OPENING DOORS TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Current economic conditions are tough on businesses everywhere, so to help those working within Wales’ environmental and land-based 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 staff from the Farming Connect Skills Development Programme, delivered by Lantra, 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. Farmers and foresters can find out if they qualify for 80% funding available for one-to-one support, guidance, advice and training through Farming Connect and talk to Lantra about a free skills assessment, to review their business’ training needs. The personal experiences of some Farming Connect beneficiaries are to be told in a DVD being launched on the Tuesday, so why not stop by to hear what they have to say. Visitors can also find out about the Focus on Forestry First project and the 30-50% funding of practical environmental skills courses available through the Countryside Council of Wales. Those wanting to either learn or improve their computer skills can also ask about the new Rural IT Wales programme. 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. Businesses should be taking advantage of the opportunities available 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 wales.media@lantra.co.uk. Editor’s notes Demonstrations at the Lantra building include floristry from Sian Davies, Cwtta Inspirations, Rhayader, spinning by Leslie Wickham, Builth Wells, and wood turning by Gwynne Stevens based at Abbey-cym-hir. About Farming Connect • Farming Connect is funded through the Rural Development Plan 2007 – 2013, which is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Assembly Government. • The Farming Connect’s Skills Development Programme, managed by Lantra Sector Skills Council, has the aim of improving the performance and prospects of farming and forestry businesses throughout Wales. It provides up to 80% funding of short accredited training courses. • Further information about Farming Connect can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website: http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingconnect/?lang=en 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 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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