Business Skills Award Key Dates - 2008
Applications invited from:
Award closing date: Applications are now closed
Sponsorship of up to £7,500 to attend an established academic or training course in the UK which is relevant to the Utilities Industry
This award is primarily designed to assist individuals to benefit from opportunities that would not normally be available to them from their employer's ongoing training and development support arrangements.
Awards will be made based on industry needs as assessed by the Trustees. The award may also be made available in circumstances where the Trustees are satisfied that alternative sources of funding are not available, to those in full time education wishing to take a qualification of long term benefit to the Utilities Industry.
Awards will be limited to £7,500 and it is recognised that employers may need to finance additional costs. Employers can top up the money offered by USIT, provided the employer’s contribution is no more than that made by USIT. In other words, with your employer's agreement, you can apply for £7.5k from USIT to attend a UK course costing up to £15k.
The award will concentrate on assisting individuals of any discipline and level who are striving to develop their career in a manner which is seen to be of benefit to the industry.
Typically USIT will award five Business Skills Awards in any given year.
How to apply
To apply candidates will be asked to write a short paper in support of their application outlining why they want to attend the course and what it will do for them, their company (if applicable) and the industry as a whole in the years to follow.
Download an application form (these are available through the website when the award is open for applications) and submit your application by email to info@usit.org.uk or by post to USIT, c/o South Staffs Water, Green Lane, Walsall, WS2 7PD.
General Conditions
- Applications for support will only be received from individuals who can demonstrate they have the support of their employer (or, where applicable, the appropriate educational establishment) and that their application will be beneficial to the public.
- USIT will adopt an inclusive definition of the utilities industries to encompass partner organisations which have framework agreements or period contracts in place for a period in excess of three years. The definition also includes regulators.
- Proposals must not replicate or substitute those activities which should be undertaken by responsible employers as part of their ongoing staff training and development programmes.
- Distance learning programmes may be supportable as may career change programmes provided they satisfy the other criteria.
- Exchanges with overseas utility companies and other organisations could be supportable if they will yield benchmarking outcomes and encourage the sharing of best practice.
- Companies may make multiple applications but second and progressive applications for the Business Skills Award will only be considered if funds remain after all other successful awards have been made.
- In cases of hardship, an amount may be made available, subject to the £7,500 limit, to cover food and lodgings during the period of training.
See Also
Winners