John Boyd, a talented horticulture apprentice from Port Glasgow, has won the horticulture category at Lantra Scotland’s annual Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards. The runner-up spot went to Brooke McKenzie, from Croftfoot in Glasgow.
The awards were presented to trainees at the glittering ceremony and gala dinner in Dunblane by farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson on Thursday 2nd March. Speaking at the event, Adam reminded the audience of the importance of fostering new talent and investing in skills to ensure a lasting future for Scotland’s food and drink sector and the wider rural economy.
Adam commented: “I’ve really enjoyed presenting these awards and meeting Scotland’s top trainees and learners from the land-based and aquaculture sector.
“It’s inspiring to see such talented people getting the support of employers and training providers as they start their careers within these key industries.
“As well as congratulating everyone nominated for Lantra’s learner of the year awards, I’d particularly like say well done to the winners and the runners-up. It really is a fantastic achievement and I’m sure winning these awards will be great for their prospects and their self-confidence.”
John, aged 25 from Port Glasgow, has been doing an SVQ Level 3 in Parks, Gardens & Greenspace through Glasgow Clyde College while working as a gardener for In-Work Enterprise. John came onto the project through a scheme called Future Jobs, part of the Inverclyde Community Development Trust Programme. After completing his Level 3 Parks Gardens and Green Space qualification, his dream is to broaden his knowledge of the horticulture industry in other locations.
21-year-old Brooke has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ Level 2 in Horticulture through Daldowie Training Centre, while working for the Southside Housing Association in Glasgow. After completing her course, she hopes to secure a full-time job with Southside Housing, learning more about different approaches to horticulture around the world.
The Learner of the Year Awards were organised by Lantra Scotland, the sector skills council for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental industries, and play a vital role in celebrating the achievements of trainees within Scotland’s rural sector and in encouraging employers to invest in the next generation of talent.
To find out more about the Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards 2017, visit www.lantra.co.uk/scotland/land-based-and-aquaculture-learner-year call 01738 310164 or e-mail scotland@lantra.co.uk.
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