Skills boost bursaries to help Avich residents

A new educational bursary scheme has launched offering support to individuals living in Dalavich, Inverinan, Kilmaha and Lochavich who are seeking to improve their employability prospects or develop a new career.

Individuals who live in the area at least six months per year are invited to apply for up to £1,500 to help with the costs of attending training, an apprenticeship or a course leading to a recognised qualification. A total of £4,500 is available this year.

Bursaries can support a wide range of learning, for example a HGV driving course; apprenticeship in a trade; or a degree in land management or health care. They can help with course fees or accommodation, travel costs or driving lessons, study aids or tools required for the course.

The scheme is part of River Avich Hydro Community Benefit Fund, provided by Awesome Energy Dalriada Ltd. AED is a community benefit society, set up and run by the local community to develop and operate the River Avich Hydro scheme.

Award decisions are made directly by Foundation Scotland, Scotland’s community foundation, which is an expert in independent grant-making.

Sheila Clark, chairperson of Awesome Energy Dalriada, said: ‘The bursary scheme is aimed at helping individuals seize education and training opportunities that will support them in finding or retaining employment, or in starting a new career or business. This in turn will bring benefits for the local area. Support for employment and related opportunities was identified as a priority during extensive community consultations, as set out in Dalavich Improvement Group’s Community Action Plan.’

Applications can be submitted at any time. For full details and to apply visit www. foundationscotland.org.uk/ avich-hydro-education-training-fund