Money matters whether you continue studying or start training or work 

If you decide to stay on at school or go to college, join an Entry to Employment (e2e) course or take a learning programme that leads to an Apprenticeship you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). 

• An EMA is a weekly payment worth up to £30 a week, depending on the income in your household (which must be under £30,810 a year)

• The payment is to help with day to day expenses such as travel, books and equipment and is paid directly into your bank account during term time if you are doing at least 12 hours in a guided learning programme

 For more information ask your Careers Coordinator or Connexions Personal Adviser or visit www.connexions-direct.com You can also call the helpline for young people and parents/carers on 0808 101 6219 or visit the EMA website at www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema 

You could also be eligible for Learner Support Funds to help you with the cost of your further education course at college or school sixth form.  You could qualify for; 

• Help with travel costs
• Help to pay for books and equipment
• Help to pay for extras such as field trips
• Emergencies and hardships affecting your living, learning or personal circumstances

If you think you might qualify for help talk to the student support or welfare officer at your college or school sixth form.   

Visit www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp to find out more.  

Help with Childcare 

Care to Learn provides help with childcare and travel costs for young parents in education or training.  The course you choose does not have to lead to a formal qualification.  You must be caring for your own child or children and be under 20 on the day your course starts.  Find out more at your local Connexions centre, call the helpline on 0870 900 6800 or visit www.lsc.gov.uk     

Employment and Apprenticeships 

From 1^st October 2006, 16-17 year olds in employment must be paid the national minimum wage of £3.30 an hour. 

The minimum wage does not apply to Apprentices under 19 and their pay can vary but all employed Apprentices funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in England must receive a minimum income of £80 per week.  

The national minimum wage for 18-21 year olds is £4.45 an hour. 

More about Apprenticeships 

• If the idea of a job that guarantees excellent training appeals to you, think about an Apprenticeship.  As an Apprentice you can earn money while you learn. 

• There are different types of Apprenticeship depending on your experience and the opportunities in your area but Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of employment sectors.

• All Apprenticeships include an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 or Level 3; key skills qualifications (for example working with others, problem solving, communication) a technical certificate such as a BTEC or other qualifications according to the occupation.