The Forces ELCAS & Training Provider Guide 2025/26 is produced by the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Events (NAFESE) team.
Project Editor - Mal Robinson | Publications Manager - Sam Rosenthal | Design - Liam Grieves
Imagery - Ministry of Defence, MOD Crown Copyright 2025. Excerpts taken in quotation from the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) official website.
Contact: hospitality@nafese2023.com
While the publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, they can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions. No liability is accepted for omission or failure from any cause. Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of NAFESE.. Professional advice should be sought before making any commitment to business transactions detailed within NAFESE. All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with the terms of the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and all other relevant legislation. Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement of the advertiser or the product by the publishers, their employees or agents. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers. No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.
The Forces ELCAS & Training Provider Guide - Copyright Parade Square Pickles Ltd.
WELCOME
Hello and welcome to the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Events (NAFESE) guide to Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) and general training providers.
Following in the footsteps of previous NAFESE directories, namely our annual Community Directory and Forces Family Education Guide, I am delighted to add this title to our ever growing portfolio of publications and turn to resources.
Whilst this particular guide is aimed primarily at the Armed Forces and the use of the Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) (and Standard Learning Credits (SLC)) schemes, it is of course there to use for spouses and partners, family members and of course even with the absence of such a scheme for blue light workers, there are many great training providers to be found inside this edition, not to mention great advice to compliment their inclusion.
ELCAS is a great scheme to utilise for both serving personnel and veterans, who depending on time served and time elapsed, can use their credits up to ten years from departure of the forces in some cases.
Having served in the RAF, I used the scheme to put my credits towards a Diploma in Literature with The Open University and certainty came in handy applying for various roles
within media circles in later years. It is a great perk to have as part of your job, so remember to use them and use them wisely.
I hope the selection of training providers and advice inside this guide will be of benefit and use in helping shape the next stages of your careers, whether this be still serving or as part of resettlement from any of the services from armed to emergency.
Kind regards and best wishes,
Mal Robinson Editor, National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Events Team
www.nafese2023.com
HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A RESIDENTIAL SURVEYOR?
5 transferable skills that make surveying the perfect post-military career move:
For most serving in the military, returning to civilian life is an inevitability, but the shift from the demands of military service to the oftenunfamiliar landscape of everyday society can be both exhilarating and disorienting. Finding a new career is just a one of the challenges faced by military leavers and having a plan in advance is crucial to ease the anxiety felt during the transition period.
often required, especially when areas are inaccessible or unsafe to inspect.
2. Time Management
Military operations depend on strict time management – a crucial skill for surveyors. The role involves research, property inspections, report writing, and customer interactions. Whether working independently or for a firm, efficient scheduling is essential.
3. Effective Communication
In the military, clear communication ensures mission success. Similarly, surveyors must communicate findings effectively, both in reports and client interactions. A well-explained report can significantly impact a homebuyer’s purchase decisions.
4. Adaptability
Military service requires flexibility and quick decision-making, traits that are invaluable in surveying. No two properties are the same, and inspections often present unexpected challenges. Adaptability is key to overcoming these obstacles and delivering accurate assessments.
From Service to Study and Beyond Burnley College: For Armed Forces Veterans and their Families
In this article, we explore five key militaryacquired skills that seamlessly transfer to a successful career in residential surveying.
What is a residential building surveyor?
Residential surveyors play a crucial role in the property market, assessing homes to identify risks, defects, and opportunities. Their expertise helps homebuyers and homeowners make informed decisions when buying, selling and renovating properties.
What makes a great surveyor?
Surveyors come from all walks of life, but what binds them is a passion for property. Beyond technical know-how, military service instils a range of skills that lend themselves perfectly to the surveying profession.
1. Problem-Solving
Military personnel develop strong analytical and decision-making skills in high-pressure environments. Surveyors use these skills to assess properties, identify defects, and determine their severity. Quick thinking is
5. Professionalism
Respect for hierarchy and professionalism are integral to military life. As a surveyor, you will be eligible for membership with professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) which has its own expectations regarding the behaviour of its members, with a strict code of conduct to follow.
Start Your Surveying Career with Sava
Sava offers the only degree-alternative route into the surveying profession through our ABBE-accredited Diploma in Residential Surveying and Valuation. This part-time programme equips you with the necessary skills in just 24 months.
