New entrant training fund launched in Scotland

Lantra Scotland has opened applications for its Next Generation Practical Training Fund, offering up to £500 in fully funded training for each course to help new entrants gain skills for careers in agriculture and rural industries.

Backed by the Scottish government, the scheme has a total budget of £300,000 this year and is aimed at people who have entered farming within the past five years or recently completed a relevant school or college course.

The fund supports a wide range of practical training opportunities, including climate change action, wildlife and habitat protection, workplace safety, machinery operation and farm business management.

See also: 4 key steps to support and retain staff on UK farms

Applicants may also receive support for courses costing more than £500 if they can show clear value to their personal development or farming business.

Henry Graham, chairman of the Farming Opportunities for New Entrants (Fone) group, welcomed the return of the scheme and highlighted the importance of practical learning for young people entering the sector.

“It has been very evident that learning practical skills is vital in enabling the next generation to contribute to farming businesses,” he said.

“I am therefore delighted that another year’s funding for new entrants is now in place, with applications now being taken.”

He added that the programme covers both traditional farming skills and newer areas such as financial management.

Lantra Scotland said the initiative is designed to improve access to training, support employability and help build a sustainable rural workforce across Scotland.

Eligible courses are marked with a Next Generation badge on the Skills Hub website.