Vocational Grants - Liam's story

Liam is studying Professional Cookery, Travel and Tourism, and Art A-Level at sixth form. He lives with his mum, who juggles several jobs as a childcare assistant, and his younger brother. The family’s income is a mix of her wages and support from Universal Credit, and money is often tight.

On top of financial pressures, Liam also manages a long-term health condition that causes painful tumours and affects his vision. Despite these challenges, he is determined to pursue his dream career. A vocational grant helped him buy the essentials for his course — a laptop, chef whites and knives — which would otherwise have been out of reach.

“The grant really helped me move forward with my courses, especially the laptop. It’s made me more efficient because I can work on my coursework at home and at school, so I don’t have to wait until the next day to carry on. The courses have been brilliant — you learn something new every day, from different cooking techniques to dishes from other cultures. That’s knowledge you can carry with you for life.”

Liam’s ambition is to become a chef on a cruise ship, combining his love of food and travel. He also wants to open his own restaurant one day. The grant didn’t just ease financial pressures — it gave him the tools and confidence to take his next steps.

Read Liam's story in full in our 2024/25 Annual Review, by clicking here.