Your questions answered

Your questions answered

• Do I pay for courses?
• What are Standard Learning Credits (SLC)?
• What are Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)?
• What is an NVQ?
• How do NVQs work?
• What is the difference between an Army Learning Centre (e-LC) and a Regimental Army Learning Centre (RALC)? 
• How will I study?

Do I pay for courses? 

Most of our courses are free.  Some of our more advanced courses will have a fee but it will be a fraction of the cost charged by civilain trainers.  If you do have to pay then make sure you use your Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) and Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs).

What are Standard Learning Credits (SLC)?

You can claim 80% of your fees, up to a maximum of £175 each year, towards certain personal devlopment courses, exams and support.  If you don't use your SLC allowance each year, then you'll miss out because it doesn't roll over to the next year.  To claim your SLC you must seek approval from your Unit Education Officer before you start a course or make a financial commitment.  You will need to complete an applicaion form before the course starts.

For more information contact your local Army Education Centre or RCMO.  The scheme is explained in detail in the Joint Service 2008DIN07-103 

What are Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC)?

The ELC scheme offers you funding for longer or higher level learning courses.  ELC awards are available in two 'tiers': the 'lower tier' level of up to £1000 per annum if you have four or more years' eligible service and the 'upper tier' level of up to £2000 if you have eight or more years' eligible service.  Providing you meet all the criteria, you can make ELC claims in up to three separate financial years either while in service or for up to ten years after leaving.

What is an NVQ? 

Most Army posts require practical skills and knowledge that would be difficult to measure through an exam based qualification.  NVQs are about assessment, to a nationally recognised standard, of how competently someone does the job that their employer pays them to do. At last we have the opportunity for people, who have been doing a good job for years, to be recognised for their competence and achieve a worthwhile qualification.

NVQs tell the Army and future employers a great deal about you; it tells them that you can do a job properly and that you have the knowledge and skills required.  An NVQ is proof of achievement, and something to be proud of. It is also evidence for your promotion boards and employers.  NVQs are updated regularly, to ensure they keep abreast of improvements in technology and working practices. This means that you can add to your qualifications and have a completely up-to-date record of how competent you are.

How do NVQs Work?

All NVQs are part of a ‘framework' which links the qualifications together. There are five Levels in the framework, starting with Level 1.

NVQs are based on standards, which someone can work towards at their own pace; you may have already achieved the required standards for certain NVQs. You don't have to start at Level 1, either: you can start working towards whichever Level is right for your current skills and abilities.

Each NVQ consists of a number of units and the units are split into elements, which describe a small aspect of the job and the conditions under which it must be done. All the elements must be achieved for the national standard to be met. When all the elements for a unit and all the units for the NVQ are achieved, a certificate is awarded , it's as simple as that!

What is the difference between an Army Learning Centre (e-LC) and a Regimental Army Learning Centre (RALC)? 

Each e-LC offers learndirect on-line learning but RALCs offer both on-line learning and tutor led programmes. Where there is an e-LC and a RALC on the same camp we make sure that their services complement each other, rather than compete.  So, in that situation the RALC would only offer tutor led courses but support the e-LC in their delivery of learndirect.  At all other RALCs we offer both on-line learning and tutor led programmes. 

 How will I study?

Depending on your course, you can study on-line or through classroom based learning.  We are also trialling new ways of learning technology including IPods, Playstation Portable (PSP) and mobile phones.