PLANTING THE SEEDS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Welsh land-based and environmental businesses must cultivate world-class skills in order to thrive and fully support the nation’s economic recovery, according to new research, published today by Lantra Sector Skills Council. The report, title The Skills Assessment for Wales, identifies that Welsh businesses must recruit almost 26,000 new land-based and environmental entrants at all qualification levels over the next decade just to maintain current workforce levels. Despite these new entrants, the estimated 18,300 Welsh businesses and 90,750 people employees must develop their skills through continual professional development in order to thrive in a competitive market. Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National Director for Wales, said: “Lantra’s Skills Assessment analyses current and future skills needs, shows how job roles are changing, identifies the new skills that will be required, and examines major shifts in employment. It is an essential tool for policy makers and researchers responsible for developing evidence based policy about skills and our sector.” This research recognises drivers for change that have a major impact on the sector and employment. These topics include global climate change, enhancing environmental protection, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and the increased demand for food, energy and water. In order to properly address these global issues, businesses and employees will need skills to operate on this global level. Kevin continued “The headline conclusions of the Welsh Skills Assessment support the key messages from previous research studies –the rapid changes in the sector, the urgent need to recruit new entrants of all ages, the challenge of skilling the workforce and working with businesses to make sure they are up-to-date with technological developments. “Our research shows that there will be opportunities for individuals from all educational backgrounds and with different skills levels. Of the estimated 26,000 new entrants, the largest need will be in managerial occupations, sales and customer service occupations and skilled trade occupations. “There will be opportunities over the next decade in the land-based and environmental industries for new entrants and those already working in the sector. It is the perfect opportunity to get a new career doing something you really enjoy, but in order to truly thrive, the entire industry must constantly hone their skills and manage successful, profitable businesses.” Lantra’s full Welsh Skills Assessment, is available to download at www.lantra.co.uk/research. To find out about careers in the land-based and environmental industries visit www.lantra.co.uk/careers. For more information about Lantra’s work, visit www.lantra.co.uk. ENDS ISSUED BY: Lantra Press Office Contact: Samuel Zelmer-Jackson, PR Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 418 or email media@lantra.co.uk For enquiries in Welsh contact: Lantra Builth Wells Tel: 01982 552646 or email: wales@lantra.co.uk EDITORS NOTES: Follow Lantra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LantraSSC About the Skills Assessment • The Skills Assessment report sets out the skills gaps of the current workforce and identifies the projected skills needs until 2020. • Each year, it provides vital information on the sector so government, employers, individuals and everyone else are able to make the right investments in skills to thrive and grow. • This annual report brings together research from Wales and the United Kingdom on all the industries in the land-based and environmental sector. Farming is the largest industry representing around 40% of the sector by employment, but the Assessment also covers areas such as landscaping, horticulture, land-based engineering, animal welfare and a further 11 industries. About Lantra • 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. • Lantra represents 17 industries: agricultural livestock and crops; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities. • 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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