Telford’s MP, has today welcomed the news that the Department for Education will give care leavers who choose to start an apprenticeship a £1000 bursary to help transition into the workplace.

The announcement was made yesterday and will come into effect from August 2018.

The extra support will be for those aged 16-24 and will help them in the first year of their apprenticeship as they make the transition into the workplace.

The Government has recently put a focus on apprenticeships for looked-after children. This is one of the new measures introduced, in addition to the £1000 the Government provide to both employers and training providers when they take on 16-18 and 19-24 year olds, who were in care or who have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Following the announcement, Lucy Allan MP said:

“I am delighted that the Government is putting a real focus on the futures of young care leavers.

“As a member of the Education Select Committee, we are currently looking into the quality of apprenticeships and skills training, so I know just how important apprenticeships are as an alternative route of entry into work.

“Care leavers face enormous challenges. I have been campaigning for many years for better outcomes and better support and it is good to see that the Government are listening.”