Rising Star Awards application

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, mentor or a trusted senior person within your organisation to get their thoughts on the training or courses most likely to progress your development and help you achieve your ambitions.

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 employer training costs.

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

Review the learning outcomes and ensure they benefit your personal career development.

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.

Step Four: make sure you prepare your best possible application

Your application is our first, and only, impression of you, so please consider your answers carefully. Have you clearly shown your career goals and how your chosen training will help you achieve these goals.

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!

If you need additional support with your application, please contact awards@theprintingcharity.org.uk.

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 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 identified, 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.