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
4,500
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
534
G
Remaining IRTC
0
£2,000 maximum paid by the Service
£534 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC and who has accrued the eight years’ minimum eligible ELC scheme membership applies for a course costing
£6,500. Claimant pays £4,500 to provider to cover the minimum 20% contribution (£1,300) required to use ELC and £3,200 to cover the remaining
balance less the maximum ELC available.
The applicant uses all (£534) of their IRTC grant towards the cost of the course. They claim back the full £534 from their IRTC grant. The £2,000 ELC
invoice is processed by ELCAS and the MoD pays the provider direct. The applicant may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of their IRTC to reduce
the initial outlay.
20
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
21
Using learning credits with individual resettlement training costs
Using IRTC with SLC
Example 4
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
1,100
B
20% personal contribution requirement
220
(20% of A)
Under SLC rules
C
SLC grant (£175 maximum) used
175
D
Outstanding balance
705
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
925
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
534
G
Remaining IRTC
0
£175 maximum paid by the Service
£534 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC applies for a course costing £1,100 using SLC. Claimant pays the full balance of £1,100 to the provider as required
when using SLC.
The applicant uses all (£534) of their IRTC towards the cost of the course. They claim back the full £534 from their IRTC grant and recovers £175 of SLC
on completion. They may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of IRTC expended to reduce the initial outlay.
Example 5
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
850
B
20% personal contribution requirement
170
(20% of A)
Under SLC rules
C
SLC grant (£175 maximum) used
175
D
Outstanding balance
505
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
675
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
534
G
Remaining IRTC
0
£175 maximum paid by the Service
£534 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC applies for a course costing £850 using SLC. Claimant pays the full balance of £850 to the provider as required
when using SLC.
The applicant uses all (£534) of their IRTC towards the cost of the course. They claim back the full £534 from their IRTC grant and recovers £175 of SLC
on completion. They may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of the IRTC expended to reduce the initial outlay.
Example 6
Item
£
Calculation
Notes
A
Gross course cost
620
B
20% personal contribution requirement
124
(20% of A)
Under SLC rules
C
SLC grant (£175 maximum) used
175
D
Outstanding balance
321
A-(B+C)
E
Total personal contribution
445
D+B
F
IRTC grant (£534 maximum) used
445
G
Remaining IRTC
89
£175 maximum paid by the Service
£534 used
534-F
A Service leaver who qualifies for IRTC applies for a course costing £620 using SLC. Claimant pays the full balance of £620 to the provider as required
when using SLC.
The applicant uses £445 of their IRTC towards the cost of the course. They claim back £445 from their IRTC grant and recovers £175 of SLC on
completion. They may apply for pre‐payment of up to 80% of the IRTC expended to reduce the initial outlay.
22
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
NUMBER
6079
View from the Ministry
View from the
Ministry
Commitment to the funding of
higher and further education
for Service leavers
The government announced to Parliament
on 17 July 2008 a package of cross‐
government support to Armed Forces
personnel, their families and veterans,
which included a commitment to providing
Service leavers (SL) with access to a first full
level 3 (GCE A level or vocational
equivalent) or a first higher education
qualification (a foundation degree or a first
undergraduate degree or equivalent) free
from tuition fees. Subsequently, the MoD
engaged with other government
departments (OGD) and devolved
administrations (DA) to define and agree
the parameters of this additional further
education (FE) and higher education (HE)
support, develop the policy and implement
the proposals. The scheme commenced
1
2
with effect from 6 April 2009. On
government direction, the scheme has been
reviewed by MoD and its partner
departments to ensure that it correctly
meets the need of SL. This has resulted in
revised criteria governing claims for FE and
HE support under the auspices of the
scheme that are submitted after 6 April
2011.
The support is aimed at people who
will benefit the most, and the application
system is really no different from the
current ELC rules other than the state
(MoD and the relevant national education
authority in England, Scotland or Wales)
paying tuition fees in full rather than the
individual making a contribution towards
the cost. The full policy can be found in
JSP898 Part 4, Chapter 7: Further and
Higher Education Support for Service
Leavers.
Background
This opens the gateway to further
education for people who may have joined
the Armed Forces with few or no
qualifications, and gone on to achieve a
level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent)
in the Service but progressed no further.
The MoD has already committed to the
target for all Service people to achieve level
2 within eight years of service or on
promotion to Sergeant (or equivalent),
whichever is the earlier.
Similarly, Service leavers who may have
joined at level 2 and have taken the
opportunity to gain a qualification such as
an advanced apprenticeship or other
accredited learning at level 3 (or
equivalent), may now be able to access
their first higher‐level qualification.
Continued on page 26
Department of Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) and the Skills Funding Agency.
Scottish Government and Welsh Assembly Government.
24
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
25
View from the Ministry
MAKING AN APPLICATION: STEP BY STEP
1. First, read Joint Service Publication
JSP898 – Defence Direction and
Guidance on Training, Education and
Skills (ELC Regulations) and JSP898, Part
4, Chapter 7: Further and Higher
Education Support for Service Leavers. A
helpful flowchart, depicting the claim
application process, has been drawn up
for inclusion in Chapter 7 and is
reproduced on pages 28–29 of this
edition of Courses 4 Forces.
2. Find and talk to an education/learning
and resettlement adviser.
3. Download the application form from the
ELC website; only this version can be
used and any other replicated form will
be rejected.
6. As with the current ELC scheme, do not
leave everything until the last minute.
Allow time for any new providers to be
accepted on to the scheme. Once
accepted, applications may be submitted.
Allow at least six weeks to go through
this process – more if possible. Leaving it
late may result in the application not
being processed in time for the start of
the course.
7. For the purposes of this scheme, where
the state pays the tuition fees in full,
providers will be expected to waive any
initial registration fee to help reduce the
level of bureaucracy. Applicants should
not pay any of their own money towards
the cost of their tuition fees. If they do, it
will not be refunded.
●
4. Check the ELCAS database of approved
providers – publicly funded providers for
the purpose of this support will be
highlighted.
5. If wishing to use a new provider, ensure
that they will be eligible to participate in
this scheme (they must deliver publicly
funded FE/HE), and ask them to apply
for scheme membership using the
information on the ELC website.
While the commitment provides
subsidy for tuition fees, individuals may
have to contribute to the non‐tuition‐
related costs of learning, which may
depend on whether the learning is full‐time
or part‐time, and the level of household
income. Some applicants may be able to
access means‐tested support, as may other
students.
Before making an application, Service
leavers are advised to check the national
position on existing support with the
relevant national education authority (the
BIS or SFA in England). There may already
be existing free provision by another route:
for example, those aged 25 years or under
are already entitled to a first level 3 in
England; there is free entitlement for all
who fulfil the residency requirements on
degree/HND‐level courses in Scotland; and
Welsh residents also attract some support
for FE and HE provision. It makes sense for
Service leavers to explore alternative routes
before considering support and access
through the ELC top‐up scheme, and there
are safety measures in place to prevent
double funding.
26
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
8. A separate claim form must be submitted
for each year of a course. Failure to do so
could result in support being withdrawn.
9. Gap years are not permitted under the
FEHE scheme.
10. Part‐time study under the FEHE scheme
is permitted. Service leavers must
undertake at least the equivalent of 25%
of a full‐time course.
●
Eligibility rules
To take advantage of the support, Service
leavers must:
●
have completed four years’ full‐time
service
●
have previously joined the Enhanced
Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and
completed at least four years’ qualifying
scheme membership
●
only apply for a first eligible FE/HE
qualification at the level for which they
are academically qualified to enter
learning on leaving the Service
●
have left the Service or entered their
qualifying resettlement phase on or after
17 July 2008
●
meet UK residency requirements to
qualify for full state subsidy.
Special eligibility criteria apply to personnel
who are medically discharged from service
before achieving four years’ service and advice
should be sought from unit education staffs.
Qualification level
This commitment will provide access, free
from tuition fees, for the following.
●
A first full level 3 or a first HE
qualification. The scheme is
specifically targeted at supporting the
achievement of a first qualification at
either level 3 or HE. Service leavers are
not permitted to receive support to
commence studies at master’s level. If
the scheme is used to achieve a level 3
qualification, or 120 credits have been
achieved towards higher‐level studies, it
cannot be used again to achieve an HE
qualification. Similarly, although the
scheme supports the achievement of an
HE qualification up to that of a full
undergraduate degree, it cannot be used
to achieve a degree if a lower‐level HE
qualification such as an HND is already
held. It is, however, permissible for an
SL using the scheme to expand their
studies while they are in progress, for
example extending their foundation
degree studies to achieve a full degree.
A level 3 or national equivalent. This
refers to a full UK level 3 qualification
such as the achievement of two GCE A
levels (A2) (passes at A–E) or vocational
equivalent as defined by the National
Qualifications Framework (NQF) or the
Qualifications and Credit Framework
(QCF) (England and Wales); or in
Scotland a level 6 qualification (SVQ
level 3) on the Scottish Credit and
Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
A foundation degree or full
undergraduate degree or national
equivalent. Typically, to be eligible for
this support, the higher education
qualifications would be at levels 4–6 of
the Framework for Higher Education and
Qualifications in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland (FHEQ) – for example,
a first undergraduate degree (including
foundation degree) or Higher National
Certificate or Diploma for which the
entry qualification is lower than a degree
and that normally takes place at a
publicly funded institution. In Scotland
the equivalent qualification is a Higher
National Certificate (HNC), Higher
National Diploma (HND) or a first
undergraduate degree, undertaken at a
further education college (FE college) or
a higher education institution (HEI).
Main scheme features
●
●
The provision took effect from academic
year 2009/2010, for eligible qualifications
starting in August/September 2009
onwards.
The commitment is for nationally
recognised UK‐based qualifications only.
To qualify, eligible Service leavers must
have been resident in the UK for at least
www.courses4forces.co.uk
View from the Ministry
●
●
●
●
three years prior to the start of the
course and they must continue to remain
in the UK until they complete the
qualification (overseas service while
employed in the Armed Forces counts
towards UK residency).
Because it is aligned to the ELC scheme,
support can be accessed by eligible
Service leavers for up to ten years after
they leave the Armed Forces.
Service leavers should apply though the
ELC scheme, using up any of their
remaining annual ELC credits in each
financial year over the length of the
qualification, but incurring no direct cost
to themselves in paying towards the
tuition fees.
By providing a full state subsidy to pay
for tuition fees only, the MoD will
continue to pay its contribution
towards course fees under the ELC
scheme (up to a maximum of £1,000 or
£2,000 per financial year), and BIS/SFA
or the devolved administration
equivalents in Wales and Scotland
(where not already provided through
existing national support) will buy out
the minimum 20% personal
contribution that would have been paid
by the individual using their ELC.
If ELC have been exhausted in‐Service,
Service leavers may still be eligible to
apply for support at the next higher‐
level qualification on leaving, but only
where this meets the eligibility criteria.
For example, those who may have
achieved a level 3 (or equivalent) or
hold no more than 120 credits in
●
●
●
●
HELP AND ADVICE
For general enquiries about the scheme,
eligibility and qualifications, seek advice
from single‐Service education and
resettlement staff, not ELCAS. ELCAS’s role
is to administer applications, not provide
advice and guidance on eligibility or
education/learning or resettlement needs.
