Training scheme gets the go-ahead

May 13 2008 by Tom Patterson, The Journal

THE Farm Assistant Training Scheme has been given the go-ahead for the coming year by the Cumbria Farmer Network.

Despite not all the funding being in place, a grant offer from the Cumbria Community Foundation from the AIM Foundation of £6,000 over each of the next three years tipped the balance in favour of the scheme going ahead.

This, together with savings from the current year, gave the Network the confidence to give the scheme the green light.

“The Farmer Network Board is keen to support young people to enter the industry” said company secretary Paul Harper.

The farm assistant scheme is for young adults aged between 16 and 25.

It has run now for three years, with 14 men and five women completing the training during this period, setting themselves up on a self-employed basis to help local farmers with basic tasks.

Training will start in August this year. Anyone interested should contact Elizabeth Moore direct on 01697 371608 or contact the Farmer Network office 01768 868615.