Ørsted Launch Round Five of the “Skills Fund” across areas in the East and West Coast of the UK

Ørsted’s East Coast Skills Fund and its Walney Extension Skills Fund are now back open to applications. A total of £150,000 will be available through an open application process to experienced 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.

With £75,000 ring fenced for each coast, the grants may be awarded to one organisation in each area, or split between a number of groups that apply. The minimum grant organisations can apply for is £10,000, and the closing date for applications this year is 30 April 2021.

The East Coast Skills Fund benefits coastal areas of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Norfolk whereas the Walney Extension Skills Fund focusses on coastal locations in Lancashire and Cumbria.

Imran Nawaz, Ørsted’s Stakeholder Advisor and Community Benefit Fund Manager said: “The past 12 months have incredibly challenging for all aspects of community life, especially in terms of employment, skills and learning. We’re very proud that our Community Skills Fund can help support projects that aim help to improve local skills and employment opportunities.

“We continue to encourage the development of STEM skills and employment opportunities across the regions and hope that local people will look to Ørsted as a viable career option for them. We look forward to seeing what exciting and innovative ideas for STEM projects will be put forward for 2021.”

The Funds are being administered by the independent grant-making charity GrantScape. For further information about the Fund and to find out how to apply, please visit their website www.grantscape.org.uk or call 01908 247634.

Details of the successful recipients from earlier rounds can been seen on GrantScape’s website.