Policy helpline details are:
●
RN – RN ELC Manager, NAVY TRG
HQ‐EL3R RESET SO3C,
Tel Mil: 93832 5954 Civ: 020392 625954
●
Army – Learning Credit Scheme (LCS)
Manager,
email: elc@detsa.co.uk Tel Mil: 94391
7565 Civ: 01264 381565 or 01264 381580
●
RAF – 22 Training Group, Learning
Forces,
email: 22trgGp‐
LrngCreditsAdmin@mod.uk Tel: 01400
268182
www.courses4forces.co.uk
●
●
higher‐level studies, and hold no
higher education qualification may
apply for support to undertake their
first foundation degree.
If ELC have already been exhausted in‐
Service the commitment to fund the
tuition fees in full transfers to BIS/SFA
or the devolved administration. In
these circumstances, to help reduce the
level of bureaucracy, speed up the
process and until other arrangements
can be put in place, the MoD will
continue to pay the course fee in full
but reclaim it back from the relevant
national education authorities.
Once ELC run out after leaving, the
commitment for any continued funding
to complete the first FE or HE
qualification will transfer to BIS/SFA or
the devolved administration.
Provision must be delivered through
publicly funded FE and HE institutions,
some of which may already be listed as
existing approved ELC providers.
Providers delivering non‐publicly
funded FE/HE qualifications are not
eligible to be considered for this
scheme.
The provision is available only for
nationally recognised qualifications –
those accredited by nationally
recognised awarding bodies and
delivered through FE or HE
institutions. This means that some
qualifications currently supported
through ELC, such as pilots’ licences,
some sports qualifications and what are
known as vendor/industry‐standard
qualifications will not attract the state
top‐up and will be ineligible for this
support.
The provision will not be
retrospectively applied to anyone who
left the Services prior to 17 July 2008.
This fully state‐subsidised support may
be transferred to the spouse or civil
partner in the case of death in service
or medical discharge where an
individual’s medical condition is so
severe that it will prevent them from
taking advantage of the educational
support. In such circumstances the
scheme eligibility rules must be met in
all other respects. The spouse or
partner must also be in a position to
benefit from the support and may be
permitted to undertake their first full
level 3 (or equivalent) or first higher
education qualification. Where a
Service leaver, regardless of Personal
Status Category, is unlikely to recover
sufficiently to be able to utilise their
●
●
entitlement, then their resettlement
(and applicable remaining ELC
entitlements) may be transferred to a
nominated proxy in accordance with
JSP534.
Defence support is provided on a
‘burden sharing’ basis, reflecting the
mutual benefit that personal
development brings to the individual
and the organisation. Individuals in
receipt of funding and study time are
expected to make a personal
contribution using their own funds and
off‐duty or leave periods.
Undertaking personal development
does not automatically confer duty
status and does not count towards
reserve training commitments or
bounty arrangements.
A final message to Service
leavers
This additional support will go a long way
to helping Service leavers achieve their first
full level 3 (or national equivalent) or first
HE qualification. This will help pave the
way for the return to civilian life, or
provide assistance at a later stage for those
who have left to achieve a useful, nationally
recognised qualification.
As competition becomes fiercer in a
time of economic downturn, having skills
and qualifications in addition to a wealth of
experience gained in the Armed Forces may
give the edge when seeking employment.
All the tuition fees are free, so the cost to
the individual is time and effort.
Higher-level qualifications
Understanding what qualification is
eligible for ELC funding can be a challenge.
It seems simple enough to state that the
qualification must be listed at level 3 or
above on the National Qualification
Framework (NQF) (England and Wales), or
the new Qualifications and Credit
Framework (QCF), or at the equivalent
(level 6 or above) on the Scottish Credit
and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
And, for the vast majority of higher‐level
qualifications, these frameworks are the
authoritative reference lists. But there are
many other qualifications available that
seem to be tried and tested, worthwhile
and valued by employers.
First of all, it is important to
understand the difference between
academic and vocational qualifications. For
example, at level 3 and above on the NQF
(level 6 on the SCQF) these fall into well‐
recognised categories such as A‐levels,
certificates in higher education, diplomas,
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
27
View from the Ministry
foundation degrees, higher national diplomas, graduate
certificates/diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, postgraduate
certificates and diplomas, and doctorates.
Vocational qualifications include a range of certificates and
diplomas at NVQ levels 3 to 5, with vocational diplomas at the
highest level. Both academic and vocational higher‐level
qualifications now equate to generic levels in the NQF structure.
Other qualifications
There are many other qualifications, and the MoD and ELCAS go to
great lengths to quality‐assure providers wishing to apply for
approved learning provider status. And, by keeping the numbers
within a manageable range, we can ensure that there are sufficient
resources to: carry out rigorous evaluation and inspections; compare
and benchmark provider service delivery, support and course costs;
and, equally important, ensure that those higher‐level qualifications
offered are eligible for ELC funding.
However, it can still be difficult to decide whether a course that
does not appear on the NQF (or QCF or SCQF) – which can be for a
number of reasons – is eligible for ELC support. There are many
‘industry standard’ or ‘vendor’ certificates and qualifications on the
market, the majority linked to vocational skills and highly valued by
employers. Unfortunately, there are many worthless ones around too,
which may not be valued and recognised by an employer, or may not
enhance skills to benefit career and promotion prospects in the
Services, or help find employment on leaving them.
To provide some recognition and support for worthwhile
qualifications, and to eliminate the rogue ones, the MoD and ELCAS
liaise with approved providers; awarding, regulatory and governing
bodies; and Sector Skills Councils across the major skills sectors. The
object is to bring some sense and understanding to these other
28
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
ANNEX A TO PT 1, 3.5.2: ELC SCHEME PROCESS FOR SP AND LP
SP/Ex SP identified course of
learning in liaison with Approved LP
Key LP activities
SP/Ex SP completes ELC Claim
Form (form ELC 005.01)
Claim rejected
SP/ Ex SP submits Claim Form (form
ELC 005.01) to CO and Ed Staff for
approval
Authorised Ed Staff/SSR processes
claim online or submits Claim Form
to ELCAS for processing
ELCAS checks eligibility of SP/Ex SP
to claim an ELC via ELCAS database
or Ed Staff/SSR checks via online
system
ELCAS or Ed Staff/SSR processes
and approves Claim and sends SP/Ex
SP a CLAIM AUTHORISATION
NOTE (CAN form ELC 005.02)
SP/Ex SP books course of learning
with the LP, pays 20% personal
contribution/deposit and passes the
CAN (form ELC 005.02) to the LP as
authority to proceed
LP sends invoice addressed to
Director General Financial
Management Shared Service Centre
to ELCAS (after course start date)
Invoices for
unauthorised claims
and/or missing the
required information
returned to LP
Within 15 working days of receiving
an invoice ELCAS checks invoice
against approved Claim record and
passes to relevant MOD Budget
Manager. The Budget Manager
authorises the data and then passes
on to the Director General Financial
Management Shared Service Centre
for Payment
MOD Director General Financial
Management Shared Service Centre
makes payment to LP and issues a
remittance. (Please note that once
DGFM SSC receives payment
instruction, it may take 30 days for
payment to be made)
Complete
www.courses4forces.co.uk
View from the Ministry
ANNEX TO JSP898 PART 4, CHAPTER 7 – FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPORT SCHEME
FULL STATE SUBSIDY – FE/HE TUITION FEES CLAIM PROCESS TO BE FOLLOWED BY LEARNERS
AND LEARNING PROVIDERS
Claimant identifies learning
requirement for first full level
3 (GCE A level or vocational
equivalent), or a first higher
education qualification (a
foundation degree or a first
undergraduate degree or
equivalent) free from tuition
fees
Claimant completes claim form confirming:
• member of ELC scheme
• at least 4 years’ ELC service
• at least 4 years’ full-time service
• meets residency requirements
• first full level 3 or first HE qualification
• left service or entered resettlement phase on or after 17/07/08
• eligible LP used
• ensuring claim form will reach ELCAS 25 clear
working days before course start date
Claimant identifies
eligible LP providing
level 3 – course
(or national
equivalent)
Claimant submits claim form to SSR who
signs to confirm that:
• claim is completed correctly
• LP is eligible
• claimant is eligible
• claimant country of residence correct
• identification of FE / HE correct
• learning will be at least the equivalent of
25% of a full-time course
No
Claim OK for
submission to
ELCAS?
Query
Claim Query
or Claim Reject?
Yes
SSR explain query
reason to claimant and
request amendment(s) to
claim form
Reject
Claim signed by SSR to
confirm all details can be
accepted by ELCAS
Refer back to SSR either
for claim reject or for
over-ride submission
End of process
No
Submitted to reach ELCAS
25 clear working days
before course start date
No
Over-ride authority
with claim?
Rejected or overridden by SSR?
Rejected by SSR
Yes
ELCAS enters claim onto ELCAS database and carries
out the following validations:
• member of ELC scheme
• sufficient eligible service
• claimant signature present and signed before line
manager and / or SSR
• eligible LP
• course dates correct
• SSR signature present and correctly dated
• Unit Stamp present
• country of residence confirmed
• claim monetary amounts valid
• identify whether ELCAS + OGD or OGD only
Refer back to SSR
explaining reason for
reject. Mark database
record as claim rejected
Reject
End of process
ELCAS issue
CAN to SSR.
SSR issues CAN
to learner
No
Claim OK for
authorisation?
Reject or query?
Over-ridden
Query
End of process
SSR makes appropriate
amendments to claim
Learner books course,
not paying any money to
provider but using CAN
as proof of future
payment
Learner cancels course
– cancellation /
reinstatement flows
Refer back to SSR
explaining reason for
reject. Mark database
record as claim rejected
LP sends invoice to ELCAS as follows:
• invoice payee = DGFM, MOD
• dated at least six weeks after start date
• confirm whether course is FE or HE
• confirm that the learner is participating and undertaking
the learning effectively at the point of invoice
• Confirm learner is undertaking at least the equivalent of
25% of a full-time course
Course starts (Invoice
cannot be submitted by
LP until 6 weeks after
course start date, invoice
must be dated as such)
ELCAS enters invoice details onto database and carries out the
following validations:
• invoice payee identified as DGFM (MOD)
• invoice date at least six weeks after course start
• invoice matched to claim by either claim number or service number
• LP code matches claim LP code and allocation
• OGD amount matches CAN
• ELCAS amount matches CAN
• VAT amount <= prevailing VAT rate
• FE / HE matches CAN
• LP confirmed learner has effectively undertaken course
• LP confirmed learner is undertaking at least the
equivalent of 25% of a full-time course
Refer back to LP
explaining reason for
query
LP amends invoice
as appropriate
Query
Invoice OK for
authorisation?
No
Invoice OK for
authorisation?
ELCAS output
consolidation report
(quarterly) confirming
reclaim requirements
(based on residency
and FE / HE data) to
budget office and
OGD/DA
ELCAS output payment file splitting
payments by service. Payment files sent to
appropriate budget office. Pay file detail to
include claimant country of residence and
whether course FE / HE to allow budget
office to correctly identify reclaim source
Reject
Refer back to LP
explaining reason for
reject
End of process
Query
Invoice OK for
authorisation?
