Oakwood Courses Now ELCAS Approved for Service Leavers

We are pleased to announce that our three core Level 5 certification courses have received ELCAS approval. The Certificate in Crisis Management Practice (CCMP), the Certificate in Operational Resilience Management (CORM), and the Certificate in Security Risk Management (CSRM) are now all eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits funding, providing valuable support for service leavers and military personnel looking to build rewarding civilian careers.

This is a significant milestone for Oakwood and reflects our ongoing commitment to making professional development accessible to those who have served in the Armed Forces. For many service leavers, the transition into civilian employment can feel uncertain, but with the right qualifications and training, the move into specialist roles in crisis management, operational resilience, and security risk management becomes a structured and achievable goal.

What is ELCAS and Who Does it Benefit?

The Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS) is a Ministry of Defence initiative designed to support members of the Armed Forces in their personal and professional development. The scheme provides financial assistance towards the cost of approved courses, helping service personnel and veterans gain nationally recognised qualifications that enhance their career prospects after leaving the military.

To be eligible, individuals must have completed a minimum period of service and must be registered with the ELCAS scheme. The funding can be used to cover a significant portion of course fees, making high quality professional training far more accessible than it might otherwise be.

Three Courses, Three Career Pathways

Each of our ELCAS approved certifications opens the door to a distinct and growing professional field. All three are Level 5 qualifications regulated by Ofqual through SFJ Awards, ensuring they carry genuine weight with employers across both the public and private sectors.

Certificate in Crisis Management Practice (CCMP)

The CCMP is designed for individuals who want to develop their expertise in crisis management planning, response, and recovery. The course covers the full lifecycle of crisis management, from risk identification and scenario planning through to activation, communication, and post incident review.

For service leavers, many of the skills developed during military service translate directly into crisis management roles. Leadership under pressure, decision making in uncertain environments, and the ability to coordinate complex operations are all highly valued in this field. The CCMP provides the theoretical framework and professional recognition to complement that practical experience.

Graduates of the CCMP go on to work in roles such as crisis manager, business continuity manager, emergency planning officer, and resilience consultant across industries including financial services, healthcare, local government, and critical national infrastructure.

Certificate in Operational Resilience Management (CORM)

The CORM focuses on building organisational resilience against disruption. It covers impact tolerances, business impact analysis, scenario testing, and the development of resilience frameworks that meet regulatory expectations, particularly within the financial services sector where operational resilience requirements have become increasingly rigorous.

Military personnel are well suited to this discipline. The ability to assess threats, plan for contingencies, and maintain operational effectiveness under challenging conditions is central to both military service and operational resilience practice.

Career opportunities for CORM graduates include operational resilience manager, business continuity analyst, risk and resilience consultant, and regulatory compliance specialist. Demand for these roles continues to grow as organisations across all sectors recognise the importance of robust resilience frameworks.

Certificate in Security Risk Management (CSRM)

The CSRM equips learners with the knowledge and skills to assess, manage, and mitigate security risks across a range of environments. The course covers threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, protective security measures, and the development of security strategies aligned with organisational objectives.

This is perhaps the most natural fit for many service leavers, given the direct overlap with skills developed during military careers. The CSRM provides the professional qualification needed to move into corporate security, consultancy, and risk management roles within the private sector.

Graduates typically pursue careers as security risk managers, corporate security advisors, security consultants, and protective security specialists. Industries with strong demand include aviation, energy, financial services, and government.

How to Apply for ELCAS Funding

If you are eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits, the process for using your funding towards one of our courses is straightforward. You will need to log in to your ELCAS account, search for the approved course you wish to study, and submit a claim. Once approved, the funding is applied directly to your course fees.

Our team is happy to guide you through the process and answer any questions about eligibility or how the funding works in practice. We have supported a number of service leavers through this process and understand the steps involved.

A Meaningful Step Towards a New Career

Leaving the Armed Forces is a major life transition, and having access to funded, high quality training can make a real difference. Our ELCAS approved courses are designed to build on the strengths and experience that service leavers already bring, while providing the professional recognition and specialist knowledge needed to succeed in civilian roles.

Whether your interest lies in crisis management, operational resilience, or security risk management, these certifications offer a clear and structured pathway into a rewarding career.

To find out more about each course and upcoming dates, visit our CCMP course page, CORM course page, or CSRM course page. If you would like to discuss your options or need help with the ELCAS application process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.