AHDB is conducting a strategic review of training to determine how best to support the sector’s workforce with the skills and behaviours needed for the decade ahead.
Led by Quantech Solutions, the review will go far beyond cataloguing what training currently exists, according to Jane Batchelor, AHDB head of engagement & strategic communications (pork).
“Advances in technology, tighter welfare standards, shifting consumer expectations and strengthened environmental regulation are reshaping how farms, hauliers and abattoirs operate,” she said.
The review is intended to be a ‘forward‑looking programme’ designed to strengthen workforce resilience, improve consistency across existing provision and identify where new skills will be required so the sector can remain competitive.
Attracting new talent
A crucial part of it will be understanding how the industry can attract new talent. “With an ageing workforce and recruitment pressures being felt by producers and processors alike, the review will also explore opportunities to expand apprenticeship pathways and present the pig sector as a progressive, rewarding career choice for young people,” Ms Batchelor said. “Training in some areas has not kept pace with industry change. Some materials reference outdated facilities or farm practices, and established accreditation routes, such as the City & Guilds Certificates of Competence, have diminished over time.
“Structural change within the sector has also accelerated, with consolidation and increasing regulatory demands adding new layers of complexity.
“But the challenge is not only about technical capability. Recent exposés have shown that, in some instances, workplace culture on farms has fallen short of the standards expected in a modern, professional livestock industry.
“Strong stockmanship and good animal husbandry remain essential, but they’re no longer enough on their own. The sector now requires a holistic approach to training – one that supports technical competence as well as culture, behaviours, leadership and professionalism.
“This holistic approach must reach every part of the workforce: from new entrants and stockpeople to farm managers and business owners.”
She said the review will recognise two critical challenges – attracting people into the industry in the first place, and creating supportive, well‑led workplaces that retain them.
“Without a clear and shared understanding of the skills the industry needs – both now and in the future – there is a risk of widening gaps in key areas such as welfare compliance, biosecurity, stockmanship, people management and general on‑farm workforce culture,” Ms Batchelor added.
“The review will help close those gaps by providing us with evidence‑based recommendations that clarify where we should lead, where collaboration with industry partners is most effective and where signposting levy payers to high‑quality external training will add greatest value.”
Roadmap
The review will, ultimately, result in a ‘actionable roadmap’. “Ultimately, we want to make sure that every part of the supply chain has access to relevant, high‑quality training that improves welfare outcomes, strengthens workforce capabilities, supports regulatory compliance and helps position the sector as a modern, attractive place to build a career,” Ms Batchelor said.
“In a period of rapid change, investing in people is just as important as investing in infrastructure and technology. This review represents an essential step towards a resilient, skilled and future‑ready workforce. One capable of navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the modern pig industry.”
Engaging the sector
The review will be built on significant engagement with industry. Interviews will take place across the supply chain, including corporate and independent producers, major and smaller abattoirs, and haulage operators, capturing views from owners, managers, stockpeople and frontline staff.
Stakeholders are being invited to contribute openly, and an online survey, which is coming soon, will be available in multiple languages so everyone can get involved.
Anyone with strong views on training needs is invited to share their experiences and take part in the evidence‑gathering process.
If you’d like to be involved, you can get in touch via pork.kt@ahdb.org.uk and your details will be passed onto Quantech Solutions.