Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme
- Name of the instrument - Local language
- Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme
- Name of the instrument - English translation
- Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme
- Scheme ID
- 325
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Reporting year
- 2020
- Type of instrument
- Grant for individuals
- Sub-type of instrument
- Cost-related support
- Type of entry
- Single instrument
- Short description
The MOD promotes lifelong learning among members of the Armed Forces, and this is encouraged through the Learning Credit schemes. The Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme helps eligible Service personnel (SP) or Leavers (SL) with the cost of learning. The scheme allows a single award in each of a maximum of three separate Financial Years, or a single aggregated lower-tier award. ELCs 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. 80% of eligible costs can be covered (up to EUR 7 127). The ELC scheme permits Regular SPs to pursue their personal development, both during their Service and generally for 5 years after discharge.
- Level of operation
- National
- Name of a part of the country
- Not applicable
- Name of the region (for regional instruments)
- Not applicable
- Name of the sector (for sectoral instruments)
- Not applicable
- Relevance
- Further instrument
- Legal basis
- The Armed Forces (Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme and Further and Higher Education Commitment Scheme) Order 2012, S.I. 2012/1796 (as amended, most recently by S.I. 2016/310)
- Objective(s) and target(s)
- The MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. The scheme provides financial support in each of a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at level three or above or, if pursued overseas, an approved international equivalent qualification with an approved learning provider.
- Year of implementation
- 2012
- Operation/management
- The scheme is managed by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) on behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
- Eligible group(s)
- Serving or previous service personnel who have served a minimum of six years.
- Group(s) with preferential treatment
- Those who have served longer have preferential treatment.
- Education and training eligible
- Providers are approved by the Ministry of Defence - wide range of courses and study are supported in FE/HE.
- Source of financing and collection mechanism
- Ministry of Defence
- Financing formula and allocation mechanisms
- Service personnel are enrolled for ELC and the value depends on length of time in service. There are two tiers of funding, dependant on length of service. Lower tier (4 or more years eligible service) funding is GBP 1 000 per year and upper tier (8 or more years eligible service) is GBP 2 000 per year. Credits cover 80% of the fees on an eligible course up to a maximum of GBP 2 000.
- Eligible costs
- ELC funding is only available for courses that result in a Nationally Recognised Qualification at level three or above on the National Qualification Framework or level six or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
- Volumes of funding
- Not available
- Beneficiaries/take up
- Not available
- Organisation responsible for monitoring/evaluation
- Ministry of Defence
- Most relevant webpage - in English
- http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
- Most relevant webpage - local language
- http://www.enhancedlearningcredits.com
- Recent changes
No recent amendment
Recent changes in response to COVID-19
No changes
- Sources
- ELCAS
- ELCAS
- ELCAS
- Short description
- Level of operation
- Name of a part of the country
- Name of the region (for regional instruments)
- Name of the sector (for sectoral instruments)
- Relevance
- Legal basis
- Objective(s) and target(s)
- Year of implementation
- Operation/management
- Eligible group(s)
- Group(s) with preferential treatment
- Education and training eligible
- Source of financing and collection mechanism
- Financing formula and allocation mechanisms
- Eligible costs
- Volumes of funding
- Beneficiaries/take up
- Organisation responsible for monitoring/evaluation
- Most relevant webpage - in English
- Most relevant webpage - local language
- Recent changes
- Sources