As Lantra has recently warned, with agriculture losing 15,900 workers per year, there is a risk the UK farmer could become extinct by 2035 unless action is taken. The Skills for our Nation events give people the opportunity to consider opportunities and careers in the diverse sector that Lantra represents.
From farming, fencing, fisheries management and floristry, veterinary nursing to beekeeping and handling birds of prey, the environmental and land-based sector is a huge contributor to the nation’s economy. More importantly on average it pays over £100 more each week in excess of that earned in retail, hotels or restaurants, yet young people are failing to see the unlocked potential of the land-based industry.
Commenting on the event, Dr Gordon McGlone OBE, Chairman of Lantra, said: “Through showcasing the career and training opportunities within the industry and talking to real people who have thriving careers within the industry we hope to inspire future gamekeepers, groundsmen and conservationists, plus many other fruitful careers. With over 14,800 businesses from across the West Midlands already active within the land-based industry we know that there is the appetite, interest and skill base within the region – we hope this event in Victoria Square will inspire many more.”
Visitors were invited to attend Lantra’s free event in Victoria Square and to experience some of the activities showcased. Experts were on-hand to provide real-life anecdotes of how they established their careers and the opportunities available to train and develop specialist skills.
Lantra wishes to thank George Beach of Hiller Farms Ltd., Alcester who supported the event and participated in the radio broadcast which highlighted some of the issues facing his industry.
