Developing a new strategy for skills, development and training for agricultural workers in Wales

‘Working in Wales…supporting our agri-workers’ …  land-based skills, training and continual professional development under the spotlight this autumn

On Thursday, 19 October, invited representatives from key rural stakeholder organisations including educational establishments and training providers in Wales, will attend ‘Working in Wales – supporting our agri-workers’, a skills and continuing professional development (CPD) conference, to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

Hosted by Farming Connect in conjunction with the Agriculture Advisory Panel for Wales, delegates will be asked to consider the existing provision available and what else might need to be put in place to best support the future training, CPD and career prospects of all those wanting to work within the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors in Wales in the years ahead.

Findings and recommendations from the conference will be an important first step towards a ‘Call for evidence’ which will be launched at the event on behalf of the Agriculture Advisory Panel for Wales’ sub-committee on skills, development and training. Chair of the sub-committee, Dr Nerys Llewelyn Jones, a keynote speaker at the event, says that feedback from the conference will help shape the strategy for future training options and career prospects of all agricultural workers in Wales. The event will be organised by Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Invited delegates will include representatives from all key rural stakeholder organisations and training providers including the farming unions, Wales Young Farmers Club, schools, universities, further and higher education establishments as well as Hybu Cig Cymru, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and supply chain partners. Keynote speakers and facilitated workshops will address issues including recruitment, training and CPD including the importance of promoting and utilising Storfa Sgiliau, Farming Connect’s secure online tool for recording skills and achievements, in order to attract and retain motivated, competent agricultural workers who will meet the future needs of all land-based businesses in Wales.

“Ours is an ever-changing industry which must be professional, vibrant and able to meet the environmental and economic demands of the future.”

“Our collective responsibility as rural stakeholders is to work collaboratively, to identify gaps in provision and address any obstacles or challenges facing workers as they prepare for a future where innovation and modern technology will play an increasingly significant part.”

“We must engage with potential workers while also acknowledging the important contribution of our current workforce and ensure that we have in place the support and opportunities they all need to help them progress, stay motivated and incentivised to develop their skills and knowledge further,” said Dr Llewelyn Jones.

The programme for the day will include presentations from speakers and facilitated workshops when attendees will discuss and put forward recommendations on issues which impact on the careers and prospects of all farm workers in Wales. Collective findings from both the conference and the skills, development and training sub-committee ‘Call for evidence’, will help influence a new strategy for the sector from 2024 onwards.