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Farming SMRA Apprenticeships
TRAIN TO GROW SAY SCOTTISH MACHINERY RINGS
The Scottish Machinery Rings Association (SMRA) is continuing to play a pivotal role in youth development within the land-based and agricultural industry, with the challenges for 2021 focused on skills development and career opportunities for new entrants and career changers.
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All nine of the Machinery Rings, which span across Scotland, are extremely proud to be able to offer diverse training courses in various sectors, following the Covid-19 hiatus last year. In 2019, all nine rings had a combined turnover in excess of £95 million and delivered training courses to 12,747 trainees throughout the UK; training delivery is something that SMRA is looking to enhance in 2021.
The SMRA’s network of professional instructors, assessors and providers have expertise in delivering a range of legislative and practical short courses such as Health & safety, First-aid and Forklift operation, Pesticides, Chainsaw, ATV’s and Driver CPC. Short course training provision varies by machinery ring but in some cases the training portfolio exceeds 100 certified short courses along with a selection of online training courses.
Peter Wood, Training Manager for Ringlink Services explains: “Training activity stopped for four months last year, before resuming in July 2020. Since then, demand has increased for training courses and by working co-operatively with experienced training providers and instructors we adopted safe working practices in accordance with Covid-19 government guidelines. Past first-aid trainee Ian McHattie said: “The way in which the course was presented was very good and was definitely one of the best delivered courses, in terms of knowledge sharing, that I have been on. The relaxed but thorough nature of the training offered a chance to learn new techniques, whilst revisiting previous ones.”
Andrew Moir, Vice Chairman of SMRA commented: “The last 12 months have been extraordinary times but we remain optimistic for the future. Following recent Scottish Government announcements to support economic recovery, with a key focus on skills development for young people, displaced workers and career changers; the Scottish machinery rings can assist with these new initiatives. Supporting various industry sectors such as construction, haulage, forestry, agriculture, horticulture, estates and public
authorities, means the SMRA are well placed to provide training to a wide range of businesses and indeed to those individuals considering a career change or simply looking to enhance their skill set for the future.”
The Scottish Government’s ‘Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund’ is one initiative that the machinery rings are able to support. This fund assists women in agriculture to have opportunities to develop their skills and talents. Funding for 100% of training costs is available, up to the value of £500. Women resident in Scotland who are either already working in agriculture or studying it full-time or part-time, or who are keen to start work in this area and who are able to demonstrate how a training course will support the growth of their business or employment options, are eligible to apply. Full details are available at:
www.scotland.lantra.co.uk
In 2019, the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship Pilot Programme (LBPAPP) was launched nationally, involving three Machinery Rings (Ringlink Scotland, Tarff Valley Services and Borders Machinery Ring), covering the South West, North East of Scotland and South East Scotland.
Recruitment for the 2021 Land-based Preapprenticeship is underway, with a target of recruiting up to 60 pre-apprentices throughout Scotland. Last year the programme supported 45 pre-apprentices and whilst it was challenging to deliver the programme during Covid-19, the format was varied to ensure safe delivery in accordance with Covid-19 government guidance.
Gail Robertson who oversees the Land-based Pre-apprenticeship for Ringlink explains:: “The format of the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship is designed to support new entrants into the rural sector, to-date over 50% of participants are from non–agricultural backgrounds and it provides an ideal pathway of progression onto Modern Apprenticeships or college on completion”. The programme is delivered in two stages, firstly including an induction to various agricultural and land-based practices involving tuition on tractor driving, rough terrain telescopic forklift, first-aid, manual handling, health and safety risk assessments and undertaking the Certificate of Work Readiness qualification (SCQF4). The second stage involves six months full-time employment on a rural mentor business which allows the pre-apprentice to develop their skills, gain vital work experience and expand their knowledge.
Holly Kennedy, a past pre-apprentice sums up the experience by saying “It’s the best
way to get into the industry, don’t hesitate - just do it!”
Alan McLean from HBS Ring Ltd says: “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on jobs with escalating redundancies across most sectors, the Scottish Machinery Rings Association is well positioned to provide skills development and training opportunities for young people at a time where they are predicted to be the hardest hit”
To find out more about the various training courses provided by your local Scottish Machinery Ring visit:
www.scottishmachineryrings.co.uk
If you are interested in mentoring a young person on the Land-Based Pre-apprenticeship, please contact: Ringlink Scotland, HBS Ring Ltd, Borders Machinery Ring or Tarff Valley Ltd.
