Bursary Funds Training For Scores Of Denbighshire Residents

Employees looking to upskill to further their careers have been given a helping hand thanks to a Denbighshire County Council scheme.

The Council’s young person employment bursary is open to employed people aged 18-35 in Denbighshire and funding is available to pay for training courses to help progress within a current workplace or gain a higher paid position with a new Denbighshire employer.

From more than 60 applications and enquiries received, to date 10 employees have been given support of between £250 and £2000, with a further nine currently going through the approval process.

The bursary supports the Council’s work to ensure younger people want to live and work in the county and have the skills to do so.

Support provided includes HGV training, a diploma in plumbing and a qualification in dog grooming with the average projected wage increase for employees being 23 per cent.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “This innovative approach by the Council aims to help young employed people develop their careers and create new opportunities for them.

“I’m pleased we have managed to support young people from across Denbighshire with this scheme because we want to encourage younger people working in the county to develop and progress their careers and earn higher salaries, which will benefit the county’s businesses by keeping hold of talented and skilled individuals.”

Funding can be used for further education courses as well as professional skills and training.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, lead member for Education, Children and Young People, said: “It is great to see how successful the bursary has been.  A small investment in a young person can make a big difference by helping them apply for higher paid jobs, which will increase their earning potential throughout their careers.

“As a Council we are committed to giving better opportunities for young people and I would encourage eligible employees to apply for the bursary.”

To be eligible you must be aged between 18-35, living in Denbighshire, earning below the county median salary of £24,944, currently be in employment and demonstrate suitable positions with a Denbighshire-based company once upskilled.

For further details including eligibility and how to apply visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/skills-bursary