Young People’s Vocational Development Individuals Programme
Individuals Programme
Grants are available for young people living in London and Kent from low-income backgrounds, to help them gain vocational, accredited qualifications.
We offer grants of up to £2,000 for people aged 16 to 26, to take courses (up to level 4) that will help them move into employment. Funding can be given for course fees, equipment/materials, travel costs, childcare and living costs. There are no application deadlines, so you can apply at any time.
Nb: We DO NOT fund university level study – including undergraduate degrees (level 6).
Funding Criteria
- Aged 16 - 26 (on the date your course starts)
- Living or studying in London or Kent
- A British citizen, or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- Taking an accredited, vocational training course up to level 4. What qualification levels mean
- From a low-income household as follows*
| Household | Total Annual Income (after tax) |
|---|---|
| Single person household | £20,400 |
| Couple with no children | £30,800 |
| Single parent with one child | £25,100 |
| Single parent with two or more children | £33,900 |
| Couple with one child | £31,000 |
| Couple with two or more children | £42,900 |
*informed by Joseph Rowntree Foundation research into the Minimum Income Standard. Excludes childcare costs and the higher cost of living in London.
Funding Priorities
In addition to our criteria, we consider certain priorities when the fund is experiencing high demand:
- Fewer existing qualifications
- Little or no past working experience
- Lower income households
What we don't fund
- Any course that is not vocational or accredited
- Secondary education (including studying for GCSEs or A Levels – unless returning to education as an adult)
- University or postgraduate degrees
- Individuals who already have a university or postgraduate degree
- A course at a private dance, drama, or music college
- Courses for self-employed health & beauty, animal care, and personal fitness
- Alternative medicine
- Overseas courses
- Not a British citizen, or do not have indefinite leave to remain in the UK
- Debt, or costs already paid for
Applications & Awards
