This scheme is aimed at young people who are not academic inclined but has interest in learning a trade. Among our main reasons for this scheme are a long standing legacy of structural inequality; a failing education system; a lack of jobs for unskilled workers; and people lacking the skills to enter the workplace, thus ending up in a vicious unemployment cycle. The knock-on effect is deepening poverty, and a continued lack of access to job opportunities for generation after generation. The aim of this scheme is to give these people a “hand up” and not a “hand out”. It focuses particularly on helping people take charge of their own financial and social wellbeing. Working in partnership with local businesses, we want to create opportunities for young people to learn a skill that can be used to earn and be independent. Among the targeted skills offered in this scheme are sewing, baking, carpentry, photograpy etc.
We accept applications directly from individuals and we offer at least one opening under this scheme each year. Whether you are in school or just a young person looking for unskilled work; there may be an opportunity under this scheme to help fund your learning. It is important to note that acceptance is less often based on academic ability and more about factors such as commitment to learn, financial circumstance, where you live, what your parents do for a living etc. Those from poor families with good work ethics would be given preference.
Applicants are reminded that our funding alone cannot meet the current demand so open applications may be restricted to people living or attending schools in particular Local Government Area. Information about open applications and dates are published within our news section and social media platforms. For those interested in this scheme, we strongly recommend that you follow us on social media in order to get up to date information about application open dates.