New Grant to Fund Technical Education for Adults

Workers in North East Lincolnshire and the Lincolnshire coast will get the chance to develop skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) thanks to a round of funding granted to the University of Lincoln.

The East Coast Community Fund of £75,000 a year for the next 20 years, established by green energy supplier Orsted, will enable the University to support key organisations in the area seeking to enhance and improve the technical, engineering and problem-solving capabilities of their workforces in response to a shift from low-skilled manual roles to more technical engineering requirements.

Training will take an interactive approach which will see participants working through key industry skills, including building a wind-powered car.

Orsted is a global leader in offshore wind and is currently constructing the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the east coast of the country. Once complete, Hornsea One will be able to generate enough electricity to supply well over one million homes with green electricity.

The University of Lincoln explores the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century, conducting research and seeking solutions to develop, include and enhance people’s lives, all while respecting the planet and its diversity. The Sustainability agenda is a key priority for the institution, which was recently awarded an EcoCampus Gold Certification for Environmental Management.

Andrew Stevenson, Director of Research and Enterprise at the University of Lincoln said: “We are dedicated to supporting our local community and are delighted to be partnering with Orsted, a company which shares our passion to empower people and businesses, while taking care of our environment.

“We believe that continued development and lifelong learning are key to a sustainable and fulfilled workforce, and look forward to building on the confidence and technical skills of employees in the region through this exciting programme.”

The East Coast Community Fund will make £75,000 of grants available each year: small grants between £1,000 and £5,000, and larger ones between £5,001 and £50,000. The fund is part of a larger pot of cash totalling £465,000 each year for 20 years.

The first round of grants will be issued in Spring 2020.