Engineering Services Training Trust Limited
Charity Number: 1007703
Stay updated on changes from Engineering Services Training Trust Limited and other funders
Get daily notifications about new funding opportunities, deadline changes, and programme updates from UK funders.
Quick Stats
- Annual Income: £118,465 (year ending 28 Feb 2025)
- Annual Expenditure: £254,020 (year ending 28 Feb 2025)
- Geographic Focus: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
- Grant Type: Education/training grants and awards
- Application Method: No public application process
Contact Details
Registered Office:
Old Mansion House
Eamont Bridge
Penrith
Cumbria, CA10 2BX
Email: skye.hardy@thebesa.com
Phone: 01768 860432
General BESA Contact:
Phone: 01768 860400
Academy enquiries: academy@thebesa.com
Overview
Engineering Services Training Trust Limited (ESTTL) was incorporated on 31 December 1991 as a charity registered in England and Wales (charity number 1007703). The trust's purpose is “to promote and advance, for the public benefit, the education and training of persons employed or intending to be employed in building engineering services and other related industries.”
ESTTL operates as a grant-making charity with close ties to the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), sharing the same registered office address. The charity is governed by four trustees and supported by four volunteers, with no paid employees. While the charity currently reports £118,465 in annual income against £254,020 in expenditure, it maintains an active role in supporting training and professional development within the building engineering services sector across the UK.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
ESTTL does not operate through open grant applications. Instead, the charity funds specific programs and awards through BESA:
SEED Programme Funding
ESTTL fully funds the School Engagement and Engineering Discovery (SEED) Programme for BESA members - valued at £850 per person. This 8-week online training programme equips participants with skills to engage effectively with schools and promote careers in building engineering services.
Ann Noblett Professional Engineer of the Year Award
ESTTL provides a scholarship to the winner of this BESA award, contributing towards professional body membership fees to help recipients achieve chartered status. The award recognizes individuals who have completed HNC/HND, Foundation Degree, or degree courses in building services engineering and are working towards chartered professional status.
Priority Areas
- Education and training for building engineering services professionals
- Professional development and chartership support
- School engagement and sector promotion
- Support for apprentices and early-career engineers
- Advancement of technical and vocational education in HVAC, electrical services, and related fields
What They Don't Fund
As ESTTL operates through specific partnership programs with BESA rather than open grant applications, they do not fund:
- Organizations outside the building engineering services sector
- General educational institutions not involved in building services training
- Individual training requests outside their established award programs
- Capital projects or equipment purchases
- General operational costs

Ready to write a winning application for Engineering Services Training Trust Limited?
Our AI helps you craft proposals that match their exact priorities. Save 10+ hours and increase your success rate.
Governance and Leadership
Current Trustees (as of Charity Commission records)
Robert John Grant
Appointed: 13 November 2023
Lindsay Comline Gillespie
Appointed: 15 August 2022
Shenaaz Chenia
Appointed: 2 June 2021
Also serves as CEO of YouthBuild Ventures UK, bringing expertise in youth training and development to ESTTL's governance.
Mark Christopher James
Appointed: 2 June 2021
All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration for their role.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
ESTTL does not have a public application process. The charity operates by funding specific programs and awards administered through its partnership with BESA (Building Engineering Services Association).
Individuals and organizations cannot apply directly to ESTTL for funding. Instead, grants and awards are distributed through:
- BESA Membership Benefits - The SEED Programme is available to BESA members through registration with BESA's Skills Advisory Service
- BESA Awards Nominations - The Ann Noblett award is part of the annual BESA Industry Awards, where nominees are put forward by BESA member companies
- Trustee Decisions - The charity's trustees determine which programs and initiatives to support
Getting on Their Radar
For individuals or organizations interested in ESTTL's support:
Become a BESA Member
ESTTL's programs are delivered through BESA. Organizations can join BESA to access ESTTL-funded training programs like the SEED Programme. Contact BESA membership team at membership@thebesa.com or 01768 860465.
Engage with BESA Awards
ESTTL sponsors specific BESA Industry Awards categories. Individuals working towards professional qualifications should ensure their employer (if a BESA member) nominates them for relevant awards when calls for nominations open annually.
Work for BESA Member Companies
Since ESTTL-funded opportunities are typically available only to individuals employed by BESA member companies, working in the building engineering services sector for a BESA member organization provides access to these benefits.
Contact BESA's Skills Advisory Service
For training and development opportunities: academy@thebesa.com or 0800 917 8419
Decision Timeline
Not applicable - ESTTL operates on a partnership model rather than a competitive grant application process.
Success Rates
Not applicable - no public application process.
Reapplication Policy
Not applicable - no public application process.
Application Success Factors
Since ESTTL does not accept direct applications, the following approaches may help individuals and organizations benefit from ESTTL-funded programs:
For Individuals Seeking Professional Development Support:
- Be employed by a BESA member company in the building engineering services sector
- Complete or be working towards HNC/HND, Foundation Degree, or degree qualifications in building services engineering
- Demonstrate commitment to achieving chartered professional status
- Engage with your employer about nominating you for BESA Industry Awards
- Show promise and potential for leadership or technical excellence in the sector
For Organizations Seeking Training Funding:
- Join BESA as a member organization to access ESTTL-funded programs like SEED
- Demonstrate commitment to developing the building engineering services workforce
- Engage actively with BESA's training and development initiatives
- Nominate high-performing employees for BESA Industry Awards
For Educational Institutions:
- Partner with BESA on sector promotion and engagement initiatives
- Align training programs with building services engineering industry needs
- Participate in BESA-sponsored events and networking opportunities
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- No Direct Applications: ESTTL is not a traditional grant-making trust - you cannot apply directly for funding
- BESA Partnership Model: All ESTTL funding flows through BESA programs and initiatives - engagement with BESA is essential
- Sector-Specific: Support is exclusively for building engineering services training and education
- Member Benefits: Most opportunities require BESA organizational membership
- Awards vs Grants: ESTTL primarily supports individuals through competitive awards rather than organizational grants
- Professional Development Focus: Strong emphasis on supporting progression to chartered professional status
- School Engagement Priority: Significant investment in programs that promote the sector to young people through the SEED Programme
🎯 You've done the research. Now write an application they can't refuse.
Hinchilla combines funder's specific priorities with your organisation's past successful grants and AI analysis of what reviewers want to see.
Data privacy and security by default
Your organisation's past successful grants and experience
AI analysis of what reviewers want to see
A compelling draft application in 10 minutes instead of 10 hours
References
- Charity Commission Register of Charities: Engineering Services Training Trust Limited (1007703). Accessed 29 December 2025. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1007703
- Companies House: Engineering Services Training Trust Limited (02674888). Accessed 29 December 2025. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/02674888
- BESA: “Engaging The Future Generation - SEED Programme.” Accessed 29 December 2025. https://www.thebesa.com/school-engagement-and-engineering-discovery
- BESA: “National Awards.” Accessed 29 December 2025. https://www.thebesa.com/news/besa-national-awards
- BESA: “Contact Us.” Accessed 29 December 2025. https://www.thebesa.com/contact-us
- Manly Trust: “The Manly Trust Management Training Award.” Accessed 29 December 2025. https://manlytrust.uk/the-manly-trust-management-training-award/
- ContactOut: Shenaaz Chenia profile. Accessed 29 December 2025.