To clear up any confusion concerning the difference between learning credits (enhanced learning credits (ELC) and standard learning credits (SLC)) and the individual resettlement training cost (IRTC) grant it is important to understand that they are used in different ways. Learning credits are primarily about funding nationally recognised qualifications and Service people must meet the requirements of the individual scheme criteria to qualify. The IRTC grant is available to eligible Service leavers to purchase resettlement training. Under certain circumstances individuals can claim either ELC or SLC in addition to IRTC during resettlement and both these grants may be authorised by the same line manager and education/learning/resettlement adviser.

It is now permissible to use either ELC or SLC, together with IRTC, to pay for the same learning activity where the activity meets the requirements of the ELC or SLC scheme. The process of claiming remains unchanged and claims should continue to be submitted in accordance with current learning credit or resettlement policy. In effect these grants continue to be independent of each other but it makes sense, where there is advantage to the Service leaver, to use all available funding during resettlement. If using IRTC with ELC to pay towards a nationally recognised qualification an ELC approved provider must be used.

Approved providers are organisations that have met the MoD’s criteria to be permitted to run courses that qualify for ELC funding (at level 3 or above on the National Qualifications Framework). They are on a list maintained by the ELC Administration Service (ELCAS) and only such providers may be used if ELC are to be claimed. Preferred suppliers are organisations that have been assessed by the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) as being suitable training providers for people undertaking their resettlement programmes. Although Service leavers are encouraged to use preferred suppliers, they may use the IRTC for any resettlement programme approved by their line manager and resettlement specialist. Individuals who have registered for ELC can make use of them for up to 10 years after leaving the Services using approved providers. There is no similar facility with the IRTC.

Some approved providers will also be preferred suppliers, although some will not be. Individuals therefore need to ensure they are looking at the right list.

The basic guide is:

• In-Service (including last two years resettlement phase) = learning = ELC = approved provider = ELCAS
• Leaving = resettlement (not also using ELC for same activity) = IRTC = preferred supplier = CTP