50% Funding for Training
Dear Reader
As another new year begins many of us find ourselves reviewing our requirements for the year ahead. Skills training is integral to our industry and can be costly - which is why we're thrilled to be able to tell you about a new scheme that can provide funding for up to 50% of the costs. The RAC are working in partnership with both Duchy College in Cornwall, and Lantra, the Sector Skills Council, to offer The Skills Programme right across the South West Region for those working in the agricultural and forestry sectors, to enhance productivity and sustainability. This is a fantastic opportunity making skills training more accessible to everyone who is either employed or self-employed in these sectors. Indeed, it is proving so successful that we've decided to devote this entire issue to the Programme to enable you to see how it might be of use to you or someone you know (click on the button above to forward it on.)
All of us here at the Rural Skills Centre would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy, successful and healthy 2011.
Best wishes
RDPE Skills Programme 2011 The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) aims to improve competitiveness in the agriculture and forestry sectors whilst safeguarding and enhancing the rural environment and fostering competitive and sustainable businesses and thriving communities. The current programme runs from 2007 until 2013 and contains an element covering skills, delivered under contract from the South West Regional Development Agency. We hope this may prove helpful to you and your business – read on to find out more about eligibility and the facts about the scheme.
Since October 2010, The Royal Agricultural College has been working in partnership with Duchy College and Lantra to deliver this scheme which can subsidize up to 50% of training costs for eligible participants. So, who's eligible?
- Anyone working in the forestry or farming sector (you'll need a South West holding number)
- Contractors or others whose businesses are largely related to farming and forestry based in the South West Region
This funding is aimed at helping people attend courses to gain skills broadly based around three categories:
- Business development and strategic change management
- Operational efficiency and technical skills
- Adding value and diversification
(You can find a list of courses accepted and available here at the Rural Skills Centre at the end of this newsletter.)
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Facts and Future of RDPE
Although courses supported are predominantly practical and skills based, we are excited about a new strand of the programme. This new focus is being developed to include such areas as leadership and management skills, succession planning, and marketing related to the farming and forestry sectors. As always we'll let you know about developments as and when they happen.
The RDPE programme is an exceptional opportunity to brush up existing skills and learn new ones, at a significantly reduced cost to you. At present it will be running until the end of July 2011 and although we are hoping that it will be extended – nothing has been secured as yet.
Courses that are a purely legislative requirement such as chainsaw operation and pesticide application are not eligible for funding under RDPE.
If you would like any more information, advice or help in relation to this scheme call James on 01285 889873 or email him by clicking here. |
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Rural Skills Courses available as part of the RDPE skills programme (subject to eligibility):
Introduction to Dry Stone Walling & Dry Stone Walling Module 2
Fencing-Post & Rail
Fencing-Strained Wire
Estate Maintenance: Brick & Block Work
Traditional Hedge Laying
Hurdle Making
BASIS Conservation Management
BETA Biodiversity & Environmental Training for Advisers
BASIS Soil and Water Management
BASIS Nutrient Management
FACTS (Fertiliser Advisers Certification and Training Scheme)
Sprays & Sprayer Refresher Training
Emergency First Aid
Rodent Control
Introduction to Tractor Driving
Tractors Operation and Machine handling
Rough Terrain Forklift Truck Operation
ATV Quad bike - Operation including Implements and Loads
Trailer Training
Abrasive Wheels
An Introduction to Blacksmithing and Ornamental Iron Work
Blacksmithing and Ornamental Iron Work Module 2
Introduction to Welding
If there are any additional courses or events that you would like help to fund please do not hesitate to contact us and we may be able to help.
Remember:
All FACTS qualified advisors need to update with the NMP course in the next 4 or 5 years to continue working in this capacity. Contact James for more information.
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