Apprentice Life on a Budget: Smart Ways to Stretch Your Pay

Starting an apprenticeship is exciting. You are earning, learning and building real world skills from day one. At the same time, apprentice wages can feel tight when rent, travel, food and social plans all compete for your pay packet. Budgeting becomes part of everyday life pretty quickly...

The good news is that apprenticeships also unlock access to the same kind of savings that many university students use every week. With a student discount card like TOTUM, apprentices can access major brand discounts, cashback offers and a recognised Proof of Age ID card that opens doors to extra deals.

If you are searching for practical ways to make your money go further, this guide breaks down how TOTUM apprentices can cut costs, earn cashback and use discounts in real everyday situations!

Why Apprentices Get a TOTUM+ Membership

There is a common myth that discount cards are only for full time university students. In reality, many apprenticeships qualify for a TOTUM+ membership. That means you can get a discount card and start using offers across fashion, food, tech, travel and entertainment.

This matters because apprentices often face the same living costs as students:

• Travel to training or work sites

• Buying work clothes or equipment

• Paying for lunches and coffees during shifts

• Socialising with friends

• Upgrading phones or laptops

A TOTUM+ card gives you access to reduced prices in exactly these categories. Instead of paying full price across the board, you unlock better rates with brands you already use!

What Benefits TOTUM Gives Apprentices

TOTUM is here for apprentices who want to stretch their pay without compromising on essentials or experiences. A TOTUM membership gives you access to:

• Exclusive discounts – hundreds of offers across shopping, food, travel, tech, and more!

• Cashback offers – earn money back when you spend at 70+ retailers

• Proof of Age ID – recognised PASS ID with TOTUM+ to use at venues.

• Worldwide discounts – access deals across the world even when travelling.

TOTUM is designed to make everyday life easier for apprentices and help you get more value from your money.

More Than Just Discounts: A Proof of Age Card

A good discount card isn’t just about saving money — it’s about making life easier. TOTUM goes further by combining a student ID card with an official Proof of Age ID for TOTUM+ members.

This ID is recognised across the UK and supported by the Home Office, meaning you can use it to:

• Prove your age at venues

• Access age-restricted purchases

• Benefit from ID-only offers in shops or entertainment venues

• Carry a government-endorsed PASS ID rather than your passport or driving licence

For apprentices who are balancing work, study, social life and everyday responsibilities, having a single card that doubles as confirmation of student status and age is incredibly useful.

Practical Tips for Saving and Earning With TOTUM+

To make the most of your TOTUM apprentice membership, here are practical ways to incorporate savings and cashback into your routine:

Use the App Every Week

Download the TOTUM app and check for new offers before you shop. Our brands update deals regularly, and checking ahead means you can plan purchases to include the best discounts.

Activate and Use Cashback

Add your TOTUM Cashback card to your phone wallet and use it for everyday spending. Cashback builds up over time — it’s a simple way to put money back into your pocket.

Take Advantage of Food and Drink Deals

Look out for dining and takeaway discounts included with TOTUM. Whether it’s saving on pizza or getting cinema deals, these offers reduce the cost of social occasions.

Use Your PASS ID

Carry your TOTUM card to access offers or prove eligibility where needed. Many places recognise the PASS ID, giving you confidence in social settings without carrying extra documents.

These small habits make an ongoing difference and help you make the most of your membership throughout your apprenticeship.

Save on Daily Travel and Commuting

Travel and commuting can take a big chunk out of your pay, especially when you are travelling daily to your apprenticeship or training provider, but TOTUM helps make those regular journeys far more affordable. A TOTUM membership gives apprentices access to a range of travel discounts that can be used throughout the year, not just for big trips but for everyday routes too.

By checking the TOTUM app before you book tickets or plan your journey, you can quickly see which offers are live and which partners are running promotions, helping you avoid paying full price when you do not need to.

With TOTUM travel discounts, you can get savings on:

• Train travel with Trip.com

• Discounted railcards with 16-25 Railcard, Trainpal and Trainline

• Up to 25% off Coach travel with National Express

• Cheaper airport parking with holiday extras.

Planning your journey with these discounts in mind means you can lower your day to day travel costs without changing your normal routine or adding complicated steps to your booking process. Even small discounts on weekly tickets or advance fares can build into noticeable savings across a month or year. Over time, that extra money can go towards essentials, hobbies, qualifications, or days out, helping your apprentice budget stretch further while you stay mobile and flexible!

International Benefits: Discounts Beyond the UK

Apprentices who enjoy travel and exploration gain another layer of value from TOTUM+ through access to international discount cards. Members receive an international membership, the International Youth Travel Card — included for free.

This means that if you’re planning trips outside the UK, you can:

• Access student and youth discounts on travel and accommodation

• Enjoy offers in hundreds of destinations worldwide

• Benefit from global deals at attractions, food and entertainment venues

Adding international savings to your UK-based discounts makes TOTUM a strong choice for apprentices with wanderlust or overseas study plans...

What Apprenticeship Support Looks Like With TOTUM

TOTUM is designed to support your financial well-being from day one of your apprenticeship. By combining discounts, cashback, identity tools and global savings, TOTUM helps you keep more of what you earn, without missing out on experiences or essentials.

Whether you’re budgeting for rent, groceries or social time, every saving adds up. This is exactly what TOTUM aims to help with — empowering its members to save, earn and thrive, not just survive on a training wage.

TOTUM is available to UK apprentices at all levels, from intermediate courses to higher apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. Making it a flexible and accessible support tool for anyone pursuing vocational training.

Start Saving More With TOTUM+

Being an apprentice comes with responsibilities, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your money. TOTUM is here to help you get the most from your earnings, with tools and benefits designed specifically for apprentices!

Check your eligibility, sign up for TOTUM+, and start unlocking discounts, cashback and ID benefits today!