Twelve students and apprentices from SRUC have been selected as finalists for this year’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS).
They are among 26 of Scotland’s top trainees and rural learners shortlisted for the awards, organised by Lantra Scotland.
The ALBAS play a vital role in promoting careers within the rural sector, celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
Industry categories in the ALBAS cover animal care, aquaculture, equine, environmental conservation, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, veterinary nursing and trees and timber.
As well as industry awards, there are prizes for Overall Winner, Runner-up and Modern Apprentice of the Year, along with awards recognising higher education, schools, research, mentoring and partnership working.
Finalist Danielle Newlands, who completed an SVQ in Land-based Engineering (Agriculture) through SRUC Oatridge while working as an Apprentice Land-based Engineer with Ravenhill, said: “Getting nominated was a complete honour, I never thought this would be in my future but then to find out I am a finalist and I am going to see the ALBAs for myself is a dream come true. It just shows anything truly is possible if you are willing to put in the work and be passionate. I always questioned where I belonged in life, but this shows to me that I’ve found my place. Grateful every day to be in this industry, every day is a learning day.”
