Delegates discuss problems facing the meat industry

Posted 26 October 2010

Top industry delegates have come to the West Midlands Regional Food Academy (WMRFA) at Harper Adams University College to discuss how to address the skills and education issues faced by the UK’s meat and poultry sectors.

Delegates were welcomed to the workshop by Ralph Early, Head of Food at Harper Adams and Director of the WMRFA, who outlined problems the meat industry is currently facing.

Bill Jermey, Chairman of the Meat Training Council and board member of the National Skills Academy, opened proceedings.

Speaking at the event, Mr Jermey said: “We’ve really been talking about the challenges facing the meat and poultry industries in recruiting, retailing and training staff and competing in the modern world.

“The main challenge in front of industry is that that the Government are stepping back from funding training and expect companies to pay for their own training.”

Karen Wahlgreen from the Danish Meat Trade College said it had been interesting to visit the University College and discuss ideas with the food department and see how they could put their efforts together.

She said the Danish Meat Training College and Harper Adams were co-operating in the development of a meat training course.

Speakers from the Sector Skills Council, industry bodies, retail sector and further and higher education addressed delegates to explore issues and stimulate discussion. 

Ralph Early proposed the development of a national curriculum for meat sector training and education and delivery along the lines of the Project EDEN model being used to address similar issues in the dairy sector.

Central to the event was a workshop exercise in which delegates worked together to identify the skills and qualifications most important to businesses in the meat sector and to establish ways in which skilled and qualified staff could be found.

The seminar and workshop were planned and co-ordinated by Martin Anderson, Manager of the WMRFA, who said:  “The UK’s meat sector faces a serious problem in obtaining and developing skilled staff, attracting graduates and developing managers. 

“This must be resolved if the sector is to have a stable and profitable future.  Already the problem threatens the stability and growth of some businesses.”

Discussing the outcome of the day, Ralph Early, said: “Today’s workshop has brought together representatives from meat and poultry businesses to discuss their common skills and qualifications problems, perhaps for the first time.

“The WMRFA and Harper Adams University College are pleased to be taking a lead in working with the meat sector to resolve this critical issue.”

The seminar was organised by the WMRFA and Harper Adams University College in conjunction with the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacturing and Improve: the Food and Drink Sector Skills Council.