April- December 2023
NEWSLETTER
ABOUT
Lantra’s Industry Champions Initiative helps to inspire the next generation of learners while supporting skills development and promoting the careers available in the sector. Our Industry Champions are former finalists of our annual awards, the ALBAS (Awards for Land-Based and Aquaculture Skills), who have been recognised for demonstrating inspirational qualities and outstanding contributions to the work place.
UPDATE
The champions have had a very eventful year in 2023, winning an array of awards outside of the ALBAS, speaking at national conferences, being included in judging panels, promoted within their jobs, presenting about the career opportunities in each of their sectors, supporting Lantra at career events and attending the Knowledge Exchange Event in December. More details to follow in March...
BENEFITS OF BEING A CHAMPION Be part of an exclusive club Opportunities to meet with likeminded individuals and widen their network of contacts Continuous personal development opportunities which have included presentation skills, social media training and leadership development Ongoing support from Lantra Invitations to speak/represent industry at events across Scotland Become recognised as a positive role model to new entrants Increase awareness of their industry by sharing working/study experiences with new audiences
Support their industry by demonstrating it is a positive and rewarding career choice as well as promoting their learner journey at business events to employers encouraging them to take on new entrants Sharing their knowledge and experience to add value to skills development within their industry Inform career information related to their industry Presenting at Parliamentary Receptions and meeting with key Government stakeholders Opportunities to contribute to skills consultations to help influences policies, funding and provision
EMPLOYERS
The success of our industry champions initiative relies on the generosity of the employers supporting their staff as champions. Lantra greatly appreciates and values this support, as it has helped raise the profile of each sector, skills development and increased opportunities to further engage with partners.
Knowledge Exchange Event 2023 Exchanging Knowledge This year our Industry Champions took part in four workshops over two days at Turnberry in Ayrshire. They developed their knowledge about other land-based sectors, grew their interpersonal skills and strengthened their support network with other champions from across the country.
“Great fun with lovely people “ “Great experience and networking with likeminded people from different industries “
Equine One of the champions works at Turnberry as Stable & Yard Manager and was able to provide an insight into what’s involved in the daily running of the yard and stables, as well as the care for their own horses and onsite livery. Everyone took part, enjoying a short ride around the estate as well as being shown the facilities and equipment used, including some of the traditional carriages during the winter months for tourists.
“A fantastic experience covering a broad range of topics with a phenomenal venue!”
“Enjoyable & Interesting”
Professional Development
Animal Care
Rural business support charity Growbiz, provided a fascinating and thought-provoking session for our industry champions. This covered networking, exploring their own preferences, how this influences their approaches, what networking is and isn’t, as well as a self-reflection exercise which primed participants with a range of considerations to take into any networking situations that will promote positive interactions and create lasting impressions with new contacts.
Champions were delighted to get the chance to meet the resident falconer, who introduced them to an Indian and a South African Scops owl, a GyrSaker Falcon and a Golden Eagle. They also got a very passionate and in-depth insight into falconry, training of birds, welfare concerns and the facility being developed for public engagement at Turnberry. Everyone got the opportunity to hold, feed and learn about each bird and the care needed to look after them.
Land-based Engineering
Networking
The champions had the opportunity to speak with the Head Groundsman and Greenkeeper to hear about the challenges of golf course management, as well as resort horticulture. The workshop manager also spoke regarding the wider range of machinery required and the ongoing daily maintenance needed.
Throughout the event there were multiple opportunities for the champions to discuss their respective sectors, what news there was to share from these industries, hot topics, support and guidance as well as what it is they each do in their field of work. In the evening the group dined together and then all took part in team building games to help strengthen the support network between them.