Training for success – Farming Connect shows how training made a difference for six farming families

20 July 2010 PR 1404 A new Farming Connect skills and training DVD and leaflet – both launched today (July 20) at the Royal Welsh Show by Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries – demonstrates how six farming families in Wales have developed their skills to improve working practices within the business, to meet statutory requirements and to help them diversify into new areas. All the families featured have been able to claim back 80% of the cost of training thanks to the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme, which is delivered by Lantra. Lantra’s National Director for Wales, Kevin Thomas said: “It’s easy to find out if you are eligible for funding by contacting Lantra on 01982 552646, Farming Connect on 08456 000 813 or by emailing farming.connect@wales.gsi.gov.uk “Once you have registered with Farming Connect you will be put in touch with one of Farming Connect’s regional Skills Co-ordinators. They will offer you a free skills assessment, discuss your training needs and provide you a list of our approved training providers.” The six case studies featured in the new DVD and leaflet are: Dylan Griffiths and his son Osian, of Tafarn y Bugail near Cardigan, who undertook pesticides training. Brothers Rhodri and Gethin Hughes of Aberystwyth who attended a DIY artificial insemination course in order to learn more about fertility and AI. Tim Bodfish and his son Jonathan of Narberth, who undertook chainsaw safety and technique training to bring new skills to their farm and woodland management business. Husband and wife Andrew and Allison Tyrrell from Gower, who undertook a lamb cutting course in order to add value to the lamb they produce and sell. Brothers Rhodri and Dyfan Jones who farm at Pantlleinau, near Aberystwyth, who undertook an additional driving test in order to tow a trailer legally, and also a telehandling course which is an HSE requirement. Eleri Hughes of Ruthin who undertook a course to help improve her shearing skills in order to shear her own flock. For more information on these case studies download the full case studies leaflet in either English or Welsh from www.lantra.co.uk/farming-connect. Anyone attending the Royal Welsh Show can meet Lantra’s team and speak to Farming Connect in person at Lantra’s building. – ENDS – For more information or a photograph please contact: Vicky Brewin, Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 417 or email wales.media@lantra.co.uk. Film, photo and interview opportunities available by prior arrangement with: Sarah Lewis, Farming Connect Skills Development Programme Manager Tel: 07827 956765 or email sarah.lewis@lantra.co.uk Editor’s notes About Farming Connect • Farming Connect is funded through the Rural Development Plan 2007 – 2013, which is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Assembly Government. • The Farming Connect’s Skills Development Programme, managed by Lantra Sector Skills Council, has the aim of improving the performance and prospects of farming and forestry businesses throughout Wales. It provides up to 80% funding of short accredited training courses. • Further information about Farming Connect can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingconnect/?lang=en About Lantra  Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. In Wales, it represents over 18,500 businesses, across 17 industries, 99% of which are micro-businesses employing less than ten people, with 94% employing four or less. Their 85,000 employees represent 7.5 per cent of the UK’s total environmental and land-based workforce. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.  The sector is vital to the Welsh economy as tourism associated to the Welsh environment is estimated to be worth £821million and support 23,600 jobs. Another 117,000 jobs are required to manage our natural environment in Wales.  Much of the land-based workforce is highly skilled in technical areas, with years of vocational experience and, often, family tradition, behind them. However, their skills are often unaccredited and their valuable experience not recognised. Lantra works to ensure that these skills and experience are recognised alongside formal qualifications and professional development and helps employers access “bite-sized” units of learning.  The 17 industries Lantra represents are clustered around: land management and production; animal health and welfare; conservation and management of the natural environment.  As of 1 January 2010, all eligible businesses registered with Farming Connect became able to access 80% funding towards the cost of training through the Skills Development Programme managed by Lantra. The additional 30% contribution should encourage more farmers to take up the short accredited courses and free business skills assessment available to them. About the Royal Welsh Show (19-22 July)  This four day event is the largest agricultural show in Europe. For further information visit www.rwas.co.uk/en/welsh-show/the-royal-welsh-show.

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