Shaping future skills in the UK dairy sector

THE future workforce needs of the UK dairy industry are being addressed through the launch of a Talent Forum.

It is described as ‘a strategic, executive-level group formed to lead the national conversation on the future of workforce skills’.

It’s part of the Think Dairy Careers initiative, led by Digital Dairy Chain partner University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

And it has brought together senior leaders from across the dairy supply chain, government, and supporting technology sectors. They say the Talent Forum will play a critical role in addressing the industry’s most urgent workforce challenges. This includes identifying digital skills gaps, tackling succession planning, and forecasting future skills needs – from farm to processing, and throughout the wider supply chain.

A Future Skills Needs Assessment is being drawn up to help shape future investment in vocational education, apprenticeships, and continuous professional development, ensuring the dairy sector is equipped with the skills it needs to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven landscape.

Forum vice chair Sam Rhynas said: “The work of the Talent Forum board is vital in ensuring a resilient, highly skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of the sector, fostering both economic growth and individual career progression.

“Additionally, it opens opportunities to create a diverse environment, bringing expertise from other sectors to work collaboratively and develop new & innovative approaches.”

Lynne Somerville, Think Dairy’ Careers’ skills lead at UWS, described it as ‘an exciting step forward for the UK dairy sector’, adding: “I’m thrilled that senior leaders from across the industry have come on board to be part of it. Their involvement shows just how committed we all are to promoting careers in dairy and tackling the sector’s talent challenges head-on.

“By working together, we’ve got a real opportunity to raise awareness, open up new pathways, and help build a skilled and future-ready workforce.”

Find out more about the Talent Forum and the work of Think Dairy Careers at www.digitaldairychain.co.uk/talentforum