The Southern Regional College have been awarded £48,000 to train people from both farming and non-farming backgrounds in agriculture and countryside management.
The Prince’s Countryside Fund have awarded the large sum to the college, which is the largest further and higher education institution in Northern Ireland.
With their grant, they are aiming to provide accredited training at BTEC Level 2, as well as accredited vocational training, to 30 people in rural areas from both farming and non-farming backgrounds.
The training will concentrate on horticulture, agriculture, and countryside and environmental management, and will be focused on isolated and marginalised communities across Northern Ireland.
These 30 new entrants will receive guidance and support in developing their professional networks and linking with others to benefit local areas through existing community groups and organisations.
Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “The Fund is fully committed to promoting careers in agriculture and helping to boost the rural economy, and firmly believe that having a background in farming shouldn’t be a prerequisite.
“We’re thrilled that the training provided by Southern Regional College is working to widen participation in agriculture and open up the industry to those who may otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue a countryside career.”
The Prince’s Countryside Fund is open for grant applications until February 21st 2019. Grants of up to £50,000 are available for projects that improve the prospects of viability for family farm businesses or support building resilience in rural areas.
