FUW invests in training for Carmarthenshire pupils

The Farmers' Union of Wales has invested in helping pupils at a Carmarthenshire school learn about the countryside and the food it produces.

The union has donated £600 to help set up an Agriculture and Countryside Management training course for 14 to 19-year-old pupils at Dyffryn Taf school, Whitland.

FUW president Gareth Vaughan said: "In past years there have been many instances of agricultural college mergers and closures and when we heard that Dyffryn Taf School were launching a new BTEC Agriculture and Countryside Management course for their pupils we were more than happy to lend a helping hand.

"It is vital that young people have the opportunity to learn of the challenges that face farmers from day to day as well as how food is produced.

"We need to ensure that the industry can continue to receive young, highly-trained technicians who have received top quality education and training."

Head teacher Robert Newsome said: "As with any vocational course, costs are significant. We are very grateful therefore for the FUW's financial support.

"They are seeing it as an investment into the industry that can provide proper training opportunities locally. The £600 will go towards buying personal equipment and tools for the course."

The course is run in collaboration with the county's Coleg Sir Gar further education college as part of its Learning Pathway programme that offers continuity and progression for students aged 14 to 19.

Core elements of the course are: safe and effective working practices; transport supplies of physical resources within the work area; maintenance of structures and equipment; and care of animals.

Photograph: The seven pupils currently taking the course with, back row, from left, FUW Carmarthenshire county vice chairman Ian Rickman, county chairman Roy Jones, Robert Newsome, county president Lyn Thomas and Coleg Sir Gar Gelli Aur campus lecturer Robert Davies.