Education and Training Funding Options for UK Veterans

Transitioning from military to civilian life often means pursuing new careers that require fresh qualifications or skills. For UK veterans, a range of education and training funding options is available to support this journey. Securing the right funding is crucial – it eases the financial burden and enables veterans to focus on gaining the qualifications needed for a successful civilian career. In fact, providing education and employment support to ex-forces personnel is seen as “a key ingredient in successful transition from the armed forces.”

Below is an overview of the main funding schemes and how they compare, followed by guidance on choosing and applying for the best option.

Overview of Available Education and Training Funding for UK Veterans

Education funding helps bridge the gap between military service and civilian employment. Many service leavers sacrificed opportunities for higher education or vocational certificates while serving​. Access to funding means veterans can gain new qualifications without shouldering the full cost, smoothing their career change. Broadly, funding for veterans’ education and training falls into a few categories:

• Government-Funded Schemes: Programs open to the general public and veterans alike, such as standard student finance for college/university and government-funded apprenticeships. These are typically funded or backed by the UK government.
• Ministry of Defence (MoD) Supported Funding: Exclusive schemes for Armed Forces personnel and ex-personnel. This includes the Enhanced Learning Credits scheme, resettlement training allowances, and other education support provided during or after service.
• Private Grants and Bursaries: Financial awards from non-government sources – for example, charitable organisations, military charities, and universities. These can range from small grants for courses to substantial scholarships, often aimed specifically at veterans or their families.
• Employer-Sponsored Training: Many employers offer training programs or apprenticeships that pay for a veteran’s qualifications on the job. Some companies actively recruit veterans and fund their professional training or retraining as part of employment.

Understanding these categories helps in mapping out which funding route (or combination of routes) best suits a veteran’s career goals. The next section compares key schemes in detail.

Comparison of Key Funding Schemes

Below we examine major funding options available to UK veterans, including what each scheme offers, who is eligible, how to apply, and any limitations.

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)

The Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme is a flagship MoD education funding program for current and former Armed Forces personnel. It provides financial support for higher-level learning and is a popular choice for veterans pursuing qualifications after service. Key points include:

• Eligibility: Generally available to Service leavers who served a minimum number of years. Those who enlisted on or after 1 April 2013 must serve at least 6 years to be eligible for lower-tier ELC funding (4 years if enlistment was before 2013), and at least 8 years for the higher-tier level​. You must register for the ELC scheme while in service (usually no later than your last year of service) to use the credits after leaving.
• What it Covers: ELC will fund 80% of the course fees (the individual pays the other 20%) for approved courses. There are caps per claim: up to £1,000 per claim at the lower tier, or up to £2,000 per claim at the higher tier. Funding can be used for courses that lead to a nationally recognized qualification at Level 3 or above (e.g. advanced vocational certificates, foundation degrees, undergraduate or postgraduate courses). A veteran can make a maximum of three ELC claims in total, and only one claim per financial year is allowed.
• How to Apply: Applications are made through the ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service) portal. While still serving, you would apply via your unit Education Officer; after leaving, you apply directly through ELCAS. The process involves obtaining a Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) from ELCAS before enrolling in the course. You’ll need to choose an approved learning provider (from the ELCAS approved provider list) and submit a claim form, usually at least a few weeks before the course starts. If you have left the forces, a Single Service Representative from your service branch needs to validate your claim.
• Limitations: ELC funding has some important restrictions. It can only be used at approved providers – you cannot claim ELC for courses with unregistered training providers. The credits also expire after a certain period post-discharge: if you left service on or after 1 April 2016, you must use your ELC within 5 years of your last day of service (for those who left earlier, a 10-year window applies). Additionally, ELC cannot usually be combined with other MoD education schemes on the same course (for example, you can’t use a Standard Learning Credit on a course that you are also funding with ELC). Lastly, the funding is capped (as noted above), so if you pursue an extensive program like a full degree, ELC might only cover part of the total cost. Veterans often use ELC for shorter courses or as a top-up for longer programs.

Further Education Student Finance (Loans & Grants)

Veterans are eligible for the same higher education student finance as any other UK student. If a veteran plans to attend college or university for a degree or other higher education course, they can apply for government student loans and grants to cover tuition and living costs. Here’s how this works:

• Access to Student Loans: Just like school leavers, veterans can apply to Student Finance (England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, depending on residency) for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover university tuition fees, and a Maintenance Loan to help with living expenses. These loans are not means-tested for tuition (everyone can get the full fee amount) and are repaid later through income-based repayments once employed. This means you do not pay upfront for tuition, removing a major barrier to getting a degree. Veterans who haven’t utilized student finance before can take advantage of this for their first higher education qualification. Even if you have used some entitlement (for example, started a degree earlier in life), it’s worth checking with Student Finance, as certain previous study (especially years spent in the forces) might have provisions or you might still get partial funding.
• Grants and Special Support: Depending on personal circumstances, veterans might also access grants. For example, low-income or disabled veterans can be eligible for grants or increased maintenance support. The student finance system offers maintenance grants or special support grants (mostly in Wales/NI or for older systems, as England has mostly loans) and Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) for those with long-term health conditions or disabilities. These do not usually have to be repaid. The UK Government even provides a Special Support Element in the maintenance loan for students in certain circumstances (such as those on benefits or the Armed Forces Independence Payment), which gives extra funding but doesn’t count as income for benefit calculations.
• Application Process: Veterans apply through the standard online portals for student finance, typically in the spring before the academic year starts. The process involves filling out your details and course info on the Student Finance website (Gov.uk). You may need to provide evidence of identity, previous service (if it affects residency status or eligibility), and income (if applying for means-tested elements). It’s recommended to apply early, as processing can take time. Importantly, being a veteran does not disqualify you from student finance – you are encouraged to use it if you’re studying in higher education and not covered by other schemes. In fact, official guidance for service leavers notes that if you’re not using MoD schemes like ELC, the “student finance option” (tuition and maintenance loans) is the next avenue to fund university study.
• Considerations: Student loans will eventually need to be repaid (once you earn above a threshold), whereas some military-specific funds or grants do not. However, the advantage is student finance can cover full degree costs, which ELC cannot. Veterans should also research whether their chosen university offers any scholarships or fee waivers for ex-military personnel – many universities are Armed Forces Covenant signatories and may have extra support. For example, some institutions or charities provide bursaries to veterans in higher education (one notable example is the Open University’s scholarship for disabled veterans, discussed later). Always check for any grants or bursaries in addition to the standard loan package to maximize non-repayable support.

