Magazine - Horticultural success at Land-based Learner of the Year Awards

By Press Release in Industry on 31st Mar 2010 15:00

Pamela Marnie from Glenrothes, Fife was awarded 'Horticultural Learner of the Year', and Overall Runner-Up at Lantra's Land-based Learner of the Year awards.
Pamela, a Modern Apprentice in Amenity Horticulture, said "Since starting this apprenticeship I have learned so much and have found my true vocation in life. Nothing will ever stop my passion for working with plants".

Roy Daniels, Training Officer at Fife Council - Parks and Countryside, said "Since Pamela commenced her Modern Apprenticeship, she has shown exceptional enthusiasm that has motivated other co-workers. Pamela will progress rapidly in her career and we hope to enrol her on Botanical Garden and Art courses in the near future."

Pamela won two awards, Overall Runner up sponsored by Elmwood College, and 'Horticultural Learner of the Year', sponsored by Premier One (Land Services) Ltd with contributions from Horticultural Trade Association and Dundee College.

John Gillan, Director of Premier One (Land Services) Ltd, who sponsored the horticultural award, said: "As a company we invest heavily in the skills of our workforce and we see these awards as an extension of this. We believe that by sponsoring the awards we are making an investment in the future of our industry."

Lee Eaglen, an apprentice greenkeeper from Edinburgh was awarded Runner-Up Horticultural Learner of the Year. Lee says: "I love my job and believe that going to college to gain new skills is vital to my ambition to become a course manager. I am working as hard as I can to build a real career, not just for me, but for my family."

Richard Lochhead, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, said "The Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year awards recognise outstanding achievement in the environmental, land-based and aquaculture industries, and are vitally important in encouraging new Scottish talent to flourish. I'd like to congratulate each and every one of the award winners and nominees for their efforts, skills and knowledge and wish them every success in their future careers."

William Fergusson, Lantra National Director for Scotland said: "The Land-based Learner of the Year awards attract a very high calibre of candidates who have shown an interest in further developing their skills with the intent to further their career. It is vital for the future of these industries that we continue to encourage new entrants and demonstrate how employers can see bottom line benefits that highly skilled new entrants can bring to the business."

Some 140 guests, including employers, training providers and members of Scottish Parliament, attended the event. Skills Development Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage were the principal sponsors.

Read more articles in Industry, by Press Release or from March 2010.