SOUTH West Euro MP Giles Chichester saw EU-funded rural skills training at first hand last week, during a fact-finding visit to the Tavistock area.
The chainsaw demonstration was carried out by trainees involved in WestDEN?s Rural Skills Project, a scheme which gives advice and free training in a wide range of traditional and modern rural skills to people in West Devon over the age of 30.
The training is tailor-made and also covers IT, first aid, traditional crafts and the use of heavy machinery.
Mr Chichester watched four trainees at work at Kelly, during a nationally approved four-day basic chainsaw course run by Lantra Instructor Alan Stephens. The course should help the trainees gain better work opportunities.
Mr Chichester said: ?I was most impressed to see the WestDEN woodcraft training and chainsaw gang in action. It is good to see EU funds being applied to something useful!?
Mr Chichester also visited the WestDEN offices in Tavistock?s Canal Road to hear about other projects run by the charity, which include helping young people with transport, training and even involvement with politics.
Richard Halliwell, rural skills project manager, said: ?This was an excellent opportunity to show a representative from the European Parliament the value of practical training to the people and economy of this district.
?The wide range of training courses we offer plays a vital role in giving people over the age of 30 important new skills and employment opportunities.?
WestDEN?s Rural Skills Project is funded until the end of 2004 by the European Social Fund and the Learning and Skills Council.