Bringing Animal-Related Apprenticeships into Focus

New Equine Modern Apprenticeship Frameworks Available

Modern Apprentice awarded for Cultivating Top Skills

Horticulture Modern Apprentice, Ryan Mooney from New Stevenson, was named the ‘Skills Development Scotland's Modern Apprenticeship Awards’ Level 2 Apprentice of the Year for his work with North Lanarkshire Council.Willie Fergusson, National Director for Lantra Sector Skills Council was an adjudicator for the awards, he said: “These highly prestigious awards not only recognise the dedication that Modern Apprentices have, but also shows the public the great impact they have on Scotland’s economy. Lantra works to support skills development in the land-based and environmental sector, so it was

Aquaculture: A fast growing food producing sector

Accounting for more than half the fish supply for human consumption, aquaculture is the world’s fastest growing food producing sector and this growth is likely to continue.Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms in inland and coastal areas, which involves intervention in the rearing process to enhance production and cultivate stock. Scotland is the second largest producer in the world and the largest in the EU; there are around aquaculture 260 businesses in Scotland which employ approximately 2,200 people. Aquaculture accounts for almost 40% of food export from Scotland each year*.

Modern Apprenticeship Framework for Land-based Engineering now releases

Lantra Sector Skills Council has announced today that Modern Apprenticeship frameworks for land-based engineering have been published and are now available to use.Over the past year, Lantra has undertaken an extensive review with businesses, other industry professionals and training providers to review land-based engineering Modern Apprenticeships and ensure they are kept relevant and up-to-date to meet the changing needs of industry professionals. Following this review, a new level 2 Modern Apprenticeship has been developed and introduced following demand from businesses, and the level 3

Lantra celebrates Scottish achievements

Lantra Sector Skills Council hosted a reception in the Scottish Parliamentary building to mark its significant achievements within Scotland over the past year.The event commenced with opening remarks from sponsoring MSP, John Scott, followed by an address from Willie Fergusson, Lantra’s National Director for Scotland. John Scott MSP said: “The development of skills and apprenticeships has never been more important than it is today, with food production and environmental improvements more vital than ever before. That is why I applaud and support Lantra in the good work they do in training

Extension of land-based Modern Apprenticeships

Offering apprenticeships in horticulture since 1947, for the first time ever the Land and Environmental Services branch of Glasgow City Council has now extended its services and is also offering a Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture in addition to its highly successful horticulture programme.Apprentices undertaking the Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture are based at Pollok Country Park (which has been keeping pure-bred Highland cattle since the 1830’s), with an element of distance learning. This provides them with the hands-on experience of caring for the animals whilst gaining a

CONSULTATION LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN EQUINE MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS

Employers from the equine industry are being invited to join forces with Lantra Sector Skills Council to help shape the future direction of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland.An extensive review with businesses has highlighted demand for a new level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in equine to be developed and the level 3 framework to be revised. Lantra is now calling for all industry professionals to take part in an online consultation to establish what they need from the Modern Apprenticeships, handing the industry unparalleled control over their qualifications. Mary Mitchell, Regional

MINISTERS SHOW SUPPORT FOR LANTRA

Several ministers and politicians visited Lantra Sector Skill Council’s stand at the Royal Highland Show to learn about Lantra’s work and see how it benefits the environmental and land-based sector.Minister for the Environment, Roseanna Cunningham MSP met with land managers, farmers and foresters to discuss climate change and the benefits of a low carbon economy. The Minister outlined the Scottish Government’s ambitious environmental targets and emphasised how people working on the land will help achieve these targets. She praised Lantra for spreading the ‘low carbon’ message through its

Firm ground for the future

As world cup fever continues to captivate the nation, many followers eagerly wait with baited breath to see who will make it through each round and ultimately to the final in Johannesburg on 11 July.Unfortunately Northern Ireland didn’t make it to the competition, but perhaps we should stop and think about the pitches on which teams practice faithfully week after week, and those who work every week of the year to ensure our sports grounds are looking, and performing, at their best. As David Winn, sports turf industry manager for Lantra explains: “To turn out a top quality pitch, in spite of

Firm ground for the future

As world cup fever continues to captivate the nation, many followers eagerly wait with baited breath to see who will make it through each round and ultimately to the final in Johannesburg on 11 July.Unfortunately Scotland did not make it to the competition, but perhaps we should stop and think about the pitches on which teams practice faithfully week after week, and those who work every week of the year to ensure our sports grounds are looking, and performing, at their best. As Willie Ferguson, Lantra’s National Director for Scotland explains: “To turn out a top quality pitch, in spite of

New Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture now available

After close liaison with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), farmers, employers, colleges and training providers across Scotland, a new Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture is now ready for delivery.Lantra’s National Director for Scotland, Willie Fergusson said: “Research highlighted a high demand for a Level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture, and the announcement that this qualification is now available has been widely welcomed by the agricultural industry. The introduction of this new qualification will provide more work-based learning, which will be supported by an approved

A passion for golf ....ever considered a career as a greenkeeper?

Northern Ireland has played host to some of the top golf tournaments, both at professional and amateur level.While a small country, Northern Ireland is a big player in the world of golf and has attracted attention worldwide. Not only do we have world class professional golfers in Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell, but the northern region of Ireland has the two top-ranked golf courses in Ireland, Royal Co Down and Royal Portrush. Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries represents the horticulture, landscaping and sports turf industry, and helps ensure

CONSULTATION LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN TREES AND TIMBER MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS

Employers from the trees and timber industry are being invited to join forces with Lantra Sector Skills Council to help shape the future direction of Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland.An extensive review with businesses has highlighted demand for a new level 2 Modern Apprenticeship in trees and timber to be developed and the level 3 framework to be revised. Lantra is now calling for all industry professionals to take part in an online consultation to establish what they need from the Modern Apprenticeships, handing the industry unparalleled control over their qualifications. Stuart