Budget office raise
request to invoice
quarterly to each OGD
through DGFM FM SSC
Refer to working ELCAS
005/0 Payment Queries
DGFM arrange for
reclaim via invoice
England FE
England HE
Scotland FE
Scotland HE
Wales FE
Wales HE
DGFM FM SSC pays LP
Glossary
DGFM send reclaim
update to Single Service
Budget Office
DGFM send monthly
spend return to Single
Service Budget Office
OGD = Other Government Departments
ELCAS = Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service
FE = Further Education
HE = Higher Education
LP = Learning Provider
WD = Working Days
SSR = Single Service Representative
CAN = Claims Authorisation Note
DGFM FM SSC = Director General Financial Management
Financial Management Shared Service Centre
End of process
www.courses4forces.co.uk
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
29
View from the Ministry
qualifications and determine, where appropriate, higher‐level
equivalence.
For example, equivalence of the training leading to award of a
private pilot’s licence has been agreed at level 3 with the Civil
Aviation Authority. e‐skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business
and Information Technology, has been involved in pulling together a
matrix of eligible higher‐level vendor IT qualifications, and similar
work has taken place with Summit Skills on building services
engineering. This work will continue, in the drive to provide clear
guidance and advice. But not all organisations are quick to respond,
and some may not know the answers. It can take time to agree which
vocational courses equate to a higher‐level academic equivalent in
terms of rigour, commitment and learning.
The ELC scheme is largely meant to be about personnel pursuing
higher‐level learning, delivering benefits to both the learner and the
Armed Forces. But it also allows level 3‐plus learning to be pursued
during resettlement or for up to ten years after leaving the Services.
The majority of this learning is likely to be vocational (learning new
skills or enhancing existing ones) with the qualification benefiting
the learner and a future employer and, nationally, adding to the UK’s
skills base.
The major difficulty claimants and countersigning
education/learning staff have is in determining whether a vocational
course leading to a qualification should be supported through the
ELC scheme. For the vast majority of qualification courses the rule is
clear: the qualification must appear on the NQF/QCF or national
equivalent. However, if an industry standard qualification has been
assessed as being at NQF (or equivalent) level 3 or higher, and
accepted by a reputable awarding or regulatory body, this
information will appear on the ELCAS website, linked where possible
to external advice and guidance. These instances are likely to be rare
but, when they arise, it is the responsibility of learning providers and
individual claimants to prove that a qualification is at level 3 or
above.
Improving ELC scheme administration
ELCAS, MoD and the Service scheme administrators continue to
review, streamline and improve the claims procedure, but the
scheme operates within strict guidelines. Funding must be
accountable, with robust and fully auditable systems in place to track
how ELC are used to pursue higher‐level qualifications. Inevitably,
learning providers may have to tweak their course registration
process, invoicing procedures and learning support to comply with
the particular requirements of the ELC scheme, taking into account
the particular circumstances of Service life.
How you can help: avoiding queries or rejection
Claimants can also help things run smoothly. ELCAS continues to
deal with a high proportion of claims that are queried or rejected.
Almost 20% of all claims received do not comply with the correct
claims authorisation procedures, and this figure is even higher for
those received by education staff.
Some of the main reasons for rejection include:
●
applicants enrolling on a course – and sometimes paying a fee –
without first obtaining the necessary claims authorisation note
(CAN) from ELCAS
●
other learners fail to allow sufficient time between submitting a
claim and starting a course; this process takes at least five weeks
– it can take ELCAS up to 15 working days to generate a CAN; any
claim submitted within 15 working days of the start of the course
will automatically be rejected by ELCAS as there is insufficient
time to process it
30
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
this problem is exacerbated by submission of a second or third
ELC claim, which is automatically rejected because the course
evaluation form for the previous claim was not completed.
Learners should plan ahead, research and discuss their learning with
their line manager and Service education or learning adviser. This
applies equally to qualifying ex‐Service people using their ELC, some
of whom, again, leave their claim submission until the last minute.
The 15‐day margin is in place for good reason. Those who do not plan
sufficiently ahead could find themselves significantly out of pocket as
retrospective claims are not allowed under any circumstances.
As mentioned above, another reason for claim rejection is that
the course does not meet the necessary minimum criteria (level 3 or
above on the NQF or QCF) or even that the learning provider is not
on the ELCAS approved list. Other reasons for rejection are:
●
failure to follow the correct procedure for signing, authorising
and dating the claim form
●
the claim not being received in the qualifying financial year
●
applicants with fewer than four years’ service and therefore not
eligible to claim an ELC
●
incorrect financial data, such as the learner’s contribution being
less than 20% or the MoD’s contribution calculated as exceeding
the £1,000 or £2,000 limit.
Do not assume that all courses offered by an approved provider
are automatically admissible under the ELC scheme. This is a
common misconception: one provider may supply many courses, but
only those at NQF/QCF level 3 or above (and equivalent) may be
undertaken for ELC purposes.
Other reasons for claims being queried include:
●
incomplete or illegible forms (25% of all rejected/queried claims)
●
applicants not registered on the ELCAS system
●
more than one active claim being processed for an individual in
the financial year.
All this has a knock‐on effect, with the process for dealing with
claims being delayed while ELCAS staff follow up queries. Those that
are rejected and returned add to the burden on education and
learning staff, as valid but incorrect applications have to be
reprocessed and this is not helped by personnel moving and
sometimes being difficult to trace.
Learners should:
●
plan ahead and get it right first time
●
not buck the system or pay up front
●
be diligent in completing claim forms.
●
Post-course evaluation
Another important area that continues to be neglected is post‐course
evaluation. To date, fewer than a third of applicants are completing
and returning their evaluation forms. Again, this leads to further
chasing, with ELCAS staff issuing reminders and education/learning
staff taking further time to trace individuals to pass them on. After
people have been chased, the response rate improves to about 50%,
but nothing less than a 100% completion rate is good enough.
Evaluation is extremely important. Learner feedback is an
essential element of the quality assurance process and provides the
evidence to help the MoD tackle poorly performing learning
providers and, where necessary, suspend or withdraw their approved
status. It is also a requirement for the individual to retain a copy of
the evaluation in their personal development record. If they do not
and cannot provide evidence of course completion, future ELC claims
will be denied.
It is in learners’ interests to take the time to complete the ELC
post‐course evaluation form.
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
Es
t.
87
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School of Health & Social Care
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
31
Enhanced learning credits: dos and don’ts
Enhanced learning credits:
dos and don’ts
Learners should:
ensure that they understand the regulations (Joint Service
Publication JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance on
Training, Education and Skills)
consult education/learning staff and line managers to discuss
their personal development plan
plan ahead, leaving at least 25 days between submitting a claim
and needing to book a course
not commit payment contributions to providers until they
receive a claim authorisation note (CAN)
be prepared to provide evidence that the intended course is at
least at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or
Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) level 3 (or
equivalent) and that it directly benefits the Service, unless the
claim is resettlement‐related during last two years of Service
ensure the provider has approved provider status by checking
the ELCAS website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
not automatically assume that approved provider status means
that the entire portfolio of a provider’s courses meets the level 3
requirement
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
ensure the training is delivered by an approved ELC provider if
using individual resettlement training cost (IRTC) grant with
ELC to fund a level 3 or above nationally recognised qualification
consult their education, learning, training and/or resettlement
adviser if they are unsure as to the best use of funding for
resettlement training
never enrol on a course or commit themselves financially
without having first obtained the necessary approval from their
own Service and a claim authorisation note from ELCAS
never enrol on a course with a new provider awaiting ‘approved’
status; wait until this has been achieved; if it takes too long, look
on the ELCAS website for an alternative provider
remember that the scheme operates a strict ‘three hits and
you’re out’ policy; think carefully before submitting a claim
inform ELCAS if last day in Service alters from that originally
stated
complete and return the evaluation questionnaire on completion
of study; if they do not and cannot provide evidence of course
completion, future claims will be denied.
“Think carefully before
submitting a claim”
THE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHS
Education/learning staff authorised to approve
ELC claims should:
M.Ost/B.Ost Degrees in Osteopathy
In collaboration with Staffordshire University
Study in Stoke-on-Trent or North London
•
•
•
•
•
•
looking for a career change?
interested in joining a respected healthcare profession?
looking for a course and a new profession to fit in with your lifestyle?
transfer, adapt and build on your existing skills
learn the business skills to set up your own osteopathic practice
take advantage of your ELCAS entitlement
The College of Osteopaths has considerable experience of training former
members of the Forces, and we understand that you have a lot of relevant
experience and skills to offer. Our five year part-time degree programme, with
its flexible approach to learning, is particularly suitable for those wanting a
career change, but needing to combine employment with study rather than
embark on a full time course.
●
●
●
●
●
●
The taught course takes place over18 weekends each year and consists of
lectures, workshops and practical sessions. It is combined with distance
learning packages, self-directed study and coursework. In addition the student
osteopath will spend a total of 1200 hours attending one of the College’s
osteopathic teaching clinics. This brings the added interest of having contact
with genuine patients right from the start.
“There is a real sense of camaraderie, with students of all ages and
backgrounds supporting each other on their journey to qualify as
Osteopaths. I recently graduated from the College of Osteopaths,
and I would thoroughly recommend the course to Service Leavers”
Major Phil Waddell, Royal Signals
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
or telephone 01782 294596
32
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
●
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
2138
Visit our website for further details about osteopathy
and our training programmes:
www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk
●
●
●
ensure the learner fully understands the details of the scheme
ensure individuals are eligible to claim by seeing their
‘acknowledgement of scheme membership’
ensure before granting approval that claims meet the higher‐level
learning criteria
when in doubt, seek proof – one useful source of information
being http://register.ofqual.gov.uk
not assume that approved provider status covers the entire range
of a provider’s courses
be aware of the rules permitting the use of ELC or SLC with IRTC
to fund the same eligible learning activity in resettlement
where required, advise Service leavers on the best use of available
funding to pay towards learning activities where it meets the
criteria of either the ELC or SLC schemes
advise individuals that the scheme is not retrospective and they
should always allow sufficient time between submitting a claim,
receiving a claim authorisation note and committing themselves
financially
if in doubt, seek the advice of headquarters education/learning
staff
ensure the scheme works and that the regulations surrounding it
are strictly observed – because failure to do so will place the
scheme at risk.
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Postgraduate courses by part-time
distance learning
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Approved providers and preferred suppliers – the differences
Approved providers and preferred suppliers
– the differences
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
PROVIDER NUMBER
8888
o clear up any confusion concerning the difference between learning
credits – enhanced learning credits (ELC) and standard learning
credits (SLC) – and the individual resettlement training cost (IRTC)
grant, it is important to understand that they are used in different ways.
Learning credits are primarily about funding nationally recognised
qualifications, and Service people must meet the requirements of the
individual scheme criteria to qualify. The IRTC grant is available to
eligible Service leavers to purchase resettlement training. Under certain
circumstances individuals can claim either ELC or SLC in addition to
IRTC during resettlement, and both these grants may be authorised by
the same line manager and education/learning/resettlement adviser.
