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Tannach and District Wind Farm Education & Training Fund

This fund provides bursaries to residents of the Tannach and District Community Councils area in Caithness to help them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment in key sectors of the local economy. The fund is provided from the Tannach and District Wind Farm Trust and aims to improve opportunities and livelihoods of people living in Tannach and District. Awards are made to those seeking to undertake training or education in key sectors including Health and Social Care, Teaching and Education, Food and Drink, Tourism and Customer Services, Culture and Heritage, Communications and IT, Renewables and Energy, STEM, Construction and Trades, and Sea-based industries. Courses leading to formal or recognised qualifications will be favoured, however other courses will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge gained will realistically support them in securing or retaining work. The fund covers various types of courses including Apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, undergraduate degrees, post-graduate qualifications (though not PhDs), and short vocational courses on a full time or part time basis.

Stroupster Wind Farm Education and Training Fund (Dunnet & Canisbay)

This fund provides bursaries to residents of the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area of Caithness to help them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment in key sectors of the local economy. The fund is provided from Stroupster Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and aims to improve opportunities and livelihoods of people living in Dunnet & Canisbay. Awards are made to those seeking to undertake training or education in key sectors including Health and Social Care, Teaching and Education, Food and Drink, Tourism and Customer Services, Culture, Heritage and the Natural Environment, Communications and Information Technology, Renewables, Energy and Climate Change, Engineering, Science, Maths and Technology, Construction and the Trades, and Sea based industries. Courses leading to formal or recognised qualifications are favoured, however other courses will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge gained will realistically support them in securing or retaining work. Supported courses can include apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, undergraduate degrees, post-graduate qualifications (though not PhDs), short vocational courses, and other courses that meet the fund purpose.

RWE Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Education & Training Fund

This fund provides bursaries to residents of the following Community Council areas in Caithness; Watten, Halkirk District, and Lybster, Latheron and Clyth. It helps them access training and education opportunities that better equip them with the range of skills needed to enter or retain employment in key sectors of the local economy. The purpose of the fund is to improve opportunities and livelihoods of people living in these areas. Awards are made to those seeking to undertake training or education in key sectors relevant to the area, including Health and Social Care, Teaching and Education, Food and Drink, Tourism and Customer Services, Culture, Heritage and the Natural Environment, Communications and Information Technology, Renewables, Energy and Climate Change, Engineering, Science, Maths and Technology, Construction and the Trades, and Sea based industries. Courses leading to formal or recognised qualifications will be favoured, however other courses will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate how the skills and knowledge gained will realistically support them in securing or retaining work. Courses supported can be on a full time or part time basis and may include apprenticeships, Modern Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships, SVQs, NCs, HNCs, HNDs, undergraduate degrees, post-graduate qualifications (though not PhDs), short vocational courses, and other courses that meet the Fund purpose. Awards are made for costs that are directly related to attending your course or apprenticeship, including course fees, study aids and equipment, tools for trade, travel and subsistence costs, accommodation costs, childcare costs, and driving lessons.

River Avich Hydro Education & Training Fund

This fund provides bursaries for individuals living in Inverinan, Lochavich, Dalavich, or Kilmaha seeking to improve their employability prospects or develop a new career. Awards can support participation in a range of courses, from short non-certificated courses to post-graduate degrees. Started in 2021, the fund is being provided by Awesome Energy Dalriada (AED), owner and operator of the River Avich Hydro-power Scheme. AED is a community benefit society set up and run by the local community to develop and operate the hydro scheme. Bursaries are available for individuals seeking to improve their employability prospects or develop a new career. The fund aims to support local residents in gaining the skills and confidence required to enter or retain employment in sectors including management of natural resources, STEMD, construction, tourism, hospitality, food and drink, rural development, health and social care, education, creative industries, and other sectors generating benefits for the local community. Bursaries can support a wide range of courses, full or part-time, including driving lessons/tests, Modern Apprenticeships, Foundation Apprenticeships, NC, HNC, HND, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate qualifications (but not PhDs), and short vocational courses. Bursaries can cover travel, subsistence, childcare, driving lessons and tests, study aids, technical aids/equipment, course fees not already being paid for from elsewhere, and accommodation costs.