Three Borderers up for landbased training awards

Three Borders trainees have been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (the ALBAS).
Shauna Murdie.Shauna Murdie.
Shauna Murdie.

Galashiels trainees Maureen Brown and Susan Turner, together with Shauna Murdie from Jedburgh, will find out if they are successful during a special virtual ceremony on Thursday, March 4.

Maureen, who is 33, has been doing an SVQ Level 3 in Parks, Gardens and Green Spaces at James Gardening & Landscaping through Borders College.

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She said: “While I have been working with James Gardening and Landscaping, I have got a real sense of satisfaction seeing happy customers.

Maureen Brown.Maureen Brown.
Maureen Brown.

"To be part of projects that bring people so much joy, has helped me through my own problems and stresses.”

Susan, 54, has done an NC in Animal Care at Borders College.

She told us: “I have learned so much being on this course. I have pushed myself to do things I would have given up on before and am now confident around a variety of animals.”

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Shauna, aged 20, has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Agriculture at South Riccalton Farm, near Jedburgh also, through Borders College.

Susan Turner.Susan Turner.
Susan Turner.

She said: “I took the MA to develop my knowledge of the business and finance side of agriculture. This will prepare me

for a management role, which I hope to achieve in the future.”

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.

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The ALBAS celebrate the achievements of Scotland’s talented rural learners, and help to highlight the importance of investing in skills for employers.

Finalists come from a range of rural industries, including agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, horticulture, land-based engineering and trees and timber.

As well as prizes for overall winner, runner-up and modern apprentice of the year, there will also be an Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working, awards for Higher Education, School Pupil and Secondary Schools, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies), Jean’s Jam for inspirational tutor and the Tam Tod Trophy for outstanding young learner.

The finalists were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland.

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Liz Barron-Majerik, director of Lantra Scotland said: “I’m delighted to announce the finalists for our 2021 ALBAS.

"As well as showcasing the achievements of new entrants and career changers in our sector, they also promote qualifications and skills development across our sector.

"It’s important to remember that everyone who was nominated, whether they have become finalists or

not, should be very proud of this recognition.

"Although this year’s ceremony will be online, we’re still planning on making it a virtual night to remember for all our finalists.”

The ceremony will be broadcast on social media at 7pm on Thursday, March 4.

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