It is now permissible to use either ELC or SLC, together with IRTC,
to pay for the same learning activity where the activity meets the
requirements of the ELC or SLC scheme. The process of claiming
remains unchanged and claims should continue to be submitted in
accordance with current learning credit or resettlement policy. In effect,
these grants continue to be independent of each other, but it makes
sense, where there is advantage to the Service leaver, to use all available
funding during resettlement. If using IRTC with ELC to pay towards a
nationally recognised qualification, an ELC approved provider must be
used.
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Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
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Approved providers are organisations that have met the MoD’s
criteria to be permitted to run courses that qualify for ELC funding
(at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications
Framework/Qualifications and Credit Framework). They are on a
list maintained by the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) and
only such providers may be used if ELC are to be claimed. A
provider not on the approved provider list may apply to ELCAS for
‘approved’ status if it has someone wishing to undertake ELC‐
funded training with it – this may take some time, so needs to be
done well in advance, before potential customers start a course.
Career Transition Partnership (CTP) preferred suppliers are
organisations that have been assessed by the MoD as being suitable
training providers for people undertaking their resettlement
programmes. Although Service leavers are encouraged to use
preferred suppliers, they may use the IRTC for any resettlement
programme approved by their line manager and resettlement
specialist.
Individuals who have registered for ELC can make use of them
for up to ten years after leaving the Services using approved
providers. There is no similar facility with the IRTC.
Some approved providers will also be preferred suppliers,
although some will not be. Individuals therefore need to ensure
they are looking at the right list.
The basic guide is:
●
in‐Service (including last two years resettlement phase) =
learning = ELC = approved provider = ELCAS
●
leaving = resettlement (not also using ELC for same activity) =
IRTC = preferred supplier = CTP.
Where ELC is being used in conjunction with IRTC and Graduated
Resettlement Time, it may be permissible to claim both subsistence
and travel in accordance with JSP752 (Tri‐Service Regulations for
Allowances). (Details of the rules governing ELC use can be found
in JSP898 – Defence Direction and Guidance on Training,
Education and Skills.) In such cases, the validity of such claims is to
be assessed against the criteria laid down in JSP534 (the Tri‐Service
Resettlement Manual).
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
35
The ELC claims process for those who are no longer in the Armed Forces
The ELC claims process
for those who are no longer
in the Armed Forces
lways refer to the ELCAS website
(www.enhancedlearningcredits.com) or
single‐Service websites for the latest
information about the ELC scheme. Check
that the learning provider is an approved
MoD ELC provider by searching the list on the
ELCAS site.
A
The current scheme membership of learning
providers offers a good geographic spread
across the UK, and a range of qualifying
academic and vocational courses across a
wide and diverse skills spectrum. Claimants
are encouraged to use existing providers.
There is no guarantee that a new provider
will be accepted on to the scheme, especially
if there is already sufficient existing
provision. A key aim of the MoD is to keep
provider membership within manageable
limits.
Ensure that the course you wish to
undertake results in a qualification at level 3
or above on the National Qualifications
Framework (NQF) or Qualifications and
Credit Framework (QCF), or equivalent. To
do this, ask the learning provider who the
awarding body is that accredits the course.
Contact the awarding body to get
confirmation that the qualification is
recognised on the NQF/QCF and is at least
level 3. You may need proof that the
qualification is on the NQF/QCF to send in
with your claim, particularly if the course
you are undertaking is unusual.
Seriously consider whether you can cope
with the study level of the course you wish to
undertake. Have you got the time? Be aware
of the learning provider’s policy if you do
have to withdraw from the course. Some will
give refunds; others will not.
Do not part with any money to the
provider without full authorisation of your
claim through having received your claim
authorisation note (CAN) (see below).
Ensure that you make a claim at least 25 days
before you need to make any payment for
the course. Be aware that no training you
have already completed or paid for can be
claimed back under the ELC scheme
retrospectively. Ex‐Service personnel who
registered on the ELC scheme while serving
36
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
may claim up to £1,000 per financial year
towards course fees if they completed four
years’ Service or £2,000 if they completed
eight or more years’ Service. Three claims
may be made in total (including any made
while still serving). Claims may be made for
up to ten years from last day of service.
To make a claim, download the form
from the ELCAS website and fully complete
it, except for Parts 4 and 5 – staff in the
single Services will complete these elements.
Then send the fully completed claim form to
the relevant address, with:
●
proof of last day of service
●
information about the course, including
proof of level of qualification
●
photocopy of a utility bill, showing home
address
●
photocopy of driving licence or passport
(showing photo)
●
telephone number (daytime).
If your claim is eligible, it will be forwarded
to ELCAS, which will check you are
registered for the ELC scheme and are
eligible. ELCAS will return a CAN to your
single‐Service education/learning staff, with
an evaluation form. They will in turn forward
them to your home address. This process
takes around two weeks.
All applications must be submitted to
SDEs/SSRs for approval (verification and
counter‐signing) at least 25 clear working
days prior to the start of the course.
Approved applications will then be
submitted by SDEs/SSRs to ELCAS. (Claim
forms should not be submitted direct to
ELCAS.) Claimants must ensure there is
sufficient time to receive the CAN to present
to their chosen provider before the course
starts; for many providers, this means the
CAN must be presented to them by the final
course registration date. Sufficient time must
also be allowed to allow any new publicly
funded provider not listed on the ELCAS
database to apply for scheme membership as
an approved provider. A CAN will not be
issued by ELCAS until this process has been
completed.
On receipt of the CAN, you can proceed
with payment by sending your CAN with
your 20% minimum contribution to the
training provider. The CAN enables the
training provider to invoice Defence
Business Services for the rest of the fees up a
total of £1,000/£2,000, as appropriate.
When you have completed your course,
you must also complete the evaluation form
and return it to ELCAS. If you do not do this
it could jeopardise your next claim. If you
have any doubts about any aspect of this
process, contact your single‐Service
education/learning representative for advice
before submitting the claim.
WHERE TO SEND CLAIMS IF
YOU ARE NO LONGER SERVING
Note: Personnel should contact their
Single Service Representative (SSR) only if
they have been unable to find the answer
to their query on the ELCAS website
(www.enhancedlearningcredits.com) and
FAQs page.
Royal Navy: ELC Manager NTE(ER2),
Floor 3, Mailpoint 3.3, Leach Building,
Whale Island, HMS Excellent, Portsmouth
PO2 8BY Tel: 02392 625954 email:
NAVYTRGHQ‐EL3RRESETSO3C@mod.uk
Army: Learning Credit Scheme (LCS)
Manager, DEdCap, Zone 4, Floor 2,
Ramillies Building, Army HQ, Monxton
Road, Andover SP11 8HT Tel: 01264 381580
email: elc@detsa.co.uk The Army Single
Service telephone helpline is open from
1300 to 1600 Monday, Wednesday and
Friday, excluding bank holidays.
Royal Air Force: Learning Credits
Administrator, 22 (Trg) Gp, Rm 227,
Trenchard Hall, RAFC Cranwell, Sleaford,
Lincs NG34 8HB Tel: 01400 268183 email:
22TrgGp‐TSU‐PDAS‐LCA@mod.uk
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
www.courses4forces.co.uk
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
37
Exemption from taxation for payments made to Service leavers under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme
Exemption from taxation for payments made to Service
leavers under the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme
MRC and MoD have worked together and reached an agreement
on tax exemption for Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) payments
to Service leavers under the ELC and Further and Higher Education
Commitment (FHEC) schemes, effective from 2 September 2012.
H
Background
The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme provides large‐scale
help to personnel who qualify to help pay towards the cost of
higher‐level learning and is funded by the single Services. Eligible
personnel make a personal contribution of 20% of the total course
fees and can receive a single payment, in each of a maximum of
three separate financial years, of up to £1k or £2k (depending on
qualifying scheme membership) to cover up to a maximum of 80%
of course fees.
In addition, in July 2008, the government made a commitment
to providing Service leavers (SL) with access to a first full level 3
(GCE A level or vocational equivalent) or a first higher education
qualification (a first foundation degree or first undergraduate degree
or equivalent) free from tuition fees.1 The MoD engaged with other
government departments (OGD), particularly BIS and the Scottish
and Welsh Devolved Administrations (DA) to set up this additional
Further and Higher Education Commitment (FHEC) scheme. In
effect, MoD pays its contribution towards the course fees as per the
ELC scheme for up to three years, and the relevant OGD and DA
buys out the personal contribution that would have been paid by the
SL using the ELC.
38
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
Tax exemption measure
Most courses of study under the ELC scheme undertaken by
individuals whilst still serving will be exempt from taxation, either as
income or as a benefit in kind, if they can be justified as ‘work related’.
In order for SLs to benefit fully from the ELC/FHEC schemes, tax
exemption for their ELC payments was required. HMRC and MoD
have worked together and reached an agreement on tax exemption,
effective from 2 September 2012. This agreement is in support of the
government’s commitment to Service leavers and the Service
Covenant in general.
In placing the ELC and FHEC schemes on a statutory basis, the
Service leaver (or their surviving spouse, civil partner or eligible
partner where appropriate) will not be required to pay income tax on
payments received under the schemes. This measure will enable
Service leavers to draw maximum benefit from the ELC and FHEC
schemes.
KEY CONTACT
Advice on any aspect of the ELC and FHEC schemes is available
from:
Appt: People‐TESRR‐Skills
email: People‐TESRR‐Skills@mod.uk
1
Cm 7424, dated July 2008: The Nation’s Commitment: Cross‐Government
Support to our Armed Forces, their Families and Veterans.
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
.................................................
Performance People Ltd
The Coach House
10 Townsend Road
Shrivenham
Oxfordshire SN6 8AS
COUNSELLOR TRAINING
FOR ARMED FORCES
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
3015
Specialist training & qualification in Coaching & Mentoring
and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Coaching & mentoring have been buzzwords for some time now and are proven to have
benefits related to improved performance, enhanced learning & getting the best out of people.
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) has been variously described as the “new technology
of achievement”. As a common-sense system of everyday psychology it has enhanced
millions of lives by showing people how to monitor and adapt their thinking, cultivate more
useful inner beliefs, and develop the skills and strategies to more easily achieve their
outcomes. Combined, the many benefits of coaching, mentoring & NLP are now wellrecognised in the contexts of training, management and leadership, whilst specialist training &
qualification offers a powerful framework for personal, professional & organisational
development.
Performance People are a niche consulting company: passionate about people & dedicated
to people performance. As specialists in the areas of performance, learning, communication
& change, we offer a powerful range of solutions & services with which to unlock people
potential & maximise people performance. As ex-Service people ourselves, who are engaged
as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on a number of Defence contracts, we have a true
understanding of the military mindset, a great respect for the military ethos, and a real
passion for helping military people get the very best from themselves. As an approved
Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Scheme provider our comprehensive range of coaching,
mentoring & NLP qualifications & certifications, includes:
The course
changed my life
Become fully accredited
with a part-time course in
counselling, psychotherapy
or hypnotherapy.
0844 411 9363
• ILM L5 Certificate / Diploma Coaching & Mentoring
• ILM L7 Certificate / Diploma Executive Coaching & Mentoring
• NLP Practitioner (ABNLP) & NLP Practitioner Coach (ANLP)
• NLP Master Practitioner (ABNLP) & NLP Master Practitioner Coach (ANLP)
Any person, team or organisation interested in developing themselves or other people with
coaching, mentoring or NLP is invited to contact Mark Woodhouse on 07976-821333 or
email their enquiry to mark@performancepeople.org. We look forward to speaking soon
and any opportunity of helping with your performance, learning & development.
