Training rings the changes
Farming is looking to the future, with training and development supported by the Scottish Machinery Rings Association (SMRA).
All nine machinery rings across Scotland offer diverse training courses focused on skills development and career opportunities for new entrants and career changers in the post-pandemic world.
A range of short courses, including health and safety, first aid, forklift operation, pesticides, chainsaw, ATVs and Driver CPC, can be provided.
Machinery rings are also looking to support new entrants to farming and land-based industries.
In 2019, the land-based pre-apprenticeship pilot programme was launched, involving three machinery rings – Ringlink Scotland, Tarff Valley Services and Borders Machinery Ring.
SMRA vice chairman Andrew Moir explained: ‘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 is well placed to provide training to a wide range of businesses and to those individuals considering a career change or simply looking to enhance their skill set for the future.’
Michael Bayne, manager of Borders Machinery Ring, added: ‘The format of the Land-Based Pre-Apprenticeship is designed to support new entrants into the rural sector. To date more than 50 per cent of participants are from non-agricultural backgrounds and it provides an ideal pathway of progression onto Modern Apprenticeships or college on completion.’
Holly Kennedy, a past pre-apprentice, summed up the experience by saying: ‘It’s the best way to get into the industry. Don’t hesitate - just do it.’
To find out more visit www.scottishmachineryrings.co.uk.