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Training
Similar issues apply to training in the agricultural sector. A survey of businesses in the sector identified the following training needs (in percentages of businesses identifying the need):
- 38% recognised the current need for development in financial management
- 27% recognised a short-term future requirement, with the greatest emphasis on business systems, interpreting accounts, cashflow and forecasting
- 44% and 45% indicated a current need with regard to legislative requirements and health and safety respectively
- 60% expressed a current need to understand how to use information technology to help their business
A small proportion of businesses in the sector believe that there are skills gaps, in their workforce so few recognise a need to undertake training or development.
Source: Lantra Strategic Action Plan 2004-2009 and Environmental and Land-based Sector Market Assessment 2003
For more information on barriers to training and the benefits of training see:
Barriers and business benefits to training
Regularly cited barriers to training include:
- cost implications
- transport limitations and distance
- location
- lack of support
- family obligations
- awareness of benefits of training
- limited range of subjects and levels
- lack of time
- absence of interest in learning
Training is rarely a priority in rural areas as career opportunities often do not improve following education as local economic situations remain unchanged.
The sector has a high number of self-employed and small/micro businesses, which are unable to offer time for training or development because of the everyday pressures and focus on work.
The business case for training and its benefits is well documented. Key benefits identified include:
- improved bottom line and prevent loss
- added value to commercial and legislatively driven industries
- key to addressing business problems such as retention
- increase commercial advantage (e.g. efficiency, productivity and profit)
- technical up-skilling
Source: Learning and Skills Advocacy Strategy 2005 and Cultural Barriers to Uptake of Learning in Rural Areas 2004
Last cached: 2008-06-16 05:08 PM