The Army Bursary Scheme
The Army Bursary Scheme is open to any student on almost all Level 2 or 3 vocational courses (First or National diplomas, NVQ etc) at any college of Further Education. Bursar applicants are students who want to join the army but only when they finish college.
What will you gain from becoming a bursar?
Apart from having a guaranteed job waiting for you when you graduate you will be eligible for an award of £1,000 per year plus a final payment of £1,000 on completing the first part of army training, known as Phase One and lasting 14 weeks. As a student on a 2 year course this would give you a total award of £3,000. EMA payments are not affected. Whilst at college, as well as the support provided by your tutor, you will have a dedicated Army contact to offer you advice and encouragement whenever you need it. The Army will also offer you the chance to gain some valuable training and work experience so that you are prepared you for your life in the Army. All training and courses fit around your college commitments.
What’s in it for the Army?
The benefit to the Army would be an educated, motivated and well prepared recruit.
When to apply?
Apply at any time within the first six months of your academic year, ie September to end of February. However, to benefit from the full award you need to apply before the end of the first term. You could also apply part way through a two year course – so long as you have at least 6 months left at college.
How to apply?
Visit your nearest Army careers office for an informal chat – no appointment is necessary. Tell them which college you are at and that you are interested in the Further Education Bursary scheme. We are open Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 10am – 1pm. In this area we have offices in Nottingham, Mansfield, Derby and Chesterfield. Alternatively, contact Capt Netty Cox, Army Careers Adviser for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire on 0115 941 1939.
What is involved?
The application process starts at the careers office and includes a computerised touch screen test and a number of interviews. You will also be sent on a couple of fitness and Insight days to see how close to or far off you are from where you need to be in order to pass final selection. This takes place at the Army Development and Selection Centre at Lichfield in Staffordshire over 1½ days. There you will undergo a series of physical, mental and practical tests, most of which involve working as a team as well as a full medical. If all goes well you will leave with a job offer – you can have up to three job choices and there are over 140 to choose from. You then return to college and complete your course.
Will you be called up for service whilst at college?
Absolutely not! As an Army bursar you are not in the Army but you do have a commitment to join after you leave for a minimum commitment of 4 years which is the standard contract for all soldiers.
What happens when you graduate?
Approximately three months before you finish your course, you will receive your training date – this could be literally the next week after you finish college or a few months later. It all depends on the job that you have chosen.
What if I change my mind?
Your parents/guardians will be asked to sign a contract that says that should you change your mind they will pay the money back. If you are an adult, you will be asked to sign a similar contract.
Courses that we will sponsor:
• Administration
• Animal and Veterinary Science
• Building and Construction
• Business Management
• Engineering
• Health and Social care
• Hospitality and Catering
• ICT for Users
• ICT Practitioners
• Law and Legal Services
• Media and Communication
• Music
• Other Languages, Literature and Culture
• Public Services
• Publishing and Information Services
• Sport, Leisure and Recreation
• Transport Operations and Maintenance
• Warehouse and Distribution
For more information, please visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk or contact Capt Netty Cox on 0115 941 1939.