Learning Resettlement Grants (Resettlement Training Funding)

When leaving the Armed Forces, service personnel have access to certain resettlement funding and allowances to help pay for training and courses that ease the transition to civilian employment. These are provided by the MoD as part of the resettlement package. Key components include:

• Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) Grant: Most service leavers are entitled to the IRTC grant, which is a sum of £534 that can be put toward the cost of resettlement training courses. If you’re within your last two years of service (or are an early Service Leaver with entitlement), you can use this grant for approved courses that will aid in employment after discharge. The IRTC grant is often used in conjunction with other funding – for example, you can use IRTC to cover the 20% personal contribution required by ELC for a course. In other words, if you have an ELC claim paying 80% of a course, your IRTC can sometimes pay the remaining 20% so you pay nothing out-of-pocket. The IRTC must be used before you leave the Armed Forces – it’s essentially a fund to spend on training during your resettlement period (if you don’t use it by the time you discharge, you lose it). Notably, if your chosen training doesn’t use the full £534, any leftover can be applied to another approved course or training need before you exit​. This encourages service leavers to make full use of the available money to up-skill themselves in their final months of service.
• Standard Learning Credits (SLC): While ELC (discussed above) is for higher-level courses and requires longer service, the Standard Learning Credits scheme is available to all service personnel annually and can also be used in the resettlement phase. SLC allows a service member (or recent leaver, if used during resettlement) to claim back up to £175 per financial year towards the cost of approved lower-level courses or personal development courses. Under SLC, the MoD will fund 80% of a course’s cost up to that £175 limit (meaning you would contribute 20%, similar to ELC but on a much smaller scale). SLC is often used for courses that are below Level 3 or for personal interest/professional development (for example, a short course or certificate that doesn’t qualify for ELC). One important rule is that SLC cannot be used on the same course as ELC – you can’t double-dip funding on one training. However, you can use SLC and IRTC together (for instance, if you are not eligible for ELC or choose not to use it on a particular course, you could use SLC funding plus the IRTC grant to cover a course cost). As with IRTC, you apply for SLC reimbursement while in service or during resettlement, and you must be enrolled in the SLC scheme before starting the course to claim the money.
• Other Resettlement Support: In addition to IRTC and SLC, the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership (CTP) provides a range of pre-paid training courses and workshops as part of the Core Resettlement Programme. Many service leavers can attend job search workshops, CV writing seminars, and certain vocational training at heavily discounted rates through CTP. Some of these courses might be free or subsidised (sometimes using part of your IRTC). There is also a Resettlement Grant (a separate lump sum of money given to those who served over a certain number of years, currently up to ~£10k-15k depending on service length) – while this is not specifically earmarked for training, veterans often use part of that tax-free lump sum to support themselves financially while attending courses or to pay for education that other funding doesn’t cover. Essentially, the Resettlement Grant is meant to ease the overall transition to civilian life and can indirectly fund your training by covering living costs or course fees as you see fit. Not all leavers get this grant (it depends on length of service and if you qualify for an immediate pension, etc.), but it’s worth noting as part of the financial toolkit available when exiting.

How to access these resettlement funds: Typically, IRTC and SLC are administered during the discharge process. You would work with your Service Resettlement Advisor or Education Officer and the CTP to book courses and claim these allowances. For example, to use IRTC on a CTP-approved course, the cost is offset automatically (CTP will deduct the £534 or appropriate amount when you book). For SLC, you often pay the course fee up front and then claim reimbursement through your unit’s education staff using the proper form (JPA form). Both IRTC and SLC are outlined in the Joint Service Publication (JSP 534) which guides resettlement. Be mindful of the timelines – SLC runs on the financial year (April to March), and IRTC is only valid while you’re in your last two years of service. Proper planning with CTP advisors will ensure you maximize these entitlements for short-term courses or qualifications that prepare you for civilian employment.

Troops to Teachers Bursary (Veterans to Teachers)

If a veteran is interested in a career in education, particularly teaching in schools, there are specific incentives to help. The Troops to Teachers initiative (now effectively the Undergraduate Veteran Teaching Bursary) is a government-funded bursary designed to encourage ex-Service personnel to retrain as qualified teachers. Key details include:

• What it is: A generous bursary of £40,000 is available to eligible veterans who go into teacher training. This funding was introduced by the Department for Education in 2018 as part of the Armed Forces Covenant commitments​. Unlike a loan, a bursary is essentially a grant – it does not need to be repaid. The current scheme is targeted at those undertaking an undergraduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) course (a degree that leads to Qualified Teacher Status). If you qualify, you receive the £40k funding during your training. For the current format, this bursary is paid in instalments — for example, £20,000 in each of the final two years of your undergraduate teacher training course (so if you’re on a three-year B.Ed or similar, you’d typically get the payments in year 2 and 3).
• Eligibility: The bursary is aimed at ex-regular service members. To be eligible, you must have left full-time employment with the Army, RAF or Navy within the five years before the start of the teacher training course (or be due to leave before the course begins). It is only for certain high-demand subject areas. According to the scheme, you need to enroll in an eligible secondary education degree course – typically subjects like science (biology, chemistry, physics), computing, mathematics, or languages (including modern foreign languages). These are areas where schools need teachers, and the idea is that veterans often have valuable expertise and leadership skills to offer. The bursary is for undergraduate teacher training (e.g., a B.Sc with QTS or BA with QTS program); veterans pursuing a postgraduate teacher training (like a PGCE) currently use the standard teacher training bursaries (which are also substantial for subjects like maths/science but are not specific to veterans).
• How to apply: There isn’t a separate application form for the bursary in the same way you’d apply for a grant. Instead, eligible veterans who secure a place on an approved teaching degree will be offered the bursary through their training provider. Essentially, you apply for the teacher training course (through UCAS Undergraduate, since it’s a degree program). When you get accepted, the university will confirm your veteran status and eligibility, and the funding will be arranged as you start the course. It’s wise to mention in your application or interview that you are a veteran and that you’re interested in the veterans’ bursary – the staff can ensure you are on a qualifying course and guide you through the process. Also check the Get Into Teaching website for the year’s specific guidance; the DfE publishes details on the veterans bursary each year as part of ITT funding announcements.
• Limitations: This bursary is specifically for training as a teacher in certain subjects at the undergraduate level. It won’t apply if, for example, you want to become a primary school teacher or teach a non-listed subject. It’s also time-limited to those who left recently – if you left the forces more than 5 years ago, you wouldn’t qualify for this scheme (though you could still go into teaching via other routes, just without this particular bursary). Additionally, you must meet the usual entry requirements for teacher training degrees (typically A-levels or equivalent; some universities might consider military experience as part of your profile, but you may still need prior level 3 qualifications or to do an access course). The bursary is a fantastic opportunity, but it won’t cover other expenses like if you study at a university far from home – you might need to use standard student finance for additional maintenance support. The good news is that this bursary does not affect your eligibility for student finance; you can receive it on top of any loans or other grants for which you qualify.

