Lantra hosts conference for Training Providers

A stimulating and informative conference to raise awareness of the roles and responsibilities of Lantra Sector Skills Council, training providers and key government stakeholders in developing National Occupational Standards, qualifications and learning was hosted at Crieff Hydro.

During the event attendees heard from a range of people involved within training and the development of qualifications; this included John Gillan, proprietor of Premier One Land Services Ltd; Iain McCaskey, Qualifications Manager at the Alliance Sector Skills Council who gave an overview of the Modern Apprenticeship scheme; Amanda Laing, Accreditation Manager at the Scottish Qualifications Authority who advised of her role in ensuring that all National Occupational Standards that are developed are fit for purpose; and Sandy Thompson, D&J Thomson Farmer who spoke about his role as a Lantra Skills Ambassador. John Gillan, who is also Chair of Lantra’s National Council said: “In this time of uncertainty Lantra plays an important role as the link between the provider and the employer; if we can understand the requirements and needs of each of these groups we can then help to meet their needs in the most direct and cost effective way. Skills and training development must be designed to meet employer’s needs so we must work together to make the best use of what limited resources are available to us.” Attendees at the conference also attended a series of workshop sessions which focused on aspects of funding and the services Lantra provides. The funding sessions were undertaken by Helen Alsom, Skills Development Scotland and Dr Andre Reibig, Scottish Funding Council; while Rob Lloyd-Jones, Liz Pridgeon and Izzy Beresford provided an overview of Lantra’s tools and services, these included: Skills Manager, National Student Database, One Stop Shop, Occupational Standards, Labour Market Information and Lantra Awards. Mary Mitchell, Lantra’s Regional Partnership Manager said: “This event was really beneficial as it offered the opportunity to engage with a wide range of training providers to give them a better understanding of how training and qualifications are developed, and to let them know how they can get involved with us, through responding to consultations, and reviews for National Occupational Standards and apprenticeships.” Lesley Lowrie from Gosta Training said: “This conference provided an excellent opportunity to discuss important issues affecting the training and funding available for our students and employers. It also enabled delegates to share issues of ‘best practice’ and to keep up to date with the work Lantra is currently involved with.” ENDS ISSUED BY: Paula Smyth, Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator Tel: 028 7963 1304 or email Scotland.media@lantra.co.uk EDITORS NOTES • 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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