How is the Welsh Government working with the meat processing industry and centres of education so to ensure that workers are being trained with the necessary skills for the industry?
The Food and Drink Wales Industry Board (FDWIB) held two skills conferences within the last year. During these conferences the Welsh Government and the FDWIB listened to and discussed the skills needs of all sectors in the industry which included representation from the meat industry and brought them together with skills providers. As a result the FDWIB launched a skills plan which can be found here
The plan covers the following key areas which have been identified in collaboration with industry:
Address the skills shortages that constrain productivity.
- Increase the uptake of apprenticeships in Wales through fit for purpose, industry designed appropriately funded and well communicated apprenticeships. (at present around 20% of all apprenticeships undertaken within food and drink are in the meat and poultry sector)
- Improve the perception and understanding of the food and drink industry in Wales as offering an exciting career of choice.
- Address the challenges of a tightening labour market through innovation.
In addition I have recently announced £3 million funding for ‘Food Skills Cymru’ which will be launched in April this year. The programme run by Lantra, consists of bespoke technical and staff development training for food and drink companies based in Wales.