A NEW engineering scholarship will fund seven students through further education and degree courses as part of an industry and college partnership in Barrow.

Dong Energy has launched the scholarship scheme with Furness College.

The leading windfarm company has set aside £45,000 to help people across Furness who would not otherwise be able to finance themselves through qualifications at the Channelside college to get the education they need to progress in their dream careers.

The scholarship scheme will pay student fees for a range of courses in electrical and mechanical engineering from a national diploma and HNC, through to degrees and honours degrees.

The college will deliver the courses from September on its £47m campus and students will study in the new cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Centre.

Kate Coleburn, h ead of area for technical and build engineering at Furness College, said the scholarships were designed for those who are not in employment or who want to retrain as engineers.

She said: “Some people have the skills to be world-class engineers but they may struggle to finance themselves through courses that can help them realise their dream. For others, this could open up a career change where they take advantage of the growth in the engineering sector locally.

“Through this scheme, Dong Energy has created a wonderful opportunity that breaks down financial barriers to achieving higher education qualifications, including achieving a degree.”

Dong Energy is one of the leading offshore windfarm developers in the world and created the windfarm off Walney.

Brent Cheshire, UK country chairman for Dong Energy said: “We are delighted that, through the Walney Extension Community Benefit Fund, we are able to fund these scholarships. We are doing everything we can to provide opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to take advantage of the growing career opportunities in engineering sectors like offshore wind. It is especially good to see that these scholarships will open the door to people who would not otherwise be able to afford to take advantage of these courses.”

The courses available with support are: National Diploma electrical or mechanical engineering (two years), HNC engineering electrical or mechanical engineering (two years), Bachelor in Engineering – Ordinary Degree (two years), Bachelor in Engineering – Hons Degree (four years).

Bryn Jones, business development manager at Furness College said it was an initiative designed to help fill the skills gap. He said: “Many people are not aware that we can offer education in engineering up to degree level at Furness College and this is a great way to access what is on the doorstep and build a career in engineering.”

People who are not in full-time employment or who wish to retrain in engineering may be eligible to apply for the scholarship. A full list of criteria and more information is available by contacting Mr Jones at Furness College.