Note: There used to be a specific “Troops to Teachers” program that offered a direct route into teaching for veterans (often through an employment-based training route). That program has since evolved, and the £40k bursary is the main way the UK government now supports veterans into teaching. Veterans can also consider postgraduate teacher training – while there isn’t a veteran-specific bursary for PGCE, the standard bursaries for shortage subjects (ranging from £15,000 up to £29,000 in 2023/24 depending on subject) are available and veterans would be eligible for those if they choose the postgraduate route and meet the criteria.

Apprenticeships and Employer-Sponsored Training

Apprenticeships: An apprenticeship is a structured training program where you work towards a qualification while employed and earning a wage. Apprenticeships are not just for young people or entry-level roles – they are increasingly available at all ages and even up to higher education levels (there are now Higher and Degree Apprenticeships). For veterans, an apprenticeship can be an excellent way to transition into a new field because it provides on-the-job experience and free training. Key points:

• Funding and Costs: Apprenticeship training is funded by the government and employers, meaning the apprentice (you) does not pay for the training course. If you join an apprenticeship, your employer will set up the training through a college or training provider, and either the employer’s Apprenticeship Levy funds it (for large employers) or the government covers 95–100% of the training costs for small employers. In practice, an apprentice doesn’t have to pay any tuition or exam fees – those are taken care of, and you earn a salary from your employer during the training. This makes apprenticeships a cost-effective way for veterans to get qualifications from NVQs up to HNCs, HNDs, or even bachelor’s and master’s degrees (in the case of degree apprenticeships), all while earning and gaining experience.
• Accessibility: There is no upper age limit to start an apprenticeship. Traditionally associated with school leavers, apprenticeships are now explicitly open to adults and career-changers. It’s been highlighted that apprenticeships are “becoming more accessible to people over 25 years old”, which includes veterans who might be in their 30s, 40s or beyond. Many veterans leverage apprenticeships after service – for example, a veteran might do an engineering apprenticeship, IT apprenticeship, or trade apprenticeship to get civilian credentials in a field related to their military experience (or in something entirely new). The combination of a wage and funded training is attractive, especially for those supporting families.
• How to get an apprenticeship: Rather than a central “funding application,” obtaining an apprenticeship is like applying for a job. You search for apprenticeship vacancies (the government’s Find an Apprenticeship website is a good place to start, as well as companies’ own career pages). When you are hired as an apprentice by an employer, the employer and training provider handle the enrollment in the apprenticeship scheme. You will sign an apprenticeship agreement and a training plan. The important thing for veterans is to translate your military experience into terms employers appreciate – often, skills like teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving make veterans very appealing apprentices. Some programs are even geared towards veterans; for example, the NHS, Amazon, Barclays and other large employers have had initiatives to recruit veterans into apprenticeships or training schemes. Don’t hesitate to mention your veteran status – employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant may have policies to support hiring ex-military personnel and might be aware of incentives (like the government paying their National Insurance contributions for your first year in civilian employment, which is another initiative to encourage veteran hiring).

Employer-Sponsored Training: Aside from formal apprenticeships, many companies offer their own training opportunities or will sponsor employees through education. This can include:

• Internal Training Programs: Some organizations have graduate training schemes or management training programs that function much like an apprenticeship (without the formal label). They might rotate you through departments and pay for you to earn professional certifications. For example, a company might hire a veteran into an entry-level IT role and pay for them to obtain industry certifications (like Microsoft, Cisco, etc.) as part of internal upskilling.
• Professional Development Funding: Once employed, veterans should inquire about their employer’s learning and development policies. Employers often have budgets for staff training or offer tuition reimbursement for courses related to the job. If, say, you land a job in project management, your employer might pay for you to get PRINCE2 or APM qualifications. Or a veteran in a logistics job might have the company pay for them to get a civilian logistics diploma. Employers invest in training because it benefits them to have skilled staff. Since veterans are used to continuous training in service, they often seek out development – it’s worth aligning those goals with an employer’s support.
• Industry Schemes and Partnerships: In fields like cyber security, engineering, or healthcare, there are sometimes specific schemes to train veterans. For instance, there have been programs where tech companies partner with military charities to offer coding bootcamps or cyber training for ex-forces. These are not exactly “funding” that you apply for as cash, but rather free training courses offered to veterans. Keep an eye out via veteran employment charities (like Forces Employment Charity, RFEA, or TechVets) for such opportunities.

Summary: Government-backed apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training can lead to high-quality qualifications without incurring student debt or using up personal funds. They are ideal if you prefer hands-on learning or want to earn a salary immediately. The main trade-off is time – an apprenticeship can take 1-4 years depending on level. But for many veterans, it’s a win-win: a structured path into a new career with financial stability and a recognized qualification at the end.

