Thomas John Jones Memorial Fund

The Thomas John Jones Memorial Fund was established in 1944 in order to help young people in what was then the county of Breconshire to study and train for employment in the engineering industry. The former county of Breconshire now encompasses the area of South Powys which includes the areas of Penderyn now in RCT, Cefn-coed-y-cymmer, Llwyn-onn, Pontsticill, Vaynor and Trefechan now in Merthyr Tydfil, Princetown and Llechryd now in Caerphilly, Clydach, Llanelly, and Gilwern now in Monmouthshire. The Fund also now covers the entire county of Blaenau Gwent.

Born in Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, Thomas John Jones is considered a pioneer of the British transport system. In 1919, he founded the Griffin Motor Company at Brynmawr, helping to shuttle miners from the local area to and from the Blaina Pitt. He subsequently acquired, developed and oversaw a series of bus routes across southeastern Wales and Gloucestershire. In 1944, TJ Jones established a fund to help young people in the former County of Breconshire study and train for higher posts in industry.

Individuals studying engineering or a course with a significant engineering aspect can apply for a grant of £3,000 per annum for the following modes of study:

• Undergraduate level
• Postgraduate level
• HND
• PhD

Grants are available to students who are living in or have attended schools within the eligible areas of Breconshire or Blaenau Gwent.

Students must be studying engineering or a course with a significant engineering background. The application must show a clear need for financial support, financial hardship or additional support needs