From Workwear to Weekends: How Apprentices Can Save with TOTUM

Starting an apprenticeship is an exciting step. You’re gaining valuable work experience, building new skills and earning while you learn. With travel to work, workwear, food shopping and social plans to pay for, though, your money can soon disappear...

Designed to help apprentices make their money go further, TOTUM brings together discounts, cashback and other useful benefits from hundreds of brands, all in one place. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your work wardrobe, save on your weekly food shop or treat yourself to a well-earned day out, there are plenty of ways to make your budget work harder.

With TOTUM, eligible apprentices can access discounts across fashion, technology, food and drink, travel, entertainment and more. TOTUM+ also includes a cashback card and a free government-approved PASS ID, giving you even more ways to get value from your membership.

Here’s how to make the most of your apprentice discount card and start saving on everyday essentials!

1. Save on Workwear and Everyday Clothing

Whether you’re working on a construction site, in an office, in hospitality or in a creative role, having the right clothes for your apprenticeship is essential. Workwear, safety gear and everyday outfits can all add up, especially when you’re building your wardrobe from scratch.

TOTUM features fashion and workwear offers to help you spend less on the items you need. For example, apprentices can explore the 30% off Hard Yakka workwear offer featured on the apprentice deals page. This can be particularly useful if you need durable clothing for a hands-on role.

You can also browse fashion discounts for clothing, footwear and accessories, helping you prepare for work, college days and weekends with a little more room in your budget.

2. Make Your Food Shop Go Further with Cashback

Food is one of the biggest everyday expenses for many apprentices. Between supermarket trips, packed lunches, coffees on the way to work and the occasional takeaway, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.

TOTUM+ can help you make savings through its Cashback card. Eligible members can earn cashback when shopping with participating retailers, with supermarket options including Sainsbury’s, Asda and M&S.

Cashback is particularly useful because it can reward spending you were already planning to do. If you regularly buy groceries, household essentials or lunch for your working day, those purchases could help you build up savings over time.

To get more from your food budget:

• Plan your meals before heading to the supermarket.

• Prepare lunches at home when it suits your schedule.

• Check participating retailers and cashback rates before shopping.

• Keep an eye on your cashback balance so you can see how your savings build.

You can also explore TOTUM’s food and drink offers for discounts on meals, restaurants and takeaways. That means you can enjoy a meal out with friends or grab a takeaway after a long day while keeping your spending in check.

3. Cut the Cost of Technology and Study Essentials

Apprenticeships combine practical experience with learning, so having reliable technology can make a real difference. You might need a laptop for assignments, accessories for your home study space or a phone that keeps you organised throughout the working day.

Technology can be a significant expense, particularly if you’re paying for it from your own wages. With offers across tech and mobile, with brands such as Apple, Samsung and Currys highlighted amongst technology savings.

Depending on the offers available when you shop, you could find savings on devices and accessories that support your training and everyday life.

Before making a purchase, think about what you actually need. A laptop with the right specifications for your course, for example, may be a better investment than paying extra for features you won’t use.

Money-saving tip: Compare prices, check the terms of any TOTUM offer and look for cashback opportunities before committing to a big purchase. A little research can make a noticeable difference to the final cost.

4. Spend Less on Your Commute to Work

Getting to work and training can take up a sizeable chunk of your monthly budget. If you travel by train, coach or bus several times a week, those fares can quickly add up over the course of your apprenticeship.

TOTUM offers travel deals that can help you save on journeys and make it easier to plan days out when you have some time off. Apprentices can explore travel savings with up to 20% off National Express and 20% off for new UK Railcard customers and 10% off for existing customers at TrainPal, alongside accommodation offers for trips away.

Here are a few ways to make your travel budget go further:

• Compare train, coach and bus fares before booking.

• Look for advance tickets when your working hours allow you to plan ahead.

• Check TOTUM for available travel discounts before purchasing tickets.

• Explore railcards or local apprentice travel schemes where you're eligible.

If you're planning a weekend away, TOTUM also features hotel discounts, including an offer for 10% off hotels at Hotels.com on its apprentice deals page.

Saving on travel means you can keep more of your earnings for other essentials, hobbies and plans with friends.

5. Enjoy Eating Out for Less

After a full day at work or college, meeting friends for dinner or grabbing a takeaway can be a welcome treat. Socialising is an important part of life, and food discounts can help you enjoy those moments while keeping an eye on your spending.

TOTUM has offers across food and drink, covering participating restaurants, takeaways and other food brands. Whether you're organising a catch-up with friends, planning a date night or picking somewhere for a birthday meal, checking for a discount before booking can help bring the cost down.

Money-saving tip: Set aside a small amount in your monthly budget for eating out. Use available offers to make that money stretch further, and check whether a deal applies to your chosen day, menu or booking type before you go.

6. Keep Your Health and Wellbeing in Check

Apprenticeships can be busy. You're learning new skills, managing workplace responsibilities and working towards qualifications, so making time for your wellbeing matters.

Gym memberships, fitness equipment and wellbeing services can all come with ongoing costs. TOTUM features health and fitness offers to help members find savings in this area.

To keep costs manageable, consider what works best for your routine. You might prefer a gym close to work, home workouts or outdoor exercise. If you're considering a paid service, compare membership costs and check the terms of any discount before signing up.

Taking care of yourself is an important part of making your apprenticeship a positive experience, and finding affordable ways to support your wellbeing can help you maintain a routine that works for you.

7. Save on Home Essentials and Household Shopping

As you start earning, you might also be taking on more responsibility for household expenses. Whether you're living with family, sharing a flat or managing your own place, everyday essentials can put pressure on your budget.

TOTUM+ offers savings across selected home and household retailers. Before making a purchase, compare prices and check whether the discount applies to the item you want. If you're buying something more expensive, such as an appliance, consider delivery costs, warranties and energy efficiency as well.

A few pounds saved on smaller purchases can add up, while a discount on a bigger item could make a noticeable difference to your budget.

8. Make Time for Days Out and Entertainment

Your apprenticeship is an investment in your future, and it's important to enjoy your free time along the way. From cinema trips and live events to attractions and weekend activities, there are plenty of ways to relax after a busy week.

TOTUM offers discounts across entertainment and experiences, with savings available on selected cinema tickets, attractions and other activities.

If you're arranging a day out with friends, check the price of tickets in advance and see whether a TOTUM deal is available. Booking ahead and sharing travel costs can help you keep the overall expense down.

You could even make a habit of checking your membership whenever you plan a social activity. Over time, those small savings can help you enjoy more of the things you love without putting unnecessary pressure on your finances.

Build Better Money Habits Throughout Your Apprenticeship

Using discounts is a great way to save, and combining them with a few simple budgeting habits can make an even bigger difference.

When you're earning while learning, it helps to understand where your money goes each month. A clear budget can help you cover essentials, prepare for unexpected expenses and set aside money for the things you enjoy.

Try these habits to get started:

• Set a monthly budget: Work out how much you have coming in and what you need to spend on travel, food, bills and other essentials.

• Check TOTUM before shopping: Make a quick habit of looking for available offers before buying something you need.

• Track your savings: Keep an eye on the discounts and cashback you use so you can see how much you're saving.

• Plan for bigger purchases: If you need a laptop, new workwear or household equipment, research prices and look for relevant deals in advance.

• Put some money aside: Even a small regular amount can help you prepare for unexpected costs or future goals.

The key is to use discounts on purchases you were already planning to make. This way, you're reducing the cost of your usual spending and keeping more of your wages available for other priorities.

Ready to make your apprentice wages go further? Visit TOTUM to explore membership benefits, check your eligibility and start discovering discounts that work for you.