Supporting Military Women into Construction Through ELCAS
Women and Manual Trades (WaMT) is committed to making women the norm, not the exception, in construction and the trades. As part of this mission, we are focusing on supporting military women who are preparing to leave service or have recently transitioned into civilian life.
Many women in the Armed Forces already have skills that translate well into construction, including leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and technical ability. However, navigating education, funding and career pathways after service can feel overwhelming.
To support this transition, WaMT is working with military women to help them understand and access the ELC scheme funding, managed by the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS). ELCAS is a Ministry of Defence scheme that manages financial support for nationally recognised qualifications at Level 3 or higher, including courses relevant to construction and the trades.
We have created a short animation that acts as a quick guide to the ELC scheme, explaining eligibility, deadlines, and key steps in the process. More importantly, it highlights how WaMT can support women throughout their journey.
WaMT offers:
- Step-by-step guidance on using the ELC scheme
- Information on ELCAS-approved construction and trade courses
- Signposting to additional funding, bursaries, and charities
- Connections to employers and opportunities within the construction sector
Our aim is to remove barriers and provide clear, supportive pathways for women who want to build a future in construction after military service.
If you are a woman in the military, a service leaver, or someone supporting a military woman considering a career in construction, we would love to hear from you.
Fill out our contact form here and Meg, our employment and training manager, will be in touch.