Drivers affecting skills demand
Climate change, food security and new technology means that our present and future workforces have to be equipped with higher level skills and greater knowledge to carry out both traditional and new roles.
Demographic challenges
One in four workers are over 55 years of age, and one in 12 is already over 65, so we are about to lose a generation of skilled workers. This, together with predicted demand, means the sector needs to attract around 9,000 new entrants annually over the next ten years, and train them well, to make up this shortfall.
In England, several industries face a future with a critical shortage of skilled workers. Especially worrying to the UK should be the predicted future shortage of agricultural workers across all skills levels.
Size and significance of the sector
Over 1.1 million people work in the sector, reinforced by an estimated 500,000 volunteers, working across 230,000 businesses. This represents nearly one in ten UK businesses, but with 96% employing less than 10 staff, their significance is often overlooked. A sectoral approach, such as that provided by Lantra, is very much needed to ensure their voices can be heard.
Training spend
Our businesses spend on average £2,975 a year on training and developing each employee. While higher per person than any other sector, demonstrating a commitment to training, it also highlights our microbusinesses miss out on economies of scale when purchasing or, due to size, fail to meet the eligibility criteria for grants which are frequently targeted at larger companies.
