ELCAS Funding for Electrical Training: Full Guide

The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) is a Ministry of Defence initiative that provides financial support for service personnel and veterans who want to pursue education and training after leaving the armed forces. It is one of the most valuable funding sources available for military personnel looking to retrain as electricians.

The scheme recognises that service leavers have transferable skills and discipline that make them excellent candidates for skilled trades. Electrical training is one of the most popular uses of ELCAS funding because the trade offers strong job security, good earnings, and a clear career path.

Total Skills is an ELCAS approved training provider, which means you can use your Enhanced Learning Credits directly towards our City & Guilds electrical courses. We regularly train service leavers and understand the ELCAS process thoroughly.

ELCAS eligibility is based on your length of service. The scheme has different tiers that provide different levels of funding. Understanding which tier you fall into helps you plan how to use your credits effectively.

Higher Tier

The Higher tier is available to personnel who have completed 4 or more years of service. This tier provides:

• ✓Up to 2,000 pounds per claim
• ✓ELCAS pays 80 percent of the course fee, up to the 2,000 pound maximum
• ✓You are responsible for the remaining 20 percent (or any amount above 2,000 pounds)
• ✓Maximum of three claims over a 10-year period from discharge
• ✓Total maximum funding: 6,000 pounds across all three claims

Lower Tier

The Lower tier is available to personnel who have completed 6 or more years of service. Despite the name, this is an additional entitlement:

• ✓A single payment of up to 1,000 pounds
• ✓This is a separate entitlement from the Higher tier
• ✓Can be used alongside Higher tier claims

Who Is Eligible

• ✓Regular members of the UK Armed Forces (Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Marines)
• ✓Must have served a minimum of 4 years for Higher tier
• ✓Must be within 10 years of discharge date
• ✓Can start claiming from one year before discharge (for service leavers)
• ✓Reservists may be eligible in certain circumstances

The ELCAS claim process is straightforward but does require planning ahead. You cannot simply turn up to a training provider and expect to pay with ELCAS — the funding must be approved before the course starts.

Step 1: Register on the ELCAS Website

If you have not already registered, create an account at elcas.co.uk. You will need your service number and personal details. The system will confirm your eligibility tier and available credit balance.

Step 2: Choose an ELCAS Approved Provider

You can only use ELCAS funding with approved training providers. Total Skills is ELCAS approved for all City & Guilds electrical qualifications. When choosing a provider, confirm their ELCAS approval status and discuss which courses your funding can cover.

Step 3: Submit a Claim

Log into the ELCAS portal and submit a claim for the specific course you want to attend. You will need to provide the course details, dates, and the training provider's ELCAS reference number. The claim must be submitted at least 25 working days before the course start date.

Step 4: Receive Approval

Once your claim is approved, you will receive a Claim Authorisation Note (CAN). This confirms the approved amount. Share this with your training provider, who will invoice ELCAS directly for their portion. You pay the remaining balance to the provider.

Step 5: Complete the Course

Attend and complete the course. After completion, the training provider confirms your attendance to ELCAS, and the payment is processed. If you withdraw from or fail to attend the course, ELCAS may require repayment of the funding.

With a maximum of three claims available over 10 years, it is worth planning how to use your credits strategically. Here are some approaches that military service leavers commonly use for electrical training.

Strategy 1: Cover the Core Diplomas

Use your three claims to cover the Level 2 Diploma, Level 3 Diploma, and the 18th Edition course. This covers the most expensive qualifications and leaves you to self-fund the shorter, cheaper courses like the 2391 and NVQ.

Strategy 2: Use a Package Deal

Some training providers offer combined Level 2 and 3 packages. Using one ELCAS claim for the package saves a claim that you can use for another qualification. This can be more efficient than using separate claims for Level 2 and Level 3.

Strategy 3: Combine with Resettlement

ELCAS is separate from your resettlement entitlement through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). Your resettlement training grant (typically 534 pounds) can be used alongside ELCAS to further reduce your costs. Some CTP-contracted providers offer additional funded courses.

• ✓ELCAS claim 1: Level 2 Diploma (or Level 2 & 3 package)
• ✓ELCAS claim 2: Level 3 Diploma (or 18th Edition if package was used for claim 1)
• ✓ELCAS claim 3: 18th Edition or 2391 Inspection & Testing
• ✓Resettlement grant: towards remaining qualifications
• ✓Payment plan: for any remaining balance

In addition to ELCAS, service leavers can access support through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP). The CTP is the official resettlement service for the UK armed forces and offers a range of support including career advice, training grants, and access to courses and workshops.

Resettlement Training Grant

Most service leavers are entitled to a resettlement training grant, which is currently 534 pounds. This can be used towards any training course and is separate from ELCAS. While 534 pounds will not cover a full diploma, it reduces the amount you need to fund from other sources.

Additional CTP Support

• ✓Career guidance and skills assessment
• ✓CV writing and interview preparation
• ✓Access to CTP job board and employer partnerships
• ✓Networking events with trade employers
• ✓Workshops on self-employment and business start-up

The CTP can help you plan your entire transition from military service to civilian electrical work. Many service leavers find that the discipline, practical skills, and work ethic developed in the armed forces translate exceptionally well to the electrical trade.

Beyond ELCAS and CTP resettlement, several military charities and organisations offer grants or financial assistance for service leavers undertaking vocational training.

Charitable Grants

• ✓SSAFA: offers grants for education and training for service personnel and veterans
• ✓Royal British Legion: provides financial assistance for retraining
• ✓ABF The Soldiers Charity: supports training and career development
• ✓The White Ensign Association: helps naval service leavers with career transition
• ✓Service-specific benevolent funds: each branch has its own support fund

These grants are usually means-tested and application-based. They can be used alongside ELCAS to cover remaining costs, tool purchases, or living expenses during training. Your CTP advisor can help you identify which grants you may be eligible for.