.co.uk
COURSES NATIONWIDE
Transfer your maritime skills
Use your ELCAS credits for these courses:
· STCW advanced maritime safety training
· Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS)
· Human Element, Leadership and Management (HELM)
· Radio communications: ROC/GOC
· Commercial yacht certification: OOW, Master, chief engineer Y2/ Y4
management training: Shipboard Safety Officer, Designated
· Safety
Person Ashore, Maritime Auditor/Lead Auditor
management training: Ship’s Security Officer, Company
· Security
Security Officer
· Professional development, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
Search for ‘Warsash Maritime Academy’ on the ELCAS website:
www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
For more information on how to progress your career:
www.warsashacademy.co.uk/forces
ELCAS
Approved Training
Provider No: 1876
www.courses4forces.co.uk
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
39
Course notes
Course notes
Professional training
and qualifications in
coaching and
mentoring
oaching has been a buzzword for some time
and is now emerging as a profession offering
a wide range of opportunities – from work to life;
from health to wealth; from shop floor to senior
executive; and as part of a job role to the
foundation for a start‐up business. However, in
order to be successful, every coach needs an
approach and methodology with which to both
‘do’ the business of coaching and ‘run’ their
coaching business. They also need professional
training, a professional qualification and to
engage in continuing professional development,
to be deemed a ‘true’ professional.
Performance People is a niche consulting
company – passionate about people and
dedicated to people performance. As specialists
in the areas of performance, learning,
communication and change, we offer a powerful
range of solutions and services with which to
help people unlock their true potential and
maximise their own performance. Run by ex‐
Service people, we have a true understanding of
the military mind‐set, a great respect for the
military ethos and a real passion for helping
military people get the very best from
themselves. And, as an ELCAS provider, we offer
professional training and Institute of Leadership
& Management (ILM) qualifications in coaching
and mentoring – alongside certified training in
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) – and an
academic pathway leading to an MA in
Coaching and Mentoring Practice.
Anyone interested in developing
themselves, other people or their organisation
with coaching and mentoring is invited to
contact Mark Woodhouse.
C
Get in touch
Tel: 07976 821333
email: mark@performancepeople.org
See the advertisement on page 39
Secure your future in facilities management
trong project management and logistical
skills, paired with good communication,
mean that many Service leavers find a
successful career in FM when they leave the
Armed Forces.
If this is something you are thinking about
but don’t know where to start, then we would
suggest you look to the largest FM professional
body in the UK, the British Institute of
Facilities Management (BIFM), where you will
join 13,000 other professionals and receive
support on career development, networking,
best practice, training and market
information.
The first stepping‐stone to preparing
yourself is to invest in your development and
knowledge, and there is no better place to
start than with the foundation course
Understanding FM, which can lead to a BIFM
level 3 qualification.
Now in its 23rd year, generations of FMs
have attended Understanding FM to launch or
further their careers – and, with an
unparalleled reputation both in the UK and
overseas, it has long been considered a de
facto recognised standard in FM training.
Offering a sound introduction to the FM
profession, the programme provides a solid
base for your development before
intermediate and advanced‐level training. The
included site visit provides a valuable insight
S
into how a commercial FM operation runs in
practice, plus you’ll also be networking with
FM professionals already working in a wide
range of commercial working environments.
As a Service leaver you will have access to
ELCAS funding for level 3 and above
qualifications, so speak to your resettlement
officer who can advise you on the
qualifications available in FM.
BIFM Training (Quadrilect Ltd) is one of
many recognised centres delivering BIFM
qualifications from level 3 (for those new to
the profession) up to level 6 (for senior
managers).
If you would like more information on
how we deliver these through our face‐to‐face
training programme, online learning and tutor
support please contact us and we can provide
you with a study plan for you to discuss with
your resettlement officer and secure the
funding for your future.
Get in touch
Tel: 020 7404 4440
email: info@bifm-training.co.uk
Web: www.bifm-training.com
See the advertisement on page 12
CROPS: providing you with the right skills
and equipment to learn the job
ince 2011 CROPS has concentrated on
developing the most comprehensive rural and
urban surveillance training packages
available to the
resettlement market.
Our Green and Blue
skills are fast becoming
recognised as the must‐
do courses in preparation
for a new career in the
fast‐moving surveillance
industry.
S
What gives us the edge
over the rest?
We operate a rotation
system among our team,
consisting of one month’s
live surveillance
operations, which rolls on to one month’s
training. Because of this, our students are
continuously benefiting from their instructors’
current operational knowledge gained while
conducting more than 250 hours of live
surveillance in that operational month.
What can you expect?
We run a relaxed but professional training school.
On arrival students are issued
with all the equipment required
to conduct our training, having
invested heavily in our
equipment to ensure your
training experience with us is
unbeatable. We do not believe
in running large courses where
students simply become
numbers, all of our courses are
conducted in small groups of
four to six. This guarantees
that you will receive the very
best tuition from our
instructors.
Get in touch
Tel: 07526 318 492
email: info@crops.uk.com
Web: www.crops.uk.com
See the advertisement on page 6
40
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
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41
Course notes
Master’s by
Research: Modern
War Studies and
Contemporary
Military History
ith Britain having recently been more heavily
involved in overseas wars than at any point in
the past half‐century, the University of
Buckingham has launched a unique Master’s
degree in Modern War Studies and Contemporary
Military History based at a central London club.
The course commences in October 2015 with a
‘Research and Study Skills Day’ and, after a year of
supervised independent research, culminates with
the student’s submission of a dissertation.
Although this MA is a research degree (non‐
taught), during the first six months candidates are
encouraged to attend a series of guest seminars
and dinners in London at which some of the most
eminent names in the field will present papers.
Recent speakers include Sir Max Hastings,
General Sir Nick Carter, General the Lord
Dannatt, General the Lord Richards, Professor Sir
Hew Strachan, Lord Ashdown, Kate Adie and
Mark Urban. This series of talks, each of which
culminates in a small dinner with the speaker,
examines why and how modern wars are fought,
and the principal influences that will affect the
conduct of war – and Britain’s role – in the future.
The programme encourages those with relevant
professional experience to apply, even if they lack
a first degree. Personnel serving with HM Forces
are entitled to a 20% reduction in fees, and the
course is ELCAS registered.
Recent graduates have come from of variety of
service backgrounds and ranks, but also from the
civilian world, which encourages a stimulating
mix of ideas and views. It is the perfect course for
those wishing to follow an interest in war studies,
utilise skills and experience obtained while
serving, or to gain a highly respected qualification
for employment in a variety of related fields.
W
Get in touch
email: claire.prendergast@buckingham.ac.uk
Tel: 01280 820204
Web: www.buckingham.ac.uk/humanities/
ma/warstudies
See the advertisement on page 25
42
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
Edinburgh Napier University
Master’s in
Entrepreneurial
Leadership
Name: Bob Stuart MBE
Employer: British Army,
Army Officer (Major),
Army Personnel Centre,
Glasgow
Position: Executive
Officer – Human Resources
Why did you choose to
study the Master’s in
Bob Stuart
Entrepreneurial
Leadership?
I believed that this innovative programme
would open up pathways for me as I wished to
achieve a master’s qualification while still
holding down managerial roles. It also
recognised prior learning and this could be
used as entry criteria in certain instances.
The programme was designed to allow you
to take your organisation to the next level and
encourage the development of the strategic
capability required to achieve this vision. The
opportunity to develop critical knowledge and
understanding of leadership and management
through an entrepreneurial lens was a new
concept and one I wanted to explore. Finally,
the opportunity to develop my personal skills
in order to enhance my professional
development and seek opportunities with and
through others was first class.
What were the three key things that you
learned?
1. How to analyse the process of creating
entrepreneurial cultures and building
entrepreneurial structures within a large
organisation.
2. To critically reflect on my personal
learning to negotiate next steps with key
stakeholders, to progress personal and
professional aspirations.
3. To conduct a critical evaluation of the
effectiveness of a communications
strategy as part of an overall change
programme.
Has your organisation benefited from
your studies and, if so, in what ways?
Topic: ‘Integration of the Army Reserves in the
Future Force 2020’
The freedom to choose a work‐related topic
that could be researched and used for follow‐
on work was a fabulous opportunity. It would
be normal for the Signature Leadership
Project (SLP) to focus on a specialist project
that might be outsourced to a consultant. As a
result of completing this module of the MSc it
has given me a clear understanding of the
approaches required and often adopted when
undertaking such a consultancy project. While
it is understood that you may still utilise
consultants, it has assisted me greatly in
developing specific instructions to fellow work
colleagues who are currently leading on the
specified topic that I selected. My
current role as the Executive Officer
has allowed me to utilise the
research and deliver my findings
and recommendations completely
independent to the ongoing work. I
now attend the various levels of
working group linked to the
Integration of the Army Reserves in
the Future Force 2020, as a result of
my research.
What has been the impact on you
personally in achieving this
qualification?
I have now gathered the skills to
allow me to challenge the
organisation and offer a different point of
view. It has also allowed me to encourage
entrepreneurial leadership within the group
that I work with at present. This has been
enlightening as the individuals are discussing
different options and approaches that are not
the norm for their current position and
employment.
What would you say to someone who is
considering starting this programme?
I would recommend the programme without
hesitation for a number of different reasons. It
is a programme that recognises prior learning,
other military courses undertaken and levels
of achievement. The mapping and
understanding of the British Army and
courses is excellent. The volume of work is
completely manageable and the levels of
support from all the staff in Edinburgh Napier
University are exceptional. Of note was the
support available and encouragement at every
stage throughout the programme. This,
coupled with the resources available, made
the learning experience a pleasure.
If you had to sum up your participation in
MEL in one sentence what would you say?
Studying for the MSc with Edinburgh Napier
University has been challenging, fun and
incredibly rewarding!
Anything else you would like to add?
I had assumed that I was an all‐round leader
who knew how to ‘lead’, and was comfortable
with my current approach. The answer, in
short, was that I was happy and content with
how I was managing my employees. However,
I was able to reinvigorate my own approach
and also that of the people who worked for me
to look at and challenge things in a different
way.
Get in touch
email: su.smith@napier.ac.uk
Web: www.courses.napier.ac.uk
See the advertisement on page 17
www.courses4forces.co.uk
CCS Training is an orga
anisation dedicated to
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBE
NUMBER
R
7397
t:0191 250 1250
www.ccstrainingengland.com
Course notes
Fast-track your
career in HR
management
t cHRysos HR we are often asked for advice
from military personnel about getting a
civilian HR job.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development (CIPD) is the recognised
professional institute for human resources, and
employers and recruitment agencies look for
accreditation by the CIPD in those applying for
HR roles. This comes in the form of a
qualification at Foundation, Intermediate or
Advanced level, depending on level of
experience and role you are seeking to move in
to, coupled with membership of the CIPD.
At cHRysos HR, we provide a fast‐track
intensive CIPD Intermediate
Certificate/Diploma in HR Management that
enables you to achieve a HR qualification in a
short time.
Success is also about selling your experience
and transferable skills to a potential employer;
you may not have specialised in HR within the
Armed Forces, but you will certainly have
transferable people‐management skills.
