If you are serving in the Armed Forces or approaching resettlement, you may be entitled to SLCs, Standard Learning Credits of £175 per financial year.
SLC credits are designed to support professional development during service. When used strategically and potentially combined with Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) funding, they can significantly reduce the cost of recognised project management training.
This guide explains:
- What SLC credits are
- Who is eligible
- Where to confirm your entitlement
- How to claim them
- How SLC can support project management training
- Why many service leavers choose this route
What are SLCs?
SLC stands for Standard Learning Credits.
They form part of the Ministry of Defence's commitment to lifelong learning within the Armed Forces. The aim is to encourage ongoing professional development throughout your career.
Key facts about SLC:
- £175 per financial year
- Available to most serving personnel
- Claimed through your chain of command
- Intended for structured, recognised training
- SLC can be used during your service and importantly, during your resettlement period.
SLC can be used during your service and importantly, during your resettlement period.
While £175 may not appear substantial on its own, it becomes extremely valuable when used as part of a planned training pathway.
One of the biggest failings I saw when serving, was service personnel just not using their SLC entitlement year on year and I was of these people! If used properly, SLC plays an important role in reducing the cost of recognised qualifications and continued professional development.
Simon Parsons
Who Is Eligible for SLC Credits?
SLC is generally available to serving members of the Armed Forces, subject to service requirements and internal policy.
Eligibility is confirmed internally rather than through an external portal.
You should confirm your entitlement through:
- Your Unit Clerk/Admin Officer
- Your chain of command
Your policy guidance can be found in JSP 822 Defence Training and Education. Your chain of command or Unit Education Officer can also provide advice and guidance.
If you are unsure, ask early. Do not assume you are ineligible.
The best approach is simple. Speak to your Unit Education Officer. Confirm your entitlement, then plan your training.
Why Should You Use SLC Credits for Professional Development?
The Armed Forces place strong emphasis on continuous development. SLC credits exist to support that principle.
According to the Career Transition Partnership, thousands of service leavers transition into civilian employment each year. One of the most common challenges during this period is translating military experience into recognised civilian qualifications.
SLC can help bridge that gap by contributing towards:
- Recognised certifications
- Professional development courses
- Qualifications aligned with civilian career pathways
When aligned with your resettlement plan, SLC becomes a practical investment in your next career.
Why Is Project Management a Popular Choice for Service Leavers?
Project management is a natural progression for many military personnel.
The Association for Project Management highlights that project delivery skills are required across multiple industries including infrastructure, Defence, technology and public services.
Military service already develops:
- Planning and operational delivery
- Leadership and team coordination
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Communication with multiple stakeholders
- Working under pressure
When I moved into project management, I realised I had been applying those skills for years. The qualification simply gave it structure and recognition.
Project management training provides terminology, frameworks and recognised certification to support that transition.
Service leavers already possess many of the core capabilities required to succeed in project roles, including leadership, teamwork, planning and delivering outcomes under pressure.
If you'd like to explore this in more detail, read our article Leaving the Military – Why Project Management.
If you are considering how that transition works in practice, our Armed Forces Resettlement to Project Management guide explains the typical pathway service leavers take into project roles, including qualifications, transferable skills and the steps many veterans follow when moving into civilian project careers.
What Is the Project Management for Service Leavers with APM PFQ Course?
Wellingtone delivers a Project Management for Service Leavers course built around the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification.
What Is APM PFQ?
APM PFQ is an entry level qualification awarded by the Association for Project Management. It provides:
- A structured introduction to project management principles
- Understanding of lifecycle stages
- Risk, governance and stakeholder concepts
- A recognised Project Management Qualification valued by employers
What Makes the Wellingtone Course Different?
There are many providers offering APM PFQ. Not all understand military transition.
Wellingtone:
- Is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant
- Is a partner of the Forces Transition Group
- Designs the course specifically for service leavers
- Focuses on translating military experience into civilian language
- Delivers learning in a cohort of fellow service personnel
The qualification gives you credibility. The environment and translation support give you confidence.
You can learn more about the course on our main Project Management for Service Leavers page.
Why Should You Treat Your Transition Like a Project?
One of the most powerful mindset shifts during resettlement is recognising that your transition itself is a project.
In a recent Wellingtone webinar on community and transition, Colin Peace summed it up clearly:
Have a plan. Define your project scope. Break it down into milestones. Treat your transition like a project.
That idea resonates with many service leavers because it reflects how you already operate in uniform.
When you approach your move into civilian life with:
- Clear objectives
- Defined steps
- Structured planning
- Measurable progress
The process feels far more manageable and far less overwhelming.
At Wellingtone, this principle underpins how we design our Project Management for Service Leavers with APM PFQ course.
The course is not just about passing an exam. It is about giving you a structured framework that you can apply directly to your own transition.
When you start managing your transition like a project, it changes your mindset, you move from reacting to planning.
Using your SLC credits towards recognised project management training is not simply about gaining a qualification. It is about learning a structured way of thinking that supports your next chapter.
How Can SLC Reduce the Cost of Project Management Training?
SLC contributes £175 towards course fees.
Many service leavers also choose to combine SLC with IRTC, Individual Resettlement Training Costs, which currently provide £534 for eligible personnel.
When combined:
| Funding Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| SLC | £175 |
| IRTC | £534 |
| Total Potential Funding | £709 |
For many delegates, this leaves a personal contribution of under £50.
In this way, SLC acts as a key part of a broader funding strategy.
How Do You Claim SLC Credits Step by Step?
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Speak to your Unit Education Officer.
Step 2: Select Appropriate Training
Ensure the course aligns with your professional development or resettlement goals.
Step 3: Submit SLC Application
Apply through your chain of command in line with internal policy.
Step 4: Receive Approval Before Course Start
Funding must be approved in advance.
Step 5: Attend the Course
Is Travel and Accommodation included?
Travel and accommodation are not included in the course fee.
However, depending on availability, Military delegates may be able to access Chippenham Army accommodation at a low nightly rate, helping reduce overall costs.
Final Thoughts
SLC credits exist to support your professional development.
Used thoughtfully, they can play a key role in reducing the cost of recognised project management training and strengthening your transition plan.
As I learned during my own transition, understanding your funding options early gives you clarity and confidence.
If project management is on your radar, SLC is a practical first step.
Talk to Simon about Your Resettlement Journey
Resettlement decisions are easier when you can talk them through with someone who has been there. Simon is a service leaver, Army Reservist, and project management consultant who understands both military experience and civilian expectations. This is an opportunity to ask questions, sense check your thinking, and get practical guidance on your next steps.
Project Management for Service Leavers with APM PFQ
If you are considering project management as part of your resettlement, this course provides a clear, structured introduction designed specifically for service leavers. It focuses on translating military experience into civilian project language and building confidence before you move into role.
