Consultation opens to address skills needs for the agri-food sector
A new draft strategy to address the skills needs of the horticultural and food sector is now open for consultation.
Growers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, and technology companies in the food and drink value chain are encouraged to have their say on the Workforce 2030 strategy. We will be implementing the recommendations from the report to address the skills challenges facing the sector from autumn 2022.
Steve Matthews, Skills Champion at Locate in Kent, who researched the issues with sector companies and developed the strategy, said: “Our research confirms that a multi-pronged approach is required to address the future skills needs of an increasingly high-tech and innovative sector.
“Collaboration between industry and further education is critical to help highlight the exciting career pathways available, and to develop appropriate training and educational qualifications and apprenticeship programmes to upskill the workforce of tomorrow.”
Read the Workforce 2030 Strategy
Dr Nikki Harrison, Programme Director, Growing Kent & Medway, said: “The strategy recognises two key factors. The sector is becoming more consolidated, with highly innovative, larger-scale businesses and bigger workforces. These companies have greater pulling power for new recruits, sophisticated retention schemes, and can offer attractive career pathways.
“The food market is also driven by cost pressures and high-quality requirements. Automation and new technologies are increasing in importance to balance these competing needs, requiring new competencies throughout the workforce.”
Tom Hulme, Director, A C Hulme & Sons, a mixed farm operating in East Kent since 1946, said: “Access to work ready, skilled labour is one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our sector. I would encourage businesses across the supply chain to have their say on this important consultation. This is an opportunity to put in place practical support to ensure our businesses are able to thrive, with the right skills and staff coming through.”
The six main issues addressed by the Workforce 2030 strategy are:
- Recruitment and retention of labour
- Improving current curriculum and qualification pathways
- Creating new sector-specific engineering qualifications and training
- Bespoke leadership and management training programmes for the industry
- Supporting innovation in areas like automation, sustainability and quality
- Improving communication and engagement between employers, education and individuals
Have your say
You can read the Workforce 2030 Strategy at growingkentandmedway.com/skills. Businesses are invited to submit their feedback through an online survey or attend a virtual discussion session on the following days.
- Monday 18 July, 12-2pm
- Wednesday 17 August, 8.30-9.30am
- Tuesday 13 September, 8.30-9.30am
The consultation closes on 13 September 2022.
Useful links
- Register your place on an online focus group session
- Complete the survey
- Read the Workforce 2030 Strategy
- Review the supporting research report
The strategy has been developed by Locate in Kent through a process of research and consultation with companies in the landbased and food sector, universities, Further Education colleges and other key stakeholders. The work has also informed the Local Skills Improvement Plan, run by Kent Invicta Chamber, and the forthcoming Kent and Medway Workforce Skills Evidence Base Action Plan.
Developing the future workforce for Kent and Medway
The Workforce 2030 Skills Strategy and supporting research was developed by Locate in Kent, as part of Growing Kent & Medway's plans to ensure businesses in the region have the right workforce in the future.
As part of our programme, Locate in Kent are working to ensure the skills and training requirements of local businesses are represented to local civic leaders and political bodies. They are working with industry to ensure the training provision in the the region is responsive to their needs, allowing businesses to continue to be innovative, productive and competitive.
