Representatives from Lochaber's rural industries gathered at the Lochaber Rural Complex to safeguard the future of land-based skills.
The experts, from a variety of industries including farming, forestry, crofting and game and wildlife, said that land-based industries are vital to the economy of Lochaber and without them; there would be no sustainable rural communities.
The skills needed to ensure these industries are successful and viable are often not recognised and undervalued. Many of the traditional methods of passing knowledge to new entrants through informal mentoring are disappearing. There is now a real danger that valuable skills and knowledge could be lost forever.
Attendees heard about a wide range of local opportunities and how some of the key partnerships are working in the Lochaber area and across the Highlands & Islands. Speakers included representatives from, the Scottish Crofting Foundation, Forestry Contractors Association, The Rural Education Trust, Lantra, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and learning providers specialising in work-based learning.
The event was hosted by Sector Skills Council Lantra and HIE Lochaber and chaired by Laurence Young, Principal of Lochaber College.
Niall Rowantree, Estate Manager at Corrour Estate said: "Seldom have I been at an event where there has been such enthusiasm and desire to go forward with ideas and plans for the future of our industries in Lochaber – this was an event full of energy. I'd like to congratulate Liz Paul for making this happen and I look forward to being part of any plans that will emerge as a result."
Liz Paul, Lantra Regional Partnership Manager, urged industry to get involved in tackling the threat to skills: "As competition and environmental pressures continue to challenge industry, a flexible labour market is an even more necessary means of achieving full employment and higher productivity. There is a skills shortage in the UK for most land-based industries and events such as this play a vital role in promoting skills and training options needed to plug the gaps."
As a result of the event, a local forum has been formed. The forum includes representation from employers, training providers, Lantra, HIE Lochaber and the Rural Education Centre. The group's first aim will be to work together to develop an action plan to identify and address key drivers.
Tina Davenport, Development Manager at HIE Lochaber stressed the importance of working together to make things happen: "This event was an exciting opportunity for those involved in land-based industries to discuss training opportunities and exchange ideas. The event offers employers the chance to see and benefit from a wide range of vocational training opportunities products aimed specifically at their market. We hope that a collective voice will now be heard from Lochaber to take these industries forward."
