NOW IS THE TIME TO JOIN A MAJOR REVIEW OF EQUINE INDUSTRY STANDARDS

A major review of the skills standards required for jobs in the equine industry has begun, giving employers the chance to ensure their ways of working are accurately reflected.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is spearheading the UK wide project, which will lead to a new list of skills needed for staff in equine roles. Lantra is seeking those with a keen involvement in the equine industry to participate in the review and help ensure that National Occupational Standards fit modern business needs. Amy Cosgrove, Partnership Manager at Lantra, said: “The standards are a great tool to use in the workplace as 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 equine qualifications. Our consultation is a critical process for the sector as it will determine the content of future qualifications so we want as many people as possible to take part.” Working group meetings, due to take place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on Wednesday 19 May and Tuesday 3 August, will give all those interested parties the opportunity to come along and contribute to defining the standards for the equine industry. Lantra wants as many people to get involved as possible but if you can’t attend the meeting, you can register to receive updates and to take part in the online consultation that will follow later in the year. Helen Gallop, from Summerhouse Education and Equitation Centre, said: “It’s really important for the equine industry to get involved in the upcoming review as it gives us the opportunity to ensure we are happy with the standards and to make sure they’re fit for purpose.“ Amy concluded: “Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we ensure that the new 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 meeting or to register your interest and help industry get the most out of the skills system, email standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk, or call Lantra on 02476 858 424. ENDS Issued by: Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 407. NOTES TO EDITOR: Meeting details: • Wednesday 19 May 2010 at Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England • Tuesday 3 August 2010 at Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, England. National Occupational Standards National Occupational Standards offer a framework for good employment practice in the equine 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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