The scope of the industry includes upland, lowland, woodland and wetland game and wildlife management including the management of deer.  Those working in game conservation increasingly require enhanced awareness of environmental, health and safety and animal welfare issues.

Key statistics on the industry:

• 28% of staff are employed part-time
• 70% of staff are male
• 20% of the workforce are aged over 55 years

There are currently an estimated 3,000 businesses employing approximately 6,000 workers in the industry, plus an additional 60,000 volunteers ranging from beaters to members of shoot syndicates and clubs.

The industry is male dominated (70%).  28% of the workforce are employed on a part-time basis and 63% of businesses report employing casual staff.  It is estimated that 20% of the total workforce are over 55 years of age.

Communication skills and attributes such as flexibility, initiative and willingness to learn are becoming important in game conservation. One third of employers in the industry are reporting skills gaps particularly for job-specific skills.

Education and training in the game and wildlife management sector is largely delivered by a network of specialist providers, both public and private.

There are increasing changes in the industry suggesting that skill requirements and skills gaps need to be addressed with quality assured short courses. In addition, there are increased requirements for formal training or certification in areas such as pest control, gun handling and the use of vehicles, machinery and chemicals.  Overall, there is expected to be an increasing need for gamekeepers and stalkers to reinforce their professionalism with appropriate training and certification.

Key drivers in the industry include: legislation; developments in land management; new government directives; and new technology. 

Source: Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Key Drivers of Skill Demand 2005 and Game and Wildlife Management Industry report 2005

For regional distribution of businesses and employees in the industry see:

Regional distribution of game and wildlife management workforce, 2005