2 September 2020
Farming Connect’s face-to-face training is underway again. Due to the restrictions of Covid-19, although it’s not quite ‘training as usual’ as yet for Farming Connect, face-to-face training courses are now available both indoors and externally provided all the current pandemic guidelines are adhered to. Where feasible, a range of methods will be incorporated into the usual training delivery, in order to minimise face-to-face contact.
The next skills application window will open from 09.00 Monday, 7 September to 17.00 Friday, 30 October, and Kevin Thomas, director of Lantra Wales, is expecting take-up levels to be high.
“As everyone plans for the future, personal, business and technical skills will be especially beneficial for those who may need to adapt their business model due to the changed market conditions caused by the pandemic and as we plan to exit the EU,” said Mr. Thomas.
Broadly categorised into Farming Connect’s key themes of ‘business’, ‘livestock’ and ‘land’, all training is either fully funded or subsidised by up to 80%.
Training providers will be required to clearly communicate expected behaviours to learners including the need to keep records for track and trace; social distancing requirements; hygiene requirements such as regular and thorough hand washing; promotion of the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach; what to do if they feel unwell; and what to do if they have concerns. Welsh Government has warned that its current guidance is subject to change at any time should there be a resurgence of the pandemic.
Farming Connect has published a new A4 ‘step by step’ booklet which will guide registered individuals through the largely online process of applying for training and e-learning.
“This useful booklet gives you all the information you need to complete an online Personal Development Plan (PDP); access BOSS via Sign On Cymru; apply for the training of your choice and it will also encourage you to get your Storfa Sgiliau online professional development record up to speed too.
“At every stage of the online application process, this booklet will show you the screen prompts you need but also tell you who to contact if you still require personal one-to-one support or guidance,” said Mr. Thomas who added that hard copies of the booklet are available by contacting the Service Centre, local development officers or approved training providers.
Registered individuals who have previously received approval for face-to-face training but whose courses were postponed due to the pandemic lockdown, should contact their selected training provider as soon as possible to discuss their options. If registering for the first time, you will need to contact the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813 before 17:00 on Monday 26 October 2020. Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
For further information about all Farming Connect skills and training and to view an online version of the new ‘Step by step’ guidance booklet, click here. Alternatively, contact your local Farming Connect development officer, the Farming Connect Service Centre or your selected training provider.
Farming Connect is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.