Tier 1 - USIT Annual Award

Sponsorship of up to £15,000 for an overseas bursary at a suitable university or management institute. The first award sent Archie MacGregor, Estates Manager for Scottish Water, on a Management Programme at the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland. 

Tier 2 - Business Skills Award

Sponsorship of up to £7,000 to attend an established academic or training course in the UK which is relevant to the Utilities Industry. This award is designed to assist individuals to benefit from opportunities that would not normally be available to them from their employer's ongoing training and development support arrangements. Awards are made based on industry needs as assessed by the Trustees.

To apply candidates will be asked to write a short paper in support of their application outlining why they want to attend the course and what it will do for them, their company (if applicable) and the industry as a whole in the years to follow. Download a form here in word/pdf and submit your application by email to info@usit.org.uk or by post to USIT, c/o South Staffordshire Water PLC, Green Lane, Walsall, WS2 7PD. Applications close on 31 March 2008.

Tier 3 - Succession Planning Award

Sponsorship of up to £5,000 to help companies minimize the loss of experience. In order to encourage organisations to maximise the potential of their existing staff and improve succession planning, USIT will effectively subsidise new employees by partly funding the appointment of a substantially experienced employee as a trainer who will train others in his or her direct field of experience.