LOUISE IS NURSING A GREAT CAREER

11/29/2011 12:13 PM EST

The Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, held on 28 November during this years’ Winter Fair on the Royal Welsh Showground, celebrates the most exceptional and inspiring learners in Wales’ land-based and environmental industries. The Awards were presented by Alun Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes.

“I originally found it very difficult to enter the Veterinary Nursing sector and was originally told it was as rare as hens teeth, although with hard work I have found it is not that hard,” said Louise. “It has certainly been a challenge, but taking the Higher National Certificate in Animal Studies has help set me on my way.” Louise attended Coleg Sir Gar.

Kevin Thomas, Lantra National Director Wales, said: “Wales’ veterinary nursing industry benefits greatly from dedicated individuals like Louise and her commitment to skills and training. I would like to congratulate Louise and all of this years’ nominees for the outstanding work they do.”
Winners were chosen from two categories with a ‘Young Learner of the Year’ and ‘Lifelong Learner of the Year’ Award in each category. In addition, there was a Farming Connect Learner of the Year, open to all registered Farming Connect clients who have undertaken training through the Skills Development Programme and received funding for the course. Candidates are judged on their ability to deal with challenges, their use of initiative, as well as their level of skill and attitude to learning.

Richard Pond from Carmarthenshire was named as ‘Highly Commended’ from this category for his dedication to training in Countryside Management. Having attended Coleg Sir Gar, Richard is now seeking a career as a conservation officer.
Kevin continued: “These Awards seek out and honour those in the land-based sector committed to improving their abilities. Their skills are vital to the future success, and in some cases survival, of environmental and land-based industries that contribute so much to the Welsh economy.”
When asked what advice he would give to other people considering the veterinary industry as a career Louise said: “Work as hard as possible and keep up-to-date with training. Take on any challenges and opportunities that are offered to you.”
To find out more about the 2011 Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, read about the winners or see photos from the event, visit www.lantra.co.uk/wales-awards.

ENDS

ISSUED BY
Lantra Press Office
Samuel Zelmer-Jackson, PR Co-ordinator
Tel: 02476 858 418 or email  

Follow Lantra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LantraSSC

NOTES TO EDITOR

About the Land-based Learner of the Year Awards
Award categories

“Young Learner” (Two Awarded: One for each category 1 & 2)

Open to candidates 26 years or under on the 1st January 2011, who are developing a career within the environmental and land-based industries and who have shown a commitment to vocational education and training since leaving school.

“Lifelong Learner” (Two Awarded: One for each category 1 & 2)

Open to anybody over the age of 26 years, on the 1st January 2011, who has excelled in training and improving their skills and as a result benefited the business in which they work, the industry that they represent, or developed a successful enterprise.
Category 1 Land Management and production

• Agricultural crops
• Agricultural livestock
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries Management
• Land-based engineering
• Trees & Timber
• Fencing

Category 2 Animal health and welfare, horticulture and environmental industries

• Animal care
• Animal technology
• Equine
• Farriery
• Veterinary nursing
• Game and wildlife management
• Environmental Conservation
• Production Horticulture
• Horticulture, landscaping and sports turf
• Floristry

Farming Connect Learner of the Year

Open to all registered Farming Connect clients who have undertaken training through the Skills Development Programme and received funding for the course. Nominees must be over the age of 16 and have undertaken training through the programme since July 2008.

About Lantra

• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need.
• Lantra represents 17 industries: agricultural livestock and crops; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities.
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills.
• For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.

* If you would like this press release in Welsh please email us