Skills groomed to perfection

Visitors to the Smallholders and Garden Festival, Builth Wells, this weekend (15-16 May) got an unusual glimpse into the world of dog grooming as Claire Hyde, of Classic Canine Cuts, Blackwood, Gwent, treated them to a show of what it is like to look after our pooch’s hair. Formerly a teacher, Claire has been a qualified dog groomer since 1994. In 1998 she combined these two careers to start teaching at local colleges. She has since opened a grooming school to help others gain qualifications. Claire carried out the demonstrations at the show, on behalf of Lantra Sector Skills Council, to give visitors the chance to find out what the job involves. She said, “I love my job as a dog groomer but it is not always a career that springs to people’s minds. I enjoyed giving people the chance to see what it is all about and it certainly proved popular – I was kept very busy answering people’s questions on grooming, animal care as well as offering training advice.“ Among the questions she was posed was how long it takes to train to become a groomer and do you how what to do when dogs come in so many shapes and sizes? Claire explained, “At my own grooming school students take a six week course that is a hands-on approach, where they are encouraged to work and learn at their own pace under expert supervision. Kevin Thomas, Lantra Sector Skills Council’s National Director for Wales, said, “Dog grooming is just one of the many careers the environmental and land-based sector offers, but people do not always know how to get started or who to turn to for advice. Lantra wanted to be able to inspire people at the show, through activities such as this, but also be there to point them in the right direction to find out more.” Kevin continued, “The show proved really successful but it doesn’t all end there. People can find out more about careers in the sector by visiting our website, www.lantra.co.uk, or visit us at the Royal Welsh Show where we will once again be on hand to help.” The Royal Welsh Show is being held at Builth Wells, July 19 to 22. For more information visit www.lantra.co.uk or call 01982 552646. – ENDS – Clare Hyde offering advice and showing a member of the public how to hand-strip a Border Terrier. (hi-resolution jpegs available upon request) For more information please contact: Mhairi Aikman, Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 418 or email mhairi.aikman@lantra.co.uk. Editor’s notes The other demonstrations jointly funded by Lantra, NIACE Dysgu Cymru and the European Social Fund 2007-2013, via the Welsh Assembly Government, were: traditional gate-making by Andy Kehoe, Bangor; chainsaw maintenance from Chris Hughes, of the Mid-Wales and the Marches Assessment Centre, Rhayader; willow hurdle and garden furniture-making, by Mary Zammitt; dry stone walling by Stuart Fry; floristry from Sian Davies of Cwtta Inspirations; hanging baskets and planters by Julie Robinson, from Beacons Nursery; and sheep shearing courtesy of the British Wool Marketing Board. 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

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