Rising Star Awards application process

Think you could be a Rising Star? Great!

Read though our handy application guide to prepare to accelerate your career and shine.

Step One: check you’re sure this year is the right time for you to apply

You can only receive a Rising Star Award once, so please ensure you’ve completed your research on what’s right for you and your future to be sure now is the right time for you.

Step Two: discuss your development plans

Discuss your development and career plans with your line manager or mentor to get their thoughts on the training or courses most likely to progress your development and help you achieve your ambitions.

If you don’t have a line manager or mentor, think about who else you could ask for input. Perhaps there’s someone in your organisation, or within another business you work with or know, who is working in a role you’re interested in and could share their insight and experience with you.

If there’s no-one you feel you can ask, we’re here for you. Please contact awards@theprintingcharity.org.uk to talk about your plans.

Please remember, our grants cannot replace or supplement employer training costs. Please consider if you are seeking Rising Star funding for a core skill which is integral to your current role, or if the benefit of the training you’re requesting is more for your organisation than yourself personally.

If this is the case, your employer may be able to fund your initial idea for you, and help you to choose alternatives that really are for your personal development.

Step Three: find out everything you need to know about what you’re applying for

We’ll consider applications for a wide variety of development and training, including for personal skills and for practical skills outside those funded by your employer; professional accreditations; and chartered institute training.

You’ll need to give us specific details about your chosen course or courses, so before you start, research your choice, the cost, and the running dates. Please include VAT in the pricing for each item requested.

If equipment forms part of your funding request, please note, our preferred vendor is Argos. Check their website first for costs. We will only consider an alternative vendor where the item is not stocked by Argos; where Argos is significantly more expensive than another retailer; or where you propose second hand equipment.

Step Four: make sure you prepare your best possible application

Submit a completed application form explaining why you should get an award. Your application is our first, and only, impression of you, so please consider your answers carefully. Have you clearly shown, through what you’ve written, why and how what you’re applying for will help you achieve your career goals?

All applications received by the closing date are reviewed and assessed according to the Awards criteria and a proportion are then shortlisted for interview.

We will ask you for a headshot photograph as part of your application, so please make sure you have one to hand. If you are successful, this headshot will be used on our website, social media and in our marketing materials.

Your headshot should:

• Include your head and shoulders
• Be taken against a white background
• Not be a selfie
• Be a good resolution (minimum 1MB)

And…

• Don’t forget to smile!

After the application closing date

You will hear from us whether or not you have been successful in the initial application stage.

The interview

You’ll take part in an interview with panel of judges from the industry, who will talk through your application with you. They’ll want to hear more about the training or development you’ve requested funding for, and the value this will provide for your future development and career plans.

After the interview

You’ll hear from us whether or not you’ve been selected as a Rising Star.

If it’s a no…

Don’t be disheartened. Remember, you’ve done really well to get this far.

Ask for feedback on your interview. Take some time to digest it and consider an application next year. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels, and sign up to our newsletter, to be among the first to hear about future Rising Star plans.

If it’s a yes…

Congratulations!

We’ll be in touch with you about your award payment. Funds are transferred either to you or your training provider in July. Receipts are required as soon as possible after this date.

As a Rising Star Award winner you’re part of a constellation of Stars helping to shape the future of the printing industry. It’s really important for us to follow your ascent in the industry so we can see the impact of our support, so we would love to keep in touch with you and hear more about your career in the future.