What Is ELCAS? A Guide For UK Military Personnel And Veterans

For many UK Armed Forces personnel, resettlement is not about starting again. It is about translating experience, responsibility and technical skill into recognised civilian qualifications. The Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service, commonly known as ELCAS, exists to support exactly that transition.

ELCAS funding can be used across a wide range of professional education routes, including aviation and drone training. This guide explains how ELCAS works, who can claim, how claims must be submitted, and how it applies to structured drone qualifications that support long term civilian careers for both serving personnel and veterans.

What ELCAS Is & Its Purpose

ELCAS is a Ministry of Defence scheme that provides financial support for higher level learning. It is designed to help serving personnel and veterans gain nationally recognised qualifications that improve employability during and after service.

The scheme focuses on formal education rather than short courses or recreational learning. Funding supports structured training that leads to measurable outcomes, aligns with service benefit, and demonstrates careful career planning.

Eligibility For ELCAS Funding

Eligibility for ELCAS is based on length of eligible service rather than rank or role.

To make a claim, individuals must have completed at least six years of eligible service to access the lower tier. Personnel who completed four years of qualifying service prior to 1 April 2017 should consult JSP 822 for specific provisions.

Only service accumulated since 1 April 2000 may be counted as eligible service for the purpose of the ELC Scheme.

There are two funding tiers:

• Lower tier available after six years eligible service, up to £1,000 per claim
  
• Higher tier available after eight years eligible service, up to £2,000 per claim

Each individual is entitled to make three ELC claims in total over their lifetime entitlement.

Claim Limits & Timing Rules

ELCAS claims are governed by strict timing and frequency rules.

• A maximum of one claim can be made per financial year, running from 1 April to 31 March
  
• No more than three claims can be made in total
  
• Personnel with between six and eight years service may be able to aggregate all three lower tier claims, subject to meeting the criteria set out in JSP 822
  
• Claim expiry dates depend on service history and discharge date, so eligibility must be checked carefully

If claiming in the final year of eligibility, study must commence before the scheme expiry date.

Veterans with remaining entitlement may still use ELCAS within their eligibility window, although the administrative process differs from that used by serving personnel.

What Learning ELCAS Can Fund

ELCAS funding is only available for courses that lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Eligible learning must meet one of the following criteria:

• Level 3 or above on the Regulated Qualifications Framework
  
• Level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework

Not all courses delivered by approved providers qualify. The specific course itself must be listed as approved on the ELCAS system. Learning providers can move on and off the approved list, so claimants must always check approval status before submitting a claim.

Drone Training & ELCAS Eligibility

Drone training can be funded through ELCAS when it meets the scheme requirements. This means the training must be structured, assessed, and lead to a recognised qualification at the required level.

Introductory or recreational drone courses do not qualify. ELCAS supports professional pathways that focus on aviation theory, operational planning, safety management and regulatory compliance.

This makes professional drone training particularly relevant for service leavers and veterans entering technical, inspection, infrastructure, aviation or safety critical roles.

Why Drone Careers Appeal To Service Leavers & Veterans

The commercial drone sector continues to expand across construction, infrastructure, utilities, surveying, defence support and emergency services. These environments value skills commonly developed during military service, including planning, risk management, procedural discipline and accountability.

Drone careers extend beyond piloting alone. Roles include operational planning, inspection delivery, data capture, asset monitoring, technical advisory work and training support.

Professional qualifications provide the civilian framework required to apply military experience within regulated commercial environments.

OFQUAL Levels Used In Professional Drone Training

In the context of professional drone operations, OFQUAL qualification levels indicate the depth of operational responsibility, regulatory understanding and decision making authority expected of the pilot or operator.

Within UK commercial drone training, the following levels are most relevant:

Level 3 Professional Entry Level Drone Training

This level represents the minimum threshold for professional eligibility under ELCAS. In drone training, Level 3 qualifications typically introduce regulated aviation concepts, operational limitations and structured assessment. These courses are often used as entry routes into commercial operations or as stepping stones to higher responsibility roles.

Level 4 Commercial Drone Operations

Level 4 is widely regarded as the core professional standard for commercial drone pilots. Training at this level focuses on independent operational decision making, airspace integration, safety management systems and compliant commercial deployment. This level aligns strongly with operational responsibility held during military service.

