Whiteside Hill Education and Training Fund

This fund provides bursaries to residents of the Kirkconnel & Kelloholm and Royal Burgh of Sanquhar and District Community Council areas to help them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment. The fund is provided by Whiteside Hill Wind Farm Community Fund. The Whiteside Hill Education & Training Fund is designed to improve the opportunities and livelihoods of people living in Kirkconnel & Kelloholm and Sanquhar & District. Courses leading to formal or recognised qualifications are favoured, though other courses will be considered where applicants can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge gained will realistically support them in securing or retaining work. Awards can cover course fees, study aids and equipment, technical equipment, travel and subsistence costs, accommodation costs, childcare costs, and certain driving lessons. The maximum award for first time applicants is up to £1,500, second time applicants up to £1,000, and further applications up to £500 per year. Courses supported can be on a full-time or part-time basis and may include apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications (excluding PhDs), short vocational courses and other courses that meet the fund purpose.