Standard Learning Scheme Features:
The Standard Learning Credit (SLC) scheme operates as a yearly allowance from 1 Apr to 31 Mar each year for all Service personnel regardless of rank. Money is paid direct to you upon completion of the chosen course. You are eligible to claim 80% of course fees up to a maximum of £175 per financial year.
Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme
The Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme is designed to provide you with larger scale support to help pay for higher level learning. You can make three claims towards the cost of learning which leads to either academic or vocational qualifications (WARNING: You can only make a single claim each year, so use it wisely, see the packages we offer).
You can access up to a maximum of £2000 per annum for three years after having been registered with the scheme. This is dependant on time served so check with ELCAS.
In all cases you will be asked to make a minimum personal contribution of 20% towards the cost of the course in order to demonstrate your commitment to your learning.
How to make an application:
Using what you have and making decisions
Trade and Specialist Courses
Many of the courses you will do during your military career will have a direct link to 'civvy street'. Taking full advantage of specialist courses will help you increase your overall skills level. Many courses, such as your education training, will attract civilian qualifications. Always do the extra work to gain these.
Not sure which way to jump?
Like many service leavers, you may not know which industry you wish to pursue a second career in. If this is the case, do not despair as you are not alone. It may be of an advantage to opt for generic training courses which can be applied across many career sectors such as Health and Safety, Project Management or Teacher Training.
Leadership and Management courses
You may not be aware but the Armed Forces give you the best leadership and management training available in the UK. Try and take full advantage of this training at every opportunity and consider getting a professional qualification with either the Institute of Leadership and Management or the Chartered Management Institute.
Professional Memberships
By joining a civilian professional institute linked to your trade you are able to gain recognition for your skills as well as keeping yourself current with civilian developments. This in turn will open up a wider network for you when pursuing a new career.
Looking for work
Take every opportunity to register with job search engines such as Monster or TotalJobs. These websites may not get you an interview but if you sign up for their free services they will send you daily job lists to give you an overview of the type of jobs available. However do not be over reliant on these as these companies main purpose is to increase the number of job seekers on their books making themselves more attractive large corporations looking for new employees.
Networking
Networking prior to leaving is without doubt your greatest weapon in finding a job. You need to cultivate your network outside of the military sphere and the best way to do this is to talk to former service leavers already in industry and join sites such as LinkedIn and The List. Also utilise social networking sites such as FaceBook to find old colleagues. 75% of employers do not advertise their jobs. They either recruit internally or invite people to interview by recommendation.
Using your time wisely
You need to develop the ability to sell yourself to a potential employer. Be realistic about wage expectations and ask yourself how much would I pay myself with little or no experience within your new sector. This emphasises the need to get qualifications but also gain experience whilst still serving (a potential employer will ask you to give examples of experience). You need to gain this by making the most of your final resettlement and termination leave. Those attending our courses will have access to the BV Associates networking experience where we may either be able to find you temporary or permanent employment or give you free advice and guidance.