In reality, you may need to take a step down
and secure a lower‐level position, and then
work your way up by acquiring further
experience
Another key recommendation to help your
job search is to build your network of contacts.
Join your local CIPD branch, where you will get
access to likeminded people and decision
makers, who may be able to help you to access
job or work experience opportunities.
Make sure you are marketing yourself
professionally. Ask someone appropriate to
review and provide feedback on your CV and
use facilities such as LinkedIn where you can
post your profile and join group forums that
may have access to further networking and
educational opportunities.
For further information on our fast‐track
CIPD qualification …
A
Get in touch
Tel: 01302 802128
email: info@chrysos.org.uk
See the advertisement on page 35
44
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
Legal studies – at your convenience
ave you ever thought about
career. The part‐time programme
studying for a law degree,
also has many students who are
but do not want to leave full‐
returning to education after a long
time employment? The
absence, as well as those who are
Buckingham Part‐Time Law
just leaving secondary education.
degree offers a unique method
Every student brings a valuable
of study. It combines the
contribution to the programme
convenience of distance learning
and, with commitment and
with the advantage of regular
motivation, all can be equally
weekly attendance at seminars.
successful in gaining an LLB. The
These are held on one evening a
success of some of the
Dr James Slater, Director of the
Part‐Time LLB
week (Wednesdays) for three
programme’s recent graduates can
terms a year. Classes are held in
be seen on the University of
the university in small groups led by members of
Buckingham’s website (see below for address).
the Law School. The course provides all the
Term starts Wednesday 23 September. Fees
materials and textbooks, which students can use
are £1,176 per term (three terms a year) and can
for study at home. The Buckingham Law School
be paid monthly, interest free. Student loans are
has an enviable reputation as one of the best
also available. Members of the Armed Forces who
places to obtain a legal education. With more
are eligible for the MoD ELCAS scheme may be
than 300 students studying law, it is large
able to get up to £6,000 of their fees paid for
enough to offer a wide range of subjects and
them, and first degrees are fully funded under
programmes without losing what it values most:
the scheme. Further information on the ELC
the close connection between teaching staff and
scheme can be found within this magazine. For
students.
more information on the Part‐Time LLB at
Once part‐time students have enrolled they
Buckingham …
become full members of the university. They
receive a student card on admission, which will
allow them access to all university facilities, such
Get in touch
as the library, which also can be accessed at
Tel: 01280 828289
home.
email: margaret.darrell@buckingham.ac.uk
The part‐time programme welcomes
Web: www.buckingham.ac.uk/llb/law/parttime
students from a wide variety of backgrounds. In
H
the past they have included members of the
Armed Forces seeking promotion or a change of
See the advertisement on page 9
The level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in
Photography – online
sing your ELC funding, you can qualify as a
professional photographer, shooting anything
from portraits, sports, weddings, landscapes or
fashion photography, selling to magazines, books,
newspapers or picture libraries, even running
your own studio, full‐ or part‐time.
PPTutor‐Online is the only UK provider of
this high‐level national qualification online. The
course is roll‐on/roll‐off, so you decide when to
start, then you work from your base at your own
pace. You send your work online to your
U
individual tutor, who is a practising professional
photographer, qualified to assess your work and
give you ongoing advice and guidance throughout
the course.
As a PPTutor‐Online student, you learn from
a series of online tutorials, taking you through the
techniques of professional photography in your
own area of interest. Each month you’re asked to
take pictures to demonstrate what you’ve learned,
which is where your tutor comes in, giving you an
assessment and offering an action plan.
At the end of the course, you’ll have the
qualification, a portfolio of professional‐quality
work, good commercial and business
understanding, plenty of experience, and we’ll
provide you with guidance to help you use your
new skills and even to set up your own business.
Find out more at www.pptutor‐online Then
talk to your Education/Resettlement Section.
Next, fill out the ELC application and enrol on the
website. Just these small steps can lead you into
an exciting and rewarding career.
Get in touch
Web: www.pptutor-online
See the advertisement on page 34
www.courses4forces.co.uk
We can prepare you for civilian life.
Increase your employability by;
r Delivering accredited in-house training for your new employer
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Become a fully accredited trainer in;
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Course notes
G4S Canine Specialist
Training Centre
Career development: what next?
aking the transition from Army to civilian
life is a major career change. Corporate
Risk Systems Ltd (CRS) hopes to help you
make this transition as easy as possible. Ros
Stacey, UK Sales Director at CRS, says: ‘I have
over the past three years attended many of the
Employment and Training Fairs put on by CTP,
BFRS and others, and have come face to face
with Forces personnel who seem to be
bewildered in what, how and where to go for
constructive advice and help in ensuring that
they get the right advice for them and their
ongoing career.’
Many questions are being asked: If I do
this training, where will I get a job? What sort
of salary I can expect? At what level will I enter
a company in civvy street? CRS has developed
a suitable career plan and many Forces
personnel will usually undertake a package of
courses especially put together by CRS to
enhance their current CV and give them the
best chance to be diverse in their new‐found
qualifications applicable to job vacancies in
civilian life.
After attending the package of courses,
many decide that they would like to take their
carer and job prospects to the next level,
maybe from a level 3 (Certificate) to Diploma
or Full Membership of governing health and
safety bodies, i.e. NEBOSH, IOSH, IEMA, City
& Guilds. CRS has recognised this and offers a
‘high end’ career development Diploma and
course programmes leading to Chartered
Membership of IOSH, Full Member of IEMA,
etc.
CRS currently has the City & Guilds NVQ
5 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
Practice, a distance learning course, which you
can start any time, with no exams or essays.
The uptake on this from MoD personnel has
been fantastic. Ros says: ‘Many MoD delegates
understand that career progression is
important and, the higher the qualification,
the better the employment and job prospects.
Many are now realising that all the experience
and knowledge of Army/Forces life can be
used towards gaining these qualifications.’
The NVQ Diploma 5 in Occupational
Health & Safety Practice is now proven to be
M
f you think you might like to become a dog
handler, or would like to progress your skills in the
civilian environment, our courses provide an
excellent opportunity to gain knowledge and
experience, as well as a lifetime HABC qualification.
Our experienced, ex‐military trainers have a detailed
knowledge of all aspects of dog handling, and are
able to offer appropriate advice on developing your
dog‐handling career in the civilian world.
Our NASDU certified courses comprise both
practical and theoretical study. We recommend that
students handle our fully trained course dogs. This
allows the student to focus on their own learning
development, and gives an insight into the qualities
required of a successful working dog. The courses are
split across three main disciplines, as follows.
1. General Purpose Security Dog Handling:
handling dogs trained for your protection. This
course includes safe handling, obedience, agility,
tracking, scenario training and bite work.
2. Drug Detection Dog Handling: handling dogs
trained to detect the scent of narcotics.
‘Proactive’ dogs search areas, ‘passive’ dogs
search people, and the dual‐purpose course
covers both disciplines.
3. Explosive Detection Dog Handling: handling
dogs trained to detect the scent of explosives.
These are our most in‐depth courses. Full EDD
is currently in high demand, both in the UK and
overseas.
Our G4S Canine Training Centre is based on the
Luton Hoo Estate (M1, junction 10). Courses are
based on‐site, with practical handling experience at
a variety of different venues. We are one of the few
training centres able to offer potential employment
opportunities after course completion. As an ELCAS‐
approved training centre (ELC Provider Number
4938) Enhanced Learning Credits are accepted. If
you would like to book a course with us, please …
I
Get in touch
Tel: 01582 458355
email: Lee.Deighton@uk.G4S.com
See the advertisement on page 13
46
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
the best route to Chartered Membership of
IOSH (CMIOSH). In a recent survey carried
out by RoSPA, 50% of its members said that
the ‘NVQ 5 Diploma is the best route to
CMIOSH’, with 39% preferring the NEBOSH
Diploma. CRS has also, more recently,
launched the MIEMA (Full Membership to
IEMA) level 6, another distance learning
course programme, which you can start at any
time, again with no exams. CRS is the market
leader in offering this new Standards (IEMA)
course programme and has worked closely
with IEMA to be unique in offering this course
with no exams. This qualification also leads to
becoming a Chartered Environmentalist,
without further study.
The NVQ level 5 Diploma (distance
learning) is proving very popular with Service
leavers, together with the IOSH SHE Auditing
Course (five days, classroom) A Management
Systems Approach. Ros says, ‘Having met
more than 1,000 Forces personnel at various
training and employment fairs, it has become
apparent that we have some very highly
qualified people coming into civvy street and
they are looking for high‐end qualifications.’
SHE Auditing is just one of these courses.
So what is SHE Auditing? SHE Auditing –
A Management Systems Approach, is aligned
to both ISO 14001 (Environment)/OHSAS
18001 (Health & Safety) Management Systems.
This auditor training course is the only
externally approved (by IOSH) integrated
management systems auditing course based
on both ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, designed
to introduce new and experienced auditors to
a dynamic risk‐based approach to assessing
the effectiveness of any HSE‐MS, including
14001 and/18001
For more information about any of the
courses or to book …
Get in touch
Tel: 01283 509175
Web: www.crsrisk.com
See the advertisement on page 5
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Claimants must consult with their education staff to check eligibility for ELC funding before making any commitment to study
BUILDER TRAINING CENTRES LTD
Looking for practical courses?
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SLC, ELC and resettlement registered
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Contact our resettlement team today.
www.thebtc.co.uk
0800 389 2775 or 020 8649 9340
info@thebtc.co.uk
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Full details of dates,
prices and locations can
be found on our website
01522 501886
LQIR#LQVSLUHGEHFRP
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
www.inspired2be.com
E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
5110
COURSES4FORCES / Summer 2015
47
Course notes
Realise your potential
with i2i
Your successful transition to
civilian life is our project
eaving the Services is undoubtedly one of the most
challenging life experiences that Service men and
women face, and deciding what to do with the next phase
of your life can be daunting. Whether it is through self‐
choice or redundancy, the decisions you make now can
help shape the rest of your future. Very often, Service men
and women opt for a work sector related to their own
specialisation; others go for a complete change of direction.
Whatever your chosen path, it will inevitably involve
interacting with other people, so why not use your
resettlement time productively to build a skill set that will
enhance your employability in this new life you are making
for yourself?
Communication is the most abused word in the
English language and is a fundamental skill that we all feel
we are good at … so what if you could be even better? There
are many courses on offer that focus on this aspect, be they
coaching for performance in sport or business, or therapy
and life coaching, or even leadership and management
courses; communication lies at their very heart.
For those of you looking for something a little extra
from your resettlement, i2i Development Solutions Ltd
offers innovative programmes that allow you to combine
nationally recognised coaching and management
qualifications with NLP – for example, ILM Coaching and
Mentoring with NLP or professional outdoor instructor
qualifications such as Mountain Leader Training (Summer)
and British Canoe Union UKCC coaching schemes
qualifications with NLP.
