Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step towards your future career, but we know that it can sometimes feel like a financial challenge, especially for young people in or leaving the care system. That’s where the Apprenticeship Bursary comes in! If you have been in local authority care, are aged between 16 and 24 years old, and you’re struggling to cover costs while you work and learn, this bursary can help you out. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, how to apply, and why it’s worth checking out!

What Is the Apprenticeship Bursary?

The Apprenticeship Care Leavers’ Bursary is a financial support program that you can apply for within the first three months of your apprenticeship. It is in addition to your wage and designed to make starting an apprenticeship a smoother process. It provides financial aid in the first year of your apprenticeship to help with costs like travel, equipment, clothing and other necessary expenses that come with starting an apprenticeship.

This bursary is there to make sure financial barriers don’t hold you back from gaining valuable work experience and qualifications through your apprenticeship. It is one less thing to worry about so you can focus on what really matters: your apprenticeship and your career!

How Much Financial Help Can You Get for your Apprenticeship?

The amount of financial help you can get for an apprenticeship increased on 1st August 2023. If you started your apprenticeship after this date, you may be entitled to £3,000 from the government in the first year of your apprenticeship. The bursary is paid in three installments throughout the year:

• £1,000 around three months after starting your apprenticeship
• £1,000 around six months after starting your apprenticeship
• £1,000 within 12 months of starting your apprenticeship

Please note, you can only receive the apprenticeship care leavers’ bursary once, and, as it is a bursary, you do not have to pay it back. 

Am I Eligible for the apprenticeship bursary?

To apply for the Apprenticeship Bursary, you need to meet these basic requirements:

• Be aged 16-24
• Have recently started an apprenticeship program – remember, you need to apply within the first 3 months of starting.
• Provide proof that you are in care or are a care leaver – don’t worry, this information doesn’t have to be shared with your employer.

Remember, this bursary isn’t just for the most disadvantaged, it is there to help anyone who has been under the care of the local authority and who meets the requirements above, so it is worth applying. 

How to Apply for the Apprenticeship Bursary

1. Check with Your Provider: The first step is to get in touch with your apprenticeship provider or training provider. They will usually have all the details on how to apply. Some providers have their own bursaries available, or they might link you up with local schemes that offer funding. If you are a student at Central Training Academy or Central Hairdressing, you can print off the Bursary Fund Application form or just talk to your tutor and they will point you in the right direction.
2. Fill in the Application: You’ll need to fill out an application form with details about your financial situation and apprenticeship. You may be asked to provide information like income details, any special needs, or reasons you need financial support.
3. Submit Your Documents: You will need to submit proof that you have been in care, which you can get from your local authority. Claiming this bursary won’t disqualify you from getting other support.
4. Wait for Approval: Once you’ve submitted your application, your provider will let you know whether you’ve been approved and how much you’ll receive. The process can take a few weeks, so be patient!

Tips for Success

• Apply Early: Don’t wait until you are in a tough spot financially. Apply as soon as you know you’re eligible. Here at Central Training, Apprenticeship Bursary applications must be applied for within the first 3 months of your apprenticeship. Please check the deadline with your training provider and get in there early.
• Ask for Help: If you are not sure what to put on your application form or how to prove your care status, ask your apprenticeship provider for help. They are there to support you through the process.
• Keep All Your Receipts: Keep a record of all the costs related to your apprenticeship. This will help when you apply and can show the bursary team how you need the support.

Why Should You Apply for an Apprenticeship Bursary?

We know that being an apprentice comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you’re trying to juggle work, study, and your personal life. The Apprenticeship Bursary is there to help you focus on what’s important; your learning and career development, without stressing about money.

By applying for financial support during your apprenticeship, you are giving yourself a little extra financial breathing room. Whether you need help with travel costs, uniforms, or even just covering some bills, this bursary can make your apprenticeship journey that much smoother. Don’t let money stand in your way, take advantage of this opportunity to get the support you need!

Don’t Wait – Apply Today!

Getting financial support through the Apprenticeship Care Leavers’ Bursary can give you the freedom to concentrate on your apprenticeship without worrying about money. If you’re eligible, don’t miss out! Talk to your apprenticeship provider and get the application process started. There’s help available to make sure nothing gets in the way of your success.