Tim's gain from rural skills plan

South Yorkshire Rural Skills Project aims to broaden the agriculture and forestry skills base and increase business effectiveness through training.

So far this year it has helped nearly 3,000 people by part-funding training.

Among those the project has helped are arable farmer Tim Elmhirst of Barnsley. He received assistance towards essential training to enable him to diversify into a new business he is building alongside his farm.

Tim, 51, used the training to help him set up a renewable energy plumbing business, installing solar panels. He said: "I have always been interested in mechanics and took agricultural engineering at college. After college, I went to work on the family farm, but I was looking to diversify and to have my own business.

"Training was essential for me to set up this business and without the SYRS project I couldn't have done it. With the funded training I was able to go on a City and Guilds plumbing course, where I learnt a lot, but realised I needed more training and qualifications in order to do the job. Fortunately I was eligible for more funded training.

"As with any diversification, you need to have the right training and qualifications, because if you are not fully trained it is difficult to get work. Thanks to the SYRS Project I am now able to pursue my dream."

Further information from Helen Spooner, tel: 01706 873676.