Gateway to skills

Andy Kehoe, a farmer from Bangor, was the talk of the Smallholder and Festival, Builth Wells, this weekend (15-16 May) as he showed off his traditional gate-making skills to thousands of visitors. Andy Kehoe is part of a farming family dynasty dating back to the 1850s and was at the show, on behalf of Lantra Sector Skills Council, with his wife Hilary and son Ffred, in an effort to help ensure some of Wales’ traditional skills are not forgotten. Andy said, “Seeing my family and I working together, splitting oak and turning a tree trunk into a traditional hewn gate, struck a chord with many of the show goers. People stopped to watch and remembered how their own families used to make the gates and posts needed for their farms too. People like the fact that each gate is an original one-off with its own character.” Some people took a turn at using the traditional tools themselves, learning how to use a draw knife while sitting and balancing wood on the shave horse. Younger visitors helped to sand a finished gate, while one enterprising lady hammered in wedges to split a log. “One show visitor, who was a computer system designer, said he was tempted to consider a change of career after turning a rough post into a gate rail on the shave horse!” said Andy. “There was a lot of interest in the old tools and people asked where they might get training. We didn’t have to send them far – we were right in Lantra’s doorway! “The fact we had many enquiries about ordering gates for gardens, farms, and even the Chelsea Flower Show, indicates there is a definite market for quality, traditionally crafted gates. “My son, Ffred, has helped me at shows since his teens and undertaken training, arranged through Lantra, in the many skills needed to work on the farm and in the conservation contracting business. Although pursuing his own career, he works in the family business whenever he can. His sister, Celyn, also helps out with woodland work and the farm and hopes to take her trailer test soon. Kevin Thomas, Lantra Sector Skills Council’s National Director for Wales, said, “Gate-making is just one of the many traditional skills that can be the basis for a new career in the environmental and land-based sector. Lantra wanted to be able to inspire people at the show, through activities such as this, but also be there to point them in the right direction to find out more. It’s not always easy to know how to get started or who to turn to for advice. ” Kevin continued, “The show proved really successful but it doesn’t all end there. People can find out more about careers in the sector by visiting our website, www.lantra.co.uk, or visit us at the Royal Welsh Show where we will once again be on hand to help.” The Royal Welsh Show is being held at Builth Wells, July 19 to 22. For more information visit www.lantra.co.uk or call 01982 552646. – ENDS – For more information please contact: Mhairi Aikman, Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 418 or email mhairi.aikman@lantra.co.uk. Editor’s notes Andy Kehoe and his family run 120-acre Tyddyn Isaf farm at Llandygái near Bangor, which has been in his family since his uncle’s great grandfather became a joiner on the Penrhyn Estate in the 1850s. The other demonstrations at the show jointly funded by Lantra, NIACE Dysgu Cymru and the European Social Fund 2007-2013, via the Welsh Assembly Government, were: dog grooming by Claire Hyde, Blackwood, Gwent; chainsaw safety and maintenance from Chris Hughes, of the Mid-Wales and the Marches Assessment Centre, Rhayader; willow hurdle and garden furniture-making, by Mary Zammitt; dry stone walling by Stuart Fry; floristry from Sian Davies of Cwtta Inspirations; hanging baskets and planters by Julie Robinson, from Beacons Nursery; and sheep shearing courtesy of the British Wool Marketing Board. About Lantra  Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. In Wales, it represents over 18,500 businesses, across 17 industries, 99% of which are micro-businesses employing less than ten people, with 94% employing four or less. Their 85,000 employees represent 7.5 per cent of the UK’s total environmental and land-based workforce. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.  The sector is vital to the Welsh economy as tourism associated to the Welsh environment is estimated to be worth 821million and support 23,600 jobs. Another 117,000 jobs are required to manage our natural environment in Wales.  Much of the land-based workforce is highly skilled in technical areas, with years of vocational experience and, often, family tradition, behind them. However, their skills are often unaccredited and their valuable experience not recognised. Lantra works to ensure that these skills and experience are recognised alongside formal qualifications and professional development and helps employers access “bite-sized” units of learning.  The 17 industries Lantra represents are clustered around: land management and production; animal health and welfare; conservation and management of the natural environment.  As of 1 January 2010, all eligible businesses registered with Farming Connect became able to access 80% funding towards the cost of training through the Skills Development Programme managed by Lantra. The additional 30% contribution should encourage more farmers to take up the short accredited courses and free business skills assessment available to them.

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