To learn more about the profession, training options, and ELCAS funding opportunities, contact a Sava course advisor at hello@sava. co.uk, call 01908 442158 or head to our website: https://info.sava.co.uk/become-a-surveyorwith-elcas
Lynn served in the army for 24 years before completing a qualification where she can help ex-serving personnel with their mental health recovery.
‘I would absolutely recommend Teesside. I didn’t quite appreciate the support that I would be given throughout this course.’
Visit our stand to find out more.
tees.ac.uk
USE YOUR LEARNING CREDITS WITH US Photography
Intensive two-week course, no experience required
Digital Culture Craft and curate top-notch social media content with our eleven-week course
From Service to Study & Beyond
Burnley College: For Armed Forces Veterans and their Families
Expand the opportunities in your future. Or even join our friendly and supportive team, building futures and changing lives.
As a veteran, you can use your Learning Credits on a wide variety of courses including:
• Construction Trades
• Engineering
• Sport & Fitness
• Teaching
• Health & Safety
• And more…
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW OUR COURSES
Explore our vacancies and discover how you can pass on your skills. Vacancies include:
• Trainer Assessor
• A Levels Lecturer
• Lecturer in Engineering
• Support Staff
• Skills Coach
• And more...
SCAN TO EXPLORE OUR VACANCIES
Empowering veterans and their families to achieve more at Burnley College.
LEARN A TRADE AND BUILD YOUR FUTURE
Are you ready to step into the thriving construction industry? At Construction Skills College, we offer hands-on courses tailored to your ambitions: Plastering, Wall & Floor Tiling, Plumbing & Heating, Carpentry, Kitchen Fitting, Bricklaying, and Domestic Electrical Installations. Whether you dream of working for yourself or joining a growing trade sector, our training equips you with the skills to succeed.
Becoming a self-employed tradesperson might feel out of reach, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely possible. Take Simon Day, who used his ELC funding to retrain with us: “Using the property development skills taught during my time at Construction Skills College enabled me to completely renovate a damp, mouldy and unloved property into a contemporary family home. Completing all the plumbing, tiling, bathroom fitting, minor structural works and decorating myself, the College gave me the confidence and practical know-how to work beyond the course content. This was down to the professionalism and dedication of the instructors who devoted their time to ensure everyone developed at their own pace whilst stretching those with a particular skill. Now on the market and with the first viewings this week, I am expecting to make a £20,000 profit for my 3 months renovation work. This profit and equity from the sale will be funding my next purchase so onwards and upwards.
Not all trade courses are created equal. Some focus on theory, leaving you unprepared for real jobs. At Construction Skills College, we’re different. Our courses are delivered by time-served tradespeople, ensuring you learn practical skills you’ll actually use—skills that save you money on your own projects or earn you a steady income from clients. Whether it’s plastering a wall to perfection or installing a bathroom suite or kitchen that lasts, we
teach what matters in the real world. Our instructors don’t just teach the basics—they give you the confidence to push beyond the course.
We’re invested in your success. Every course ends with you receiving direct contact details for your tutors—real support when you need it most. Courtney Ray, who completed our plastering course, says this was a gamechanger: “The course was very hands-on and you are always learning and practicing your skills, skills that you need to complete plastering jobs for customers. It can be very daunting planning to learn a trade and start your own business, but it is very rewarding when you complete a job and your customer is happy and you are getting work on a regular basis”.
Simon and Courtney’s stories show what’s possible when you choose the right training. A generic course might leave you with a certificate but no direction. We go further, delivering hands-on experience that translates directly to profit—whether you’re renovating to sell or building a client base. In construction, cutting corners costs money; mastering the right techniques saves it. Our instructors know the latest methods and the timeless tricks that keep you competitive.
Ready to take control of your career? Construction Skills College is here to make it happen. Visit www.tradeteacher.co.uk to explore our full range of courses and see how we can help you turn skills into a livelihood. Got questions? Reach out to Dave Hare at dave.hare@tradeteacher.co.uk, email enquiries@tradeteacher.co.uk, or call our friendly team at 01782 837007. Don’t settle for a course that just ticks boxes—choose training that builds your future, one practical skill at a time.
