A short while ago we invited former service personnel to apply for a bursary for training generously offered by TradeSkills4U in Crawley.

Golden Zimmaestro from Nottingham contacted us and was offered a training bursary with Tradeskills4u, and received his scholarship at a presentation at their offices in Sussex from Falklands Hero Simon Weston OBE. We'd like to thank Tradeskill4u for this great opportunity.

Forgotten Heroes Bursary Scheme:
Our 'Forgotten Hero's' bursary scheme was introduced by our MD Carl Bennett, who watched the recent BBC documentary 'Forgotten hero's' with Col Tim Collins and felt inspired to do something practical to help. From 17th June 2011, we will be offering one space at any one time completely free of charge to ex-service men and women that are struggling to find their feet following their discharge from the armed forces.

Our Renewable Centre Launch:
On the 17th June 2011 we will be awarding our first free training bursary place at our Renewable Energy centre launch. This will be presented by Simon Weston OBE, a name well-known for his service in the Falkland's. The launch itself will double up as an open day for those interested in the fast-emerging industry, to visit our training centre and sit in on seminars by our industry leading partners. Seminars on tricky subjects like the Feed-in-tariffs and MCS accreditation will run throughout the day plus TS4U instructors will demonstrate live installations on technologies such as solar thermal and solar PV.

Candidate Criteria:
The Bursary is intended for applicants who:

1. Have not received suitable enhanced learning credits / resettlement funding or have been effected by serious injury.
2. Are not already working in a trade such as electrics, plumbing or renewable installation.
3. Have been unable to find suitable work since leaving the forces and are struggling to find a new career.

In terms of eligibility, if they are eligible to receive help from you, they will probably be eligible for the bursary.

We are not a huge company and can't offer free training to everyone that is eligible so we have to select and prioritise those able to take the free training, based on need.

Location:
We are based in Crawley, West Sussex and we are a stone's throw from Gatwick Airport, making us a very accessible training centre to most of the UK. The bursary is open to all, however due to potential issues with travel it may be best if the main focus is kept in the South-East of England.

Courses:
Candidates applying for the bursary can take their pick of the courses we offer with the exception of the silver, gold, platinum and diamond packages.

We would particular recommend the City & Guilds 2330 as it is the standard industry route to become a fully qualified electrician, and our Solar Green package that enables new entrants to install solar PV. Those unsure of what qualification to take can call our team on 01293 52977, as they are always waiting to help you.

Contact:
Prospective candidates can call us on 01293 529777 or fill in the form on our free training URL at http://www.tradeskills4u.co.uk/pages/free-training.