This bursary is for eligible apprentices who are in care or are care leavers. It will help remove financial barriers to accessing and completing apprenticeships.
For apprentices who start their apprenticeships up to and including 31 July 2023, the bursary is a single payment of £1,000. It can only be received once by an individual care leaver.
For apprentices starting their apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023, the bursary will be £3,000. It is payable in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship.
If you have a query regarding Course Fees or Paying Tuition Fees, please contact:E: fe-financeandfees@blc.ac.uk
If you have a query regarding the 16-24 Care Leaver Bursary or Other sources of Funding, please contact:
E: Studentmoneyadviceblc@derby.ac.uk
🎓 LAC / Care Leavers Bursary for Apprentices
Apprentices who are in care or care leavers may be eligible for a £3,000 bursary to help remove financial barriers to starting and completing an apprenticeship.
This bursary is not means-tested and is separate from other learner support funds.
💰 Bursary Amounts & Eligibility
For apprentices who started their apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2023, the bursary is £3,000
This is paid in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship
The bursary is only paid once per eligible apprentice, even if they start more than one apprenticeship
✅ To qualify, you must:
Be aged under 25 at the start of your apprenticeship
Be currently in care or a recognised care leaver (this may include foster care, local authority care, or supported living)
Be undertaking an approved apprenticeship programme
This bursary is usually arranged through your employer and training provider, and claimed via the apprenticeship service.
Speak to your employer, apprenticeship tutor, or training provider for help with accessing the LAC bursary.
🚍 Travel Discounts – b_line Card (Derbyshire Residents, Aged 16–18)
If you live in Derbyshire and are aged 16–18, you can apply for the b_line card, which gives you:
Discounted bus and local rail travel across Derbyshire and the High Peak
Access to discounts at selected local businesses
🔗 Apply here: derbyshire.gov.uk/b_line
Apprentices aged over 18 may wish to check if their employer contributes to travel costs or offers other workplace schemes.
♿ Disability or Learning Support
If you have a disability, learning difficulty, or health condition, you may be able to access additional support through:
Access to Work – government-funded support that helps with specialist equipment, transport to work, or job coaching
🔗 More info: www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Apprenticeship provider learning support – if you need extra help with learning as part of your programme
Speak to your training provider or line manager for guidance.
🛠️ Employer-Specific Support
Some apprenticeship employers may offer additional help such as:
Uniform or equipment reimbursement
Travel allowances or fuel support
Meal vouchers or workplace canteen discounts
Professional development funding
It’s always worth asking your HR or apprenticeship contact what internal support is available.
📲 Student Discounts – TOTUM Apprentice
TOTUM offers a specific TOTUM Apprentice card, giving access to a wide range of student discounts even if you’re not in full-time education.
Discounts on travel, tech, fashion, food, and more
Valid ID for use in-store and online
🔗 Apply at: www.totum.com/apprentices
