COMPETITION SEEKS TOP LEARNERS FROM THE GAME AND WILDLIFE WORLD

The best students drawn from the game and wildlife world are set to compete in Lantra’s Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Award.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, has called for nominations for its annual awards to recognise those developing their skills. Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National Director for Wales, said: “These awards honour the best gamekeepers Wales has to offer. Land-based industries are the backbone of the Welsh economy and this is your chance to recognise the people that work hard everyday to keep it together.” You can nominate a young land-based learner (16-26), a lifelong learner (27+) or someone who has used Farming Connect’s Skills Development funding to develop their skills. The winners will be announced at a high profile event at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair on 29 November. Kevin continued: “The deadline of 30 September for nominations is fast approaching. Anyone can nominate, so do it now – they might just be our next top land-based learner.” To nominate now and for more information visit www.lantra.co.uk/land-based-learner-wales, call 01982 552646 or email wales@lantra.co.uk. – ENDS – Issued by: Vicky Brewin, Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 02476 858 417, email wales.media@lantra.co.uk. Editor’s notes About the Land-based Learner Awards Categories: There are five awards in total: Farming Connect Learner of the Year Award (age 16 plus) for those who have accessed Farming Connect since July 2008. Young Land-based Learner of the Year (under 26) Lifelong Land-based Learner of the Year (age 27+) The Young Land-based Learner and Lifelong Learner awards have been split into two categories, where there will be two winners from each one: Agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries management, land-based engineering, trees and timber and fencing Animal care, animal technology, equine, farriery, veterinary activities, game and wildlife management, environmental conservation, production horticulture, horticulture, landscaping and sports turf and floristry About Lantra Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based industries, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. In Wales, it represents over 18,500 businesses, across 17 industries, 99% of which are micro-businesses employing less than ten people, with 94% employing four or less. Their 85,000 employees represent 7.5 per cent of the UK’s total environmental and land-based workforce. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk. The sector is vital to the Welsh economy as tourism associated to the Welsh environment is estimated to be worth £821million and support 23,600 jobs. Another 117,000 jobs are required to manage our natural environment in Wales. Much of the land-based workforce is highly skilled in technical areas, with years of vocational experience and, often, family tradition, behind them. However, their skills are often unaccredited and their valuable experience not recognised. Lantra works to ensure that these skills and experience are recognised alongside formal qualifications and professional development and helps employers access “bite-sized” units of learning. The 17 industries Lantra represents are clustered around: land management and production; animal health and welfare; conservation and management of the natural environment.

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