In the heart of North Yorkshire, the Skipton and Craven area is seeing a renewed push to support its young people as they step into higher education and the workforce. As the academic year 2026/27 approaches, a centuries-old charity and modern employment programs are coming together to offer hope, opportunity, and practical support for students and jobseekers alike.
This week, a charity inspired by the legacy of Sylvester Petyt—a former Ermysted’s School pupil who rose to prominence as a lawyer in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries—is calling on students educated at Skipton’s secondary schools or Craven College to apply for small grants that can help ease the financial burden of university or college education. According to the charity, these grants are intended to assist with essential course expenses such as equipment or books, providing a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to afford the tools they need to succeed.
“We seek applications from Skipton students. We ask the Skipton schools and Craven College to advertise this too,” said John Dawson, a Trustee and Hon. Clerk of the charity, in a statement this week. “We hope our small contributions can assist students with equipment or books needed on their courses.”
The charity’s roots trace back to Sylvester Petyt’s desire to give back to his hometown. After achieving success in the bustling legal world of London, Petyt made it his mission to help the people of Skipton in meaningful ways, and the establishment of this charity stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. Over the years, countless local students have benefited from its support, often making the difference between pursuing higher education or having to put their ambitions on hold.
Eligibility for the grants is carefully defined. Applicants must be under 25 years of age and either live, or have parents who live, within the boundaries of the ancient parish of Skipton. This includes not only Skipton itself but also neighboring communities such as Barden, Beamsley, Bolton Abbey, Halton East, Draughton, Hazlewood-with-Storiths, and Embsay with Eastby. Application forms are available directly from John Dawson, either by email at [email protected] or by post at 42 Gainsborough Court, Skipton BD23 1QG.
While these grants may be modest in size, their impact is anything but small. For many students, the cost of textbooks, specialist equipment, or even a reliable laptop can be a significant barrier. By stepping in with targeted support, the charity aims to level the playing field—ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic achievement.
But the story of opportunity in Skipton and Craven does not end at the classroom door. There are encouraging signs on the employment front as well. According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, the number of people aged 16 and over claiming work-related benefits in Craven has dropped to 590—a three percent reduction compared to the same period last year. This positive trend is being attributed to a concerted effort by local employment services and businesses to create pathways into work for young people.
Michael Dales, Department for Work and Pensions partnership manager for North Yorkshire, is quick to highlight the importance of timely and tailored support. “Our work coaches see first-hand how the right support at the right moment can transform a young person’s future,” he explained. With over 29 vacancies currently available in Craven, Dales believes now is a particularly good time for young people to explore their options. “This remains a great time for young people to seize the opportunities on offer and shape the future they want.”
Central to this effort is the Skipton Jobcentre team, which has forged strong partnerships with local employers across a range of sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, retail, and the wider rural economy. These collaborations are not just about filling vacancies—they are about helping young people take their first steps into the world of work and ensuring that local businesses have access to the talent they need to grow and thrive.
“The Skipton Jobcentre team works closely with local employers across hospitality, agriculture, retail and our rural economy. These strong partnerships are helping young people take their first steps into work and ensuring businesses can access the talent they need to thrive,” Dales pointed out. It’s a two-way street: as young people gain valuable experience and financial independence, local businesses are able to find the right candidates to power their operations.
To further boost these efforts, the Jobcentre is running regular job fairs, sector-based work academies, and boot camps. These initiatives are designed to give young people a taste of different industries, build practical skills, and connect them directly with employers who are actively hiring. For jobseekers, this can be the difference between sending out countless applications into the void and having a real conversation with a potential employer.
The message to local employers is clear and direct. “To any employer with vacancies, our message is simple – get in touch. We are ready to work with businesses of all sizes to build a strong local workforce,” said Dales. The call for collaboration reflects a broader recognition that economic success in rural communities depends on everyone pulling in the same direction—students, jobseekers, educators, and employers alike.
Of course, challenges remain. Rural economies like Craven’s can be particularly vulnerable to national trends, whether it’s shifting demand in the hospitality sector or the impact of automation on traditional agricultural roles. But the combination of historical support for education and modern, proactive employment services offers a model that other regions might well envy.
For those considering their next steps, the advice is straightforward: don’t miss out. Whether it’s applying for a grant to help with university costs or seizing one of the dozens of job vacancies currently open, now is the time to act. The resources are there, the support is real, and the community is ready to help its young people succeed.
As the academic and employment landscape continues to evolve, the Skipton and Craven area is showing that with the right mix of tradition and innovation, local communities can create genuine opportunity for their young people—one grant, one job, and one success story at a time.