Initially launched in November 2019, the Grants and Bursaries Programme assists in fulfilling our charitable purpose, with a focus on supporting UK learners between the ages of 16-30 taking an iTEC, VTCT or Skillsfirst qualification.
With many areas and communities of practice in our country struggling to support young people to engage with learning, we introduced this programme of Grants & Bursaries to ensure that all learners have opportunity to achieve excellent educational outcomes and alleviate barriers to success.
Initially being awarded to 15 training providers, we are incredibly excited to announce that this year we have selected 30 training providers to receive up to £5,000 in Grants and Bursaries.
Speaking of the initiative, Chief Executive of the VTCT group, Alan Woods OBE, said,
“We have been incredibly moved by the applications received this year. Our training providers have truly demonstrated their dedication to achieving the best learner outcomes and I would like to thank everyone that applied. The care that has been taken to complete each and every application has been overwhelming.
Seeing how committed our educational partners are to helping all their learners succeed really reflects our charitable objective: advancing education for public benefit. We believe that every learner deserves the chance to flourish and have a direct line of sight into a job, regardless of personal circumstances. We are so proud to aid in their progression.
I would like to personally extend my congratulations to the providers that have been selected and would like to thank you for letting us be a part of your learners’ career journeys.”
In addition to receiving the grant, training providers will be invited to the inaugural VTCT Excellence Awards later this year to celebrate. The selected training providers are:
The overall aim of the programme is to transform the lives of the most disadvantaged young people, helping them to fulfil their potential through vocational/technical skills study programmes. We want to ensure that every young person has the same opportunities to participate and benefit from a place in further education, skills and training.
Grants and Bursaries can benefit a college or training provider in many ways. From providing uniforms or required kit for trainee chefs or beauty therapists, to assisting students through a hardship fund or helping people back into work after a career change or family break.
A college could offer transport costs for those in rural areas who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend, or the money could be used for enrichment in the form of useful visits to industry shows. It may also be used to help with the cost of diagnostic assessments for SEN such as dyslexia.