This November, we recognise National Care Leavers Month, a time to shine a light on the young people leaving the care system and stepping into adult life. It’s an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, raise awareness of the challenges they face, and encourage employers and training providers to play their part in supporting care-experienced individuals to thrive.
Leaving care is a major milestone — and for many young people, it can be daunting. Without the traditional family safety net, care leavers often face additional barriers as they transition into independence. From finding stable housing and managing finances to building confidence and securing employment, these challenges can make the journey to adulthood more complex.
At System People, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to reach their potential. National Care Leavers Month reminds us to take action – to provide the right guidance, support, and opportunities to those who need them most.
Apprenticeships: A Strong Start for Care Leavers
Apprenticeships can be a life-changing opportunity for care-experienced young people. They offer a real job, a steady income, hands-on experience, and a clear pathway to long-term success – all supported by an employer and training provider.
To help care leavers take full advantage of this opportunity, the Government provides a dedicated Apprenticeship Bursary for Care Leavers, designed to support their transition into the world of work and learning.
Bursary Entitlement for Care-Experienced Apprentices
If you’re a care-experienced young person starting an apprenticeship, you may be entitled to a tax-free bursary.
Here’s what you need to know:
Apprenticeships starting on or after 1 August 2023:
Eligible care leavers will receive a £3,000 bursary, paid in three instalments during their first year of training.
Apprenticeships starting on or before 31 July 2023:
The bursary amount is £1,000, paid as a single instalment.
Eligibility:
You must be under 25 at the start of your apprenticeship and have been in care as an eligible child, relevant child, or former relevant child (as defined in the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000).
How it’s paid:
Your training provider will confirm eligibility, claim the bursary, and ensure the payment reaches you directly.
The bursary is not taxable and does not affect any benefits you may be receiving.
In addition to the bursary, both employers and training providers receive extra support payments when they take on a care-experienced apprentice — helping to ensure you get the encouragement and structure you deserve throughout your training journey.
How System People Supports Care Leavers
As an apprenticeship training provider, System People is committed to making education and employment pathways accessible to all. We understand that care-experienced apprentices may need additional support to succeed — and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Here’s how we make a difference:
Tailored guidance during enrolment and throughout your programme to ensure you know what support is available.
Help with bursary claims, ensuring no one misses out on the funding they’re entitled to.
Mentoring and pastoral support for apprentices who need extra help balancing work, life, and study.
Collaboration with employers to create nurturing, inclusive workplaces that recognise the unique strengths care-experienced apprentices bring.
We celebrate the resilience, determination, and potential of care leavers — and we’re proud to support their journey into meaningful, lasting careers.
A Message to Employers
Employers have a key role to play during National Care Leavers Month. By offering an apprenticeship opportunity to a care-experienced young person, you’re not just filling a vacancy — you’re changing a life.
You can make a difference by:
Providing an apprenticeship opportunity and offering mentorship in the workplace.
Partnering with a provider like System People, who understands how to support care-experienced apprentices.
Promoting your business as a care-leaver-friendly employer — showing your commitment to social value and inclusivity.
Your support helps to create positive, lasting change in your community while bringing fresh talent and perspective into your workforce.
Final Thoughts
National Care Leavers Month is a time to celebrate resilience, raise awareness, and take meaningful action. It’s about ensuring that young people leaving care are not left behind, but instead empowered to build a successful and fulfilling future.
If you’re a care-experienced young person thinking about an apprenticeship, System People can help you get started. We’ll guide you through the process, help you access the bursary, and support you every step of the way.
To find out more about apprenticeships and the bursary for care leavers, visit our dedicated Care Leaver page.
Let’s make this November a month of opportunity and change.