My name is Grace, and I am currently completing a Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 apprenticeship with Ginger Nut Training after progressing from a scholarship.
Before this, I didn’t even understand how a modern-day apprenticeship worked, let alone how much one could change my life. I’m now working as a Client Engagement Administrator, supporting employers and learners throughout their apprenticeship journey. At 20 years old, I’ve found a real sense of purpose in helping others access opportunities that can change their lives, just as mine was changed. Every day, I’m building new skills, growing in confidence, and proving to myself that my past doesn’t have to define my future.
Like many care leavers, I faced challenges that many young people don’t have to think about. Starting an apprenticeship is exciting, but it can also be financially difficult, especially when you’re transitioning into independence. Although I am earning a living wage, I still have to pay my own way. Including rent, bills, saving and making arrangements to spend quality time with my siblings.
How the Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary helped meI first found out about the Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary through my job role, working for a training provider and training under them. The process of accessing it was well explained and very straightforward for me, I felt supported throughout. Knowing that this funding was available made me feel that care leavers were being recognised and given support to succeed, rather than being expected to overcome every challenge on our own.
I decided to use my payments of the bursary towards buying my first car, and I can honestly say it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Having a car has completely changed my experience. The impact has gone far beyond simply having transport. Owning a car has given me confidence and independence. It has allowed me to become more self-sufficient and has opened up opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise.
For me, the bursary wasn’t just financial support. It was an investment in my future. It removed one of the barriers that could have made completing my apprenticeship much more difficult and helped me build a stronger foundation for my career.
The opportunities I've had have been incredible. I've spoken in Parliament about improving apprenticeship opportunities for care leavers, been invited to speak on panels and at national events to share my experiences and been recognised as a finalist for Apprentice of the Year. I was also proud to become an ambassador in a role that promotes helping youth into work.
It's amazing to see how far I've come. My apprenticeship has given me much more than qualifications, it has given me confidence, purpose and the belief that I can achieve things I once thought were out of reach. I'm now excited to continue my journey by progressing onto a higher-level apprenticeship, building on everything I've learned so far and continuing to develop both personally and professionally.
My advice to other care leavers, employers and training providersMy advice to other care leavers is simple - don't be afraid to ask about the support that is available. I know it can sometimes feel like you're expected to manage everything on your own, but the Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary exists because people recognise that care leavers may face additional challenges.
Taking advantage of that support isn't a weakness, it's giving yourself the best possible chance to succeed. I also think it should be said that it doesn’t have to be used in the same way as I did, while having a car is a huge achievement for me, having a pot of money to support any finances and take away worries is just as huge of an achievement.
I would also encourage employers and training providers to actively promote the bursary. There may be care leavers who don't realise they are entitled to it, and something as simple as telling them about the funding could make a life changing difference. Whether it helps someone pay for travel, buy equipment, or gain greater independence like it did for me, the impact can last long after the apprenticeship has finished.
Unfortunately, the bursary remains underclaimed, meaning too many eligible care leavers are missing out on support that could make a real difference to their lives.
If you're a care leaver thinking about an apprenticeship, ask your training provider about the Care Leaver Apprenticeship Bursary and what support is available. It could be the helping hand that makes all the difference, just as it did for me. Employers and training providers, make sure your apprentices know about the bursary. Training providers claim on behalf of apprentices.
See guidance here: Apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary guidance - GOV.UK
seen at 18:30, 12 August in Skills England.