Apprentice extra has announced that sales of their discount card, created specifically for vocational learners, have now reached an incredible 10,000 card holders since it was launched by National Union of Students a year ago.
With many earning only the minimum apprentice wage, the Apprentice extra card supports vocational learners during their training, providing them with access to the same discounts as ‘traditional’ students.
Research has highlighted a high demand for more support for apprentices, and money generated from sales of Apprentice extra will go towards funding a National Society for Apprentices. Respondents felt that a national society would give apprentices a stronger identity, a better image and more respect, as well as a voice to represent the interest of apprentices nationally, including political representation.
Mark Lambert from Apprentice extra, said: “To date, vocational learners have been under-represented in education. NUS has made a commitment to provide support services to this growing cohort of post-16 learners. The Apprentice extra card is the first step in that process and we are excited to have reached this milestone.”
To further support card holders, Apprentice extra has added apprentice specific discount partners, Workwear House and Shields Clothing. Workwear House specialise in work wear and uniforms, and will be offering apprentice extra card holders a 10% discount. Shields Clothing specialises in sportswear, work wear and outdoor clothing, and will be offering a 15% discount.
To demonstrate the ‘real life’ benefits of the card, Apprentice extra gave two apprentices £100 each to spend on the thing they like using the discounts available to show the tangible savings the card offers them on the things they like to buy. Their feedback included;
“I’m happy to say this little card is probably one of the best purchases I’ve made and has paid for itself many times over.”
“If you’re currently working towards an apprenticeship or have plans to, I would highly recommend purchasing this card. The discounts you receive are substantial and (unlike many discount cards) available at places you actually want to shop.”
“It is a very good scheme as it makes living as an apprentice that much more durable as with the price of transport, clothes, going out it’s really hard to keep up and keep funding, as many apprentices are not on a great wage.”
As well as individual card holders, there are currently over 470 companies and training providers registered with Apprentice extra including BT, De Vere Academy of Hospitality, Barclays, Tesco, Royal Navy, Thomas Cook, Toni & Guy JHP Training,CITB-Construction Skills, DV8 Training, YH Training and QA Ltd.
Debbie Dunkerton from YH Training Services Ltd, said: “We are currently working with 365 apprentices and nearly 50% are card holders. The Apprentice extra card allows us to provide our learner with added financial support whilst they’re in training, so not only do they gain through undertaking a qualification, they also gain financially by the savings they can make. If someone is initially only on an Apprenticeship salary, then every penny counts so this card provides fantastic support during that time.”
Apprentice extra costs just £11 per year and gives access to over 160 high street and online retailers. For further information on Apprentice extra visit www.apprenticeextra.co.uk for a full list of discounts and to calculate how much you can save.