INTENSIVE LEVEL 3 COURSES
PLASTERING
Construction skills college in Burslem Stoke-on-Trent is an absolutely excellent facility, well resourced, good venue and facilities and the staff are fabulous. I'm going to continue to book the rest of my training with this training provider as a result of this experience, which is absolutely outstanding in every respect.
C. Watts. ELC funded course
Based on my own (military) experience, I never found the time to learn and develop my DIY skills. I would encourage many of my colleagues to attend these courses, which are valuable life skills.
JM, ELC funded course
4th course, will be back for more. Have set up my own business directly from the skills, knowledge and confidence gained.
R Rea, ELC funded course
From furthering your career within the Armed Forces, to setting you up for success on civvy street, Learning at Work programmes from the University of Portsmouth give you the freedom to gain an undergraduate or postgraduate degree without leaving your job.
You’ll have the option to study online modules from home or work, or go to lectures on campus if you prefer. Start in September or January and work at your own pace.
Whether you’re a serving or former member of the Forces, you can choose from a wide range of courses – from business to engineering. Courses are designed around employers’ needs, and many are recognised by professional bodies.
Working people love the flexibility
Katie Raine, who studied PgCert Occupational Health and Safety Management, says: ‘Learning at Work is ideal for professionals who want to change careers or progress further within their current role. The course is challenging but very rewarding, as you know you are working towards your future. I haven’t even had to forsake my salary in the process.’
With Portsmouth you can build your learning around real projects, set your own objectives, and shape your degree to your professional development needs.
CAREER-BOOSTING DEGREE COURSES THAT FIT AROUND WORK
Michael Kelly chose the BSc Engineering and Management Studies course. He says: ‘There was plenty of scope to tailor my modules to beneficial projects within my workplace. Being a father of three children, I am unable to take time off work to study as I need to support the home financially, so Learning at Work was the perfect fit.’
Qualify quicker and save money
With Learning at Work courses, you can use the experience you’ve gained so far to get ahead faster. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be awarded for some UK Armed Forces ranks. And because you’ll study for less time, you will pay less, too.
You can also benefit from Learning and Enhanced Learning Credits. If you’re using any of the following ELCAS schemes to fund your study, the University will welcome your application: Standard Learning Credit (SLC); Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC); Publicly funded Further and Higher Education for Service leavers (PF FE/HE).
You can find more information about these schemes at enhancedlearningcredits.com. Top tip: if you choose to apply to ELCAS regarding study with Portsmouth, use the University’s Learner Provider Number, 1289. Visit port. ac.uk/learningatwork to explore your options.
Locksmith Qualification Programme
Unlock a career in locksmithing with the UK’s largest locksmith association.
serving in our military, or a family member looking to advance your education and career prospects?
courses tailored to your needs – from Foundation to Postgraduate studies, and training.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The Forces ELCAS & Training Provider Guide for 2025/26 has been launched at The National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Event 2025 on Wednesday April 9, 2025 and is designed to stay current for 12 months in print and digital via the NAFESE website at www. nafese2023.com
Should any amends or updates occur within this period, the online version of the publication will be amended accordingly.
A GUIDE TO SUBMITTING A ELC CLAIM (SERVING PERSONNEL)
The following is a guide on how to submit a claim for Serving Personnel in the UK Armed Forces. Should you have any further questions after reading this information, please contact education staff at your nearest Education or Resettlement Centre.
“Before being eligible to make an ELC claim, individual scheme members must have completed not less than six years eligible service (lower tier). If you have completed 4 years qualifying service prior to 1st April 2017, please read JSP 822. The lower tier of funding is up to £1,000 per claim instalment and the higher tier (eight years service) is up to £2,000 per claim instalment. Only service accumulated since 1st April 2000, may be counted as eligible service for the purpose of the ELC Scheme.
You are entitled to make three ELC claims in total. You can only make one claim per financial year (1 April- 31 March), however if you have served between 6 and 8 years you may be eligible to aggregate all three lower tier claims together subject to meeting the qualifying criteria in JSP 822. As the expiration date of your claims is dependent upon many factors please read JSP 822. If you are claiming in the last year of your scheme eligibility, you must commence study before your scheme expiry date.
If you are in your qualifying resettlement phase you may be eligible to claim under the Joint Funding Initiative (PF FE/HE Scheme). For the full details and to check the eligibility rules, please view the Serving Personnel/Claiming Publically Funded FE/HE page.
