Young people from low-income backgrounds who are looking to study a vocational subject can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 a year.

This opportunity, provided by Wiltshire Community Foundation, is available for people aged 14-24 who are studying or intending to study vocational subjects such as business, IT, engineering, health and social care, childcare and many more.

To qualify, candidates must live in Wiltshire or Swindon, and their parents or guardians need to be receiving a means-tested benefit.

The grants can help towards various costs associated with the applicant’s chosen course, such as the costs of books, resources, equipment, and travel.

Nicola Hillier, Wiltshire Community Foundation grants manager, said: “We are delighted to be running our Vocational Grants programme for another academic year.

"These grants allow us to support those from low-income households who wouldn’t usually have access to the same opportunities that most of us take for granted.

"They remove the barriers that often stand between ambition and achievement, enabling young people to pursue their chosen course and future careers with confidence.

“We want this programme to be as inclusive as possible.”

The programme is taking applications now, and grants will be considered in November 2024 and January 2025.