The Skinners' Company: Lawrence Atwell's Charity

Overview

Their grants help young people aged between 16 and 26 to learn new skills and make their way into employment. They cannot help if you are still in secondary education, studying for GCSEs or A Levels, undertaking a course at a private dance/drama college, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or studying any other course that is not vocational.

In all cases, the course to be taken should be an essential step towards a vocational qualification or towards employment. The course also needs to be accredited or recognised by a regulatory or independent professional body.

What size of grants do they make?

Their grants can range from £100 to £1,500 - successful applicants may receive a one-off award or a series of payments across the duration of a course of study.

Who is eligible to apply?

If you can answer yes to all the following questions you may be eligible to apply

• Are you aged 16-26? (Please note you must be aged 16-26 on the date your course starts)
• Are you a British citizen, asylum seeker or refugee, or have you lived in the UK for 3 years before the start of your course?
• Is your parents’ income less than £26,000 per year, and has been so for some time?
• Are you undertaking training that is vocational or a 'First Step' as defined below?

What is funded?

1) Vocational training

• Accredited training courses like a BTEC, City & Guilds, NVQ - Level 3 or below
• Qualifications to work on the railways, drive trucks, security services, work at heights or offshore
• Art Foundation Courses and Access Courses
• Companies that employ young people know these kinds of qualifications will get you ready to join the world of work. Find out about courses that match careers you are interested in at the National Careers Service website.

2) ‘First Step’ courses

• Courses that enable you to study and get your education on the right path to improve your job prospects and help you to take control of your future
• Example courses - NVQ Level 1, BTEC First Diplomas/Certificates, and other entry level, access, and foundation courses

What do they provide?

They may be able to help with any costs directly related to your course including but not limited to:

• Course fees, equipment and materials
• Travel costs
• Childcare
• Computer equipment
• Living costs