Direct Grant Vocational Funding

What is a Direct Grant Vocational Fund?

We can award Direct Grants to help with training and back-to-work costs for people who are referred to us by a career advisor or an employment specialist.

What do we fund?

We can award a vocational grant for the following:

• Training or support for getting back into work (e.g., course fees, equipment, work-related clothing).

• Short-term childcare or transport costs to help people get back into work (e.g., during training). Please note: for help with one-off transport requests, see the transport section of our local support directory.

How do I apply for a Direct Grant Vocational Fund?

Step 1) The applicant or referrer must contact the Grants Manager on 07935218699 to discuss the application.

Step 2) Once the referrer agrees to consider the referral, we will send an invitation to apply via a link to our digital platform. This will be sent directly to the referrer.

PLEASE BE AWARE that we will also require one month’s worth of the applicant’s bank statements (including savings accounts) as well as other relevant information to support the application. Please ensure you have them ready to pass on for your referrer - a career advisor or employment specialist - to upload.

PLEASE NOTE that we do not accept self-referral.

How much can I apply for?

We are very keen to consider each application individually, so we will assess each accordingly. However, the maximum amount awarded on average is around £1,000.

How long will it take to process my application?

Once we have received a referral from a careers advisor or employment specialist, along with bank statements and any other supporting information, we will begin the application assessment process. We aim to process applications within one week. If your application is successful, we will then arrange payment (usually this goes directly to the supplier).

To find out about other local support available, please refer to our directory.