Barr Education and Training Fund providing flexible support
Growing numbers of Scottish communities are setting up Education & Training Funds, harnessing community benefit monies from nearby wind farms to help local people benefit from training courses and further education. Helping people develop new skills, start jobs or secure a promotion has benefitted local residents and local economies across the country.
The Barr Education & Training Fund aims to improve employment opportunities and livelihoods of people living in Barr in South Ayrshire.
Bursaries are mainly provided for courses which lead to formal or recognised qualifications, but other courses are supported where applicants can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge they gain will support them in securing or retaining a job. Apprentices can also apply.
Courses supported can be on a full time or part-time basis, and may be Apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, short vocational courses as well as other courses.
Over the last year or so, the fund has supported applicants with diverse opportunities including:
- Helping with the cost of driving lessons, increasing access to education and employment opportunities
- Supporting course costs for a theological college access course to provide access to a full degree qualification
- Helping with the costs of travel and study resources to undertake an HNC in Financial Services
- Supporting the costs of gaining a CAT C driving license (vehicles over 3.5 tonnes) to enable the successful applicant to change roles and potentially earn more money
One successful applicant was Sharon Trotter, who used her bursary from the Barr Education and
Training fund to support a whole new career:
Rachel Searle from Foundation Scotland sums up the importance of these funds:
When individuals are supported to unlock their potential through training programmes and education, not only do they benefit, but the local economy does too. The majority of those who have been awarded funds would otherwise not have been able to access support to further their career goals. This untapped talent lives in every community, and this type of fund is helping individuals and communities to flourish and grow. Foundation Scotland will continue to support and promote these localised education and training opportunities as a key way to ensure community benefit funds reach into the heart of communities.
Read more about the Barr Education and Training Fund here