Backing young people into lasting careers: our Apprentice & Early Careers Programme is open

Starting out in work should be exciting. For lots of young people in our industry, it is. But for others, it’s a time of real pressure: low wages, new surroundings, no savings to fall back on, and often no one their own age to talk to. Thanks to dedicated grant funding, we’ve launched our Apprentice & Early Careers Programme, ring-fenced to support apprentices and young people in early careers roles across the home improvement, housewares, DIY, builders merchants and building products sector.

Why young people, and why now?

Our industry needs new talent. The workforce is getting older, skills shortages are real, and the pipeline of young people coming through isn’t keeping pace. Yet more than 2 in 5 apprentices in construction and the built environment don’t complete their programme (DfE, 2024/25).

Our own casework tells us why. It’s rarely about ability or commitment. More often, it’s a single financial shock (a car repair, a rent shortfall, a laptop they can’t afford) or feeling isolated and unsure where to turn. That’s why this funding is ring-fenced: so young people get help early, before a wobble becomes a reason to walk away. In the past year alone, we’ve supported 68 apprentices and young people this way.

Two ways we can help

1. Crisis grants

For apprentices and young people in early careers roles aged 24 and under who are facing financial difficulty. Grants can help with:

• Tools and equipment
• Laptops and tablets for coursework
• PPE and work clothing
• Travel to work
• Food vouchers
• Essential household items and furniture
  

Young people can apply directly, or be referred by their employer, line manager, HR team or training provider. All applications are handled confidentially via this link: Portal homepage – Rainy Day Trust

2. Apprentice Ambassador Training

A one-day, face-to-face, CPD-accredited training day (10am to 4pm), designed specifically for apprentices, interns and early careers colleagues in their first few years. It covers wellbeing, spotting when someone is struggling, having supportive conversations and knowing where to signpost. Participants leave with a credential for their CV, a practical 30-day plan and a year of ongoing support: workplace visits from our team, a peer network, a digital support group and cohort meet-ups.

Get your young people involved

Taking part is free for employers. There are 2 ways to join:

Option 1: A business cohort

Have between 4 and 12 apprentices or early careers colleagues? We will run a programme just for your business, at a date and location that works for you. Your young people train together, build a support network inside your own organisation and come back to work with a shared language for looking out for each other.

Option 2: Join a regional programme

Got one or two young people, or want them to meet peers from across the industry? They can join one of our regional programmes, training alongside apprentices and early careers colleagues from other businesses in the sector. Many young people in our industry work in small teams, so a network of peers beyond their own workplace can make all the difference.

Ready to get involved?

• Employers: To enrol your young people in a business cohort or regional programme, email  info@rainydaytrust.org.uk
• Young people: If you’re an apprentice or in your first job and need some help right now, get in touch.