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L Ringlink Services Ltd Rely on Ringlink Services... your expert in training solutions
Tel: 01561 376000 email: laurencekirk@ringlinkservices.co.uk www.ringlinkservices.co.uk
Upskill your Workforce Today
During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to focus on training and development, where you can upskill and re-train your employees for the future. All our training provision has undergone risk assessments and will be delivered with additional hygiene and safety protocols in place, to comply with relevant Covid-19 guidance as published by the Scottish Government. Bespoke training arranged to meet your needs please let us know your requirements and enjoy our personalised service. A selection of upcoming courses is listed below. Let us help your business to move forward.
ONLINE TRAINING
SPRAYER OPERATOR COURSE
Pesticides
Transport, Storage & Cleaning
Delivered online – complete at your own convenience Access the workbook and presentation followed by a question paper online. Successful completion will award:
*10 NRoSO points/ 6 BASIS points***
FIRST AID
26TH FEBRUARY 3RD MARCH COUPAR ANGUS KEITH
Delivering Quality Training and Assessments First Aid Throughout the Country
4TH MARCH 9TH MARCH 17TH MARCH FOCHABERS BRECHIN ELLON Sprayer Operator Course
We Oper have ator c been ourses runni for a ng nu half mber day sprayer of years. This Throughout the Country year the course includes -
DRIVER CPC
Driver CPC
Whilst we are currently unable to offer CPC courses at our usual venues, we can offer the course online.
A good Internet connection along with access to a computer/ laptop with a camera and microphone is required. Course dates for March are as follows:
Stores & Storage Transport
Sprayer ProblemsSprayer Buffers LERAPSOperator Product Revocation Footpaths • Course • Lantra Awards Business 10 NRoSO We have numerous throughout the country, calendar for suitableManagement courses: courses please ref dates and er running to the venues. • Points Please call for additional dates as represents a selection. Bookkeeping, VAT & Making Tax the list only Digital (MTD) 24/11/2008 Laurencekirk 10 NRoSO Are you 01-Dec-08 03-Dec-08 taking • th 26/11/2008 Inverurie 26/11/2008 Banchory 27/11/2008 Falkirk 01/12/2008 Munlochy 02/12/2008 Rothbury e Pesticides? Coupar Angus Kirkintilloch Are you taking the Understanding your accounts and financial statements. Points Pesticides? 1ST MARCH 2ND MARCH 3TH MARCH 4TH MARCH 5TH MARCH 13TH MARCH 02/12/2008 Keith 02/12/2008 Thurso 08/12/2008 Cupar 08/12/2008 Annan 08/12/2008 Perth 09/12/2008 Pathhead 15/12/2008 Ellon 19-Jan-09 Inverness 09-Feb-09 Coupar Angus 16-Feb-09 Thainston Other Courses Include • Chainsaw 01-Dec-08 Coupar Angus 03-Dec-08 Kirkintilloch 19-Jan-09 Inverness 09-Feb-09 Coupar Angus 16-Feb-09 Thainston Other Courses Include DRIVER WELFARE & CUSTOMER SECURITY TRAFFIC LAW & VULNERABLE ROAD USERS DRIVERS HOURS & TACHOGRAPHS HEALTH & SAFETY, SAFE LOADING DRIVER COMPLIANCE & VEHICLE CHECKS DRIVER COMPLIANCE & VEHICLE CHECKS • Managing your cashflow • Project Management • Marketing your Business. 15 16 17 18 19 TH MARCH TH MARCH TH MARCH TH MARCH TH MARCH • • • • • • DRIVER WELFARE & CUSTOMER SECURITY TRAFFIC LAW & VULNERABLE ROAD USERS DRIVERS HOURS & TACHOGRAPHS HEALTH & SAFETY, SAFE LOADING DRIVER COMPLIANCE & VEHICLE CHECKS Arboriculture First Aid Manual Handling Tractor Driving Trailer Towing Excavator • Chainsaw • Arboriculture • First Aid • Manual Handling • Tractor Driving • Trailer Towing • Excavator 1 day courses delivered via Zoom. Funding may be available – so please get in touch for more information • Forklift • Forklift • Rat & Mouse Control • Rat & Mouse Control Call Mearns & Angus ServicesMearns & Angus Services Call Ringlink Services on 01561 376000 PROVIDING TRAINING SOLUTIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY 01561 376000 www.mearnsandangus.com 01561 376000 www.mearnsandangus.com
