Farming Connect’s first skills application window of 2020 is open and will close at 5pm on Friday, February 28.

With a number of new face-to-face and online training options recently added to the already comprehensive range of business, technical and practical training courses available through Farming Connect, it’s time to check out your options and help you and your business prepare for the challenges and opportunities of a future outside the EU.

The programme, delivered by Lantra Wales on behalf of Farming Connect, provides a comprehensive range of training in numerous formats for eligible farm and forestry businesses registered with Farming Connect.

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales, is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Director of Lantra Wales, Kevin Thomas says that as the industry gears up for the trading conditions of the future, it is essential to have the necessary skills to run your business efficiently across all areas of work.

“I urge all registered businesses to consider their training options, focus on areas they know need strengthening and get their applications in.

“Although there will be additional application opportunities throughout the year, we are keen to encourage every eligible member of your family who is not already registered, to sign up now and take advantage of the expanded range of courses available.

“All training is either fully funded or subsidised by up to 80 per cent for registered businesses and provided your business is registered with Farming Connect you, your family members and PAYE workers can select any training they require.

Individuals needing to register with Farming Connect or wanting to update their account details should call the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813 before 5pm on Monday, February 24.

Farming Connect currently offers approximately 80 face-to-face training courses. Different rates of funding apply, with business improvement and technical training funded by up to 80 per cent, while machinery and equipment courses are subsidised by up to 40 per cent.

All course topics relate to subjects broadly categorised across three key themes relating to business, land and livestock.

Wide-ranging in terms of topics covered, in additional to fully funded specialist IT and animal health and welfare training, they include business management and financial training; managing people; courses to help you plan a diversification project or new enterprise through to land and grassland management, food and farming training.

“A visit to the Farming Connect website will take you to a list of all the sector-specific courses available, together with the information and guidance you need in order to apply.

“By remaining responsive to market requirements, the range of training provided is constantly evolving and we believe we have something to offer every individual within every Welsh business,” said Mr. Thomas

Farming Connect’s new continuous professional development (CPD) recording system – Storfa Sgiliau (Skills Store) will enable you to capture all knowledge transfer and training activity you have undertaken through the current Farming Connect Programme as well as all any relevant qualifications or work experience.

To access Storfa Sgiliau you must be registered with Farming Connect and log into your Boss account via Sign on Cymru.

Before applying for training, every applicant will need to complete a Farming Connect online personal development plan (PDP). Support is available at specialist PDP workshops, arranged either by Farming Connect and attended by a Farming Connect regional development officer or by one of the approved training providers.

For a detailed list of all Farming Connect training courses and approved training providers and for further information on the skills application process, the personal development plan (PDP) process and upcoming workshops, as well as Storfa Sgiliau, visit gov.wales/farmingconnect or call the Farming Connect Service Centre on 08456 000 813.

Alternatively contact your local Farming Connect development officer.