Transferable skills in land-based and aquaculture sectors: review

3. Evidence review findings

This chapter outlines the current evidence on transferable skills in the land-based and aquaculture sectors. Research on this topic is limited, but existing evidence indicates that there are several key skills gaps in the sector, notably people skills, such as communication and teamwork, and IT skills. These skills are also important transferable skills that will be essential for the future workforce, particularly in the context of Scotland’s changing labour market and the Just Transition.

There is only a small amount of direct evidence on transferable skills within the land-based and aquaculture sectors, even internationally. A few relevant sources were identified that offer valuable insights across related topics. These sources can be broadly categorised into three key themes: transferable skills, skills in the land-based and aquaculture sectors, and ‘green skills’ in the context of a Just Transition.

3.1. Transferable skills

• Transferable skills include both technical and non-technical skills that enable workers to adapt across various roles and industries.
• Commonly transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and IT proficiency.
• Aligning transferable skills within occupational clusters (groups of professions that possess comparable knowledge, skills, and tasks) helps target training programmes and facilitates workers’ transition to new roles.

Transferable skills are skills that enable workers to perform effectively across a variety of situations. Often referred to as generic skills or key skills, they are highly valued by employers as they demonstrate a worker’s ability to adapt to new challenges. Research suggests that transferable skills are especially important for young people entering the labour market, who may have limited work experience.^[18] Furthermore, analysis has shown that workers with the strongest transferable skills were more resilient to workforce changes following the 2008 financial crisis.^[19] This suggests that transferable skills could play a critical role as the workforce adapts to current changes, such as the Just Transition and the rise of automation.

Transferable skills, like skills in general, are often divided into technical and non-technical skills. Technical skills are concrete, measurable abilities associated with the operation or use of tools specific to a profession. Non-technical skills, also referred to as soft skills, employability skills, 21st-century skills, or power skills, are those that enable workers to interact effectively with others and thrive in their workplace. Previous research highlights that non-technical skills are especially crucial for helping workers maintain employment and continue developing technical skills.^[20]

Skill transferability is more effectively achieved between professions that share similar tasks and skill requirements. Research indicates that it is beneficial to consider transferable skills within the context of occupational clusters – groups of professions that possess comparable knowledge, skills, and tasks.^[21] Adopting this approach can facilitate the alignment of training programs. Furthermore, when a worker’s transferable skills align with emerging professions within their occupational cluster, it enhances their position in the labour market and helps them adapt to new job opportunities. This is especially relevant in the land-based and aquaculture sectors, where industries are evolving to incorporate ‘green jobs’, and certain roles may require industry-specific skills and knowledge unique to the field.

Despite the variation in transferable skills across different clusters, certain skills are consistently recognised as highly transferable across most professions. These can be categorised into five groups:

1. Fundamental skills (e.g. numeracy, literacy);

2. Business skills (e.g. innovation);

3. Community skills (e.g. citizenship);

4. Conceptualising skills (e.g. problem-solving, creative thinking);

5. People skills (e.g. communication, collaboration).^[22]

Both basic and advanced Information Technology (IT) skills are also consistently recognised as highly transferable.^[23] Studies also indicate that the most transferable skills are typically either generic technical skills, such as IT proficiency, or non-technical skills, such as communication.^[24] However, certain specific technical skills – like operating a chainsaw – can also be transferable.

3.2. Skills in the land-based and aquaculture sectors

• Technical and non-technical skills are crucial in the sectors, with non-technical skills like teamwork, decision-making, and communication being particularly important for daily tasks.
• The land-based and aquaculture sectors face skill shortages, particularly in IT and people skills, which are also highly transferable and valuable for workforce mobility.
• Employers are often willing to hire candidates with strong transferable skills even if they lack specific technical expertise.

Both technical and non-technical skills are essential in the land-based and aquaculture sectors. Technical skills are critical for enabling workers to perform practical tasks effectively. However, non-technical skills are also important. For example, a study of farmers in Scotland and Northern Ireland found that farmers regularly relied on non-technical skills, such as teamwork and decision-making, in their daily work.^[25]

Employers in the land-based and aquaculture sectors often struggle to find staff with the right skills.^[26] Key skill shortages include both basic and advanced IT skills. People skills like teamwork and communication are also in short supply.^[27] A review of international agricultural labour requirements identified several ‘people skills’ as significant gaps,^[28] with a particular demand for these skills in entry-level and seasonal positions.^[29] Furthermore, a 2023 survey highlighted that the most sought-after skills are problem-solving, teamwork, organisation, and verbal communication.^[30] Notably, IT and people skills are often considered highly transferable and valuable, highlighting a potential future issue for the sectors.

