Education and Training Fund celebrates two years of impact

The fund has distributed £7,000 in grants during 2023 and 2024 to 13 residents and has been instrumental in helping local residents pursue training, education and career development opportunities.

The Nadara Westfield Wind Farm Community Fund (Kinglassie) Education & Training Fund provides financial assistance to Kinglassie residents who are looking to enhance their skills, change careers, or pursue further education.

The fund can support:

• Professional qualification courses
• Vocational training programmes
• Industry-specific certifications
• Career development opportunities
• Skills enhancement training

In recognition of the financial and practical challenges that can make it more difficult for people in Kinglassie to take up courses, funding can be used to cover part or all of a course fee, travel costs, essential equipment such as books or IT equipment, childcare and subsistence.

Grants of up to £500 per year are available to individuals and applicants undertaking multi-year courses may apply for up to 3 years' funding (ie. up to £1,500).

In 2023, Kenny, a fleet manager for a parcel delivery company, applied for a bursary to support his career transition into the health and fitness sector. You can read his story here.

To be eligible for support, applicants must:

• Be resident in Kinglassie (proof of residency required)
• Demonstrate how the proposed training or education will benefit their career prospects
• Show commitment to their chosen path, such as through prior self-funded learning or relevant experience
• Be prepared to contribute personally towards the costs where possible

The fund has proven particularly valuable for individuals seeking career changes or attending higher education courses such as attending Fife College or Scottish Universities.   It operates on the principle that investing in local people's skills and qualifications strengthens the entire community's economic fabric.

This fund is a great example of adopting a distributed differently approach to fund administration.  The fund's success over the past two years demonstrates the importance of its role in breaking down financial barriers to education and training. By providing targeted support at crucial moments in people's career learning journeys, it has helped 13 residents take significant steps towards achieving their educational aspirations.

As the fund moves into its third year, it continues to welcome applications from Kinglassie residents who are looking to invest in their future through education and training. The fund's achievements thus far highlight the importance of local support mechanisms in fostering individual growth and community development.

Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals, joining the growing number of local residents who have benefited from this valuable community resource.

The fund remains committed to its mission of empowering Kinglassie residents to pursue their educational and professional aspirations, contributing to the area's long-term prosperity and development.