Ørsted’s UK Skills Fund opens for applications

Renewable energy company Ørsted’s has opened applications for its Skills Fund in the UK.

Grants are available through an open application process to organisations that can develop and deliver science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related training or education courses, a one-off event or a programme of targeted events.

This year £255,000 is up for grabs, which now includes an £80,000 commitment from Ørsted’s Hornsea 3 Community Fund, that opened to applications earlier this month.  

The East Coast Skills Fund benefits coastal areas of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, the Walney Extension Skills Fund focusses on coastal locations in Lancashire and Cumbria, and the Hornsea 3 Skills Fund will support projects in areas of Norfolk and Suffolk.

Ørsted has already awarded more than £1.2m to nearly 60 different projects through its Skills Fund programme.

The £255,000 pot is split between three geographical areas, and a grant may be awarded to one organisation in each area or divided between several groups that apply. 

The minimum grant organisations can apply for is £10,000 and the closing date for applications for all three Funds is Wednesday, May 1. 

Successful applications will be announced in late June.

Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s senior advisor, said: “We’re excited to announce the next round of our Skills Fund which now includes our commitment from Hornsea 3. 

“The aim is to provide educational and learning opportunities for people, to help improve their skills and employment opportunities.  I’m looking forward to see what the next round of applicants bring.”

The funds are being administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape. 

To find out how to apply and to see details of the projects awarded grants in the previous rounds, visit grantscape.org.uk or call 01908 247630.