Train the Trainer – a new opportunity for National Trust Tenant Farmers
In a unique programme, the Consortium has secured National Trust funding to deliver a new training programme for National Tenant Farmers. This is part of the National Trust Skills and Training Project which is sponsored by Barclays Bank.
The programme will target those National Trust Tenant farmers who have an interest in becoming qualified instructors as trainers. The long term plan is for them to use their communication skills to assist their counterparts to develop new skills and expertise.
Commenting on the programme, Executive Director Alastair Taylor said “There are around 1600 National Trust Tenant Farmers and many of these have a unique knowledge of what it takes to work in the unique setting of National Parks and other areas of great beauty”
“It is a form of diversification and there is a good chance that participants can use their newly found skills as teachers and trainers within their locality – and you never know, there might be a chance of part-time employment at one of our member colleges” he added.
The programme is due to commence in November 2008 with a follow-up event planned for early 2009.
Mark Field, head stockman at the National Trust Wimpole Home Farm since 2000, told Alison Rickett, the National Trust Rural Skills and Training Advisor: “I enjoy passing on skills to others and helping to encourage new entrants into the industry” Mark is keen to join the Train the Trainer programme and once qualified, he will be able to instruct National Trust staff and volunteers in a wide range of skills including livestock handling techniques such as foot trimming and shearing.
Posted July 2008
