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Please meet Ieuan who was recently awarded the Postal Family Fund Apprenticeship bursary to support him with his bricklaying apprenticeship expenses. We spoke to Ieuan’s postal worker mum, Alison about Ieuan’s experience.
Ieuan decided to apply for an apprenticeship as he enjoyed his bricklaying college course and this was the next step in his career as a bricklayer. He has always enjoyed helping his dad and grandad with DIY at home. His long term goal is to be a self-employed builder.
Why did you apply for the Postal Family Fund bursary?
Ieuan was undertaking a bricklaying apprenticeship earning minimum wage. I applied for the bursary to help with the purchase of safety clothing, boots and tools for starting the apprenticeship. His biggest cost was his car insurance, which was almost £2,000 for the year. The building site was 26 miles away from home. Receiving £1,000 from the bursary took some of the financial pressure off him and myself to support him whilst he completed his apprenticeship.
What impact has the bursary had?
The grant helped with purchasing tools and clothing and went towards paying for car insurance. Without having access to a car and being able to drive, Ieuan would have been refused the apprenticeship. Receiving the money in two instalments also helped with budgeting. If he had received the money in one payment this would not have helped him with budgeting.
What would you like to say to other postal workers thinking about applying for an apprenticeship bursary?
This bursary is a great support for anyone undertaking an apprenticeship, especially if they are on apprenticeship wages, which are significantly less than standard hourly pay rates.
