International Career Institute offers 100 full scholarships to Armed Forces personnel

Armed Forces Personnel in the United Kingdom
are getting an extra thank-you this year from the International Career Institute.

The International Career Institute (ICI), an independent, private college committed to providing and developing career training programmes in consultation with industry and employers, has committed to providing 100 full scholarships and subsidised training for full-time members, reservists, and family members of the UK Armed Forces this year. These scholarships are co-funded by the Grabovac Foundation and have been awarded to members of the Armed Forces since 2015.

This generous donation of distance learning scholarships by ICI is part of its commitment begun when it signed the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in November of 2015. The Ministry of Defence established the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 to encourage businesses to confirm and demonstrate their support of the Armed Forces community in the United Kingdom.

Dr David Grabovac, senior representative of the ICI, said:

“We are a proud supporter of the Armed Forces community and will continue to actively contribute in whichever way we can. We are, in particular, interested in supporting members of the military who have displayed leadership traits, and in those who would most benefit from further education and training opportunities. Signing the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant is a significant step in developing a strong relationship between the International Career Institute and UK Armed Forces.”

Distance Learning a Perk for the Armed Forces

Distance learning has proved to be hugely popular with the Armed Forces due to the convenience and flexibility it offers. When Armed Forces personnel are often stationed overseas, it can be challenging to keep up with a traditional education programme. However, distance learning allows them to study a variety of programmes and courses on their schedules, from anywhere.

Often being placed overseas means these individuals have time to spare at odd hours. By being able to access coursework that doesn’t require attending classes at specific times, members of the military have the ability to go as quickly or slowly through their coursework as they like, depending on their schedules.

The career development training provided through ICI helps members of the Armed Forces convert skills they already have into qualifications that make them desirable employees upon leaving the service. The coursework is relevant to the day-to-day skills and needs of various members of the Armed Forces, and ultimately Defence needs. ICI courses are also aimed at developing new skills for those who are transitioning to civilian life. ICI delivers 50 courses across eight focus areas which include: business, management, health and fitness, law and justice, design, events, education and languages, as well as veterinary and animal care.

Past Recipients of the Military Scholarship

Captains, Officers, Sergeants, and Squadron Leaders from military branches around the world have benefited from the ICI scholarship programme.

Warrant Officer Louise O’Connell MBE, an Army Warrant Officer and Senior Army Welfare Worker, used her scholarship to study mediation training. Her goal in her studies was to enhance her knowledge and skills in her current role, as well as pass on the knowledge to her staff, who could then share it with Service Users.

Flight Lieutenant Joshua Ellins, a Royal Air Force Officer who chose to study Norwegian, did so to fuel his plans after leaving the Royal Air Force. He plans to work for the Canadian Helicopter Company, which owns Heli One and work in Stavanger, Norway in Aviation Supply Chain Operations, and he will use his new language skills there.

Another scholarship winner, Sergeant Major Simon Mackie, a Army Command Sergeant Major (Officer), chose to apply his scholarship to frontline management. Having been promoted to Captain, he hopes to better manage people in his diverse and sometimes dangerous occupation, as well as help him continue in his career progression.

Those interested in and eligible to apply for the Armed Forces Personnel scholarship can apply here: www.icieducation.co.uk/scholarships/military-scholarship.