Extra funding for staff training

Posted 2 March 2011

Companies that provide staff training may be eligible for funding through a new scheme over seen by REEDNet and Harper Adams University College.

REEDNet is the Rural Employer Engagement Development Network - a network of England’s land based colleges led by Harper Adams University College in Shropshire and the Royal Agricultural College in Gloucestershire.

It has government funding through the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to support work based training and staff development in the rural economy.

Now, staff at Harper Adams are lending their support to a government-funded training scheme which will in turn give those taking part credits towards a certificate at the University College.

Dr Graham Scott, Senior Lecturer in Poultry Studies at Harper Adams, has visited companies to explain the system and is willing to discuss the initiative with any interested parties.

He said: “The industry needs to train people up- particularly graduates. REEDNet, supported by Harper Adams is now offering training for companies with Harper credits and the company will get financial help for carrying out the training.

“The scheme is open to any business which provides training to employees and though my particular area of expertise in the poultry industry, I have already visited a few major companies to discuss this opportunity.

“On top of the financial incentive, the employees who take part will get credits towards a Harper certificate.

“The chance to receive funding to support training in any subject and in any discipline is something that does not happen very often and is particularly important when the government is looking to cut back.”

Anyone interested in these opportunities should contact Dr Scott on 01952 815331 or e-mail gscott@harper-adams.ac.uk or Emily Chapman-Waterhouse (Business Development Manager) on 01952 815042 email echapman-waterhouse@harper-adams.ac.uk