Apprenticeships and Training
An apprenticeship can be a great way to learn a new skill, achieve a qualification and get paid at the same time. Apprenticeships can be another way of achieving higher education without building up university debt as they are available from level 2 (GCSE) up to level 7 (Master’s Degree).
If you are aged 18 - 21yrs and get an apprenticeship, we will provide you with travel money and assist you until you receive your first salary payment.
Care leavers who choose to start an apprenticeship will receive a bursary to help with the transition into the workplace. If you started your apprenticeship before 1 August 2023, you could be eligible for a £1,000 bursary. If you started your apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023, you could be eligible for a £3,000 bursary. Bursaries are paid once to each care leaver in the eligible age range (16-24yrs). If you’re eligible for the £1,000 bursary, you should get this around three months after starting your apprenticeship. Your training provider receives your bursary after you’ve been an apprentice for 60 days and passes this on to you within 30 days.
If you’re eligible for the £3,000 bursary, you’ll get this in instalments. Your training provider receives your bursary in three £1,000 instalments and passes these on to you. You’ll get:
- £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
You can only receive the care leavers’ bursary once.
Read more about Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary.
Apprenticeships can be found in many sectors such as catering, construction, hairdressing and beauty or administration. The Participation Team within VSK regularly appoints care leavers as apprentices. Contact the Participation Team to find out if new apprentices are being employed!
Normally, to apply for an apprenticeship you will need to look for advertisements on job sites or in the newspaper or search for an employer or training provider yourself.
Find out more about apprenticeships at Kent County Council here.