A programme to train people from non-farming backgrounds in agriculture, forestry and horticulture has been extended to Powys residents up to the age of 40.
Hosted by Lantra Wales, the Agri-Start programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and is supported by Powys County Council. The programme, launched earlier this year, offers fully funded courses through the Lantra Awards network in a wide range of land based sector skills, from tractor driving and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), through to woodland management and livestock handling.
Sarah Lewis, Deputy Wales Director from project host Lantra Wales, said:
‘We’re delighted that such a key programme aimed at supporting increased accredited training in the land-based sector can now be offered to a larger group of Powys residents. If you are interested in developing a career in agriculture, forestry or horticulture, free accredited training is available. I encourage anyone interested to get in touch via [email protected] and learn more over the coming weeks.’
One recent trainee from the Builth Wells area which has just completed her all-terrain vehicle (ATV) free accredited course is Seren Cook.
Seren Cook, who is 16 and is from Builth Wells, took on a practical hands-on one-day course between her studies at sixth form college. Seren attended an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) course delivered by Jimmy Hughes Services.
The course was specifically designed to provide accreditation for trainees in a range of ATV areas from health and safety, driving across different terrains, through to safe towing of heavy goods.
Seren said:
‘I’m certainly now more confident in a range of ATV activity – from towing heavy loads through to driving on more challenging terrains. Whilst I had some knowledge already of driving a quad this course has certainly increased my skills and safety whilst using ATVs, as well as ensured I’m accredited in case I ever need to use it in any future work environment.’
