Students benefit from £5m award
Students benefit from £5m award
FARMERS struggling to master their computers could benefit from a £5m award to enhance agricultural IT skills.
The money, from the Learning and Skills Council, will be used to promote and subsidise the internet learning service Learndirect offered by Lantra, the land-based training organisation.
Research has shown that most land-based industries require further training in the use of IT. Courses will include spreadsheets, databases, internet and e-mail use.
Over 600 courses can be accessed from home, which particularly benefits those who live in remote areas, says project manager Derek Hartshorne.
"This is a fantastic boost. Over 1000 learners have enrolled since February and this extra money will subsidise 10,000 new learning opportunities."
A specialist package for dairy farmers was released this week, with one for beef farmers also in the pipeline.
Enrolment costs £25 and courses will be provided free (08457-078007 or etraining@lantra.co.uk). *