Top Welsh land-based learners recognised

The top Welsh land-based learners were awarded today (29 November) for their outstanding skills at the Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Awards held at the Winter Fair in Builth Wells.

The awards were organised by Lantra Sector Skills Council and presented by MP for Brecon and Radnor and spokesman for agriculture and rural affairs, Roger Williams, who said: “I’m delighted to support these awards, organised by Lantra, and to celebrate the achievements demonstrated here today. I hope the winners not only inspire other individuals to start a career in the sector but encourage everyone working in environmental and land-based industries to keep their skills up-to-date. “These awards recognise the excellent skills we have within the environmental and land-based industries of Wales. The individuals we saw here today demonstrate how learning and skills can be applied to great effect – developing rewarding careers; helping businesses to thrive and grow – contributing to the sustainability of rural Wales.” Finalists from the farming, forestry, conservation, animal care and equine industries were judged on their ability to deal with the challenges their job presents, their use of initiative to secure a better future for their business and industry, as well as their skill level and attitude to learning. The winners picked up £200 and a Welsh crystal paper weight whilst the runners up received £100 and were: Farming Connect Learner of the Year Award Winner - David Horman, mixed beef and sheep farmer from Llandovery, Carmarthenshire Land Management and Production Young Land-based Learner of the Year Winner – Robert John, dairy farmer from Pembroke Land Management and Production Young Land-based Learner of the Year Runner Up – Sam Carey, dairy farmer from Cardigan, Pembrokeshire Land Management and Production Lifelong Land-based Learner of the Year Winner – Caroline Riches at the Forestry Commission from Resolven, Neath Land Management and Production Lifelong Land-based Learner of the Year Runner Up – Euros Evans, Dairy farmer from Newcastle Emlyn, Ceredigion Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Industries Young Land-based Learner of the Year Winner – Gethin Crewdson, working in environmental conservation from Welshpool, Powys Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Industries Young Land-based Learner of the Year Runner Up – Alicia Dawson, working in animal care, from Benllech, Anglesey Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Industries Lifelong Land-based Learner Winner – Moya Nicolaysen, working in equine, from Henllan, Llandysul Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Industries Young Land-based Learner of the Year Runner Up – Iestyn Thomas, working in environmental conservation, from Guilsfield, Welshpool. Lantra’s National Director for Wales, Kevin Thomas, said: “These awards are a fantastic platform to showcase the rural talents of Wales. Over the years we have seen a great set of people recognised for their skills and this year is no different and we hope that they continue to develop their skills throughout their career.” The Welsh Land-based Learner of the Year Awards are sponsored by Farming Connect, DCELLS, Welsh Assembly Government, NFU Cymru, Countryside Council for Wales and Farmers Union Wales. To find out more visit www.lantra.co.uk/land-based-learner-wales. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Vicky Brewin, Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 417. NOTES TO EDITOR: About the Land-based Learner of the Year Awards Lantra’s Land-based Learner of the Year Awards recognises those in the land-based and environmental industries that are committed to improving their skills and who strive for excellence within the 17 industries Lantra represents. The awards are split into two categories where there is a Young Land-based Learner and Lifelong Learner for each. The categories are: Land management and production - agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries management, land-based engineering, trees and timber and fencing Animal health and welfare and environmental industries - 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 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. An independent UK organisation, Lantra works with employers and the UK’s governments to address the skills and productivity needs of approximately 230 businesses (one in every ten UK businesses) in: agriculture; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscape and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary nursing. 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.