WARNING - By their nature, text files cannot include scanned images and tables. The process of converting documents to text only, can cause formatting changes and misinterpretation of the contents can sometimes result. Wherever possible you should refer to the pdf version of this document. PAGE 1 - Front cover Training for Land Based Businesses in the Cairngorms National Park Colour photograph of red tractor ploughing field with flock of birds following it. • Increase business efficiency • Enhance skills • Develop job satisfaction • Improve confidence at work Image of European Union logo (circle of yellow stars on blue background) Project part-financed by the European Union Europe and Scotland Making it work together Cairngorms National Park Authority PAGE 2 The Land Based Business Training Project This project is a scheme to part-fund training for people who work in land based businesses located in or near the Cairngorms National Park. It is a partnership project with funding provided by the Cairngorms National Park Authority and the European Social Fund, through the Objective 3 and Transitional Objective 1 programmes. What is a Land Based Business? Estates, farms, crofts, forestry, fishing, horticulture, nurseries, outdoor recreation providers – any business that is related to the management or use of land. Why are they important? These businesses are a valuable resource in the Cairngorms National Park. They provide: Image: Colour photograph of farmers shearing sheep in a pen. • a significant workforce within the National Park • management of wildlife and landscapes • housing in rural areas • timber as well as livestock and crops • recreation and tourism opportunities • encouragement for responsible access to some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland We want to help these businesses to be efficient, competitive and adaptable. We want to help people become more confident in their jobs, and have greater job satisfaction. Training is a major ingredient to achieving this. PAGE 3 Image: Colour photograph of three people working with rocks and boulders. What does the project do? The project team provides support and assistance with training by: • providing part-funding for training courses, and full funding for courses that focus on delivering ‘public benefits’ (please see back page for more information) • helping to identify training needs • finding trainers and courses to meet these needs • finding others who are interested in the same training to make up course numbers • influencing course dates and venues to suit the location and time commitments unique to land based businesses • providing on-going monitoring and evaluation to ensure high quality courses, run by expert trainers Image: Colour photograph of two men shooting in the hills PAGE 4 What types of courses attract funding? Use and maintenance of machinery/ equipment/vehicles, eg ATV/argocat/quad bike, chainsaws Environmental courses, eg deer stalking certificates, dry stone wall dyking Management development and business skills, eg identifying training needs, communication skills, team building Image: Colour photograph of logs being mechanically lifted onto back of a lorry in forest clearance work. Health and Safety, eg helicopter fire fighting, risk assessments Customer Care, eg Welcome Host, visitor management IT, eg Farmplan, Internet and e-mail, computerising farm records and accounts Technical Training, eg vermin control, butchery Please note that a training course that is required by statute cannot be funded. PAGE 5 If you are a land based business and are interested in finding out more about the Land Based Business Training Project, or have ideas for new Public Benefit courses, please contact us by email or complete the form below and return to us by post or fax. Name ................................................................ Business ............................................................ Address .............................................................. .......................................................................... .......................................................................... Tel ...................................................................... Fax .................................................................... Email.................................................................. Suggestions........................................................ .......................................................................... .......................................................................... Please return this form to: Kate Christie Land Based Business Project Manager The Cairngorms National Park Authority 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey, Moray PH26 3HG email: katechristie@cairngorms.co.uk tel: 01479 870535 fax: 01479 873527 www.cairngorms.co.uk For a large print version of this leaflet, please contact the Cairngorms National Park Authority for a copy tel: 01479 870535. PAGE 6 - Back Page Public Benefit Courses 100% funding is provided for courses which help land based businesses deliver the public benefits associated with the aims of the Cairngorms National Park. These include nature/landscape conservation; access/ outdoor recreation; water for human consumption and industry; cultural heritage and conservation. Examples of Public Benefit courses that have been delivered are; the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; Cairngorms Wildlife; Tick Control and Heather Management; Catering for the Less-able Visitor. These courses are fully funded by the European Social Fund and the Cairngorms National Park Authority and are therefore free of charge to land based businesses. Public Benefit courses will be run periodically and all land based businesses will be advised about these courses and invited to attend. Comments received about the Land Based Business Training Project "A well run, supportive project" "We have welcomed the diversity of training offered" "This training has improved employment opportunities for locals" "The training support was of great value for our business" "We are pleased with the standard of courses" "This project has been a tangible and welcome outcome of the National Park designation." Photographs by David Gowans