Leeds College of Building Responds to Apprenticeship Bursary Plans

New government bursary aims to support families starting apprenticeships

The UK government recently announced a new bursary scheme intended to encourage young people from benefit-dependent households to begin apprenticeships. The plan offers payments of up to £4,500 a year to some parents who might otherwise lose Universal Credit payments when their children start work-based training.

The bursary is expected to assist a few thousand families who currently face losing between £17 and £330 per week if their children take up apprenticeship opportunities. This measure aims to reduce financial barriers that can discourage young people from entering apprenticeships.

Local college highlights importance of financial support

Chris Tunningley, Assistant Principal at Leeds College of Building (LCB), commented on the announcement, emphasising the challenges faced by many learners at the college. He noted that a significant number of students come from households under financial strain, which can impact their education in several ways:

• Increased hardship within the family
• Greater caring responsibilities for young people
• Difficulty with travel costs to and from college or work placements
• Pressure on mental wellbeing

These factors can affect apprenticeship uptake, attendance, achievement, and progression into skilled employment. Mr Tunningley stressed the importance of ensuring that talented young people have access to high-quality technical and professional education regardless of their background.

Addressing skills shortages and social mobility

With ongoing skills shortages reported by employers in the region, supporting learners to overcome financial barriers is viewed as key to both social mobility and economic development. Leeds, in particular, faces challenges with many young people disengaged from education, employment, or training.

LCB’s CEO and Principal, Nikki Davis, has highlighted the college’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged learners. Nearly 44% of LCB students come from the most deprived communities in England, according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Over 1,200 students are from the most deprived category, demonstrating the college’s focus on reaching those who need support most.

Mr Tunningley concluded by emphasising that removing financial barriers is essential to tackling inequality, improving life chances, and addressing skills shortages in the local and national economy.

Background on Chris Tunningley

Chris Tunningley has been Assistant Principal at Leeds College of Building since 2008. He began his career as a 16-year-old apprentice in Gas Service and Maintenance, bringing personal experience of apprenticeships to his role.