 New Holland and Simply The Best Training consultancy Ltd, Lantra providers, are delighted to lend support to have some future farmers of Glamorgan trained in Tractor Driving skills IN April 2006
Peter Anthony of Cwm Risca farm, has been keen to take up training in the Farming Connect Scheme. His local Lantra Training Provider – Simply The Best Training Consultancy Ltd has provided Chainsaw Training to Peter, and Peter approached them for a Tractor Driving Course for 13 – 16 years olds.
Disappointment clouded the horizon when it was realised that 50% funding was not available to under 16’s, so Simply The Best Training decided to approach Nick Townsend at New Holland for sponsorship towards instructor costs, as they would subsidise the admin and organisational costs for the 2-day Lantra course.
 Julie Thomas, Director of Simply The Best Training Consultancy Ltd, explained “This is exactly the best time to train young people on tractors – before bad habits set in. It was so disappointing to discover that funding was not available to under 16’s, Lantra Wales have been very supportive, but as they are bound to the EU funding rules of their programme, we decided to look elsewhere.”
The HSE are delighted this course was running. Mrs Sara Baldwin Jones, the local HSE inspector, spoke to mothers recently at a Glamorgan WFU meeting, and was keen to see such an initiative.
The Anthony’s have used Ford New Holland Tractors since 1939, David Anthony, father of Peter, and grand-father of Jacob who was on the course, said, “I am so glad that New Holland are able to support Simply The Best Training – these are the tractor drivers and purchasers of the future. It’s marvellous they are getting this level of training from Lantra.”
 The course tutor Guy Measures had David Rowe with him on a co-teach event under Lantra Quality assurance procedures, so the boys had the benefit of two instructors, one per tractor used on the course.
Jacob, Nathan, Rhys and Rhidian were too busy driving the tractors to stop for comment, but their grins spoke for them. It was ‘Mega” commented Rhys, and the feedback forms were glowing. Blue tractors are definitely on the Christmas list!
It will be interesting to observe future tractor driving competitions in Glamorgan Young Farmers, as two of the boys are members of Bridgend YFC, and two are members of Llantrisant YFC.
 PICTURES AVAILABLE - DIGITAL FORMAT
More info - Julie Thomas 01443 670267 or email: stb@caerlanfarm.co.uk |