For those with a desire to teach, Preparing (PTTLs),
Certificate (CTTLs) and Diploma (DTTLs) To Teach in the
Life Long Learning sector can be delivered alongside NLP
to get the most out of your students, shape their
educational experiences and highly tune your presenting
skills. Combining Institute of Leadership and Management
(ILM) accredited training courses at levels 3 and 5 in
Coaching and Mentoring with Neuro‐Linguistic
Programming (NLP) Practitioner and Master Practitioner
courses will ensure that you are ably equipped to transform
the way you look at life, and how you can best support
those around you in both personal and professional areas.
i2i Development Solutions Ltd specialises in delivering
high‐impact practical experiential programmes that drive
change and transformation by harnessing your knowledge
and experience, and allow it to flourish, develop and grow.
Our directors, consultants and trainers are all ex‐Service
people who share our values and beliefs, and this is evident
in the passion with which they carry out their work. They
all have several things in common: empathy and
understanding of the needs of Service men and women,
experience, knowledge, passion, creativity and desire to
inspire people to realise their potential. We are experts in
helping people grow through developing meaningful
relationships at all levels of their chosen careers.
R
L
‘You wouldn’t drive backwards down the
motorway, so why go into your future focusing on
the past?’
Contact us now and take the first steps to unlocking your
potential.
Get in touch
email: info@i2idevelopmentsolutions.com
See the advertisement on page 5
48
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
eturning to civilian life is a daunting
experience, and securing new
employment can be the most stressful and
uncertain element of that transition.
As a Service leaver you have resilience,
drive and integrity, which are the main
qualities needed to deliver successful
projects. However, you may be missing the
one vital ingredient that will secure you an
interview – an accredited project
management qualification.
Do you want to get your application to
the top of the pile? Quanta’s project
management courses can help you do this.
Quanta offers a wide range of project
management courses, which can help
maximise your chance of landing the job you
deserve. We are an Approved Learning
Provider (No. 1201) for the ELC scheme, and
train more than 300 Service leavers every
year, in courses such as:
●
PRINCE2®
●
APMP
●
Agile PM
●
Microsoft Project
●
MSP®
●
M_o_R®
●
Change Management
●
ITIL®
Most importantly, we can save you time and
money by tailor‐making a training bundle
that is 100% right for you and your future
career – for example, combining courses
such as PRINCE2® Practitioner and APMP
into a single ELCAS claim makes your
training extremely cost effective and, with
our dedicated MoD team, your experience
with Quanta, from start to finish, will be
hassle free, leaving you time to deal with
other aspects of your resettlement.
Successful projects are the lifeblood of
any business. From engineering and
construction through to IT and finance;
projects help deliver change and innovation
within a company. Even in the current
environment, businesses are looking for
employees who can deliver projects that will
give them a competitive edge. In the present
economic climate it is more important than
ever to make yourself an attractive
proposition to the widest possible range of
potential employers.
So if the thought of an exciting career in
project management interests you, then why
not give Kate or Amanda, members of our
dedicated ELC team a call, or visit our
website.
Get in touch
Tel: 0800 018 9561
Web: www.quanta.co.uk/mod/resettlement
See the advertisement on page 21
Interested in osteopathy?
If you are a
member of the
Armed Forces,
the College of
Osteopaths
understands
where you are
coming from …
e know that
you already
possess many of the skills and attributes that
make a good osteopath: high standards of
professional conduct, competent at problem
solving, organising and communicating,
calm under pressure, hands on, self‐reliant
but also a strong team player, interested in
keeping healthy, good with people, used to a
high level of responsibility …
It’s a very promising start.
W
We also have an idea about where you might
want to be heading next …
Osteopathy is an ideal profession to
enter as a second career. It allows you the
independence to work for yourself and to do
the hours that suit your personal
circumstances. Osteopaths are autonomous
practitioners who can work for professional
sports clubs, in GP practices, in
multidisciplinary health centres, in higher
education and within industry. You could
even work from home. It is a career that
offers enormous flexibility and job
satisfaction. There is virtually zero
unemployment among osteopaths.
The College of Osteopaths’ five‐year
M.Ost/B.Ost degree programmes in London
and Staffordshire are part‐time, and
particularly appealing to those with existing
work and family commitments. Teaching
takes place over 18 weekends each year plus
home study and attendance at the College’s
teaching clinic, which brings the added
interest of contact with genuine patients
right from the start. We use a wide variety of
lively and challenging learning methods
geared to mature students.
The College of Osteopaths has
considerable experience of training former
members of the Armed Forces. We would
welcome your application. A short
foundation course (two weekends) is
available for those without science‐based
qualifications.
For latest news, follow us on
@COLofOSTEOPATHS
Get in touch
Tel: 01782 294596
email: osteopathy@staffs.ac.uk
Web: www.collegeofosteopaths.ac.uk
See the advertisement on page 32
www.courses4forces.co.uk
SECURITY CAREER
STARTS HERE!
Resettlement training
ELCAS approved
Close protection course
Handcuff
Evasive and defensive
driver training
www.missiontraining.co.uk
www.missiontraining.co.uk
t. 01227768822
01227768822
t.
e: info@missiontraining.co.uk
Course notes
Outreach Rescue
industrial safety
training
utreach Rescue is a City & Guilds and
IRATA‐accredited training centre covering
all aspects and categories of confined spaces,
work at height and first aid and rescue. Its
range of ELCAS‐approved programmes is
designed to meet your exact requirements, and
provide you with realistic and practical
solutions to the problems you face in industry.
Casualty care programmes are available
with accreditations appropriate to your needs.
All meet current legislative requirements and
are delivered through theoretical and highly
practical sessions guaranteed to increase
confidence and practical ability. The
environments workers may find themselves in
can be remote and difficult. Outreach can give
you the specific skills needed to cope with
them. Its training is not the average; it is a
specialist in hazardous environments and in
the challenges these bring.
Rescue and safety team training is also
available, where Outreach provides elements
of all rescue disciplines in one programme.
They bring together rope, confined spaces,
casualty care and, if appropriate, water safety,
into a focused and practical course, almost
entirely scenario based, that will hone existing
skills and provide the essential rescue element
missing in standard training. Courses can also
be designed to your exact requirements to
ensure you get the focus you need to deal with
your own, unique, situation.
Outreach Rescue has more than 20 years’
experience in delivering rescue and safety
training. All of its tutors have worked for many
years in industrial, emergency services or
military rescue before joining the team, and
hold national accreditations in all disciplines.
The standards are high because they reflect the
understanding that your environment and
problems are often very difficult. Outreach
Rescue guarantees to go the extra mile to help
you deal with this.
O
Get in touch
Tel: Gemma 01248 601 546
Web: www.outreachrescue.com/industrial-safetytraining
See the advertisement on page 21
50
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
What’s the point of resettlement training?
t might seem like a contentious question to ask,
but is it:
●
to improve effectiveness?
●
to attain promotion?
●
to motivate and retain valued employees?
●
to improve your employment options?
●
to enable a change of career?
The reasons may be any or all of these as they are
not mutually exclusive. For those contemplating
leaving the Armed Forces, though, it is definitely
the latter two.
Leaving the Armed Forces and deciding which
direction to take is one of the most challenging
decisions many Service personnel will face.
Needless to say, the resettlement training
programme that you choose is potentially the most
critical element that will have most influence on
your future. When faced with this decision give the
utmost consideration to the following points.
●
Go for the highest qualification that is available
in your chosen industry.
●
The higher the qualification, the broader and
deeper are your employment options.
●
Even if you have no previous experience in
your chosen career, do not be deterred –
aspirations, determination, ambition, desire
and aptitude are powerful allies.
●
The only factor limiting you achieving what
you want is you – believe in yourself. Be the
best you can!
●
Choose an industry that is experiencing a very
real skill shortage and is continuing to expand
– this offers security and long‐term prospects.
Of the many options you may consider, the
telecoms industry should definitely be on your
shortlist. It is a global industry that is experiencing
I
unprecedented customer demand and,
consequently, huge amounts of investment. The
future is indeed very bright when you consider the
following facts.
●
More than half a million new IT and telecoms
professionals will be needed in the next five
years, working across all sectors of the
economy.
●
Nine of out ten firms suffering IT and
telecoms‐related skills shortages are
experiencing delays in the development of new
products or services.
●
More than one‐third of companies trying to
recruit IT and telecoms professionals report
difficulties in attracting applicants with the
right skills.
All of these career options and more will be
available to you if you have a widely respected and
industry‐accepted qualification on your CV such as
the Ubi‐Tech Post Graduate Certificate in Wireless
Communications resettlement training
programme. A total of 68% of firms in the IT,
telecoms and media sector plan to recruit
additional skilled staff in the next 12 months, amid
concerns about a shortage of talent. Confidence
among businesses in the IT, telecoms and media
sector is on the rise, according to research
conducted by business insurance specialist QBE.
For more information on the Ubi‐Tech
resettlement training programmes please …
Get in touch
email: info@ubi-tech.co.uk
Web: www.ubi-tech.co.uk
See the advertisement on page 23
Leadership and Management …
Coaching and Mentoring … NLP Practitioner
Accredited level 2,
3 and 5 courses
designed and
priced to work for
Service personnel
fter 28 great
years in the
Services, I was
determined to
Andy Greene
give something
back by running
courses that are
enjoyable, informative and develop an individual’s
motivation and prospects. I am passionate about
delivering courses that are interactive and fully
engage students, using a flexibility of approach in
teaching style to ensure each student can enjoy
learning and benefit from courses that increase
employment and promotion prospects both in and
out of the Services.
As an ILM training centre, we offer the
opportunity to achieve an internationally
recognised level 3 or 5 award in Leadership and
Management, a level 3 or 5 award in Coaching and
Mentoring and Certification as a NLP Practitioner,
priced to match SLC for the level 2 courses, and
ELC rates for the levels 3 and 5 courses.
A
The levels 2, 3 and 5 courses provide the
opportunity to:
●
develop skills towards career progression
●
take stock and prepare for career prospects
beyond Service life
●
gain recognised qualifications in a safe,
enjoyable learning environment
●
reflect and develop personal effectiveness
towards motivation and self‐fulfilment in life.
Employers are now looking for leaders who can
manage and develop people, making the
combination of management and coaching courses
perfect for enhancing future prospects.
We currently offer courses at three locations
across the country however are happy to deliver
courses wherever they are required in UK or
abroad.
Andy Greene
Get in touch
Tel: 01522 501886
email: info@inspired2be.com
Web: www.inspired2be.com
See the advertisement on page 47
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Professional Courses to
Develop your Leadership
and Management Skills
As an ELCAS provider, we are dedicated to helping serving personnel
gain professional and academic qualifications to enhance their career
prospects either whilst serving or after leaving the forces.
The University of South Wales delivers industry recognised, accredited qualifications and embeds appropriate skills
to assist in personal development and career progression. Programmes offered include: ILM Level 5 and Level 7
Leadership & Management, ILM Coaching & Mentoring, PRINCE2, MSP, APM Project Management, CIPS, NEBOSH,
NVQ’s in Management and Supply Chain Management, IoD Company Direction and Agile PM* and Change
Management*.
Contact our friendly professional team on 01443 482 482
to discuss your options and gain further information.
University of South Wales • Pontypridd • CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 482 482
E-mail: uswcommercial@southwales.ac.uk
Visit: www.uswcommercial.co.uk
Hundreds of degree
and postgraduate
qualifications available
in a variety of subjects
at our campuses in
Cardiff, Newport and
Pontypridd.
@ uswcommercial
PRINCE2® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited.