Procedure for Eligible Service Personnel
You must complete an online claim and submit to your Education Staff a minimum of 25 working days prior to your course start date.
On receipt of your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN), you must present it to your chosen Learning Provider before the course is due to start.”
SOURCE: www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
ELC NEWS FOR VETERANS
“Enhanced Learning Credits, Further and Higher Education scheme changes for veterans
Changes to the Enhanced Learning Credits, Further Education and Higher Education schemes came into effect from 30 March 2021.
Access to the ELC scheme and FEHE scheme has been extended to 10 years for veterans who left the Armed Forces between 1 April 2011 and 31 March 16 (both dates inclusive).
Veterans medically discharged on or after the 1 April 2011 and who receive a disablement pension under the War Pension Scheme, or a guaranteed income payment under the Armed Forces Compensation scheme, will have access to the ELC scheme and FEHE scheme for 10 years after discharge.
Veterans who left the Armed Forces on or after the 1 April 2016 will still have access to the ELC and FEHE scheme for 5 years after discharge.”
For Veteran advice on claiming their ELC, please see the SIngle Service point of contacts at the back of this guide.
Source: www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
Did you know? DfE Bursary for Veterans into Teaching
An innovative programme targeted at exservice personnel who have the potential to become outstanding teachers.
The incentive will help ex-servicemen and women – who have spent their career honing the discipline, motivation and unique skills needed to become great teachers – make the transition to the classroom where they can share their expertise with the next generation.
The bursary has been developed as part of the Department for Education’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant – the nation’s promise to those who serve or who have served – and will be offered on selected priority undergraduate courses.
The bursary will be paid in the final two years of a three-year course. Trainees will recive £20,000 in each of the last 2 years of their courses, in equal monthly instalments. Applicants must:
• be an undergraduate i.e. not already have a degree;
• have left full time employment in the British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Navy in the past 5 years;
• enrol on an eligible QTS course in secondary biology,chemistry,computing,languages, mathematics or Physics;
• meet the appropriate initial teacher training (ITT) eligibility criteria.
For further information on this scheme, talk to your Education or Resettlement Centre.
Source: ELCAS
ELC - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!
1. What happens if I withdraw from a course?
If personnel leave a course uncompleted either through lack of commitment or they did not like the course, they risk not being considered for a reinstatement of one of their ELC credits.
2. Does the training provider need to be ELCAS registered in order for me to claim my credits?
Yes, the training provider needs to be accredited under the official scheme.
3.How do I search for an accredited ELCAS training provider?
Visit the Enhanced Learning Credits website at www.enhancedlearningcredits.com Click on the Serving Personnel drop down menu and select “search for a training provider”. Here you can type in keywords such as the sector you are interested in gaining a qualification for example. “Cyber security” or “Project Management” and the search will produce a list of relevant training providers along with contact details for each.
4. How many ELCAS claims in total can I make?
You can make a total of three claims in total, but only one per financial year.
5. What is the difference between the lower and higher tiers of claiming credits?
Lower tier: You are entitled to claim 80% of a level 3 course or above up to a maximum of £1,000 per claim.
Higher tier: You are entitled to claim 80% of a level 3 course or above up to a maximum of £2,000 per claim.
WE’RE PROUD TO BE ELCAS APPROVED
WHAT ARE STANDARD LEARNING CREDITS?
The MOD’s Standard Learning Credits (SLC) scheme provides you, as Regular and Reserve armed forces service personnel, with an incentive to professionally develop yourselves throughout your military career.
Each year (1st April – 31 March) service personnel can access up to a maximum of £175 worth of funding to be used on certain courses and qualifications. The funding can only cover 80% of the fees meaning a £200 course will only cost you £40.
Unlike funding for the Enhanced Learning Credits, the funding for Standard Learning Credits DOES NOT carry over into the next financial year and must be used within the allotted 12-month time period, otherwise they will be lost.
Ask your Education or Resettlement Clerk for further clarification on Standard Learning Credits.
Please also see JSP 822.
Let NEBOSH qualifications help you transition from the armed forces to a rewarding career in health and safety with Phoenix the UK’s leading provider.
info@phoenixhsc.co.uk
www.phoenixhsc.co.uk
Available courses
NEBOSH National General Certificate
NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety
NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate
NEBOSH Health & Saftey Management for Construction
NEBOSH National Diploma
NEBOSH HSE Certificate in Process Safety Management
NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
We train more than 20,000 students a year, and organisations and individuals alike get the health and safety training students need.
