Women in Scotland can apply for agriculture course funding

Scottish women and girls are being encouraged to apply for a grant to help pay for courses to enhance their practical skills in agriculture, such as tractor and trailer driving or training sheepdogs, to develop their skills or help them change careers.
Want to learn to drive a tractor, be a more sustainable farmer or train a sheepdog? You could get help paying for a course to enhance your skills in agricultureWant to learn to drive a tractor, be a more sustainable farmer or train a sheepdog? You could get help paying for a course to enhance your skills in agriculture
Want to learn to drive a tractor, be a more sustainable farmer or train a sheepdog? You could get help paying for a course to enhance your skills in agriculture

The Women in Agriculture Practical Training Fund was set up by the Scottish Government to support the personal development of women, providing them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in Scottish agriculture beyond their current role.

Applications are now open to all women in Scotland – and there’s some money especially reserved for those living on the islands.

The fund is administered by Lantra Scotland, and has already supported more than 400 women and girls to take part in courses to develop their skillset or change careers.

Apply now for a grant to develop your skills in agricultureApply now for a grant to develop your skills in agriculture
Apply now for a grant to develop your skills in agriculture

One of the key findings of research into women in farming and the agriculture sector was that there was a clear need for more practical training opportunities for women across the industry.

The types of courses you could opt for include business skills, learning more about the environment and sustainability, health and safety, plants and animals and vehicles, machinery and equipment – in fact anything you might need to develop your career in modern agriculture.

Jude’s story

2022 promises to be a busy time for Jude Brown and her partner on Skye as not only are they new owners of the Isle of Skye Mussel Company, but they have also taken on a new croft as well.

Jude Brown learns fencing: Grants of up to £500 for Scottish women and girls towards agriculture coursesJude Brown learns fencing: Grants of up to £500 for Scottish women and girls towards agriculture courses
Jude Brown learns fencing: Grants of up to £500 for Scottish women and girls towards agriculture courses

They intend to raise livestock and create a small orchard, so need to learn how to fence off these areas from their animals. Rather than getting a contractor in, Jude decided to learn how to do the work herself, thanks to practical training for women in agriculture, funded by the Scottish Government through Lantra Scotland.

“I have a marine background, so didn’t know a lot about the many skills that crofters need. When I found out that I could get funding to do a fencing course, I realised that it was a great opportunity for me to build up my own confidence while learning too.

“Initially, I thought that fencing looked a bit too physically demanding, but my trainer on the course was really supportive and we ended up getting the hang of the skills we needed.

“The training was really hands-on and now I feel confident about using the right tools and terminology, and putting up fencing and gates myself.”

She added: “I would encourage any woman in agriculture to apply for this practical training fund, as it’s a great way to learn new skills, boost your confidence and make new friends.”

Who can apply and how?

Women and girls over the age of 13 can apply for up to £500, or more on a case by case basis, for the cost of a practical or technical training course.

The fund may also be able to provide help with travel or accommodation costs for those who could not otherwise attend training.

Although open to women across Scotland, £20,000 has been ring-fenced specifically for applicants living in island communities.

Find out more or apply for the fund at www.scotland.lantra.co.uk