MSP® is a registered trade mark of AXELOS Limited.
*Subject to validation
ELCAS Provider ID 6317
Course notes
I DID IT!
Name: Scott Dougal
Service branch: Royal Engineers
Years served: 5
Course provider: The Underwater
Centre
Former Army
Explosive
Ordinance
Device Specialist
Scott Dougal,
24, left the
Services in 2014
having, he says,
‘completed all of
my goals and
expectations
within the
Armed Forces’.
Asked to tell us about the training
and experiences gained during his
Service career that he now finds useful
in civilian life, he cites: ‘The ability to
build strong team cohesion and a no‐
lose attitude’. As for qualifications
gained, he achieved an electrical science
diploma while serving, and found his
CTW useful for ‘adjusting my CV into
civilian terms’.
Having taken a course with The
Underwater Centre, which he says was
well run and useful, and included
civilian attachments, his first civilian job
came about ‘through word of mouth
and from a friend’. He has just started
work as the main diver on Uwild Ship
Inspections and tells us, ‘On a day‐to‐
day basis, the job consists of travelling
to the specific job location; when we
arrive, we set up ready to dive and then
operations begin. During the
inspection, all major parts of the ship
under the waterline are inspected.
Photographs and videos are always
prepared as part of the job report. The
purpose of the work is to help prevent
most vessels from dry‐docking for an
extended period of time. I like how
different my job is, especially when you
have customers from other countries,
excited and intrigued about what I do.
‘My job in the Forces and the job I
do now don’t really compare at all.
There are some transferable skills, but
interacting in a working environment
outside of the Forces is very different
indeed. Also I really enjoy the freedom
in my new job – I can drop everything
whenever I like and go travelling, which
is something I didn’t have before and is
important to me. Also, in terms of
salary, the progression is a lot more
lucrative.’
Get in touch
Tel: 01397 703786
email: fortwilliam@theunderwatercentre.com
Web: www.theunderwatercentre.com
See the advertisement on page 31
52
Why choose Warsash for maritime education and training?
arsash Maritime
Academy (WMA), based
near Southampton, has
provided first‐class education,
training, consultancy and
research services to the
international shipping,
commercial yacht, offshore oil
and gas, and renewables
industries for nearly 70 years.
As the world’s premier
maritime education and
training provider, the academy operates in a truly
international industry, understanding the strategic
changes that are shaping the maritime industry and
the business opportunities they create. Being part of
Southampton Solent University, it benefits from a
strong organisational and quality assurance
infrastructure to maintain exceptional standards of
service delivery.
The academy meets the growing international
demand for crew, officers and captains to be trained
to the highest professional standards. It also provides
a range of opportunities for professional and personal
development up to master’s degree level.
Armed Forces personnel possess a number of
skills and characteristics that are sought after by the
commercial maritime industry. Many ex‐military
personnel have made a successful transition to a
second career in the Merchant Navy, both at sea and
ashore, working as watchkeepers, in customer
services, personnel, security,
education or
operational/logistics
management.
As an approved training
provider, the academy has 39
courses eligible for Enhanced
Learning Credits. It offers
internationally recognised
certification programmes for
Navigation (Deck), Marine
Engineering and Marine Electro‐
Technical Officers, from initial entry as an officer
cadet up to Master (Captain), Chief Engineer and
Chief Electro‐Technical officer level. Also available is
commercial yacht certification for Master and Chief
Engineering Y4, Y3 and Y2 relevant for transfer to the
superyacht industry.
It also provides a comprehensive range of short
safety and security courses (mandatory and non‐
mandatory) to progress careers moves into
commercial shipping as well as offering continuous
professional development modules for experienced
officers looking to move ashore or work on board.
I DID IT!
exceptional; he always found time to talk to the
students and share his experiences. I left the course
not only suitably qualified but with the confidence to
carry out the role of a maritime security officer with all
the relevant tools and knowledge to do the job well
and to the best of my ability.
‘On completion of the MSO course, and after a
successful interview with the company, I was offered a
position as an MSO with an immediate start, although
there was a considerable amount of paperwork to
complete first.
‘One year and six months later, and after a vast
amount of experience accumulated from working with
outstanding individuals and the confidence that only
comes from numerous successful transits in an anti‐
piracy role, I have been offered the role of a team
leader.
‘Thanks to Securewest International and working
within the frameworks of a highly professional and
respected company and its exceptional personnel, I
have been able to enjoy a job where I get to travel to
locations such as Dubai, Egypt and Sri Lanka, meet
and work alongside varied and interesting characters,
carried out tasks that interest and challenge me, and
kept not only the long‐haired general at home happy,
but also the bank manager! I am also home frequently
enough that I never miss out on the little things in life
that a serving member of the Armed Forces knows
only too well.’
W
Name: Kevin Fay
Years served: 7
Course: Maritime Security Officer course
Current job: Team Leader, Securewest International
‘Having served for seven years
in 29 Commando Regiment
RA, I decided to pursue a
career in civvy street. After a
few low‐level security and
driving jobs, I decided I
needed to do something more
lucrative – and something
that better uses my particular
skill set. After a lot of
research, I decided on a career
in maritime security, in particular in an anti‐piracy
role.
‘After more research I decided to attend the
Maritime Security Officer course run by Securewest
International in Plymouth. Established in 1987, with
more than 26 years’ experience, Securewest is a
leading employer within the industry. It offers a
comprehensive course, approved by the UK Maritime
and Coastguard Agency and City & Guilds, which is
run by experienced former team leaders who are well
respected within the industry. Vitally, it offers the
opportunity to gain employment with the company
on successful completion of the course.
‘The course instructor was Paul Symons, also a
former member of 29 Commando Regiment. Paul is
Securewest International’s Training and Compliance
Manager, and also a former close protection officer
and maritime security team leader. Paul’s experience
was evident from the start. His knowledge of the
industry was passed on to the students with
enthusiasm and his ground truth knowledge was
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
ELCAS approved training provider 1876
Get in touch
Web: www.warsashacademy.co.uk
See the advertisement on page 39
ELCAS approved training provider 1876
Get in touch
Tel: 01548 856 001
email: training@securewest.com
Web: www.securewest.com
See the advertisement on page 31
www.courses4forces.co.uk
Clearway School of Motoring
The North East’s Major Driving Instructor Training Provider
Stockton on Tees
Tel: 01642 608942
e-mail: elaine@theclearwaygroup.com
“ORDIT Registered” Official Register of Driving Instructor Training
Work as a DSA Approved Driving Instructor – Guaranteed Job
L
FAST TRACK COURSES EVERY MONTH
What do you get?
• GUARANTEED JOB
• Fully serviced and insured car for work and home use
• Pupil Supply
• Full training for all parts of the DSA examination, parts 1,2 & 3
• Test fees included in cost
Use your military skills to teach the new drivers of tomorrow
Clearway’s Director who is ex- REME, has a great wealth of experience
dealing with the progression from the services to civvi street.
Clearway School of Motoring has a
reputation second to none for its
success in the qualification of our
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starting your own driving school if you
wish. No contracts to sign, stay as long
or short as you want. We are specialists
in Self Employment.
For more information please call
01642 608942
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
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E LC
PROVIDER NUMBER
5563
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54
Summer 2015 / COURSES4FORCES
EM
NWE
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NEE
SEE
GL
NI
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SC
WM
SWE
W
ELC no.
Region
Phone no.
Avtech2000
1009
Global
01892 770250
Page no.
8
BIFM Training (Quadrilect Ltd)
4000
GL
0207 404 4440
12
Blue Screen
1841
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7
Boat Building Academy
1813
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41
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4107
SEE
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47
CCAS Limited
6781
EE
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35
CCS Training Limited
7397
NEE
01912 501250
10, 43
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2760
National
0844 411 9363
39
cHRysos HR Solutions
3069
Y&H
01302 802128
35
CILEx Law School
1105
Global
01234 844300
30
Clearway School of Motoring
5563
National
01642 608942
53
College of Estate Management
1322
Global
0800 0199697
9
College of Osteopaths
2138
GL WM
01782 294596
32
Corporate Risk Systems
2227
National
01283 509175
5
Coventry University
1056
Global
02477 654321
55
CROPS
6918
WM
07526 318492
6
Cycle Systems Academy
3177
GL
07726 921002
19
Discovery Learning
2993
Global
0208 543 1017
37
E-Careers
2115
Global
0871 2228790
47
Edinburgh Napier University
1159
National
01314 554348
17
Embrion
6684
National
01224 900876
25
First Point Photography Ltd
2543
SWE
01202 419808
38
G4S (Canine Security Training)
4938
SEE
01582 458355
13
Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd
1619
EE
01908 587665
56
HL Training Services
3368
SWE
01179 525625
21
i2i Development Solutions
3836
Global
0845 121 0475
5
IBC Global Academy Terrorism Studies
2035
Global
0203 377 3210
9, 33
Inspire 360
3300
National
0845 803 0360
41
Inspired2be
5110
International
01522 501886
47
ISS Training Ltd
2292
Y&H
01423 712265
5
JBC
1350
WM
02476 719720
47
Learner Driving Centres
3393
National
0800 197 0010
17
Lifeskills Medical
2626
WM
01215 155205
13
Maritime and Engineering College
7359
NWE
01516 661028
10
Misson Training
5354
SEE
01227 768822
49
Nuco
1349
SW
08456 444 999
2
OMS
3228
EM
0845 1300616
35
Open I.T.
4843
Orchid Training
5948
SWE
01202 676752
41
ORMS (Outreach Rescue Medic Skills)
5906
Global
01248 603 012
21
Performance Learning & Development
3015
Global
07976 821333
39
Phoenix Health & Safety
3518
National
0845 500 8811
7
Phoenix Motorcycle Training
4129
SWE
01747 873153
12
Global 0800 599 99 98/01279 621750
3
PIP
4121
EE
0800 111 6303
45
PPTutor Online
1940
Global
07850 819219
34
Quanta
1201
National
0800 018 9138
21
Securewest International
2927
SWE
01548 856001
31
SRUC - Scotland's Rural College
2191
SC
0800 269453
6
Steve Willis
1664
SEE
01444 870860/02392 190190
41
Trade Skills 4U
3751
SEE
01293 529777
37
Ubi-Tech(3R) Ltd
6079
National
0800 612 9193
23
Underwater Centre
1593
SC
01397 703786
31
Univ Derby
1276
Global
01332 594000
11
Univ Buckingham - Humanities
1460
EE
01280 820204
25
Univ Buckingham - Law
1460
EE
01280 828321/01280 828344
9
Univ South Wales
6317
W
01443 482482
51
Univ Teesside
1716
NEE
01642 384176
31
Vulcan Fire Training
3273
National
01933 271756
13
Warsash Maritime Academy
Southampton Solent University
1876
SWE
02382 014222
39
www.courses4forces.co.uk
APPROVED BY MoD
IN SUPPORT OF
THE ELC SCHEME
ELC
PROVIDER NUMBER
1056
www.gastectraining.co.uk
Gastec has more than 1 years experience in the
resettlement training of MoD Service Leavers, with over
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ORK
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Gastec Training & Assessment Centres Ltd. 6 Newmarket Court, Kingston, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK10 0AQ
enquiries@gastectraining.co.uk
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