Introduction

COVID-19 – alongside Brexit and longer-term challenges such as demographic and technological changes -has brought the skills needs of Scotland’s rural economy into sharper focus. Scotland’s rural employers are adapting to a new economic environment, where recruiting, retaining, and upskilling the workforce are essential.

When it comes to attracting and retaining new talent, or developing your existing workforce, knowing where to start - and what you need to consider about health and safety, insurance and navigating the skills system - can be daunting.

This toolkit has been designed to guide you through the different types of training available for new recruits and also your existing workforce, as well as the practical considerations of wages, responsibilities, funding, employer support and mentoring. Apprenticeships are the most formal and structured training option for young people entering the world of work.

Inside the back cover you will find quick reference cards with important information guiding you to the skills and training support available for your business.

What does training do for my business?

• Increases job satisfaction and morale among employees • Motivates employees • Improves productivity resulting in financial gain • Become a more attractive employer by adopting new technologies and methods • Keeps employees • Improves your business’s image

Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to. Richard Branson

There is also an online version of this toolkit which can be found at https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/what-we-do/skills-planning-alignment/skills-action-plan-for-rural-scotland/ which will be kept updated with the latest information.