As part of a consortium of local colleges and training providers, Newton Rigg Ltd has been awarded a share of the £2.5 million Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF).
The funding has been granted to develop training in low carbon, land-based and logistics, digital, catering and hospitality sectors.
Newton Rigg Training (NRT) has been awarded a five per cent (£120,000) share of the LSIF programme funding.
The funds will be used to support a review of existing low carbon training and qualifications specifically targeted towards the land-based sector to meet the needs of the Cumbrian workforce.
NRT will then work with partner organisations to identify and develop the training programmes required to support low carbon employment across Cumbria.
Katharine Jane, NRT’s business manager, said: “The third year of NR Training is shaping up to be busy as we continue to meet the objectives of our initial five-year strategy to survive, revive and thrive.”
Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s great that Cumbrian partners now have the funding confirmed to implement their LSIF projects.
“These will enable further important steps in implementing the Cumbrian Local Skills Improvement Plan, impacting positively on both employers and learners.”
The focus of training delivered by NRT will be on carbon literacy and land use, supported by feasibility studies and course development for low carbon opportunities in the horticultural and land sector.
Courses will run from mid-March and continue throughout the year.
In 2023, NRT’s first cohort of learners on the Gateway to Rural Employment programme, successfully completed their Open College Network qualifications, gaining Level 1 Award in Skills for Professions in Horticulture, Environmental and Animal Care.
Since NRT was launched in 2021, over 150 horticultural learners have worked from a base at Lowther Castle and Gardens.
As plans develop for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, Newton Rigg has announced a return for horticultural students to the Newton Rigg estate, with the development of a new educational teaching facility. The new site will offer certificate and diploma courses and courses in agronomy.
NRT also has strong links with gardens and horticultural groups across Cumbria to enable students to practice field work and study. These include:
- Askham Hall Gardens
- Acorn Bank Gardens
- Dalefoot Composts
- North Cumbria Orchard Group
- Dalemain Gardens
- Home Grown Cumbria
- Larch Cottage Nurseries
- Lowther Castle and Gardens
- Holehird Gardens
Katharine added: “The opportunities in front of us will hopefully take the organisation forward and support its long term aims.”
