Greenway Training accelerates growth with support from Wiltshire Council's UKSPF grant

Greenway Training, a leading provider of land-based training near Lyneham, is celebrating its continued expansion thanks to a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Since its establishment in 2015, Greenway Training has quickly expanded its facilities to meet the increasing demand for skilled workers in agriculture, forestry, and grounds maintenance. Trainees from across the UK, including as far afield as Scotland, now attend the facility to gain essential qualifications for careers in the land-based sector.

The funding has enabled the purchase of cutting-edge equipment, including a JCB telehandler and a woodchipper, ensuring Greenway Training maintains its high standards of accredited training and assessments. These investments are crucial in addressing the evolving needs of both local and national industries.

This latest phase of growth is being supported by a grant under the Skills Infrastructure scheme, which is specifically designed to help private training providers and public educational establishments enhance their training capabilities.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: It's exciting to see how local businesses are using their grants to drive growth and create new opportunities.  

Greenway Training is a prime example of how continuous investment in facilities and equipment can drive growth while strengthening both community presence and reputation. Their commitment to attracting service leavers into the agricultural sector is particularly commendable, offering a valuable pathway for those transitioning to civilian life while addressing critical skills shortages in the industry.

Supporting local businesses and their investments is crucial to driving economic growth in our community and by empowering these businesses to thrive, we are not only contributing to their success but also strengthening the economy.

Charlotte Boole, Director of Greenway Training, expressed her gratitude, said: This incredible grant has provided a significant financial boost and reinforced our commitment to empowering individuals through skill development. We're excited about the positive impact this will have on the agricultural sector and beyond.

The UKSPF grant is part of a broader initiative to support skills development in the region, with a number of exciting projects already under way. Among them are improvements at Wiltshire College, including the development of new construction skills facilities, as well as electric vehicle maintenance courses to support the transition to greener technologies. Other projects include virtual reality-based remote learning for the next generation of workers and a new engineering suite at a local school, which will cater to post-16 students pursuing careers in engineering.

The Skills Infrastructure scheme is a key component of the UK government's wider effort to invest in workforce development and support local economies. Greenway Training's expansion aligns with these goals, helping to equip the agricultural sector with the skilled professionals it needs to meet the challenges of the future.