Funds for farm training schemes (From Gazette & Herald)

Funds for farm training schemes

IT IS now easier to apply for funding for a training scheme aimed at farmers and those working in forestry.

The Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) provides funding for training that contributes to an improvement in occupational skills and competence. The main changes are:

The introduction of an online, interactive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) which allows individuals to consider the future development of their business or workplace, before assessing the training they need to deliver that change. This will be provided free to all users.

The end to a minimum limit on the number of training days per application, allowing people to apply for funds for shorter courses.

A more efficient appraisal process which will allow applicants to receive a decision faster than previously.

Courses which the VTS can support fall include: Information and communication technology, business, marketing, conservation and environment, diversification opportunities, managing resources, managing yourself and your staff, new ways of working, technical skills (forestry), technical skills (agriculture and horticulture) and on-farm food production and processing skills.

For more details see: www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/projectbased/training/trainindex.htm.

Updated: 11:07 Wednesday, January 08, 2003