Guidance

Early years trainees: apprenticeship bursary scheme

Find out how apprentices can apply for a bursary if they are training for an early years qualification.

This guidance was withdrawn on

This content is no longer current. The apprenticeship bursary scheme was a transitional measure to provide funding for early years trainees until the early years educator qualifications started in September 2014.

Overview

The apprenticeship bursary scheme started in September 2013. It will run until August 2014 or until all bursaries are awarded.

The aim of the scheme is to encourage higher qualified candidates to pursue a career working with young children.

It is a transitional measure to provide funding until the early years educator qualifications start in September 2014.

What’s available

Up to 1,000 bursaries are available.

The bursaries are distributed as follows:

  • £3,000 – for the first 200 applicants
  • £1,500 – for the remaining applicants

An extra £300 training allowance is also available for those who receive the bursary.

Who can apply

Candidates must:

  • have started employment as an apprentice after 1 June 2013
  • be training for the level 3 advanced apprenticeship in Children and Young People’s Workforce
  • hold a GCSE grade C or above in English and maths before starting employment (or equivalent, for example GCE O level or CSE grade 1)
  • have been employed as a (level 3) apprentice for at least 3 months

Apply

Before applying please read the apprenticeship bursary scheme guidance.

Employer declaration

Employers need to complete a declaration form as part of the application process. This confirms the candidate’s eligibility to apply for the bursary.

Additional training allowance

To be eligible for the additional £300 training allowance, applicants need to submit a business case to the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL). This should identify relevant training to enhance the apprentice’s ability to work in early years.

On request, NCTL will send the business case form to the applicant’s employer.

Find out more

Our apprenticeship bursary guidance note contains more information on the application process, bursary payment and additional training allowance.

Published 7 April 2014