ONLINE LEARNING

Leaving the Armed Forces is an exciting time to further broaden your horizons and skillset. Going online to gain qualifications ahead of leaving service or after returning to civvy street could see you reach new heights in your civilian career

GOING ONLINE

Living in the digital age has brought us many benefits, and learning a new skill or getting a qualification online is just one such benefit. In the current climate where universities are closing during the current COVID-19 pandemic, online and distance learning is becoming even more popular with many courses and degrees available to be obtained online.

Transitioning back to civvy street comes with a large to do list, so flexibility is essential. And this is where going online can be seen as a great benefit. Many online learning providers are incredibly flexible with a variety of long and short-term courses available. Alongside being flexible, online learning can let you earn whilst you learn. Having a temporary or part time job will mean you are still bringing in an income, but also have the opportunity to learn or finish course work when you are not working contracted hours.

An added bonus: many organisations and learning providers are moving to provide online courses alongside in-house training or independent to learning in the classroom. Insights (www.insights-pm.com) has been providing training courses since 1996, and have recently launched online sessions. An Accredited Training Organisation using PRINCE2, MSP, Management of Risk and ITIL products, their new online course could see you learning more about project management.

The PRINCE2 Project Management Training has three levels: foundation; foundation and practitioner; or practitioner upgrade. All courses are online and the price includes your final exam. From online specific courses to universities and colleges providing a service: it’s time to learn.

‘THE COLLEGE’

There are many dedicated services and education providers helping veterans’ transition with ease. And, one such location is The College for Military Veterans and Emergency Services (CMVES) (cmves.org.uk), often referred to as simply, the College. Created by the minds of both Regular and Reservist Armed Forces personnel, the veteran community and military families.

Providing support on resettlement, starting a civilian career, becoming your own boss all the way to getting qualified: the College is a great educational tool. Allowing you to work and study respectively, the College is on hand to help if you have a career change in mind or are looking for additional support.

From running workshops for you to obtain GCSEs to matching your current and new qualifications to the best career to meet your skillset, you are sure to get the right guidance to excel. Situated in Preston, simply contact the College if you are keen to retrain on 01772 894039.

OPEN UNIVERSITY

The Open University (www.open.ac.uk) provides a wealth of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that can be completed remotely. From distance learning or online courses, studying with The Open University (OU) can see you learning from home or in available classroom-based universities.

If you’re considering starting your own business (don’t miss our top industry advice on page 21) or retraining completely: online courses from the OU can help propel your career. Engineering to counselling, criminology or law, health sciences and language: the OU has the course and subject to meet your needs.

And, did you know: Amazon’s Kindle Store has many educational books that can be downloaded for free from the OU. Yes, your reading list could be a lot cheaper than first anticipated with this excellent service. Reading tools include understanding creative writing and critical reading, learning to code for data analysts all the way to leadership during turbulent times or health and fitness.

Plus, the OU has a specific grant scheme available for veterans who have acquired a disability. The Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship is open to those who have been injured, or due to, military service. Providing 50 scholarships each year, your fees could be waived for a maximum of 120 credits per seasonal academic year up to the maximum of 360 credits – equivalent to a full honours degree.

Applications for the scholarship opened on 18 March 2020 and closes at midnight on 30 June 2020, with successful candidates being selected at random on 3 July 2020.

Did you know: Amazon’s Kindle Store has many educational books that can be downloaded for free from the OU

ELCAS

Preparing to leave the Armed Forces, there may be certain ELCAS accredited training courses that you can get involved with. ELCAS, or the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, are qualifications that can be undertaken in the workplace, whilst you are still serving, or also online.

The MoD must approve a course before it becomes part of the ELCAS list, but with an accredited ELCAS course you could be eligible for funding. To be eligible for funding you will need to put in a completed claim form on the ELCAS website (www.enhancedlearningcredits.com), and as a service leaver you may also be eligible to claim under the Joint Funding Initiative – more information is available from the ELCAS website. With ELCAS you can make three ELC claims, but only one claim can be submitted in a financial year. However, if you have served between six and eight years, you will be eligible to put in three claims together to ensure you are able to undertake all the qualifications possible with relevant funding.

IT Online Learning (www. itonlinelearning.com) run various ELCAS approved courses that can be undertaken remotely. Similarly, Business Gateway (www.bgateway. com) have several online tutorials if you are looking to start your own business; or The Training Centre (www.the-training-centre.com) has a wealth of live online and interactive learning options.

Before you know it, you’ll be fully qualified and ready to take control of your new civilian career and have the best career change possible.