Scholarships and Charitable Grants

Beyond government and MoD programs, veterans can tap into a network of charities and organizations that offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries for education and training. These sources can be very helpful, especially if you have a specific need not covered by other funding or if you fall outside the criteria of schemes like ELC. Here are some notable avenues:

• Royal British Legion (RBL): The Royal British Legion is one of the largest Armed Forces charities in the UK, and it provides financial support for veterans in many areas, including training and education. RBL offers training grants to help ex-servicemen and women pay for courses, certificates, or equipment needed for a new job. You can apply for an RBL Training/Employment Grant up to £1,000 to cover things like course fees, textbooks, laptops for study, travel costs to a training center, or even childcare while you attend a course. These grants are designed to remove financial obstacles to employment – RBL will even fund things like professional license fees (for example, an HGV driving license or SIA security license, via a separate licenses grant)​. Typically, to access RBL funding, you would contact their support line or an RBL case officer, who will guide you through an application. RBL often coordinates with other charities too, so they might part-fund something in collaboration with, say, another service charity. In addition, the RBL has specific schemes such as the President’s Award Scheme (run by the RBL Women’s Section) which can provide educational scholarships up to £1,500 for dependents of those who served, and smaller educational grants (around £500) for ex-service personnel or their partners who are retraining. Even though those particular scholarships target families, it shows RBL’s breadth of educational support. Always check with RBL if you have a training need – they have been known to help veterans with everything from funding a coding course to paying for textbooks for a university course.

• SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity: SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) is a charitable organization that, like RBL, provides support to veterans and their families. SSAFA’s support often comes in the form of casework – if you approach SSAFA for help, they will assign a caseworker to assess your needs. SSAFA can then help you find funding from various sources. For example, SSAFA might approach regimental charities, benevolent funds, or use its own funds to help pay for a veteran’s vocational course if that is a critical need. They don’t have one single “education pot” advertised, but SSAFA works with the network of service charities to secure grants for individuals – effectively acting as a gateway. If you’re not sure where to start, contacting SSAFA (or the similar service-specific charities like the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, etc.) can get the ball rolling. They regularly help with education costs as part of their mission of providing practical and financial assistance.

• Forces Employment Charity (FEC): Formerly known as RFEA – The Regular Forces Employment Association – the Forces Employment Charity provides career support to veterans. While their focus is on employment advice and job-finding, they also offer guidance on training and funding for training. In fact, one of their services is advising veterans on suitable vocational training and available funding options. They work closely with partners (like RBL, as noted above, and the Career Transition Partnership) to help veterans access courses or money for courses. They might not give you cash directly, but an FEC advisor can point you towards the right funding program or even refer you into specific funded training opportunities. It’s a resource to use to make sure you’re not missing out on any opportunities – for example, FEC might know if a certain tech company is running a fully-funded training academy for veterans, or if a local college has free training for ex-Forces in a certain trade. They have relationships with many employers and can sometimes secure training placements as part of their employment programs. In short, FEC doesn’t write cheques to pay your tuition, but they will help you find the funds or courses as part of helping you into work.

• Other Charitable Organisations: There are numerous other charities that support veterans’ education on a smaller scale or for specific groups. For example:

  • The Soldiers’ Charity (ABF) often funds individual requests (usually via SSAFA caseworkers) for things like training costs, especially for Army veterans.
  • Help for Heroes focuses on wounded/injured veterans and has grants for recovery which can include funding training courses as part of helping veterans find new purpose after injury. They have had programs like the Career Recovery Programme and grants for education as part of the Quick Reaction Fund, particularly if you were medically discharged (they can act quickly to fund things a veteran might need within a short time frame).
  • Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, RAF Benevolent Fund, and regimental associations may give educational grants to their respective service communities. For instance, a Royal Marines charity might pay for a Marine veteran to get a plumbing certification if it aids their resettlement.
  • Officers’ Association (OA): Supports officers (and increasingly other ranks in some programs) – they sometimes provide funding for courses or support placements, especially for older veterans or those changing careers later in life.
  • Poppyscotland: In Scotland, Poppyscotland (which is affiliated with RBL) provides similar financial support and has an Employment grant scheme that can assist with training costs for veterans north of the border.
  • The Armed Forces Covenant Fund has, at times, provided grants to organizations that run training for veterans (for example, funding projects that deliver employment support). While you as an individual wouldn’t apply to the Covenant Fund, it’s useful to know that some free veteran training opportunities (like community college courses or nonprofit-run training bootcamps) might be funded through such grants – again, being plugged in with charities can help you learn about these.

• Academic Scholarships for Veterans: In addition to charities, some academic institutions have scholarships specifically for veterans or the Armed Forces community. For example, The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund offers 50 scholarships annually which waive tuition fees for veterans who have been injured or disabled during service, covering up to a full degree’s worth of study. This is a substantial opportunity if you qualify, as it can fund 360 credits (equivalent to an entire undergraduate degree) for free. Other universities might have smaller bursaries; for instance, a university that’s strong on supporting the military community might offer a bursary to all students who are veterans or a dedicated scholarship in certain courses (sometimes these aren’t widely advertised, so it’s worth asking the university’s admissions or student funding office). Additionally, some nonprofits like Unlimited (who run the Uni Connect Veterans project) or regional groups have worked with universities to facilitate veterans entering higher ed with support. Always search for “veteran scholarship [university name]” or ask the student services – you might find grants that offset costs like books, accommodation, or tuition discounts for ex-military.

In summary, the charity sector can often provide flexible funding to fill gaps. If, for example, you’ve used up your ELC claims but want to do another course, or you need a short course that doesn’t qualify for big schemes, organisations like RBL, SSAFA, and others can step in. The process usually involves demonstrating how the funding will improve your employment prospects and showing financial need or lack of other funding. The support is there – in 2019, armed forces charities collectively helped around 38,500 people access employment or education and spent tens of millions on these causes, so veterans should feel confident in seeking this help. It’s wise to approach one of the main charities (RBL or SSAFA) to be connected with the right funding source.

How to Choose the Right Funding Option

With multiple funding streams available, veterans should consider their career goals, educational needs, and personal circumstances to choose the best option. In many cases, a combination of funding sources might be ideal. Here are some guidelines to help decide:

