Funding for the Armed Forces Community

If you are serving, preparing to leave, or have already left, there may be several ways to put money towards construction training: Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC), Standard Learning Credits (SLC), Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) where they apply, reduced-cost training from Construction Skills College, or other external funding.

You do not necessarily need ELC to train with us. Eligibility always sits with the relevant Service or funding authority — we can explain our courses and supply information for an application, but we cannot approve a claim.

Enhanced Learning Credits – ELC

Construction Skills College is an approved ELC learning provider and offers designated Level 3 programmes for eligible Armed Forces learners. ELC is intended for higher-level learning that leads to an approved nationally recognised qualification.

Under current MOD guidance, eligible learners can receive up to £1,000 per claim at the lower tier or £2,000 per claim at the higher tier, with a maximum of three claims in separate financial years. Eligible lower-tier claimants may be able to aggregate three claims into one claim of up to £3,000. Learners normally make a personal contribution of at least 20% of the course fees, subject to current scheme rules.

Confirm your own entitlement through Service education staff and the ELCAS process before you commit. We cannot approve ELC entitlement.

What ELC can be used for

Current MOD guidance is that ELC can be used towards approved qualifications at Level 3 or above in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or the equivalent elsewhere, through an approved provider.

Our designated ELC programmes combine those Level 3 outcomes with substantial practical construction training. ELC does not apply to every course on the website. Use only the programmes listed as ELC funded.

How to claim

Discuss the plan with your Service education staff first. Current guidance is to submit the claim at least 25 clear working days before the course starts.

Once a claim is approved, the ELC element is paid through the appropriate process, and the learner pays the required personal contribution before the course starts. Always follow current MOD/ELCAS guidance because rules can change.

Individual Resettlement Training Costs – IRTC

If you are going through resettlement, IRTC may be available and, where the relevant conditions are met, can potentially contribute towards the personal contribution associated with ELC-funded training. Confirm your individual entitlement and how funding can be combined with the appropriate Service resettlement or education staff.

Standard Learning Credits – SLC

SLC is aimed at smaller-scale learning. Under current MOD guidance, eligible serving personnel may claim 80% of eligible course fees up to £175 per financial year, with prior approval before the course starts.

That can suit a standalone practical course — for example plastering, tiling, plumbing, carpentry or bricklaying — rather than a larger ELC Level 3 programme. We can supply course title, content, duration, dates, cost, location and provider details for an application. We do not approve SLC claims.

Current MOD guidance says SLC cannot be used simultaneously to fund elements of a course of study already supported by ELC. That does not stop you using SLC later for different eligible learning. Confirm the correct use of your credits with your Education Staff.

No ELC? Reduced-Cost Training May Still Be Available

You may not have qualified for ELC, you may have used your entitlement, you may be outside the claim period, or you may want a standalone course. Eligible serving personnel, service leavers, veterans and Armed Forces family members may still have access to a reduced Armed Forces community rate.

Contact us before booking, tell us your circumstances and the course, and we will explain what is currently available and what evidence we need.

Do not assume the public website price is your only option, and do not assume a discount until we have confirmed it.

Paying Your Own Contribution or Course Fees

Where you need to pay a personal contribution or self-fund some or all of the training, payment options include bank transfer, debit card, credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Amazon Pay. PayPal Pay in 3 may be available subject to the provider's terms and eligibility.

Service Commitments Changed?

If deployment, an exercise or another genuine Service requirement means you cannot attend, contact us as soon as you know. We can move or postpone the affected training to other available dates without an administration or course-amendment fee. Dates still depend on availability and any funding or completion rules.

Other Funding

After leaving Service, other funding routes may apply depending on your circumstances, such as employer, redundancy, unemployment or Welsh ReAct+ support. See Funding for Construction Training Courses for the wider options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need ELC to train with you?

No. You can self-fund, use SLC where eligible, or ask about the reduced Armed Forces community rate. ELC is one route among several.

How much is an ELC claim worth?

Under current MOD guidance, up to £1,000 per claim at the lower tier or £2,000 at the higher tier, with a maximum of three claims in separate financial years. Eligible lower-tier claimants may be able to aggregate three claims into one claim of up to £3,000. Learners normally pay a personal contribution of at least 20% of course fees, subject to current scheme rules.

How far in advance must I submit a claim?

Current guidance is at least 25 clear working days before the course starts. Discuss the plan with your Service education staff first.

Can I use ELC and SLC on the same course?

Current MOD guidance says SLC cannot be used simultaneously to fund elements of a course of study already supported by ELC. You can still use SLC later for different eligible learning.

Are all your courses ELC funded?

No. ELC applies to designated Level 3 programmes only. Use only the programmes listed as ELC funded.

Can you approve my claim or confirm my entitlement?

No. Eligibility sits with the relevant Service or funding authority. We can explain our courses and supply the information needed for an application, but we cannot approve a claim.