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Thinking of leaving the military? Here’s everything you need to know to make your resettlement investment go further.
If you’re planning your transition from the Armed Forces to civilian life, ELCAS funding is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal.
This government-backed scheme gives you up to £6,000 towards further education and training – money you can use to gain recognised qualifications, sharpen your leadership credentials, and secure a fulfilling second career.
But the system can be hard to navigate. Deadlines, paperwork, approved providers… it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to use it.
That’s where this guide comes in. Whether you’re 24 months from leaving or already exploring civilian options, we’ll walk you through the essential facts, common pitfalls, and smart strategies to help you get the most from your Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs).
And if you choose to work with Minerva Elite Performance, we’ll help you handle the process from start to finish – so you can focus on your future.
The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) is a MOD initiative designed to support lifelong learning for Armed Forces personnel. It provides financial contributions towards courses that lead to nationally recognised qualifications at Level 3 or above.
The idea is simple: to help you transition smoothly into a new career with formal, accredited training that builds on your existing experience.
Whether you want to upskill, retrain, or simply get the qualifications to back up your operational expertise, ELCAS makes it affordable.
You can claim up to £2,000 per funding year, for a maximum of three separate claims, totalling £6,000 over your career.
Funding is tiered depending on your length of service:
You’ll usually be expected to pay 20% of the course cost yourself.
To qualify for ELCAS funding, you must have:
⚠️ Left before April 1, 2016? You have 10 years to use your credits. ⚠️ Left on or after April 1, 2016? You have 5 years.
If you’re unsure of your status, we can help you confirm eligibility.
Only courses delivered by approved learning providers are eligible for ELCAS support.
At Minerva Elite Performance (MEP), we are a registered and approved provider. This means you can use your ELCs to fund:
Whether you’re starting out or climbing the ladder, you’ve got skills and natural flair. Qualities we’ll tap into, to boost your career… and give you all the credits you need to apply for a Masters.
The fastest route to an MBA, with one application for two qualifications. Work with us through Level 7, then fast-track onto the Masters programme with final assessment by Cardiff Metropolitan University.
You know your field, now pass on the baton as a teacher or trainer. If you’re already teaching or looking for routes into education, we’re here to refine your skills and set you on the right career path.
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We support both classroom and blended/distance learning formats to fit around your availability.
We don’t just deliver high-quality training. We support you through the entire funding journey.
From eligibility checks to course selection and ELCAS paperwork, we’ll guide you step by step:
We understand the pace and expectations of military learners – and we’re built to match them.
Neither do we. Our courses are highly practical, designed for professionals who learn best by doing. Think coaching, real-world scenarios, and applied tasks.
No problem. We value your operational experience and use it as a foundation for learning. Many of our learners succeed without a traditional academic background.
Courses vary. Our Level 7 programme typically runs 12–24 months, and the full MBA track takes around 19–31 months via distance learning. But the schedule flexes around your availability.
Yes. That’s one of the smartest moves you can make.
You can use £2,000 towards the Level 7, then make a second claim for another £2,000 towards the MBA. That’s £4,000 total, covering a large portion of a dual-stage career transformation.
When you complete one of our leadership or management programmes, you’re not just getting a certificate. You’re gaining:
Our alumni include:
You must apply at least 25 working days before your course start date.
Need help? Just ask us. We’ll walk you through it.
Resettlement isn’t just about leaving the Forces. It’s about stepping into something new, equipped with everything you need to thrive.
The ELCAS scheme exists to help you do that – and Minerva Elite Performance exists to help you do it well.
We believe your operational mindset, leadership experience and practical instincts are valuable assets in the civilian world. Let us help you formalise them, build on them, and unlock the next level of your career.
Ready to get started, or just want to talk through your options?
📞 Call us today: 01432 678123
📧 Email: admissions@mep-ltd.uk
We’ll help you take full advantage of your ELCAS funding – and make your next move your best yet.
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