Free ATV training offered in safety push
© Greenway Training Farmers, agricultural workers and students are being offered fully funded ATV safety training under a UK-wide bursary scheme.
The bursary comes at a critical time as agriculture remains Britain’s most dangerous industry, with 22 workers killed in agriculture, forestry and fishing during 2025-26, according to Health and Safety Executive figures.
A further seven members of the public, including three children, also lost their lives in work-related incidents in the sector over this period.
See also: Farm Safety Week targets hidden toll of serious injuries
The Farm Safety Foundation (aka Yellow Wellies) has launched its 2026 ATV bursary scheme in partnership with training organisation Lantra and equipment manufacturer Logic and will fund 50 places on Lantra-accredited ATV courses.
To be eligible, people must work in agriculture or study at a UK land-based college or university.
Successful applicants will also receive a Logic ATV helmet after completing the course.
The initiative follows the first year of the ATV bursary programme and forms part of the Farm Safety Foundation’s wider work to reduce serious and fatal injuries in agriculture.
Removing barriers
Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley said: “This bursary is about removing barriers and making accredited training more accessible to the people who need it.
“We want to support farmers and agricultural workers to build their confidence, refresh their skills and make safer choices every time they get on an ATV.”
Ms Berkeley added that the culture around farm safety is changing.
“More people are recognising that training and helmet use are not signs of inexperience, they are signs of professionalism,” she said.
Successful applicants will be matched with an approved Lantra training provider at a suitable location.
Courses cover pre-ride inspections, understanding the vehicle, safe handling, basic manoeuvres and operating ATVs across varied and challenging terrain.
Applications are open until Friday 25 September, with successful applicants notified after the closing date.
College puts farm safety first for new apprentices
Askham Bryan College, in York, is offering eligible agricultural apprentices a free City & Guilds-accredited vehicle certificate of competence before they begin their apprenticeship programme.
Training covers machinery relevant to their farm roles, including ATVs and telescopic handlers, with dates agreed alongside apprentices and employers to avoid clashes with farm work.
A college spokesman said: “Our aim is to help them develop essential safety knowledge and competence from the very start of their careers, reducing risk and supporting safer working practices across the industry.”
