Page 79 - RADC 2020
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TRAINING
Learning
Credit
Schemes
WO2 C Boslem
The MOD promotes lifelong learning among members of the Armed Forces, and this is encouraged through the Learning Credit schemes. This includes the Standard Learning Credit (SLC) scheme and the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme. Both schemes aim to support Service personnel (SP) who wish, through learning, to enhance their educational, academic, professional or vocational achievements. Additionally, the schemes enhance the reputation of the MOD, thereby encouraging the recruitment and retention of high-quality Service personnel. They achieve the above by providing
levels of funding to help eligible Service personnel or Service Leavers with the cost of their learning.
The Standard Learn Credit scheme supplies financial support, throughout the career of Service personnel, for multiple, small-scale Learning Purposes to further motivate Regular and Reserve SP to pursue personal development during their Service. It operates as an annual allowance and
is given as a refund upon completion of a Learning Purpose. Providing SP fulfil the qualifying criteria, they may claim 80%
of fees for a Learning Purpose, up to a maximum of £175 per Financial Year.
The Enhanced Learning Credit scheme may be claimed for learning which is an integral part, and results in the cost-effective achievement, of a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3 or above. The ELC scheme permits Regular SP to pursue
their personal development, both during
their Service and generally for 5 years after discharge, subject to the eligibility criteria being met. ELC funds may be directed at one Learning Purpose (such as successive years’ study towards a particular qualification) or different Purposes in each of the 3 years. The ELC however is not a refund scheme, approval for funding needs to be given prior to the learning package commencing.
There are 3 types of ELC available
• Lower Tier – provides funding for up
to a maximum of 3 awards of up to £1,000 per Financial Year (FY). Service personnel must have completed 4 years of qualifying service before 1 Apr 17, or 6 years post 1 Apr 17, in order to qualify for these awards.
• Aggregated Lower Tier – is a
single award of £3,000 for Service personnel who have completed 6 years of qualifying service on or after 1 Apr 16. This can not be used by those who have previously used the lower tier awards or qualify for the higher tier.
• Higher tier – Provides funding for up to a maximum of 3 awards of up to £2,000 per FY. At least 8 years of qualifying service are required for this award type.
SP who claim ELC support may not simultaneously claim SLC support (e.g. SLC may not be used to fund an exam for a course which has been supported by ELC funding).
Cpl Nyalemegbe has utilised the Learning Credit schemes and here is his experience.
“On return from my posting to Brunei
in April 2017, I decided to further my education. Having already attained a BA degree before joining the Army, I sought to pursue an MBA. With
that plan in mind, I
attended a job fair at
The Defence Academy
of the United Kingdom
where I discussed
my intentions with a
representative from
Napier Edinburgh
University. From my
conversation with the
rep I was convinced
to pursue an MBA
Project Management.
I was guided
through the university application process by the representative from Napier Edinburgh University, who had a very good understanding of how I could utilise my Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC). I contacted my local education centre to confirm my login details and accessed the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) website. I was directed
to the Member Area where I was able to submit an application for funding towards the MBA. I do not recall having any issues with the application and any questions I had were adequately answered by the education centre.
After enrolling in the Napier Edinburgh University, I provided the university with a document from ELCAS which allowed a payment of £2000 to be made towards the MBA. Altogether I received £4000 over a two year period which accounted for 50% of the total cost.
Using ELC to support a higher education course has benefitted me in many ways
as well as being of huge financial benefit. The course has been an excellent, but steep learning curve, in an area which I had not previously studied. I have learnt many new things as well as new ways of working and managing the subordinates and civilians within my practice. All these new skills contribute to making me a more
rounded soldier and ultimately better at
my job. There is also a significant positive effect on my morale as I continue to learn and develop.
I highly recommend the use of ELC to
all my colleagues
and wider Service Personnel in the Army. The process
is relatively easy and
allows you to learn new skills, gain recognised qualifications and
can save you thousands of pounds.” These schemes really provide serving
personnel with a great opportunity and
I would encourage all to consider using them for their development. For further information, please refer to JSP 822 where the qualifying criteria and process to be followed are laid out for both schemes.
Using ELC to support a higher education course has benefitted me in many ways as well as being of huge financial benefit
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