JOIN A MAJOR REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT STANDARDS FOR THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY

Lantra Sector Skills Council has launched an extensive consultation examining management and technical roles, skills and responsibilities in the horticulture industry. Horticulture managers and professionals are being asked to complete an online survey as part of the industry’s National Occupational Standards (NOS).

David Winn, Industry Partnership Manager at Lantra says he believes the Standards are vital in reflecting the changes which have taken place in the past few years. He said: “The Standards are a great tool to use in the workplace, they can be used to identify the skills needed, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans, develop job descriptions and they also form the basis of horticultural qualifications.” “We need as many people involved in this review as possible, especially with the substantial change there has been to the skills demands within the horticultural industry over the past few years.” The Standards were previously two documents, amenity horticulture management and production horticulture management, but have now been merged into one. The original standards were last reviewed in 2005. David added: “I would strongly recommend industry takes part in the online consultation, which will be taking place from Monday 4 October to Monday 1 November 2010. This is your opportunity to make sure your ways of working are accurately reflected.” Higher Education Institutions with horticultural related provision are also invited to contribute to the review in October, as the Standards are used for mapping during curriculum development, review and accreditation. David concluded: “These new Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we make sure that the National Occupational Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by employers.” To take part in the online review and help the horticultural industry get the most out of the skills system, visit www.lantra.co.uk/NOS. You can also register your interest before October by emailing standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk or calling Lantra on 02476 858 424. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Paula Smyth, Lantra Press Office – ni.media@lantra.co.uk or 028 7963 1304. NOTES TO EDITOR: National Occupational Standards National Occupational Standards offer a framework for good employment practice in the industry and define the skills, knowledge and experience required to work in the industry. They provide a tool for small and micro businesses, employers, careers advisors and trainers to benchmark and assess what skills are required to do a job. About Lantra • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.

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