Viking Community Fund - Supporting Local Young People

March 4th 2026

160 young people in Shetland are benefitting from either bursaries or apprentice support from the Shetland Community Benefit Fund.

Encouraging our young people to stay or return to Shetland is one of the top 6 priorities for funding from the Viking Community Fund, which is managed by SCBF. To support this priority three successful schemes were introduced by SCBF focusing on further education and employability.

The Viking Community Fund (VCF) Bursary Fund, which can be accessed by students and apprentices studying locally and who are up to the age of 25, has made 150 awards from £330 to £1,000 each since December 2024 sharing a total of £138,462 among them.

Also, the Apprenticeship Support Fund for Small Businesses awarded a total of £127,708 in July 2025 to 9 businesses employing 10 apprentices between them. Funding can be used for a variety of costs associated with an apprenticeship but is primarily used as a contribution towards wage costs. Feedback on the funding has been very positive,

“The grant has made a real difference to our business. As a growing electrical contractor in Shetland, taking on an apprentice is a major but necessary commitment to ensure we can maintain high standards and keep pace with the demands of our ever-growing industry.
The funding has helped offset the initial costs of employment, training and supervision, allowing us to invest properly in developing the next generation of skilled electricians. As a business focused on long-term growth and quality workmanship, the support also enables us to strengthen our team while contributing to sustainable employment and skills development within the local community.”
Irvine Developments Shetland Ltd who recurited an Electrical Installation Apprentice

“The Apprenticeship Support Fund has helped us to invest in our apprentice's training and the future of the business. It has enabled us to invest time and money in training and tools and has assisted with wages costs particularly during the significant college time needed in the early part of the apprenticeship.”
C&M Building Contractors who took on a Carpentry and Joinery apprentice

Both funds are available again this year, the Apprenticeship Support Fund is open now and the bursary fund opens on the 1^st of June.

In recognition that not all young people will undertake an apprenticeship or attend college full time, there is also a Training Fund offering support of up to £1,000 for accredited or vocational training courses. Young people interested in applying should contact SCBF directly. Supported courses have so far have included HGV intensive training and an accredited nail technicians’ course.

It is exciting to be able to offer the opportunity to enhance the apprenticeship and college experience for young people remaining in Shetland to further their studies. Funding equipment and resources needed to study and tools purchases for practical skills gives them a head start on skills development. Offering grants to small local businesses towards the costs of taking on an apprentice, further enhances the VCF offering.
Eleanor Gear, SCBF Fund Manager