Lasting relationships, lasting impact

by Oct 28, 2021Bursaries, Critical transition points, Funding, News

Our bursary programme was set up 21 years ago to help people in genuine financial need to access training programmes. The programme was designed to change people’s lives by allowing them to develop their skills – and to this day it remains a core programme of the Foundation.

Last year we launched our bursary alumni, bringing together individuals who had been awarded a bursary since 2016 and wish to share their stories and inspire others.

One of the most rewarding elements of the alumni is the increased engagement from past winners who regularly update us on progress in work, education and life since being awarded. Below are a few quotes from one of our alumni members, Sam Swanton. A winner who was awarded at the end of last year to study Electrical installations & Initial and Periodic inspection.

Whilst we conduct a 6 month and yearly evaluation, we don’t ask bursary winners to update us on their circumstances. So any heartwarming messages like this are completely voluntary!

Sam Swanton, bursary recipient:

“As one of your bursary alumni, I thought it might be useful to send you a few notes as to how the first two weeks of my first course have gone!”

“So far, it has been immensely enjoyable, and the consistency of experience over the first ten days means I can see that the rest of the course is going to go just as well.”

“I have passed the 2365-02! …I now have two City and Guilds qualifications! Once again, a big thank you to the City and Guilds team, not just for the bursary funds (for which I am eternally grateful), but also for the ongoing support.”

“I hope that others will find inspiration that it is never too late to go to college and improve your skills and knowledge. As always, if there is anything more that I can do, you only have to ask.”

We are incredibly proud of each of our bursary alumni members and are always looking for new opportunities and areas to help them develop. We’re exploring mentoring,  development workshops and newsletters amongst other things, so if you know of any initiatives that may be of benefit or you would like to support the programme please just get in touch. Find out more about our bursary programme here.

Want to be kept up to date?

Sign up to City & Guilds Foundation email alerts and newsletter

Previous posts

Celebrating the achievements of young people with Positive Youth Foundation

It was an absolute honour last week to address the graduating cohort from Positive Youth Foundation - a day brimming with celebration, inspiration, and pride. For those not familiar, Positive Youth Foundation (PYF) supports newly arrived young people to the UK, aged...

New Local Community Skills Fund to empower UK communities through skills and training

Grants of up to £10,000 available for UK Charities, Social Enterprises and Training Providers. City & Guilds Foundation has launched a pilot scheme to help fund initiatives designed to boost employment, skills and development in communities across the UK. As part...

Foundation & Friends Podcast: Exploring Innovative Training Solutions with HX Expeditions

In this episode, we dive into the world of HX Expeditions and their award-winning training programme for expedition guides working in polar bear territories. Jim Mayer, Expedition Team Training Manager, shares insights into how their training has evolved to ensure...

Funding for makers: Applications for QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust) Grants open until 10 Feb

Sustaining vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts QEST offers three grants to support makers and conservators at various career stages. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships of up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to...

Changing Lives, Changing Industries: HMP Highpoint’s groundbreaking rail training

Around two weeks ago, we had the privilege of attending HMP Highpoint to see the opening of the first ever rail centre of excellence in prison, which back in 2022 we provided funding for installation of a rail track so that industry-standard training could be...

Royal recognition for employers who invest in training and development in the UK and Ireland

On Thursday 21 November, 52 recipients from the UK and Ireland were recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal through the Princess Royal Training Awards held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. Over the past nine years, The Princess Royal Training Awards, delivered by the City & Guilds Foundation, have recognised and celebrated organisations that deliver exceptional and impactful learning and development programmes.

Membership Awards Class of 2024: Championing Impact, Recognising Talent

City & Guilds is proud to announce the first recipients of the Membership Awards, a programme designed to celebrate and recognise exceptional tutors and trainers who are making a significant impact on individuals and organisations. City & Guilds is committed...

Launching City & Guilds Impact Report 2024!

For over 145 years, City & Guilds has been committed to making a meaningful impact on society by delivering high-quality skills training that meets the demands of the times. At the heart of this mission is helping individuals gain the competencies they need to...

Foundation Autumn Newsletter 2024: Advocating for those who need it most

Welcome to the latest edition of our quarterly newsletter which is packed with information, bringing to life the difference we’re making to help people access skills, celebrate skills and advocate for those who need it most.

Inspiration and innovation at HMP Pentonville with XO Bikes

Since we created the City & Guilds Foundation in 2019, one of our key funding activities has been identifying and activating practical ways to support those who have been in Prison (or at risk of entering Prison) to build skills and secure, and sustain,...

Podcast episodes

Foundation & Friends Podcast (2024-)

​Green Skills Podcast in collaboration with Green Edge (2024-)

Hosted by Dr. Michael Cross and Fraser Harper, this podcast series explores the critical transition towards a sustainable planet and the pivotal role of green skills in shaping the economy.

Listen now

City & Guilds Foundation Podcast (2021-22)

Share This