A DORCHESTER-based training firm is running a scheme to get more women in industries where they are under-represented.

Newlands Training Ltd will be working with LANTRA (the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector) on the Women and Work Programme.

The scheme will see Newlands, which has provided rural training for over 20 years, offer a range of courses aimed at training women for work within agriculture, land-based engineering, horticulture and environmental conservation.

Managing director Leslie Simpson said: “This is a great opportunity for women to really improve their skills.

“The aim of the course is to train women so they gain more credible presence within a very male dominated area.

“With increasing unemployment it’s a perfect opportunity for people to gain new skills to improved chances of unemployment.”

The funded training is available for women working full-time or part-time in agriculture, fencing, environmental conservation, game and wildlife management, horticulture, land based engineering, landscape, trees and timber.

For more information on the programme contact Lesley Simpson on 01305 848454 or 07976531649. Alternatively, visit the website www.newlandstraining.com.