A new scholarship scheme has been launched offering funding for Derbyshire residents who want to retrain to work in the alternative energy industry. 

Derbyshire County Council has set aside £100,000 to fund grants of up to £1,500 to help people learn new skills through their new Green Entrepreneurs Scholarship Scheme. 

It’s part of the wider Green Entrepreneurs Programme funded by the council and run in partnership with the University of Derby to support green economic recovery across the county. 

DCC Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’ve had a positive response to the Green Entrepreneurs Fund so far from businesses looking for financial support to help turn game changing proposals to help tackle climate change into reality. 

“As well as helping to reduce Derbyshire’s carbon emissions in the future, by helping these projects get off the ground we’re bringing wider benefits to local communities and local economic conditions to create high quality jobs driven by utilising the local skills base in engineering and manufacturing. 

“We’re looking forward to announcing the successful applicants soon for funding announced so far, as well as opening up applications for our new Scholarship Fund which will help to skill-up the alternative energy workforce of tomorrow.” 

Professor Kathryn Mitchell DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, added: “It is vital that we all play our part in helping the UK to achieve its net zero targets and the appetite within Derbyshire to meet this challenge head-on is hugely encouraging. 

“It is not just about providing financial support, however, but enabling people to develop their skillset to deliver the change we need.” 

More information about the programme including application forms, timetable for grant funding and eligibility criteria can be found at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gef

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