FOUR trainees from the trees and timber industry have been shortlisted for Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills), which take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday 5th March 2020.

The finalists are Alexander Austin, Karen McDonald, Euan Sneddon and Javin Hannah.

Alexander, 18, from Dumfries, has been doing an apprenticeship in trees and timber with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC. He said: “My forestry qualification has opened my eyes to the opportunities, and given me a desire to take the lifelong skills that I have learned into my future career. I have become a more confident and motivated young man with a passion to continue learning and improving. Winning an ALBAS award will help me to do that.”

Karen, 26, from Peterculter, Aberdeen, has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship in trees and timber with Forestry and Land Scotland through the Scottish School of Forestry. She said: “My apprenticeship in forestry mirrors everything I was looking for, with many job opportunities, training and the chance to create and change forests. I have found a career I love and can see many possible routes to pursue within the industry.”

Euan, 18, from Newton Stewart, has been doing an apprenticeship in trees and timber SVQ Level 5 with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC.

He said: “Ever since I was young I have always loved to use the forest recreationally through my mountain biking, hill walking, running and fishing. I hope to progress in the forestry industry improving my knowledge and taking on more responsibility.”

Javin, 24, from Newton Stewart, has been doing a Modern Apprenticeship in trees and timber with Forestry and Land Scotland through SRUC.

 He said:  “I’d worked as an outdoor instructor for sporting activities in Galloway, but eventually decided I wanted to take on new challenges. I was delighted to see the forestry apprenticeship advertised, as it was just what I was looking for. I have involved myself in my apprenticeship and SVQ and taken on new training opportunities. When I secured a job as a craftsperson with Forestry and Land Scotland it was a proud moment and will now allow me to put my hard work and training into practice.”

Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries. The awards seek to promote careers within the rural sector by celebrating the achievements of learners and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.

There are categories for the agriculture, aquaculture, equine, horticulture, game and wildlife, trees and timber, land-based engineering and environmental conservation industries, as well as Higher Education, Rural Schools, Modern Apprentice of the Year, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies) and a new Partnership Working Award.

The finalists for the 2020 ALBAS were chosen by an independent judging panel made up of influential figures from across the land-based and aquaculture sector and chaired by agriculture and rural affairs journalist Erika Hay.

Liz Barron-Majerik, Director of Lantra Scotland, commented: “We are very grateful to the independent panel of judges, to training providers and to the employers for contributions, and of course to all of our generous event sponsors.”