Supporting young people to pursue a career in the land-based and environmental sector has always been a priority for Lantra, who have today launched their new careers website. Offering a wealth of careers resources including career factsheets, case studies, an A to Z of careers and an interactive RoleFinder, the site provides users with the tools and information they need to embark on a career in this exciting and diverse sector.

One of the challenges facing the land-based and environmental sector is the shortage of new entrants. This means that the sector is currently facing a significant recruitment problem. Many businesses in the sector are experiencing difficulties in recruiting not only young people but also mature entrants due to skills gaps or unclear entry routes. Furthermore, some industries in the sector, such as agriculture, have traditionally suffered from a poor image and reputation. The challenge for UK land based-employers is to recruit more than half a million new entrants over the next decade, as evidenced by Lantra’s recently-published Labour Market and Skills Update 2013.

Lantra is confident that the new careers website will help address these issues and portray a more positive image of the sector. The website contains comprehensive and up-to-date details of careers in all 16 industries in the sector. From agriculture to animal care to floristry to forestry, it also includes downloadable careers factsheets outlining key areas such as working life, salaries and requisite skills and competencies. Routes into the industry are also explored, such as Apprenticeships or other qualifications, work experience and volunteering.

One of the site’s many features is the RoleFinder function. Young people select the statements they believe are most relevant to their skills, interests and experience and are then presented with a series of potentially suitable career opportunities. Users are also given all the salient information relating to the roles and are provided with details of relevant training courses and qualifications.

In addition, the website contains a comprehensive range of real life case studies across all industries in the sector. These feature stories and experiences from people working in a variety of professions, the training or qualifications they undertook, their day-to-day tasks and advice they’d give to others considering a similar career.

Mike Smith, Lantra’s Director of Development and Evaluation said: “We’ve taken on board input from young people and careers advisers when developing the site. Industry has also given its support by helping to ensure that the job profiles and case studies are up-to-date and relevant to today’s jobs and careers on offer. The website provides an overview of the wealth of opportunities for interesting jobs and rewarding careers that exist in the land-based industries and professions."

The Careers website can be accessed at http://lantra.co.uk/careers.