A Welsh Government training initiative is being implemented to offer skills training to enhance the food and drink industry in Wales.
The Food Skills Cymru programme is designed to ensure that food and drink businesses in Wales are adapted to future environmental and economic challenges, including Brexit.
The programme is coordinated by skills provider Lantra, and a full list of trainers has been published; potential training providers, who would be delivering the service, were previously invited to put their names forward for consideration.
A “comprehensive framework” for providing the service has now been developed. Areas such as food hygiene, storage, sales and marketing will be covered. Eligible businesses that apply will be matched with the most appropriate training provider.
“The food and drink industry is a vital component of the Welsh economy, but it also faces many challenges. Our package of technical and staff development training courses will ensure that our businesses are well equipped to face future challenges, while at the same time developing a skilled workforce,” said Sarah Lewis, project manager for Food Skills Cymru.
She added: “Our recent experience at the hugely successful BlasCymru/TasteWales event demonstrated to us the continuous need for bespoke training to enable the food and drink sector to thrive in a competitive environment.”
She also explained that between 50% and 80% of the costs for businesses in the initiative are met from the project; the amount of funding is dependent on the size of the business.
In order for a business to be eligible for support, it must have a production or manufacturing site in Wales, and must be able to show a return on investment following the training.
In order to learn more about the Food Skills Cymru initiative, email: [email protected], or phone: 01982 552646.