• Match Funding to Your Career Path: Start by clarifying your goal – is it an academic degree, a vocational trade, a professional certification, or a completely new career like teaching? Different goals align with different funds:
  • If you aim to get a university degree (e.g., Bachelor’s or Master’s), then using Student Finance for tuition and maintenance is usually the most straightforward route. You might supplement this with ELC if you have it (for example, some veterans use an ELC claim to fund a module or a year of study if they want to save on loans, though ELC alone won’t cover a full degree). Also look for scholarships if you’re going the university route. Remember that if you’re pursuing higher education, ELC requires the course to result in a Level 3+ qualification, which a degree is, so ELC could be applied to certain shorter courses like a postgraduate certificate or diploma if you already have a degree, for example.
  • If you’re looking at a hands-on vocational or trade career (plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, logistics, project management, etc.), consider whether an apprenticeship might be better than full-time study. Through an apprenticeship you can get the same qualification (say an NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation or even a degree in Engineering) but with a salary and no debt. However, if you prefer a shorter course to qualify quickly (for instance, a 6-month intensive course in plumbing), you might use ELC or resettlement funds to pay for an approved training provider course. Some veterans will do an intensive course using their ELC and resettlement grant to get a civilian trade qualification in a matter of months – this works well if you can afford to dedicate time to it and perhaps use your resettlement leave or some savings to cover living costs short-term.
  • If you need a specific certification or license (like a Prince2 project management cert, an HGV driving license, a NEBOSH health & safety cert), check if this could be covered by ELC (if it’s Level 3 or above, NEBOSH for instance often is) or SLC (if lower level or short). If not, this is where charitable grants can step in. For example, RBL’s license grant could pay for your truck driving test fee, or a charity might fund a short course like a welding certification if it leads to a job. Outline what credential you need for your target job and pursue funding specifically for that.
  • If you are transitioning into a profession with its own entry scheme (like teaching, nursing, policing), research those schemes. Teaching has the bursary we discussed; nursing/healthcare courses might have NHS bursaries or apprenticeships; policing in England now requires a degree or apprenticeship, for which you could use student finance or join a Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (i.e., get paid as a police officer while earning the degree – another form of funded training). Align your funding to the industry’s pathway: e.g., a veteran wanting to go into social work might decide to do a Masters in Social Work funded by student finance and maybe a small grant from a charity to cover travel, whereas a veteran aiming for cybersecurity might find a tech company’s veteran training program that costs nothing. In short, research the norm in your intended field – if most people get there via university, lean toward student finance; if via trade school, think ELC/Resettlement; if via on-the-job training, look at apprenticeships or employer programs.
• Consider Eligibility and Limitations Early: As you evaluate options, be realistic about what you qualify for. For instance, if you only served 4 years, you won’t have ELC (unless those 4 years were before the 2017 rule change, but generally you’d need longer service), so student finance or an apprenticeship might become your primary route. Or if you’re set on a certain university course but it’s your second degree, note that standard student finance might not cover a second degree except in certain areas (like STEM degrees or nursing which have exceptions). In such a case, an ELC claim or scholarship might be vital. Similarly, the Troops to Teachers bursary requires recent service and a specific course – if you don’t meet those, you can’t bank on that £40k, but you might still get a standard teaching bursary in a shortage subject. Know the limits of each scheme: ELC has a cap on funding per year and a time limit after service; apprenticeships require securing a job position; charity grants may require demonstrating financial need or that you have tried other funding first. By understanding these, you can avoid pursuing an option that later falls through. For example, a common mistake is a veteran assuming ELC will cover an entire £10,000 course – it won’t, because of the £2,000 cap per claim, so you’d need either multiple years of claims or additional money. Identifying such gaps early lets you plan to fill them (maybe with personal savings, the Service resettlement grant, or a charity top-up).
• Mix and Match Funding Sources: These funding options are not all mutually exclusive. In fact, many veterans end up combining resources to achieve their goals. For instance, you might use ELC for one stage of your education and student finance for another. A concrete example: a veteran could use ELC to pay for a Level 5 diploma in management at a college, then later decide to top-up to a full degree and use a student loan for the final year at university. Or use ELC for an IT certification and simultaneously do an apprenticeship with an employer for a different skill set. You can also use charity grants to supplement other funding – if student finance covers your tuition but not a necessary laptop, an RBL grant might fund the equipment. If you’re doing an apprenticeship but need some travel costs covered in the first month until your pay comes in, a charity might assist there too. Importantly, some combinations are explicitly allowed by MoD: you can use IRTC with ELC (indeed MoD encourages using the IRTC £534 to cover ELC’s 20% personal contribution)​. You can use IRTC with SLC as well on the same course​. The only forbidden combo is ELC and SLC on the same course​, because they don’t want double military funding on one thing. But you could do, say, one course with SLC and another separate course with ELC in the same year if you have the capacity – though typically during resettlement people focus on one main course. Outside of MoD funds, you could certainly hold, for example, a university scholarship alongside ELC (if a university offers you a scholarship, that doesn’t conflict with using ELC as long as the course is eligible). You might also do an apprenticeship for one career path, and later, if you change your mind, use your ELC for a different training – your veteran status gives you flexibility to pivot. The key is to maximize the benefits: take advantage of what you have available (don’t leave your ELC unused if you meet the criteria and have a training need; similarly don’t shy away from student finance if it unlocks a higher-paying career in the long run). There is no penalty for using these opportunities – they are earned or offered to help you succeed.

In choosing, think about the timeline and personal situation as well. If you have a family and need an income, a funded apprenticeship or a job + part-time study might be better than full-time education. If you have savings or a resettlement lump sum that can support you for a year, maybe a short intensive course funded by ELC makes sense to get qualified quickly. Everyone’s situation is different, but by mapping your goal and aligning the funding that best enables that goal with the least downside (be it financial cost or time), you can create a tailored plan. Don’t hesitate to discuss your plan with a CTP career adviser or a charity caseworker – they can often provide insight into what other veterans in similar situations chose to do (for example, “many of our clients did an IT apprenticeship and then a part-time degree sponsored by their employer” or “we’ve helped fund a bunch of HGV licenses lately because there’s a demand and it’s quick to get earning”).

Finally, remember that learning is a lifelong process. Even after using one scheme, as a veteran you may later access others. Some veterans use their ELC years after leaving to do a postgrad or professional course once they’ve settled on a career path. Others might start with an apprenticeship at 30 and end up using student finance at 35 for a higher qualification once they’ve got foundational experience. Stay flexible and keep an eye out for new programs too – the landscape of funding can evolve (for instance, new scholarships or government initiatives for veterans may appear, especially as veterans’ education remains a focus area under the Armed Forces Covenant).

