Rural Careers Fund

The RIWAS Rural Careers Fund is a scheme which offers financial support to people aged under 25 (and exceptionally, older) and with a strong connection to the Isle of Wight. The scheme is intended to add value to the Isle of Wight's farming and land-based industries by offering financial support to help young people gain relevant qualifications or skills.

There are two categories of award from the fund:

· Scholarships of up to £3,000 each are awarded annually, primarily aimed at individuals looking to take a full-time course leading to a qualification.

· Bursaries of up to £200 which are considered regularly throughout the year and can help pay for a variety of training and personal development costs. For example to pay for a short course to learn a new skill, to buy some equipment to get a qualification, or for accreditation fees and other study costs.

Rural Careers Fund applications are considered by a panel. For a bursary award a simple application form will normally be all that is required. Scholarship applicants will submit an application form and then be invited for an interview.

If you are interested in finding out more about the RIWAS Rural Careers Fund, or if you have any questions, please get in touch. – 01983 296244 or riwas@naturalenterprise.co.uk