Finding funding

If money is tight, you may feel that you have no other option but to leave school at 16 and find work. Not true. There are several ways to get funding for study or training. Some let you earn while you learn.

Apprenticeships

Apprentices work for an employer, earn a wage of at least £95 a week (often much more) and learn and gain nationally recognised qualifications. Contact your local Connexions centre, Thames Valley Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on 0845 0194154 or phone 08000 150 600 for a free information pack.

You can find a regularly updated list of apprenticeships available locally on the Oxfordshire Connexions website.

• Key Link: Apprenticeships

Benefits

If you live at home and are in full-time education or doing approved, unwaged training, then your parents/carers can continue to get the benefits they claim on your behalf or that help to pay for your keep, until you finish the course or training. Child Benefit can be paid up to the age of 20. Contact Connexions about benefits you may be able to claim in your own right.

• Key Link: Beginner's Guide to Benefits

Care Leaver

Care leavers are entitled to help with education or training costs until you are 24 if you go into higher education, including accommodation during vacations.

• Key Link: Looked after

Care to Learn

Parents under 20 in learning or training (but not in higher education) can get up to £160 per child per week towards childcare costs. Visit www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn or phone 0800 121 8989

• Key Link: Care to Learn

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

This is £10, £20 or £30 a week (plus bonuses) paid for up to 3 years to young people continuing their education or doing unwaged training beyond 16. To qualify you must live in a household where the income is £30,810 or less, and be doing at least 12 hours guided learning at school, college or with a training/learning provider. You can apply online or by calling the helpline on 0800 121 8989

• Key Link: EMA

Discretionary Support Funds

Money to help school/college students aged 16+ in financial difficulties continue their studies. Ask at your school or college

• Key Link: Help When you need it

Studying Away from Home

If the course you want to do is available only at a college too far away from home for you to reasonably commute, you
may get help paying for accommodation. Contact the college where you want to study.

• Key Link: Studying away from home

Time Off for Study or Training

16 and 17 year olds in work can get paid time off to study or train for level 2 qualifications unless they are full-time
students or already qualified to level 2. Payment is at the appropriate hourly rate. Study/training can be at work,
college, home or an approved learning provider. Contact Connexions or the LSC for advice.