In 2025, the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade was proud to announce it had become a preferred supplier to the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) – the “official resettlement service for the Armed Forces”.
As a preferred CTP supplier, the Chartered Institute provides training opportunities to those leaving the military to help them enter a new career in international trade. The sector has a wide variety of roles that veterans have relevant skills for – from logistics and supply chains to overseeing compliance with defence-related regulations.
To mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday (27 June), the Chartered Institute is delighted to share the news that funding is now available to go towards Chartered Institute qualifications through the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) scheme.
The Chartered Institute also signed the Armed Forces Covenant in May 2026 – a voluntary public commitment by an organisation to support members of the Armed Forces community, including serving personnel, reservists, veterans and their families.
‘Here to help’
“My very first message to the men and women in the Armed Forces, on behalf of the Chartered Institute, is a big thank you,” said Terry Scuoler CBE, the charity’s chairman.
“International trade plays very strongly into the wide range of skills that services personnel have – whether it’s communications, logistics, management or leadership – and many have served in some of the UK’s key markets. It’s a good fit.
“Having served myself and worked in the defence sector for many years, I recognise that leaving the Armed Forces is a big step. But you have a range of highly valued skills that businesses and the country value."
He added that the Chartered Institute is “here to help and to welcome” service leaders into the industry.
Supporting veterans
Daniela Turiccki, director of defence and export controls at the Chartered Institute, said she was delighted that ELC funding can now go towards helping veterans to enter international trade.
“International trade, customs and supply chain roles are perfect for Armed Forces veterans looking for their next career steps. The adaptability, logistical and communication skills that working in the military necessitates are essential for success in international trade and widely sought after by businesses.
“The Chartered Institute, as a CTP preferred supplier, is here to help military veterans get the training needed to learn how to apply these skills in an international trade context, and we’re delighted that ELC funding is available towards this.”
The funding is accessible through the Enhanced Learning Credits Administrative Service (ELCAS) and can go towards various courses provided by CTP preferred suppliers, including the Chartered Institute, many of which are listed on this MOD portal.
Career pathway
Steve Horrell, an apprenticeship success manager at the Chartered Institute who previously served as a communication systems analyst in the Royal Air Force, said the funding provides an “intentional career pathway” for veterans.
“There are too many people falling out of the military,” he said, noting that many people working in international trade have “fallen into” their roles.
For businesses, military leavers also have an ability to think quickly under pressure that makes them ideal for leadership roles.
“The ability to make decisions in a split second with huge, huge ramifications – almost without thinking – is highly sought after by companies.
“Businesses need operations managers, they need project managers, they need solid team leaders”.
Horrell said that the Chartered Institute’s qualifications can help veterans “bridge” any gaps they may have in their understanding of working in a commercial context.
'Branch out'
Katie Fryer, a member of the Chartered Institute who became a sergeant in the British Army Intelligence Corps, has also said that international trade “is a great career for anyone in the military”.
“With the exposure you have had to international conflict, politics and logistics, you will be surprised how much of it is transferable.
“I fully encourage branching out and being curious at this stage. You have nothing to lose and potentially a great and interesting career to gain.”
For more information about how the Chartered Institute supports Service leavers, visit www.export.org.uk/education/service-leavers
