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Our first 15 members from the Developing Business Competencies pilot project run jointly by Lantra Scotland and First Milk via the First Milk Academy are now the proud owners of their Skills Passports.

Aimed at supporting the development of Scottish dairy farming, the project identifies the competencies required for individual job roles within the industry, using a framework, which enables existing staff skills to be assessed and measured in order that training needs to be identified.

50 First Milk members

More than 50 First Milk members are currently involved with the skills passport and the scheme is now a key element of the training on offer via First Milk Academy in Scotland.The Scottish Agricultural College is a member of First Milk with three supplying farms. Two of the team at the 430-cow Crichton Royal Farm were among the first beneficiaries. Peter Little and Paul Kelly both report to Farm Manager Hugh McClymont and recently completed Level 3 of the skills passport scheme.

“Peter and Paul were both a bit lukewarm to the idea at first, but once they got into it, they realised that much of what was in the skills book they were doing anyway. They then quickly warmed to the idea, started to feed off each other, completed the book and now have something that they can be proud of.

Issues covered in level 3 include health and safety, human resources, livestock and herd health, breeding, milking, machinery, business management and how to deal with contractors.

More Valued

“It seemed like a natural thing to do as part of their career. They gained more self esteem having done it and I think they feel more valued,” said Hugh. From the employer perspective, the skills book lays down what is expected from the dairy staff.

"It’s good for the employee because it acts like a contract of employment and spells out what tasks and roles they will be required to do on a dairy farm. From the employer’s side of the fence, it also shows how valuable a skilled employee can be,” he adds.

Completing the book isn’t difficult, he says, but he recommends it be done as part of the working day, rather than as something to be filled in during the evening. He also recommends that staff on the same farm do it together or those who work alone do it with others in the same situation. “It’s a classic example where sharing knowledge and experience helps people learn,” Hugh advises.

Partnership

First Milk Director Tom Campbell, Chairman of the First Milk Academy, said he was delighted with the outcome of the First Milk-Lantra partnership.

"With returns to producers having increased significantly over the past six months, we are finally at a stage where dairy farmers, and the people that work on their farms, can see a sustainable future in the industry so the rollout of the Skills Passport, could not have come at a better time.”

If members in Scotland are interested in joining the Skills Passport scheme, please contact Mary Mitchell at Lantra in the first instance on 01738 553311.