Application Process and Key Considerations

After identifying which funding option(s) suit your needs, it’s important to approach the application process methodically. Each funding source has its own procedures and timeline. Below are some general guidelines and considerations to ensure your applications go smoothly:

• Plan Ahead and Mind the Deadlines: Start researching and preparing applications well in advance. Many education funding processes take time. For example, if you intend to use ELC, you should begin the process weeks if not months before your course begins – ELCAS recommends submitting your claim at least 5 weeks prior, and you will need time to get that Claim Authorisation Note and book the course. For student finance, applications open months before the academic year (usually around Feb/March for a course starting in September) and ideally you apply by May/June to ensure your funding is in place by term start. Resettlement (IRTC/SLC) funding requires you to have certain forms signed by your chain of command, which can take time especially if people are on leave or postings – don’t leave it to the last minute of your service. Charity grants might require an assessment or supporting documents (like proof of discharge, or why other funding isn’t available), so factor in a few extra weeks for those processes too. A common mistake is leaving applications too late and missing an intake or having to pay upfront because funds weren’t approved in time. Mark key dates on your calendar: course start dates, funding application opening dates, etc., and work backward to give yourself plenty of lead time.

• Applying for MoD-Provided Funding (ELC, Resettlement allowances): If you’re still in service or in the immediate resettlement period, get in touch with your Education/Resettlement Officer early. ELC claims are submitted via the ELCAS online system. While in uniform, your Unit Education Staff will guide you; after discharge, you can log into the ELCAS member area yourself. Ensure you have your service number and ELCAS registration squared away before leaving service. For IRTC, you actually don’t “apply” as such – it’s an entitlement. You will use it when booking courses through the CTP or claim it via JPA (the military HR system) if using external providers. The CTP Career Consultant can help you allocate your IRTC to courses (for example, CTP’s brochure will note which courses are “IRTC free” meaning the cost is covered by that allowance). SLC requires an application form (MOD Form 1950) each time you use it; while serving, this goes to unit education staff for approval. The key is to enroll in SLC at the start of the financial year and definitely before the course – many miss out because they did the course first and then discovered they can’t claim SLC retrospectively. Talk to your Education Officer to make sure all paperwork (ELC scheme membership, SLC eligibility certificate, etc.) is in order. After leaving, if you are within your post-service claim period for ELC, your Single Service Representative (a point of contact for veterans for each service) will need to sign off your claim – ELCAS will direct you to them. Detailed instructions for ELC/SLC are in JSP 822 and JSP 754, but your best ally is the staff whose job is to help (Education Center, CTP advisors). They handle these day in and day out and can check your forms so they don’t get rejected for small errors.

• Applying for Student Finance (Higher Education): This process is civilian and mostly online. Visit the government’s student finance website for your region (England – Student Finance England, Wales – Student Finance Wales, etc.) and create an account. You’ll fill out an application with your personal details, course info (UCAS code or university details), and financial info if needed. As a veteran, you’ll mostly be treated as an independent/mature student, meaning if you are over 25 or have been self-supporting, they won’t require parental income (they might ask for spouse/partner income if you’re married and want to be means-tested for extra grants/loans). Usually, veterans fall into independent status by default due to age or having been in the military. One thing to watch: residency – ensure you meet the residency requirement (generally having been ordinarily resident in the UK for 3 years before the course). Time spent posted overseas with HM Forces still counts as UK residency for student finance purposes (because you were serving the UK abroad), but sometimes you might need to note that or provide evidence of your service to clarify you weren’t abroad by personal choice. The UCAS Armed Forces guide notes that veterans should indeed be eligible for student finance as home students despite postings​

  gov.uk

  . If any confusion arises, a letter from your unit or discharge papers showing your service abroad can resolve it. Once you apply, Student Finance will send you a notification of entitlement. Make sure to sign and return any required declaration and follow up on any requests (they might ask for proof of identity – usually your passport number can verify that online; or proof of discharge if they need to confirm you’re not still being funded for education by MoD). Continuing students reapply each year, but that’s straightforward.

• Applying for Apprenticeships/Employer Training: As mentioned, this is more like a job hunt. Use the National Apprenticeship Service website (Find an Apprenticeship) to search for openings in your area of interest and location. Also check companies that interest you – many have “careers for veterans” pages or apprenticeship pages. When applying, treat it as you would a job application: a tailored CV (the CTP can help you convert your military CV to a civilian-style one) and a good cover letter explaining why you want that apprenticeship and how your military skills make you a great candidate. If you land an interview, you can mention you’re aware the company can receive government support for hiring you as an apprentice (some small employers may not know about the funding – you can subtly signal that hiring you comes with training funds and even a first-year National Insurance holiday under current policy for veterans, which makes you even more attractive to them). Once hired, the paperwork for the apprenticeship funding is handled by the employer/provider – you’ll just need to provide your details for enrollment. For other employer-sponsored training, the “application” might just be part of the hiring or internal HR process. For instance, to get an employer to sponsor a course, you might write a business case or request to your manager or HR department showing how the training will benefit the company and help your development. Often, large firms have formal policies – check your employee handbook or intranet for “education reimbursement” or “professional development.” As a new veteran employee, don’t be shy to inquire, as many employers will be impressed by your initiative.

• Applying for Scholarships/Charity Grants: This can vary widely by organization. Generally, start by contacting the organization or checking their website for application guidelines:

  • RBL: You can call their contact centre (RBL’s helpline is 0808 802 8080) and explain you want assistance with funding for training. They may refer you to an online form or to a local area office. In many cases, RBL (and SSAFA too) will send a caseworker to discuss your situation, then they fill out the forms on your behalf to apply to the grant committees. RBL’s application will ask for details of the course, costs, and your circumstances (including income/expenditure to assess need). If applying for something like the President’s Award Scheme, there might be specific windows or additional paperwork (since that scheme is more academic-focused for families). Keep receipts or invoices – RBL usually pays the training provider or reimburses against receipts rather than handing you cash upfront.
  • SSAFA: Contact them through their Forcesline (0800 260 6780) or local branch. Similar to RBL, a SSAFA volunteer will likely visit or call you to gather information. They then act as your advocate to find funding – they might approach multiple charities (for example, SSAFA might get a bit of funding from the Army Benevolent Fund, a bit from a regimental fund, etc., to make up the total needed). You fill out one set of forms with the caseworker, and they coordinate the rest. The timeline can be a few weeks as letters go out to various charities for pledges. Provide a clear breakdown of what you need (course fees, travel, books, etc.) so they can include it. If an organization requires you to apply directly, the caseworker will inform you.
  • Specific Scholarships (e.g., Open University or university bursaries): These often have online application forms. For the OU Disabled Veterans Scholarship, for example, you’d fill in a form on the OU site and provide evidence of your disability and service. University bursaries may require you to fill something during registration or within the first term. Always ask the university’s financial aid office – they will guide you if there’s an internal fund. Deadlines for scholarships are crucial; some are before the academic year, others after you’ve enrolled. Mark those and get the applications in with any essays or references required.
  • Other charities: Each has its method. For Help for Heroes, you might email their grants team with what you’re looking for. For smaller trusts, sometimes a simple letter outlining your service and what you need can suffice (these are often accessed through referrals, though – again, organizations like SSAFA/RBL often know the smaller trusts to approach for niche needs). One thing to note is many charities will require proof that you are a veteran (discharge certificate or service number) and sometimes proof of any state benefits or income, to ensure their funds go to those genuinely in need. Don’t be put off by the paperwork – it’s typically not too cumbersome and the caseworkers will help you assemble it.

• Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid: When navigating these applications, be mindful of a few common mistakes:

  • Not checking course eligibility: This is crucial for ELC/SLC. Make sure your course is approved before committing. For ELC, verify the provider is on the ELCAS approved list
    and the course is Level 3+. Many a veteran has been disappointed to find out a course they paid a deposit for isn’t actually eligible for ELC reimbursement. If in doubt, contact ELCAS or check with your education center.
  • Missing your window of opportunity: As noted, ELC has a post-discharge expiry. If you’re coming up on 5 years since leaving, that last chance to use ELC will disappear after that date – “use it or lose it.”​  Plan to use any remaining credits before they expire (the course just needs to start before the expiry date, even if it finishes after). Similarly, don’t forget to use SLC each year if you have small learning needs – if you don’t claim it by March 31, it doesn’t roll over.
  • Not budgeting for the unfunded portion: Some schemes won’t cover 100% of everything. ELC expects a 20% contribution from you (or IRTC to cover it). Student loans won’t cover all living costs in some cases, or you might hit a cap if you study longer than expected. Always budget and have a backup. For example, if apprenticeship pay is low in the first year, ensure you can manage on that wage (are there benefits or credits you can claim? Or a part-time job your spouse might do?). If a charity grant is one-off, plan for what happens if you need a second year of funding – can you apply again or was it one-time? Thinking ahead prevents financial surprises that could disrupt your studies or training.
  • Not leveraging support available: Some veterans try to do everything on their own and may miss out. Remember that organizations like the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) are literally funded to help you, and charities exist to assist – use them. A CTP advisor can review your personal training plan and may suggest an option you didn’t know about. Or they might catch that you are eligible for something extra. Similarly, when applying to uni, let them know you’re a veteran (many uni applications, including UCAS, have a field to declare if you have served). This can unlock specific advice or support. Not disclosing your veteran status means you might miss an internal scholarship or simply the pastoral support veterans can get. There’s even a Veterans and Families Institute at Anglia Ruskin University and other support networks forming in higher ed – being identified means they can reach out to you.
  • Giving up if turned down: If one funding avenue doesn’t work out, don’t be discouraged. Maybe you applied for a scholarship and didn’t get it – you can try another source or reapply next cycle if possible. Or if an ELC claim was rejected due to paperwork, you can often resubmit with the correct info. Persistence pays off, and often a combination of smaller funds can add up. Veterans are used to overcoming obstacles; treat funding applications the same way – if plan A fails, regroup and execute plan B. There is a lot of goodwill and support for veterans in the education sector, and people will often go the extra mile to help you find a solution if you keep at it.

• Get Support in Navigating the Process: You are not alone in this. There are professionals and volunteers ready to help veterans figure out education funding. If you’re still in your unit, your first stop is your Education Officer or Resettlement Officer – they can outline what you’re entitled to and help with forms. The Career Transition Partnership (CTP), which every service leaver can use, provides one-on-one guidance; their staff can explain funding options as part of your resettlement briefings and interviews. CTP is essentially the MoD’s official pathway for transition, and they have seen all the different ways Service leavers fund their next steps. Use their experience – even after you’ve left, you have access to CTP support for some years. Additionally, reach out to veteran support charities for guidance, not just money. For example, the Royal British Legion and Forces Employment Charity offer advice on education and training – they can “help you find and fund the education and training you need to succeed.”

  If you find the bureaucratic stuff confusing, a charity caseworker can literally fill forms with you. There’s also the Veterans’ Gateway, which is a government-funded helpline/web portal that can direct you to the right source of help for various needs, including learning and jobs. And don’t overlook peer support: other veterans or your unit’s Facebook groups can be great places to ask (“Has anyone done a plumbing course using ELC? How did you fund the bits ELC didn’t cover?” – you may get tips and even course recommendations). The Armed Forces community is strong, and many are eager to help those following behind them through transition. In summary, ask for help when you need it – whether it’s deciphering an application form or figuring out what to pursue, there are services dedicated to helping veterans make informed choices. Taking advantage of that support can make a huge difference in ensuring you get the funding you’re entitled to and use it effectively.

Resources and Support for Veterans

To successfully obtain funding and plan your education, make sure to utilize the following key resources and organizations. They offer information, guidance, and in many cases direct financial support. Below is a list of useful contacts and websites for UK veterans pursuing education and training:

• Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS): This is the official portal for all things ELC. Their website provides detailed guidance and the application portal for claims.

  • Website: www.enhancedlearningcredits.com (ELCAS Member’s Area for claims)
  • Helpline: 0330 056 4240 (Monday–Friday, 11am–1pm & 2pm–4pm) – they can assist with ELCAS registration and claim queries.
  • Note: Also refer to JSP 822 (the MoD’s education policy document) for the rules of ELC/SLC if needed, available on Gov.uk. ELCAS site has a FAQ section covering most common questions.

• Career Transition Partnership (CTP): The official MoD resettlement service for service leavers, run in partnership with Right Management. CTP offers career advice, workshops, and has a training course catalogue for resettlement. They can guide you on using IRTC, ELC, and other allowances and also have links to other opportunities.

  • Website: www.ctp.org.uk (also accessible via the MoD’s portal or www.mod.ctp.org.uk for the resettlement guide)
  • Resources: They provide a Resettlement Guide and funding factsheets. You will typically be assigned a CTP Career Consultant when you begin resettlement – stay in touch with them.
  • Note: CTP’s online tool MyPlan has sections to track and plan your funding usage, and their RightJob board can be useful if you seek apprenticeships or roles that include training.