With courses in over 30 UK venues and more than 35 available e-Learning courses, we make it simple to book your course and study the way that suits you best.
BUILD A NEW FUTURE IN DEMOLITION
Your Skills, Our Industry: A Seamless Transition from the Armed Forces to Demolition. Your discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving experience are invaluable. Discover a career where your skills make an impact.
You’ve served with honor. Now, take on a new challenge where your leadership, resilience, and technical expertise can thrive.
The demolition industry offers opportunities to put your militaryacquired skills to work in an exciting, rewarding environment.
From strategic planning to handson operations, demolition is about precision, safety, and teamwork— the very values you’ve mastered in service.
Join a growing industry that values your dedication, gives you a purpose, and builds a better future—for you and your community.
Your mission doesn’t end here—start your next chapter in demolition today.
Scan the QR code to explore careers and training programmes that fits perfectly for service leavers.
USEFUL CONTACTS
The Enhanced Learning Credits Team
Telephone: 0330 0564202
11:00–13:00 & 14:00-16:00 Monday to Friday (exc. bank holidays - charges may apply)
Email: elcas@qiaservices.com
Single Services Representative (SSR) Contact Details (For serving personnel)
Royal Navy
HMS Nelson & HMNB Portsmouth 02392 725120
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOPORreset@mod.gov.uk
HMS Collingwood 0300 160 7824
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOMWS-CWDHelp@mod.gov.uk
HMS Sultan 02392 542675
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOSULHelp@mod.gov.uk
Hamworthy Barracks 0300 158 4221 | 0300 161 3408
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOPORreset@mod.gov.uk
HMNB Clyde 01436 674321 Ext 3461
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOFASHelp@mod.gov.uk
RM Condor - 45 CDO RM 01241 822037
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDO45CDOHelp@mod.gov.uk
HMNB Devonport 01752 555300
NAVYTRGHQ-LDOWERCMULTIUSER@mod.gov.uk
RMB Stonehouse 01752 836288
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDO30CDOHelp@mod.gov.uk
HMS Raleigh 01752 811467
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDORALEIGHHelp@mod.gov.uk
BICKLEIGH BARRACKS
42 CDO RM 0300 158 2384
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDO42CDOHelp@mod.gov.uk
RNAS Culdrose 01326 552381
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOCULHelp@mod.gov.uk
CTCRM 0300 162 1571
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOCTCHelp@mod.gov.uk
BRNC 01803 677872
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOBRNCHelp@mod.gov.uk
RM Chivenor CLR 01271 857200
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOCLRHelp@mod.gov.uk
RM Norton Manor - 40 CDO 0300 170 5060
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDO40CDOHelp@mod.gov.uk
RNAS Yeovilton 01935 455451
NAVYPEOPLE-TMGLDOYEOReset@mod.gov.uk
British Army
Catterick
ETSN-3AEC-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
York
ETSN-3AEC-York-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Tidworth
ETSS-10AECGp-Tidworth-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Larkhill
ETSS-12AEC-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Colchester
ETSS-18AECGp-Col-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
North Luffenham
ETSS-18AECGp-NLuff-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Wattisham
ETSS-18AECGp-Watt-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Bramcote
ETSN-20AEC-Bramcote-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Chepstow
ETSN-20AEC-Chepstow-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Edinburgh andLeuchars
ETSN-27AEC-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Chatham
ETSS-30AECGp-Chatham-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Windsor
ETSS-30AECGp-Windsor-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Woolwich
ETSS-30AECGp-Woolwich-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Preston and Lisburn
ETSN-32AECGp-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
BFC-JETS-55AEC-RstlmntGpMailbox@mod.gov.uk
Aldershot
ETSS-77AECGp-Aldershot-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Bicester
ETSS-77AECGp-Bicester-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
Royal Air Force
Akrotiri Andrew Tibbatts Andrew.Tibbatts246@mod.gov.uk
Benson Emma Blackburn Emma.Blackburn698@mod.gov.uk
Boulmer David Wright 09:00 - 12:00 david.wright235@mod.gov.uk
