Searching for the young stars of rural industry

NOMINATIONS for Lantra Scotland’s 2023 ALBAS – the awards for land-based and aquaculture skills – are now open.

Any body or organisation delivering learning in the land-based industries and aquaculture, whether they be employers, colleges and schools, are being asked to help Lantra by nominating their top students and apprentices.

The ALBAS celebrate the achievements of individuals, organisations and partnerships, providing trainees of all ages with a springboard to succeed in their careers and encouraging businesses to invest in the next generation.

This year, the award categories cover agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, fisheries management, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.

As well as prizes for overall winner, runnerup and Modern Apprentice of the Year, there are also prizes for higher education, school pupil and secondary schools, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies), Jean’s Jam for inspirational tutor, the Tam Tod Trophy for outstanding young learner, and the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working.

Scotland director for Lantra, Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE, said: “With all the incredibly diverse and fulfilling careers on offer in the land-based and aquaculture industries, it’s clear the sector makes a significant contribution to Scotland’s economy, particularly in rural areas,” said Dr Barron-Majerik.

“By recognising and celebrating the success of the country’s top learners, their employers and training providers, the ALBAS can highlight the hard work and achievements of everyone involved.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that our industries are supplied with the very best talent, bridging skills and recruitment gaps to build a vibrant and successful economy,” she said. “Inspirational learners from previous ALBAS awards are great ambassadors for our sector, and we’re very proud of the difference our awards can make to the self-confidence and careers of all our finalists.”

Although paper copies of the nomination form are available on request, Lantra Scotland is encouraging entries online, which should be faster and easier.

People can nominate themselves, someone else, a school or a partnership at https://www. scotland.lantra.co.uk/how-nominate-personschool-or-project-our-albas

Deadline for entries is Friday, December 9. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro on Thursday, March 9, 2023.