Ready for the Future grant scheme for transport professionals - apply now

Transport charity Rees Jeffreys Road Fund offers grants to support the future development of our roads by funding existing highways or transport professionals to acquire necessary new skills

Highways and transport professionals can now apply for funding to learn something new to add to their highways and transport expertise. Transport charity Rees Jeffreys Road Fund offers a grant scheme to help address significant skills gaps in the highways and transport sector. Ready for the Future grants are intended to support the future development of our roads by funding existing highways or transport professionals to acquire skills that will be necessary for highways in the future. 

The closing date for applications for a Ready for the Future grant is 5pm Friday 3rd October 2025 and there is an easy online application form to complete.

At Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, we believe roads really matter to all of us, whether we’re making journeys as drivers, passengers, walkers or wheelers.  The professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those working in the highways and transport sector is therefore vital to ensure that roads work well for everyone

Rees Jeffreys Road Fund is looking to provide financial support to around five highways or transport professionals each year.

Grants are available to fund study to grow or acquire skills currently in short supply or under-developed in the sector.  The grants are aimed at excellent candidates who can’t afford to study or have study funded by their employer.

Applicants can apply for a grant to cover the cost of course fees, up to the value of £10,000. There is no “prescribed” list of courses that could be funded, rather the Trustees are interested in applicants justifying their proposed course of study in terms of its future impact and potential benefit for the highways and transport sector.  

For full details about the scheme rules and how to apply visit the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund website.

Chair of the Trustees Andy Graham said, “At Rees Jeffreys Road Fund we believe roads really matter to all of us, whether we’re making journeys as drivers, passengers, walkers or wheelers.  The professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those working in the highways and transport sector is therefore vital to ensure that roads work well for everyone.”

“We are keen to continue the life work of our founder William Rees Jeffreys by supporting today’s highways and transport professionals to acquire the skills necessary to improve the long-term capability in the sector, and ensure our roads are fit for the future.

If you are a dedicated highways or transport professional, whatever stage of your career, we’re interested in hearing from you about the new skills you could acquire that would boost your contribution to highways or transport for the future.”

Adnan Zameer received a Ready for the Future grant in 2024 to study Sustainability Leadership at Imperial College.  Adnan, a civil engineer with Arup, says, “Coming from a civil engineering background, the course gave me a new perspective on my role not just as an engineer, but as someone who can influence long-term, positive change in the sector. I now feel much more equipped to lead on sustainability conversations, support innovation and think more strategically about how infrastructure can support environmental goals.”

Rees Jeffreys Road Fund is a grant making charity, funded by a legacy from William Rees Jeffreys. The Fund’s objects are to foster improvements in the engineering, management, design and use of roads to deliver safer, more environmentally sensitive, more aesthetically pleasing and more enjoyable outcomes for all road users.  We do this principally by funding projects, research and events; and awarding bursaries to individuals pursuing relevant professional qualifications.