The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) in the Scottish Highlands has launched a new bursary scheme to support training in vocational skills for young people aged 16–24 living in the Cairngorms National Park area.

Operated in conjunction with Careers Scotland, the Cairngorms Action for Training and Skills (CATS) bursary scheme aims to provide individual training programmes for young people planning a career within the national park, including winter sports instruction, farming and conservation.

The bursary will be available to young people in low-skilled work or who are unemployed or leaving school. It will fund part of the training fees and could cover childcare or travel costs. In addition, funding will be provided for more than one course per individual.

Certificates will be awarded to those who successfully complete a course.

Kate Christie, of the CNPA’s economic and social development team, said: “Unfortunately for many young people living in the park, financial constraints mean they are often unable to access training schemes which could equip them with the type of skills that would make them attractive to prospective employers.

“CATS will give these young people the opportunity to sign up to such courses. It could also lead to future employment in the park and will mean that more young people are able to commit long-term to the area, something the authority is also keen to promote.”

The scheme is currently in its pilot stage, following approval from the CNPA board earlier this year.

Free information leaflets offering advice on CATS and other training initiatives running in the park are available from youth workers, youth clubs, learning centres, community halls and local enterprise companies. Details: www.cnpa.org.uk