Inspiring success: Lantra launches innovative new Careers Competition
Exploring careers in the land-based and environmental sector lies at the heart of a newly-launched Careers Competition from sector skills council Lantra.
Aimed at year 9 to 13 pupils across the UK, the competition requires students to research a career in the sector and create material to promote it and inspire other young people. Pupils will present their findings to a judging panel comprising three industry experts. Lantra hopes that the competition will demonstrate to both schools and pupils alike the vast and varied wealth of roles available in the sector.
The sector, which includes industries such as agriculture, animal care, forestry, floristry, horticulture and veterinary science, will require an additional 242,000 new entrants over the coming decade, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities at all levels. What makes the competition particularly appealing is that it allows pupils to use a range of creative mediums to demonstrate their findings. Students are given free reign as to how they present their career of choice, with possible examples including a short documentary film, interview, audio visual presentation, illustrated case study, story board and information pack.
The Careers Competition serves as a great way to introduce young people to the world of work and also provides the opportunity for students to enhance key functional skills, including communication, ICT and problem solving. Developed with teachers in mind, the competition complements many aspects of the National Curriculum and is a useful exercise in encouraging students to explore career options they may not have previously considered.
The competition is sponsored by a range of key industry bodies, including the Society for the Environment, the Royal Agricultural University, the Royal Horticulture Society, Lantra Awards and the AEA. More sponsors are due to sign up over the coming weeks. Prizes on offer for successful students include an iPad, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire, digital camera and training vouchers worth £250. The school or college of the winning student will also receive a prize to purchase educational resources.
Lantra’s National Director for England, Madge Moore, who will be judging entries alongside other industry experts said: “I want to encourage young people to really investigate the land-based and environmental sector and think about and demonstrate the importance of science and technology, and how much innovation is happening in the sector.”
Schools and colleges interested in entering the competition must register their interest by completing the registration form by the 1 December 2013. Details of entry requirements and how to submit entries can be found under the submitting entries section. Winners will be announced on 31 January 2014 and details of the winning entries will be posted on Lantra’s Careers website by 28 February. More information can be found at www.lantra.co.uk/careerscompetitiondetails or by emailing standards.qualifications@lantra.co.uk.
ISSUED BY Lantra Press Office
Jane Cummins
Marketing and Communications Assistant
Tel: 02476 696 996 or email: jane.cummins@lantra.co.uk
Notes to editor:
• 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 16 industries: agriculture; 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.
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