Celebrating Local Learners: First Awards from the Co'path & Cove Education & Training Fund

Since launching in March 2026, the Co'path & Cove Education & Training Fund has awarded £10,768 to nine local residents, supporting the costs of education, training, and skills development that help people enter or stay in employment.

The Fund was set up to help residents in the local area build the skills and confidence they need for work, while also supporting local micro and small businesses to grow and retain staff. It provides bursaries covering costs such as course fees, travel, accommodation, and study materials, removing practical barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of training or employment.

The Fund offers grants of up to £1,500 for individuals and up to £2,500 for businesses and organisations to help cover the costs of education, training, and career development activities.

In its first months, awards have supported:

• Driving lessons, helping residents reach education and employment opportunities
• Course fees for professional qualifications, including a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Pool Lifeguarding qualification
• Accommodation, living, and travel costs for residents studying at university, in subjects including Computer Arts, Education Studies, and Diagnostic Radiography

This is just the start of the Fund's work. Alongside individual bursaries, it also supports local businesses and voluntary organisations through funding for staff training and development, and activities that help people develop their career aspirations.

The fund brings together six existing community benefit funds linked to local wind farms, simplifying access to support through a single application process.

"When education and training funding is flexible, locally grounded and built on trust, its impact extends far beyond individual awards."

Congratulations to all the award recipients, the Fund looks forward to supporting more residents on their education and training journeys.

Applications to the Co'path & Cove Education & Training Fund are open on a rolling basis.