Consider applying for funding for approved Farming Connect courses as you prepare for Brexit

Considering applying for funding for approved Farming Connect training courses as you prepare for Brexit? Final application window of 2018 opens 1 October

At a time when farmers and foresters are being urged to prepare for the challenges and opportunities expected to follow Brexit by working more efficiently or profitably, it’s a good time to consider whether your business is actually performing at its best. If not, you may want to consider investing time in training or ‘upskilling’ which could give you the competitive edge in both financial and practical terms.

Would your business benefit if you took some time out for training which would help you to better understand your accounts or help you with business planning? Are grassland management or animal health issues areas you need to address in order to gain optimum results from what are probably your most important resources?

If you need to streamline or improve any of your on-farm systems, you may want to consider applying for one of Farming Connect’s training courses, which cover a range of both business and practical skills. Subsidised by up to 80% for eligible businesses, training could significantly help you run a resilient, sustainable business as your business gears up for the future.

The final application window of 2018 opens on Monday 1 October and closes on Friday 26 October 2018.

The training element of Farming Connect’s Lifelong Learning and Development programme is delivered by Lantra Wales. Since 2015, more than 3,000 training courses have been completed, resulting in successful outcomes for many businesses and their workers.

Director of Lantra Wales, Kevin Thomas, says the programme is already transforming both the personal and business skills of many farmers and foresters in Wales. Mr Thomas says it is particularly encouraging that there has been a steady year-on-year increase in the number of applications for business improvement training. He emphasised that application form for funding can only be submitted online and said that there was a simple process to go through first.

Before you can submit an online application form you must be registered with Farming Connect, provide a unique email address and register with Sign On Cymru where you can access your online personal development plan (PDP), e-learning courses, the funding application form and view a record of your continual professional development activity.

“All applicants will need to complete a PDP before submitting a funding application form. The PDP will help you identify current strengths or any gaps in your knowledge. Armed with a PDP, you can set out your training goals and update the document online as you achieve each milestone. You will also be better informed about prioritising the training course most likely to benefit your business,” said Mr. Thomas

Anyone planning to apply for funding for completing a machinery and equipment use related course will need to complete Farming Connect’s fully funded online Health and Safety course first.

A list of all Farming Connect accredited training courses together with a list of approved training providers and guidance on completing a PDP are available on the Farming Connect website.

For any further information or guidance about Farming Connect training, services and events which could benefit your business, contact your local development officer who will provide any support and guidance you might require.

You will find contact details at:  www.gov.wales/farmingconnect