Industries within the land-based and aquaculture sectors are also facing targeted skills shortages. For example, the forestry industry is experiencing a shortage of workers with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills and chainsaw operatives,^[31] whilst in the aquaculture industry, there is a gap in digital and research and analysis skills.^[32] Many employers face challenges in providing upskilling opportunities, as they cannot afford to cover the cost of time spent on staff training.

Although research on transferable skills in the land-based and aquaculture sectors is limited, some has been conducted. A 2022 report by Future Skills Sussex identified 10 key transferable skills needed in the sector.^[33] These included communication, management, customer service, attention to detail, delivering presentations, enthusiasm, operations, a strong work ethic, self-motivation, and a willingness to learn. The report also highlighted that employers may be willing to hire less technically skilled candidates who possess strong transferable skills.

Another study found that the most transferable skills in conservation included organisation, communication, collaboration, Microsoft Office proficiency, database management, and negotiation.^[34] Furthermore, cross-cultural competence, teamwork, and communication have been identified as key skills for workers seeking promotions.^[35] These findings highlight the importance of transferable skills, particularly IT and people skills, in facilitating career progression and mobility within these sectors. However, as noted above, some of these areas represent existing skills gaps across the land-based and aquaculture workforce.

3.3. ‘Green skills’ in the context of the Just Transition

• Transferable skills are vital for the Just Transition, as they enhance workforce flexibility and reduce job displacement risk.
• The land-based and aquaculture sectors will need to support the development of transferable skills like IT and communication to effectively support the transition to green jobs and meet future workforce demands.

The Just Transition and the shift towards net-zero emissions is expected to result in the gradual decline of carbon-intensive jobs, whilst new ‘green jobs’ will emerge. UK-wide estimates from the Green Jobs Taskforce in 2021 predict that ‘green jobs’ could create between 135,000 and 175,000 new roles by 2030.^[36] In the Scottish context, ‘green jobs’ are categorised into three types: ‘new and emerging’ jobs (those that did not exist before), ‘enhanced skills and knowledge’ jobs (roles that will require new or updated skills), and ‘increased demand’ jobs (roles that will experience greater demand due to the transition).^[37] Skills Development Scotland’s Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan emphasises that, to meet Scotland's net-zero targets through a Just Transition, the skill profile of the workforce must evolve.^[38] Upskilling workers will be vital to addressing ‘green skills’ shortages.^[39] However, there is limited public awareness of ‘green skills’ and the training opportunities available to acquire them.

Skill transferability has been recognised as a crucial element of the Just Transition. One study, using data from the International Social Survey Programme on the environment, demonstrated that workers with transferable skills are more likely to perceive their skills as relevant to the changing labour market. These workers tend to feel less at risk of job displacement and are more likely to support the Just Transition.^[40] Furthermore, sector-specific reports have examined skill transferability in the context of the Just Transition, including in the construction and offshore energy sectors.^[41],[42] Both reports emphasise the importance of transferable skills in the shift from carbon-intensive roles to ‘green jobs’, as they enhance workforce flexibility. Despite the significance of the land-based and aquaculture sectors in the Just Transition, no comparable report has yet been conducted for these sectors.

The Committee on Climate Change estimated in 2019 that a fifth of UK agricultural land would need to be repurposed for activities that reduce emissions.^[43] This shift will require workers to acquire new technical ‘green skills,’ such as peatland restoration and agroforestry techniques. Additionally, ‘green jobs’ may require more advanced IT skills. People skills, such as effective communication, will also be essential in driving behavioural change and engaging businesses and communities.^[44] Furthermore, some evidence suggests that ‘green jobs’ will increasingly require higher-level cognitive and interpersonal skills.^[45] However, as highlighted throughout this chapter, the sector is currently missing the key transferable IT and people skills that will be essential in the future.^[46]

3.4. Summary

The land-based and aquaculture sectors are experiencing skills shortages, particularly in terms of IT and people skills. Importantly, evidence suggests that these skills are among the most transferable across the sector. Furthermore, as the workforce transitions toward ‘green careers’, the demand for IT and people skills is expected to increase. Consequently, these areas should be a key focus for future training and skills development initiatives.