beware the tax man
Many years ago, I was in the same position, and the VAT was only one side of the problem....
The tax man will consider "benefit in Kind".....
If you benefit from your training then you have in his eyes a benefit. He does not like that, so beware....
A good accountant, and your knowledge of "recurrent" training, and the legal requirement to undergo this "recurrent" training will see you win this battle.
Good luck