Student sat smiling in a canteen

As an apprentice, you will earn a salary just like in any other job. Your employer and the government will also pay any tuition fees for your apprenticeship.

Depending on your circumstances, you may still be eligible for additional financial support to help you with the costs of studying.


Minimum Wage for Apprentices:

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.


Apprenticeship Care Leavers Bursary

A bursary of £3,000 can be claimed for apprentices who started their apprenticeship on or after 01/08/2023 and is payable in instalments over the first year of the apprenticeship. To be eligible for the care leavers’ bursary you must be:

  • be aged under 25 at the time they start your apprenticeship
  • not have received the care leavers’ bursary before
  • be either an eligible child, a relevant child or a former relevant child

For more information about the apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary, visit gov.uk.

GOV.UK Website


Student Discounts

Being a student unlocks thousands of discounts and perks in many high street shops.

Students and apprentices can enjoy all the perks of student discounts with TOTUM.

TOTUM unlocks a wide range of discounts, perks and offers for students.

TOTUM

Unidays is a free, digital platform which offers exclusive benefits and discounts to its members, from over 800 brands. It is available to all college students.

Unidays

Student Beans is the #1 student discount platform. Operating since 2005, it offers a world of student discounts, from over 1000 stores online and in-store.

Student Beans

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.