OPENING DOORS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Current economic conditions are tough on businesses everywhere, so to help those working within Wales’ equine and veterinary industries, Lantra Sector Skills Council is throwing open the doors of its Builth Wells office during the Royal Welsh Show (July 19-22).

Industry experts, training providers and Welsh Assembly Government representatives are working together so that the show’s visitors can easily find out about the training and support that is available, or ask about the many rewarding environmental and land-based careers. Among those joining Lantra will be experienced equine nurse and Lantra Skills Ambassador Bonny Millar CVT(USA) RVN REVN MBVNA. Bonny is the British Veterinary Nursing Association Senior Vice President, and will be joined by a team of veterinary nursing volunteers. Bonny says, “This event is one of Europe’s largest agricultural shows generally attracting over 200,000 visitors. As it falls within National Veterinary Nursing Week this year and has a strong equine programme of activities, the BVNA is keen to have a presence at the show. “From Tuesday onwards I will there to show how equine health checks are carried out and scored. The information such checks provide can be invaluable when you are considering the purchase of a new horse and are also a great way of monitoring your horse’s condition. By reacting to subtle changes quickly, you may be able to reduce you’re your veterinary bills and ensure your horse or pony has the best care possible. “You can also ask questions about the role of the modern veterinary nurse, the training they undertake and how much the profession has changed over the years. So do please come along and chat with the team and myself, we’ll be happy to help you.“ Anyone wanting to learn or improve their computer skills, can find out if the new Rural IT Wales programme offers them a chance to gain a qualification in this area or become more confident in using computers. Kevin Thomas, Lantra Sector Skills Council’s National Director for Wales, says, “Research following the last recession showed that businesses investing in training were two and half times more likely to succeed. We will be on hand to point all businesses in the right direction to equip themselves with highly motivated, well-trained staff capable of raising productivity and controlling costs effectively.” You can find out more by visiting us either in person at the Royal Welsh Show, calling 01982 552646 or by visiting www.lantra.co.uk/wales. – ENDS – For more information or a photograph please contact: Mhairi Aikman, Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 418 or email mhairi.aikman@lantra.co.uk. Editor’s notes 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. About National Veterinary Nursing Week 2010 – 18 - 24 July  National Veterinary Nursing Week has grown considerably since its launch in 2005.  National VN Week is about promoting the importance of the profession and its effect on the improvement of animal welfare through excellent nursing care.  The British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has a number of events throughout the UK to support this aim. About the Royal Welsh Show – 19 - 22 July  This four day event is the largest agricultural show in Europe. For further information visit www.rwas.co.uk/en/welsh-show/the-royal-welsh-show.

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