Our vocational bursaries are designed to provide support to UK students in financial need, who have a parent or spouse or who they themselves work in the Grocery Industry, in a Community Pharmacy or as a Commercial Traveller.
Students must be registered on a full-time vocational course at Bolton College or The Manchester College.
The information in this section explains more about eligibility, and the terms we use.
Eligible students
Applicants must be resident in the UK and be the son or daughter, spouse, or be employed themselves:
- In the Grocery Industry
- In a Community Pharmacy or as a registered Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician
- As a Commercial Traveller, and;
- Be currently working in this capacity and have been employed in this capacity in the UK for at least 5 years (from time of applying).
Eligible colleges
We are currently trialling our vocational bursary scheme in Bolton College and The Manchester College only, for the 24/25 academic year.
Eligible courses
Any level 2, 3 or 4 full time vocational course or subject, even if combined with academic modules/courses.
The course must be undertaken at either Bolton College or The Manchester College. We do not fund distance learning courses.
Eligible costs
You can apply for assistance which can be used for any reasonable costs associated with study, including: travel, equipment, food and childcare.
Financial need
Students must have a household income of £30,000 or less. Financial eligibility will be assessed by the college so they may contact you for further information. Students are still eligible to apply for a bursary even if they are receiving a college bursary.
Eligible occupations
What we mean by ‘Someone who Works in the Grocery Industry’
The grocery industry includes anyone who works for a supermarket (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA), wholesaler (Cash and Carry), manufacturer, supplier, convenience store, independent grocer, petrol forecourt store or service provider to the grocery industry.
We also support people who work in businesses in the foodservice wholesale sector. Foodservice Wholesalers supply food and non-food items to the catering industry, such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other food establishments.
What we mean by ‘Someone who Works in a Community Pharmacy or who works as a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Technician’
Anyone that work in a community pharmacy. This includes the following:
- Pharmacist – who is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), who sells or dispenses medicines directly to the public.
- Pharmacy Technician – who prepare and dispense prescriptions under the supervision of a pharmacist and are also registered with the GPhC.
- Pharmacy Dispenser – who supports a registered Pharmacist with the preparation and dispensing of prescription medications.
- Pharmacy Assistant – who updates patient files, helps answer customer questions, and assisting customers with purchasing their prescriptions.
- Counter Assistant – who offer information and advice to customers and re-stock shelves and keep displays clean and tidy.
- All GPhC registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who work in any setting.
What we mean by ‘Commercial Traveller’
A commercial traveller is the representative, agent or principal of any manufacturer, industrial or commercial firm or company, or wholesale dealers selling to industry or commerce, but not direct to the public.
They must work in the UK and have travelled for 5 consecutive years and for a total of at least 6 months in each of those years, for the purposes of securing orders and/or promoting business.