Fencing must train for survival

With a declining workforce and continuing economic threat to many small businesses, fencing businesses must invest in skills to ensure their survival according to a new report published by Lantra Sector Skills Council today (6 December).

The report, which sought the views of 450 fencing businesses, identifies the current skill needs and challenges faced within today’s UK fencing industry, revealing that only 40% of fencing businesses have had training in the last year. Lantra’s Fencing Industry Manager, Kevin Thomas, said: “To survive in the current climate, businesses must stay on top of the industry’s skill gaps and make their core workers more effective. The majority of businesses we surveyed indicated they don’t have a training plan or budget and this needs to be addressed urgently. Training is crucial if businesses are to adapt to the latest technologies and encourage new blood into the industry.” Although the research showed that job vacancies within the industry are low, six in ten employers say that when there is one they struggle to find the right people with the right skills for the job. Apprenticeships is one route to help address this issue, combining hands-one experience with a nationally recognised qualification, and when asked 31% of employers indicated that they would consider offering an Apprenticeship in the future Kevin continued: “31% of employers thinking about Apprenticeships is a great start but we want to see many more. Not only are Apprenticeships a great way of encouraging young entrants into the industry but they are a proven way to train your workforce. They can make your organisation more effective, productive and competitive by addressing your skills gaps directly – which is even more important in uncertain economic times.” Despite a declining workforce over the last 12 months, the fencing industry is feeling optimistic about the future and expecting both turnover and employment to increase or at least stabilise. Kevin concluded. “Whilst feeling optimistic we can’t get complacent. To be ready for the future the industry needs to work together to promote fencing as a viable career, highlight the business benefits of training and make it easier and more affordable to access the training required including raising awareness of Apprenticeships.” To download the report visit www.lantra.co.uk/Research. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Vicky Brewin, Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 417. NOTES TO EDITOR: About Lantra Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need. An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk

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