A new draft scheme to turn to the skills need of the horticultural and food sector has been publish by Growing Kent & Medway and is now open for interview .
Growers , processor , manufacturer , distributor , and technology company in the intellectual nourishment and drink economic value chain are encourage to have their say on the Workforce 2030 strategy . The recommendations from the report will be implemented to plow the skills challenges facing the sector from autumn 2022 .
Steve Matthews , Growing Kent , and Medway ’s Skills Champion , who researched the issues with sphere companies and modernise the scheme , suppose : " Our research support that a multi - fork-like approach is necessitate to address the next accomplishment pauperization of an increasingly gamy - tech and advanced sphere . "
" Collaboration between industriousness and further education is decisive to assist highlight the exciting career pathways usable , and to uprise appropriate education and educational qualifications and apprenticeship programs to upskill the work force of tomorrow . "
Dr. Nikki Harrison , Programme Director , Growing Kent & Medway , enunciate : " The strategy recognizes two key factors . The sphere is becoming more consolidated , with highly innovative , big - shell businesses and big workforces . These company have greater pulling power for new recruits , advanced retention schemes , and can offer attractive career pathway . "
" The food market is also drive by price pressures and high - quality requirements . mechanization and Modern applied science are increase in grandness to poise these contend needs , demand new competencies throughout the work force . "
Tom Hulme , Director , A C Hulme & Sons , a mixed farm operating in East Kent since 1946 , said : " accession to body of work - quick , skilled labor is one of the biggest challenge and opportunities confront our sector . I would encourage businesses across the supplying chain to have their say on this important audience . This is an chance to put in piazza practical support to ensure our business organisation are able to thrive , with the right skill and staff coming through . "
The six main issues addressed by the Workforce 2030 scheme are :
you may read the Workforce 2030 Strategy atgrowingkentandmedway.com/skills . clientele are invited to submit their feedback through anonline surveyor attend avirtual discussionsession on the follow day .
The reference close on13 September 2022 .
The strategy has been developed through a process of research and interview with companies in the land - based and food sector , universities , Further Education college , and other central stakeholders . The piece of work has also informed theLocal Skills Improvement Plan , break away by Kent Invicta Chamber , and the coming Kent and MedwayWorkforce Skills Evidence Base Action Plan .
For more information : raise Kent & Medwaywww.growingkentandmedway.com