Level 5 Advanced Drone Operations And Oversight

Level 5 reflects advanced operational planning, oversight and governance. In professional drone training, this level is associated with managing complex operations, supervising other pilots, developing operational procedures and supporting organisational compliance. It is commonly pursued by individuals moving into leadership or programme management roles.

Levels Above 5 In Drone Training

Higher qualification levels, such as Level 6 and above, are less common in short form drone training and are typically associated with degree based aviation, engineering or unmanned systems programmes. These routes are more academic and less focused on day to day operational deployment.

For most professional drone careers, Level 4 and Level 5 provide the strongest balance between practical competence, regulatory credibility and employer recognition.

Claiming ELCAS Funding Step By Step

The ELCAS claiming process depends on current service status.

Many of the steps below apply to serving personnel. Veterans with remaining ELCAS entitlement can also use the scheme within their eligibility window, although the administrative process may differ depending on discharge status.

For serving personnel, the process includes:

1. Obtaining authorisation from line management and Education Staff before registering for any learning
   
2. Fully researching the learning provider and confirming the course is approved on the ELCAS system
   
3. Demonstrating that the proposed learning benefits the Service and aligns with Personal Development Records
   
4. Submitting an online ELC claim at least 15 working days before the course start date
   
5. Receiving a Claim Authorisation Note and presenting it to the provider before the course begins

Retrospective claims are not permitted under any circumstances.

Personal Contribution & Associated Costs

ELCAS operates on a co funding model. Claimants must contribute at least 20 percent of the total course cost from their own resources.

Learners are also responsible for all additional costs, including:

• Travel and accommodation
  
• Food and subsistence
  
• Course books and materials

MOD rules strictly forbid accepting inducements or incentives from providers. This includes free accommodation, travel or equipment. Breaches may result in forfeiture of ELCAS membership and loss of future eligibility.

Managing Cancellations & Multiple Claims

If a course does not proceed, claimants must submit a cancellation or reinstatement request. Failure to do so can result in loss of scheme membership.

For second and third claims, claimants must complete Course Evaluation Forms for all previous ELC funded learning and provide evidence of course completion.

For modular courses, all modules being claimed must be listed. Longer programmes may be covered by a single claim where they form a continuous block of study, subject to the rules set out in JSP 822.

ELCAS Approved Learning Providers

Choosing the right provider and course is critical when using ELCAS funding. Claimants must ensure both the learning provider and the specific course are approved at the time of submitting a claim.

Coptrz is an ELCAS approved learning provider. However, only certain courses offered by Coptrz are eligible for ELCAS funding, depending on qualification level and approval status on the ELCAS system.

Because approval status can change, claimants should always confirm eligibility before submitting a claim.

FAQs

What is ELCAS used for?

ELCAS is used to fund higher level learning for serving personnel and veterans to support professional development and resettlement.

How many ELCAS claims can I make?

Each individual may make up to three claims in total, with no more than one claim per financial year.

Can veterans use ELCAS?

Yes. Veterans may use ELCAS within their eligibility window, subject to service history and expiry rules.

Can ELCAS be used for drone training?

Yes. ELCAS can fund professional drone training that leads to a nationally recognised qualification and is delivered by an approved provider.

Do I need to contribute my own money?

Yes. A personal contribution of at least 20 percent of the total course cost is mandatory.

Can I submit an ELCAS claim after a course has started?

No. Retrospective claims are not permitted. Claims must be submitted and authorised before the course start date.

Conclusion

ELCAS remains one of the most valuable education benefits available to UK military personnel and veterans. When used correctly, it enables progression into civilian careers that value professionalism, governance and operational competence.

Professional drone training provides a strong transition pathway for service leavers and veterans, particularly when aligned with qualification levels that reflect real operational responsibility. Understanding eligibility rules, claim timing and personal contribution requirements is essential to protecting entitlement.

If you are considering drone or aviation training and want to understand which options may be eligible under the ELCAS scheme, contact the Coptrz team at services@coptrz.com or call 0330 111 7177 to discuss your requirements and confirm which of our courses can be used with ELCAS funding.