SCOTTISH TREES & TIMBER MODERN APPRENTICESHIPS (27/06/06)

Rhona Brankin, Scotland's Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development, attended the Lantra stand at the Royal Highland Show on Friday 23 June to present awards to the first Scottish Trees and Timber Modern Apprentices to complete the qualification.

Christopher Robertson of Tarbert and Murray Livingstone of Kilmichael, Glassary, were presented with their certificates during Lantra's Employer Awards ceremony, held to mark the launch of Lantra's DVD - Promoting Workplace Learning. Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, and through its Sector Skills Agreement, is leading the drive to increase recruitment and retention in these areas, many of which are vital to rural communities and Scotland's economic growth. Mr Robertson and Mr Livingstone, both employees of Forestry Commission Scotland, were filmed along with their colleagues and trainer Ian Wilson, for the Lantra DVD, which aims to promote careers and workplace learning opportunities, and raise employer commitment towards cost-effective and fit-for-purpose training.

The Trees and Timber Modern Apprentices were one of a number of case studies from the environmental and land-based sector selected to participate in Lantra's DVD. Alongside the creation of the DVD, the project will use other mediums to inform and assist Scottish employers, regardless of sector, size or location, on workplace training issues. Speaking at the Lantra DVD launch and Employer Awards ceremony, Ms Brankin said: "Through Lantra's Sector Skills Agreement agenda and the success of valuable projects such as the Promoting Workplace Learning DVD, I believe that many more employers will show the same commitment and dedication to investing in their businesses and staff. This will result in a sustainable future and increased competitiveness for the environmental and land-based sector."

The DVD is a great opportunity to showcase the valuable skills that exist within the land-based sector and the many exciting and diverse career opportunities available to candidates of all ages. Through its various projects, including the Land-based Curriculum for schools and the Lantra Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, Lantra promotes learning and career opportunities for candidates of all ages. Lantra's National Director for Scotland, Willie Fergusson, said: "It is vital for the future growth of our sector that we promote the many exciting career opportunities that exist in our industries and challenge any old-fashioned perceptions of low skills and limited career opportunities. The skills that these young men have gained mean that they are able to stay and work in the rural communities where they grew up and make a valuable contribution to the sustainability of the area. The qualification and work experience also serves as a passport to further career progression and travel abroad, or the first stepping stones to running their own businesses, should they choose this route."

Workplace or vocational learning has increased in popularity over recent years for employees of all ages, seeking either a change in career or a promotion. There is little doubt that 'hands-on' experience is the best way to learn. From a young person's point of view, Modern Apprenticeships present a great opportunity to "earn while you learn2, and without the burden of debt often associated with full-time study. For a copy of the DVD of for more information about careers in the environmental or land-based sector, contact Lantra on 01738 553311.