Changes to Funding - First Aid + Forestry
What is Changing?
Since 2010 Focus on Forestry First has promoted Emergency First Aid at work + Forestry (EFAW+F) as a vital skill for every beneficiary to hold.
From July 2019 it will be a pre-requirement for any Beneficiary Business accessing the Skills Development funding to hold or complete a minimum of EFAW+F qualification before any other Skills Development funding will be released.
Why?
EFAW+F is considered the industry minimum standard for anyone working in the forestry sector. Both NRW & FISA demand this to enter their sites for work.
FFF continue to support all Trees & Timber operatives to achieve this minimum.
The first year of project data collected by FFF shows many businesses, during planning, have had the intention to do this training as a priority before any other needs. Unfortunately, a significant number have not done this for various reasons. The most poignant being ‘lack of time’ and ‘we can’t find a course’.
How will we help you gain this training?
Focus on Forestry First will include EFAW+F in the Knowledge Transfer Programme immediately.
FFF will organise one KT Event for EFAW+F in at least five areas of Wales (North West, North East, Mid, South West & South East). These can be booked onto by any FFF Beneficiary Business or Employee of a Beneficiary Business for £10pp.
The offer of these places will be prompted upon your re-registration with FFF or by us contacting you directly if your current Training Agreement has already expired or you have not yet completed your EFAW+F.
FFF will still include EFAW+F as one of the Skills Development courses.
There is no intention to replace the provision already being taken up from Training Providers, but to address the problems beneficiaries have identified.
However, in future any beneficiary with a Training Agreement that includes EFAW+F will have to complete that course first.