England Rural Development Programme (ERDP)
Vocational Training Scheme
Location National
Dates

 Deadline for applications: There is no deadline
The period for projects to take place is: Ongoing

Aims Objective of the funding opportunity:  To improve the skills base and the economic situation in farming, horticulture and forestry, improve competitiveness and strengthen the rural economy. The funding also aims to encourage diversification and the protection of the environment.
It aims to help the following client groups:

Those in work


 
FRESA priorities The funding opportunity fits with the following FRESA priorities:

Top priorities:
Workforce development and in-work progression
Skills for employability
Response to redundancies

High priorities:
Increase of take-up of training by SMEs
Sector skills

Medium priorities:
Enterprise
ICT
Access to learning and ICT



More information on the FRESA
The following labour market factsheets contain evidence to support bids for this funding: Skills for Employability

Eligibility Eligible to apply:    Individuals seeking training and organisations providing training. Some organisations, such as Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Establishments are ineligible. See Vocational Training Scheme - Information and Guidance for Applicants for details.
Match funding: Match funding of 25% is required.
Accreditation Organisations must have the following accreditation to bid: No accreditation is needed
Amount available

Total funding available:   £3 million nationally in 2002/3
Minimum bid size:
Projects must provide at least 20 days training

Application

You will need the following documents to apply for this funding:

Vocational Training Scheme - Information and Guidance for Applicants
Training Organiser Application Form
Training Organiser/ Training Provider Claim for Grant
Training Organiser/ Training Provider Supplementary Information Form
Project Manager's Guide

ERDP Application Form
ERDP Guidance Notes


Contact

For further information contact:  
DEFRA (RDS)
Block B
Government Buildings
Brooklands Avenue
Cambridge
CB2 2DR
01223 462727
enquires@defra.gov.gsi.uk
      
http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/training/default.htm

Weblinks Other useful links:   England Rural Development Programme (ERDP): http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/default.htm