Introduction
Training and skills enhancement will be essential if we are to encourage the development of financially viable, competitive and environmentally sustainable land-based businesses in the future. Training will also help to maximise the benefits to be obtained through other SRDP measures. See also Skills development, available under Axis 1 Options.
What will this Option achieve?
The aim of this Option is to improve skills among land managers and other rural economic actors and community groups, to deliver the economic and social objectives of the SRDP. It will support training that is either required under or contributes towards delivery of other measures included in Axis 3 of the SRDP.
What you can do
Decide what training you, an employee or an immediate family member needs in supporting your Rural Development Contract - Rural Priorities proposal. Remember that the training needs to be linked to another SRDP Axis 3 rural priority proposal that you put forward.
Who can apply?
Any adult land manager or other rural economic actor (including farmers, crofters, foresters, other land managers and community groups) who is also applying for support under any other measure in Axis 3 of the SRDP can apply for support towards the cost of training courses which relate directly to that application.
Eligibility criteria
- People receiving training must be 16 years of age or older
- People receiving training must be rural economic actors (including land managers and community groups), their employees or immediate family members involved in the business
- The training provider must be certified by an appropriate trainer certification body
- The Option will not support courses which form part of normal agricultural, forestry or other programmes at secondary or higher education levels
- The Option will not support training or courses that are required or lead to a certificate, licence, diploma or other qualification that is required by law to carry out the beneficiary's basic work activities
- This Option will not support training for which public sector funding is provided from another source.
What costs could be supported?
75% of the cost of the training.
Eligible Costs
Course fees based on actual costs.
Ineligible Costs
Additional costs such as travel and subsistence, loss of earnings and cancellation fees (including fees charged in the event of non-attendance).
To ensure value for money we require you to provide 2 competitive quotes for any capital items applied for which are based on actual cost. If, however, you are seeking grant support towards something so specialised it is only available through 1 source then we would accept 1 quote. Please see the guidance on quotes and estimates for more information.
Rate of support
75% of the cost of the training (net of VAT, unless the business is not registered for VAT).
In addition to the grant ceiling, the total amount of grant payable for non-agricultural, commercial activities can also be limited because of rules applied in relation to State Aid.
Inspection/Verification
The application proposal must:
- contain details of trainee (employer and job title) and confirmation that they are over 16 years of age
- confirm that the trainee is employed by the relevant business (details of employer - name, address and contact details)
- explain why the course is needed and how it will improve delivery of the primary measure
- include details of the training provider, course title and cost
- confirm that the training provider is appropriately certified (note that agricultural and other colleges and other further educational establishments are all certified).
The claim must:
- not exceed the amount stated in the approval letter
- be supported by confirmation of trainee attendance and receipted invoices from the training provider.