ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

In the UK, The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) has launched a new annual bursary worth £5,000 offering financial support to young people whose parents or guardians work in the cleaning industry.

The WCEC bursary is open to applicants aged 18 to 25 who are beginning university in autumn 2026. Eligibility is any young person with a parent or guardian employed in the cleaning industry anywhere in the UK, regardless of the size or type of their parent's/guardian's employer.

The successful candidate will receive £5,000 per year, paid in instalments across each semester. Funding continues for up to three years, subject to satisfactory attendance and progress. There is no restriction on the type of degree or course; the bursary is simply about creating an opportunity, says WCEC.

Applications will be assessed against four criteria: need, worthiness, endeavour and overall performance. A written personal statement is required and shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via Teams in early September. The first payment will be made in time for the start of the academic year.

Applications are open until August 1 2026. 

Kevin Meighan, master of the WCEC said on the launch, "We want to support young people from within our industry to go as far as their ambition takes them. It offers real financial support to students who might not otherwise be able to take up a university place."

To find out more, visit: www.wc-ec.com