Approximately 14,000 workers in the food and drink sector across Wales do not possess the necessary skills to deliver the business needs of their employers according to newly published research by The Welsh Food and Drink Skills Project.
Despite having weathered the global recession in Wales better than the UK average, with a 3.4% increase in sales revenue from 2009 (compared to an UK average of 1.4%), the report also concluded that employers noted that it was difficult to fill all their job vacancies with applicants possessing sufficient skills or having the ‘right attitude’ to employment.
The food and drink sector in Wales employs approximately 230,000 people, which makes up around 18% of the total Welsh workforce and encompasses primary production, food and drink manufacturing as well as hospitality and retail. Generating around £6.5bn of sales revenue annually, the industry is, in fact, now the largest combined industry of employment in Wales.
The report’s main recommendations highlight that through increased up-skilling across the Food & Drink Supply Chain over the coming years the sector can grow even further and add significantly to the Welsh economic recovery.
The Delivering Skills for the Future Growth 2011 report is the collaborative report by The Welsh Food and Drink Skills Project, which surveyed over 2,000 businesses across Wales. The project brings together the four Sector Skills Councils (Lantra, Improve, People 1st and Skillsmart Retail) who have overall responsibility to ensure that the Welsh food and drink industry is equipped with the skills needed to meet the challenges of the next ten years.
According to Kevin Thomas, Wales National Director of Lantra, “Our report highlights the skills gaps currently affecting the food and drink supply chain in Wales. The report does show weaknesses in the sector’s skill levels but our job looking forward is to close these gaps. The importance of the sector has been highlighted by the Welsh Government’s recognition of Food and Farming as a priority sector in the Welsh Government Economic Renewal Policy and our aim is to ensure that the sector’s training needs are met and that Wales over the coming 10 years are sector leaders throughout the UK.”
The report’s recommendations includes increasing the profile and understanding of the food and drink industry as a potential career path choice as well as improving links between educational training providers and the wider industry. Creating new apprenticeship schemes, combining retailing and manufacturing skills, is another avenue currently being investigated by the project.
According to Jeff Cuthbert, Deputy Minister for Skills, “The Welsh Government is committed to releasing the untapped potential of the Welsh Food and Drink supply chain through ensuring the continued up-skilling of workers and businesses across the industry. Each part of the supply chain is significant and has its unique challenges.”
“Having so far weathered the global storm of recession better than most, it is through adding even further value that this strong industry can seek to punch above its weight at a European level. Taking advantage of up-skilling across the supply chain and thereby encouraging diversification or, at times, increased specialism in certain areas, will be crucial in unlocking the potential of this industry in years to come.”
