Farming Connect’s new inter-active skills package, ‘Invest in Skills and Mentoring’ focuses strongly on continuous personal development and e-learning in addition to offering accredited training courses across a wide range of topics and practical skills. There will be three online application windows for the new subsidised training courses, with the first operational from 4 January to 29 January 2016.
Kevin Thomas, Director of Lantra Wales, who are delivering the package on behalf of Farming Connect said investing in skills is critically important and he was optimistic that farmers and foresters would embrace the broad range of services and online support available through the new programme.
“This new element of Farming Connect provides everyone working in the industry with a fantastic opportunity for both personal and business development. Continuous professional development and up-skilling is a critical component in helping modernise and professionalise the industry in Wales.”
Farming Connect will continue to offer direct training and the advisory service subsidised by up to 80% for eligible individuals who have registered for the new programme. Accredited training courses range from business management and leadership training to on-farm responsibilities and tasks including machinery handling, Health & Safety and animal health. A list of available training courses is available on the website.
All those registered for the previous programme will need to re-register either online or by calling the Farming Connect Service Centre.
“Before applying for training via our new online process, all registered farmers will need to complete an online personal development plan (PDP). This will help them plan long term objectives and short term goals; develop key skills or competencies and also record qualifications as they embark on a personal development ‘journey’ to develop their skill set and knowledge base,” added Mr. Thomas.
Anyone applying for funding for training involving the use of machinery and/or equipment will be required to complete Farming Connect’s new online Health & Safety Course first. Before setting up a PDP, all individuals will need to be registered, after which an individual username and password will be generated on their behalf by Farming Connect. It will be essential to receive an approval email from Farming Connect confirming your application has been successful before commencing the training.
“Farming Connect’s new fully funded online tools, which include a suite of e-learning on a wide range of topics ranging from tree identification to Health & Safety, will give registered individuals the opportunity to develop their skill set at a time that suits them, without having to leave home or their workplace.“
A new CPD framework will enable all those registered with Farming Connect to obtain CPD points, not only for Farming Connect training but also for attending knowledge transfer events, discussion groups and any other Farming Connect projects or activities which are categorised as having CPD opportunities.