At the time, the 17-year-old had a part-time job to boost the funding she already had received for the course. The extra income would help pay for the equipment, tunics and cosmetics that she would need as the training progressed throughout the first year.

However, from the outset of Covid, she found herself without any part-time job. Undeterred, Laura applied for the Connect2Renewables first time College/University students grant.

Laura, who lives in Strathaven with her family, said: “I was very nervous when I looked into the programme as I am really not very good at IT and feared that I would never be able to complete all the forms that I thought would be needed before anyone would hand over so much money.

“But the process couldn’t have been simpler. The online process was so straight-forward that I managed to fill it out without any difficulties. I would recommend to anyone who is struggling with getting started on their career path to check this programme out. It was so easy to do and has helped me to stay at college, especially over the last two years and all the problems that Covid has caused.”

Laura received the funding through Banks Renewables which now stands at £500 for anyone starting college/university for the first time who may need the additional support to overcome any barriers they may face. The grant can be used for travel, books, equipment for coursework, IT equipment or even driving lessons.

The Windfarm Fund Connect2Renewables Employability Initiative is delivered by the council and is part of Banks’ commitment to the economy and communities within a 10km radius of Kype Muir Windfarm development in Strathaven.

Robin Winstanley, sustainability and external affairs manager, Banks Renewables, said: “We are really pleased to hear about Laura’s story and how our wind farm funds are directly helping break down the barriers to employment and education in the communities we work in.

“We hope that Laura’s great example can inspire others to take advantage of the fund and develop their career.”

And Wilma Weir, the council’s Vocational Development Officer (Connect2Renewables), said: “The grant award has been a great help for supporting first time students living within the windfarm area.

“Students have been able to use if for a variety of purposes that will help with them starting out student life. After they have finished College or University we can also offer support with employment if they are unable to secure work.”

The purpose of the fund is to:

• provide employability support to local people, help with job search, CVs, application forms
• upskill or re-skill local unemployed people to help them get the skills they need to find work
• give help with training, childcare, transport, clothing for work
• offer first time college/university students a start-up grant
• provide wage subsidies to employers supporting local people into employment
• work in partnership with other local agencies to provide inclusive employability support

The initiative has helped more than 400 local people so far.

If you are interested in applying for support please get in touch by emailing connect2renewables@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or phoning 0800 9520 070.