Horticultural learners scoop success

Horticultural learners were among the prize winners at the eighth annual Lantra Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards. This highly prestigious event, held at the Crieff Hydro hotel, attracted 140 guests and was attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead.

Daryl Russell, who is employed by North Lanarkshire Council scooped the ‘Horticultural Learner of the Year’ award. Daryl recently completed a SVQ Level 3 in Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces and is now undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship through the council. He said: “I decided early on that horticulture was the career for me. I achieved qualifications while at school through the school’s vocational programme and then progressed on to the Modern Apprenticeship programme. By learning in a practical environment and observing those around me, I am able to put the theory I’ve learnt into practice. I know without a doubt that this is the career for me, and I will strive to do best in all aspects of my work.” Mel Durbin from North Lanarkshire Council said: “Daryl is extremely well thought of by managers, supervisors and colleagues alike. He is keen to learn and always puts into practice what he has learnt. Daryl gives 150% effort and commitment to everything he does.” The ‘Horticultural Runner-Up of the Year’ award was presented to Ryan Mooney. Ryan completed a SVQ Level 2 in Amenity Horticulture and is now working towards completing a SVQ Level 3 in Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces through Langside College. Ryan said: “Studying for the Modern Apprenticeship has been great! All aspects of learning from college have been put into practice on site in my current position. To work in an environment I love is amazing, and I just want to keep learning more and more.” A total of 25 prizes were presented during the awards ceremony which was organised by Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries. The awards, which attracted over 60 nominations, are designed to inspire new entrants to take up a career in the land-based and aquaculture sector and make employers aware of the benefits of a well trained workforce. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead said: “This is the third year I have been honoured to attend the Lantra Awards and, like both previous occasions, I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and skill of the trainees. “Farming and rural industries face challenging, but interesting times. Scotland’s economy is recovering, our food and drink sector is world renowned and we are on the cusp of an energy revolution which is opening up new and exciting opportunities. “Rural Scotland is very well placed to take advantage of many of these new opportunities and I am sure that many in the hall tonight have the talent to make a significant contribution.” Willie Fergusson, National Director said: “The Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards attract a very high calibre of candidates who are committed to further developing their skills and knowledge. It is vital for the future of these industries that we continue to encourage new entrants and demonstrate how employers can see the bottom line benefits that highly skilled new entrants can bring to the business.” Willie continued: “Recognition of the importance of the awards by industry, their commitment to them, and their generosity in sponsoring this event has grown significantly over the years and we are indebted to the sponsors who make this event the success that it is.” Skills Development Scotland, Marine Harvest and Scottish Natural Heritage were the main sponsors of the event. ENDS Full list of winners: • Overall Winner Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year: Scott Simpson • Overall Runner-Up Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year: Rebecca McWilliams • Agriculture Learner of the Year: Scott Simpson • Agriculture Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Craig Connell • Aquaculture Learner of the Year: Harris Wright • Aquaculture Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Robert Wyvill • Equine Learner of the Year: Rebecca McWilliams • Equine Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Susan Torrance • Floristry Learner of the Year: Debbie McKenna • Game and Wildlife Learner of the Year: Joshua Bunton • Horticulture Learner of the Year: Daryl Russell • Horticulture Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Ryan Mooney • Higher Education Learner of the Year: Zane Pretorius • Higher Education Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Graeme Dunlop • Land-based Curriculum for Schools Learner of the Year: Danny Watson • Land-based Curriculum for Schools Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Ryan Munro • Modern Apprentice of the Year: Stuart Burns • Trees and Timber Learner of the Year: Eamonn Staunton • Trees and Timber Learner of the Year Runner-Up: Carina Convery Special Awards: • Algo Blairgowrie Ltd - Endeavour Award: Righa Purvis • Algo Blairgowrie Ltd - Endeavour Award: Eve Schulte • Taypack Potatoes Ltd – Endeavour Award: Debbie McKenna • CARAS Scotland Award: Zane Pretorius • CARAS Scotland Award: Fraser Mitchell • CARAS Scotland Award: Righa Purvis ISSUED BY: Paula Smyth - Marketing, Communications and Project Co-ordinator Tel: 028 7963 1304 or email Scotland.media@lantra.co.uk CREDIT FOR PHOTO: 194 - Daryl Russell receives his award from Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead and John Gillan EDITORS NOTES: • 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 in Scotland represents the interests of approximately 24,500 businesses (13% of all businesses), which employ 115,700 individuals (representing 2% of all employment across the workforce) and 40,000 volunteers. • 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.