A new grant scheme is being launched to support young people in Northampton to develop their careers.  The Sir Thomas White’s Northampton Charity Grant Fund (Sir Thomas White’s Fund) will provide grant funding of up to £1,000 to each successful applicant, with an overall total of £50,000 available to support people to get a job or improve their career prospects in the construction and logistics industries.

These grants are available to young people agedbetween 16 and 34 years, who have been resident in the Borough of Northampton for at least five years. It can be spent on any recognised qualification which will help people to take forward a career in either the construction or logistics sector. The types of things that can be supported include an HGV or Fork Lift Truck licence, Health and Safety Certifications, and construction trade skills. Other qualifications that will help people to develop their careers will be fully considered. 

In order to apply, applicants must be individuals (not businesses or training providers), they must not have started or committed to training prior to application approval and may be required to provide evidence of other funding contributions towards total costs.

Northamptonshire Enterprise Partnership (NEP) will be administering the grant programme on behalf of Sir Thomas White’s Northampton Charity.

Cllr. Tim Hadland, Chairman of the Sir Thomas White Northampton Charity, said: "Our Charity has been supporting the training of young people in Northampton for over 450 years. We are delighted to provide the funds to support this training opportunity, and we look forward to building on our new relationship with NEP in the future."

Jo Lappin, CEO, NEP said: “Skills is a major issue for many businesses, particularly in the construction and logistics sector, with employers keen to secure well qualified people to improve their competitiveness.  It is therefore excellent news that the Sir Thomas White Northampton Charity continues its wonderful tradition of investing in the future of Northampton’s young people by providing financial support. I am delighted that NEP is able to help the Sir Thomas White Northampton Charity deliver this really important work.”

To apply, individuals should email funding@northamptonshireep.co.uk for further details and an application form or phone Julie or Rebecca on 01604 609541/609382.

Application forms must be submitted to NEP by 5.00pm on Friday 19 February 2016.