Trainees shortlisted for Lantra Learner of Year
Three trainees from the west coast of Scotland have been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards, which will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday March 7.
Andrew Richardson, 25, from the Isle of Lewis, is doing an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters degree in aquaculture at the Scottish Association for Marine Science at Dunbeg.
As well as excelling on his course, he was recently elected as one of only two National Coordinators in Scotland for the European Aquaculture Society Student Group, and is an active member of the Sustainable Oceans Alliance.
Andrew said: ‘I am very proud of what I have achieved in the past year. I would love to get recognition also for the fantastic MSc programme within which I am enrolled. Being able to show that through the prestigious Lantra Award would be incredible.’
Cameron MacLean, 19, from Islay, has done a Modern Apprenticeship in gamekeeping through North Highland College UHI, while working as a deer stalker at Dunlossit Estate. He is currently doing an NC.
Cameron is very well thought of on the estate and is yet another great example of why the Modern Apprenticeship route works.
Cameron said: ‘I would really like to win this award because I feel it would give me the opportunity get my name out there and improve my chance of becoming employed as a full-time gamekeeper.’
Janis Brivkalns, 34, from Dunoon, has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship in aquaculture with The Scottish Salmon Company through Inverness College UHI. His work has been to an excellent standard and he is an inspiration to others. He has overcome many hurdles to become an established and valued member of the production team.
Janis said: ‘I am keen to learn more and hope this award may help me progress within the company.’
Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries, and the awards play a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
MC and host for the evening will be well-known farmer and standup comedian Jim Smith.
Tickets for the evening are available from Lantra on 01738 310164 or scotland@lantra.co.uk. See www. lantra.co.uk/Scotland/tickets.