• Gov.uk – Student Finance: For veterans pursuing higher education, all the information on student loans and grants is on the government’s website.

  • England: www.gov.uk/student-finance – the main hub for Student Finance England (SFE). From here you can start an application or read guides.
  • Scotland: www.saas.gov.uk – Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) handles loans/grants for Scottish residents.
  • Wales: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk – for Welsh residents.
  • Northern Ireland: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk – for NI.
  • Additional: UCAS – Veterans page provides a nice overview specific to ex-military applicants, which can be reassuring and clarify things like independent status and funding.
  • Contact: Each student finance body has contact numbers (e.g., SFE’s general line is 0300 100 0607), but most applications can be done without calling unless issues arise.

• Gov.uk – Apprenticeships: For information on how apprenticeships work and what funding support employers get (useful to know when job-hunting).

  • Info: www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide – general overview for individuals.
  • Find an Apprenticeship service: www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship – where you search and apply for apprenticeship vacancies.
  • The official site www.apprenticeships.gov.uk also has guidance for employers and apprentices (the section on funding confirms small employers have 95-100% training costs paid by government).
  • Note: If you need career advice on apprenticeships, the National Careers Service (0800 100 900) is free and can discuss how to approach an apprenticeship as an adult.

• Get Into Teaching – DfE: If you are pursuing teaching and want details on bursaries and teacher training routes.

  • Website: getintoteaching.education.gov.uk – includes a section on funding your training and specifically mentions the £40k bursary for veterans (under bursaries for undergraduate courses).
  • Contact: They have a helpline 0800 389 2500 where advisers can help with teacher training queries, including eligibility for bursaries.

• Royal British Legion (RBL): The go-to charity for ex-Service personnel support. They have dedicated employment and training support programs as described.

  • Helpline: 0808 802 8080 (free, 8am–8pm, 7 days a week). This is the main contact for all assistance – ask to be connected to the Employment Support team or info on training grants.
  • Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk – see “Get Support – Employment” section for info on training grants and how to apply. There’s also an online chat option and a portal to request support.
  • Offices: RBL has high-street Pop-in Centres in some cities and a network of local branches – you can get face-to-face help or be directed to the right person through those.

• SSAFA – the Armed Forces Charity: Another major charity covering all branches. They provide casework and can marshal funds from various sources.

  • Forcesline: 0800 260 6780 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) – confidential helpline for any request, including financial help.
  • Website: www.ssafa.org.uk/get-help – contains information on how they assist with things like education and welfare. You can submit an online query or find your local SSAFA branch via the site.
  • Note: SSAFA often coordinates with regimental and corps charities (like the Royal Engineers Association, RAF Association, etc.), so contacting them can open the door to those service-specific funds too.

• Forces Employment Charity (FEC, formerly RFEA): Specialists in career support for veterans, including advice on training and funding options.

  • Website: www.forcesemployment.org.uk – you can register as a jobseeker/veteran and get connected with an Employment Advisor. They have programs for early service leavers, long-term unemployed, and other categories.
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 0121 262 3058 (one of their regional offices, as listed on RBL site)
    . However, the best initial step is usually to register online or via RBL referral.
  • Note: FEC works closely with other charities and employers; by engaging with them you might learn about funded training initiatives (they often know about sector-specific schemes like cyber or construction training for veterans).

• Officers’ Association (OA): (if you were an officer) – They provide employment services similar to FEC/RBL for officers.

  • Website: www.officersassociation.org.uk – features employment resources and contact info.
  • Contact: 020 7808 4175 or [email protected]. Even if you weren’t an officer, the OA’s knowledge resources (like webinars on transition) can be useful.

• Veterans’ Gateway: A one-stop online portal and helpline that can direct you to appropriate services for any issue (housing, finance, training, etc.). It’s a consortium led by RBL with support from Combat Stress, SSAFA, Poppyscotland and Connect Assist.

  • Website: www.veteransgateway.org.uk – use the self-help section or live chat to ask about funding for education; they’ll signpost you to the right organisation (they might refer you to some of the above like RBL, or to more niche ones if appropriate).
  • Helpline: 0808 802 1212 (24/7) – if you’re not sure who to call, Veterans’ Gateway will figure it out for you. It’s particularly useful outside normal office hours or if you have multiple needs.

• National Careers Service: While not veteran-specific, the NCS offers free career counseling to adults in England and has knowledge of training and funding (like adult learning grants, local college funding opportunities, etc.).

  • Website: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk – you can find lots of job profiles and a skills assessment tool.
  • Phone: 0800 100 900 to book an appointment with a careers adviser. They might help you explore new career ideas and relevant training, which you can then seek funding for using the methods above.
  • Skills Development Scotland / Careers Wales / Careers Service NI: The equivalents in the devolved nations, offering similar support.

• Specific Scholarship Programmes: If you have a particular background, check these:

  • Open University Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships: As discussed, for those with service-related disabilities – info on the OU site​
    open.ac.uk.
  • Help for Heroes Career Recovery: If wounded/medically discharged, contact H4H about their grants for training – www.helpforheroes.org.uk (they often coordinate through the Career Recovery programme or Grants team​
    disability-grants.org).
  • Universities Armed Forces Networks: Some universities (like University of Newcastle, University of Lincoln, etc.) have Armed Forces champions – find their contact via the uni website and ask about any veteran support or funds.
  • Prince’s Trust (for younger veterans): If you’re early 30s or younger and maybe looking at self-employment training, Prince’s Trust can sometimes help fund courses or business startup training.
  • LIBOR Fund/Armed Forces Covenant Fund projects: Though individual applications aren’t directly to these, be aware of programs like Street Elite, BuildForce, TechVets – these offer free training placements in certain industries for veterans (funded by grants). They are resources worth listing because they can essentially function as funded training pipelines.

The above resources will help you navigate the wealth of information and ensure you’re making the most of the support available. Keep this list handy and don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple sources – often a combination of guidance from, say, CTP and RBL and a local college advisor will give you a well-rounded view. Good communication and persistence are key; with the right support, UK veterans can successfully secure funding and embark on rewarding education and training paths for their civilian careers. Good luck with your transition and studies!