Grants of up to £1,000 are available to young people affected by low-income across Wiltshire and Swindon who are currently studying, or about to study, a vocational course at school, sixth form or college, or who are undertaking an apprenticeship.
The Vocational Grants programme, run by Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation, supports local young people aged 14–24. To be eligible for funding, applicants must either be in the care of Wiltshire Council or Swindon Borough Council or have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for a minimum of two years and have parents or guardians in receipt of a means-tested benefit.
The programme is designed to support students undertaking any vocational course. This could include subjects varying from business, IT, engineering, health and social care, hairdressing, beauty, cookery, plumbing and construction. The programme also supports young people undertaking apprenticeships.
Vocational Grants help young people with the various costs associated with their chosen course, including educational resources or equipment required for the course or qualification, IT equipment, course-related study trips and, in some circumstances, travel costs.
Wiltshire & Swindon Community Foundation Programmes Director, Heather Kiel, said: “Our Vocational Grants programme provides vital support to young people across Wiltshire and Swindon each year, helping them take their next steps.
“The programme supports young people as they pursue their vocational studies and access opportunities that may previously have felt out of reach. By easing some of the financial barriers to training and education, these grants can make a real difference.
“I would encourage anyone who feels they might be able to apply for this support to visit our website to find out more about the programme.”
The programme supported Liam with funding towards essentials for the Professional Cookery, Travel and Tourism, and Art courses he is studying at sixth form.
Speaking about the impact of the grant, Liam said: “A vocational grant enabled me to purchase a laptop to help access and complete my coursework, as well as helping me buy uniform items such as steel toe-capped shoes.
“This support has really helped me to progress on my courses, especially because of the laptop. I’ve become more efficient as I can work on my coursework from both home and school, meaning I don’t have to wait until the next day to work on it again.
“My mum is a single parent raising two children, so that extra bit of support really helped.”
Applications for the academic year beginning in September 2026 are now open. The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026.
Further information and full eligibility criteria for this programme can be found at https://www.wscf.org.uk/grants-and-support/individuals/vocational-support-grant/
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