Industry champions newsletter 2022-23

Inspiring the next generation

ABOUT

Lantra's Industry Champions Initiative helps to inspire the next generation of learners and supports skills development 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

Following the challenges of the previous two years, 2022/23 has felt like a much more normal year, allowing the Industry Champions to get back out to events in person whilst also supporting activities held online

This has included the creation of industry videos, attending career events, supporting social media campaigns throughout the year, presenting at virtual events and more.

There have also been two personal development events covering social media and vlogging as well as an opportunity to learn more about one of our industries which this year was focussed on environmental conservation

2023 Industry Visit

HIGHLIGHTS

There's been lots of activity this year with the Industry Champions getting involved in a variety of activities.

Starting off the year, we ran a virtual introductory event where 2022 ALBAS Finalists learnt about the initiative and also heard from some existing Industry Champions. They also undertook personal development training social media.

"Thank you so much. Really enjoyed it, learned a massive amount in the afternoon session which I can put to good use."

Earth Day on the 22 April saw Luke Taylor, Caroline von Linden and Jenna Ross sharing their thoughts on the work they do in their respective industries and how this linked to theme of 'Invest in our Planet.'

DYW Borders ran a number of careers event in their secondary schools during May, with Susan Turner, Matty Douglas and Alicja Blaszczyk attended promoting careers in our sector

Alicja also took part in a podcast with Scottish Land and Estates following her success at the ALBAS in 2022

Caroline von Linden, who works in the Equine industry, supported a video showcasing careers and highlighting what is involved in her own role. She has also supported discussions around equine apprenticeships as part of the Scottish Equine Industry group looking at qualifications.

Alicja Blaszczyk also attended a Pathways evening at Mussleburgh High School.

It was great to bring the Industry Champions together again at the Royal Highland Show with a mix of 16 new and existing champions as one of the key opportunities to meet each other, network and learn about each others industries and experience.

Alicja Blaszczyk was successful in her application to become the first Lantra Board intern. She attended a farming sector communication meeting with other industry representatives discussing how to make a career in agriculture more attractive to a wider audience.

Industry Champions also supported #NoWrongPath on SQA Exam Results Day showing that there is no wrong path into your career.

Lawrence Martin and Scott Mason attended a STEM Careers event at McLaren High School promoting STEM in our sector. Lawrence said "It was fantastic to meet young people enthused by the idea of working within the land based sector but equally as rewarding to talk to those who know very little about the sector or the diversity of roles and skills needed "

Scottish Careers Week (7-11 November) saw Matthew Anderson, Louise Main, Andrew Richardson and Niall Provan providing content for social media to highlight the variety of careers available in our sector.

Susan Turner attended another 3 events in the Borders area raising awareness of careers in animal care and the wider sector.

During COP27 week, Lawrence Martin presented on his work in agriculture and how it is helping to mitigate against climate change and support sustainability on DYW Live followed by a themed lesson on his pathway into his career as a new entrant.

As a STEM Ambassador, Jenna Ross shared her experience of this role during STEM Ambassadors in Scotland Week.

Hanna Rennie attended a careers event at Auchmuty High School in the new year, with Lawrence Martin heading to Clydebank High School and St Peter the Apostle High School. Susan Turner, Matthew Anderson and Reece MacNaughton supported events in the Borders and Isla Campbell attended an event at Nairn Academy

A group of Industry Champions attended a vlogging workshop in March to support them in developing their skills and in their role as Industry Champions They also attended the ALBAS in the evening following by a visit to Plean Country Park to learn about careers in environmental conservation and hear from the Stirling Council Countryside Rangers team

Luke Taylor spoke at a NatureScot conference focussed on 'Nature Restoration Jobs and Skills' about a career in conservation.

INDUSTRYCHAMPIONTESTIMONIALS

"The Industry Champions Initiative is a platform that allows some of the best that land-based industries have to offer, to come together, create a vast wealth of knowledge and support everyone involved We have loads of fun and have lots of opportunities to share our knowledge and experience with other professionals and the public. Alongside all of this we are able to grow and learn with workshops and training in a range of skills and specialties. A brilliant group to be part of."

LAWRENCE MARTIN - AGRICULTURE 2020

"The Lantra Industry Champions is a great initiative that helps you to further your personal and career skills, network and has great opportunities. It's also a supportive team of like-minded people that will welcome you and help you gain skills and grow. There are skills workshops and industry visits you can take part in but there are no obligations. For me, its has been enjoyable and valuable and I would definitely recommend it if you're lucky enough to get the opportunity "

CALLUM DUGGAN - AQUACULTURE 2021

"I became an Industry Champion in 2018 after coming Runner-Up in horticulture in the Learner of the Year Awards. As an Industry Champion I have had the amazing opportunity to learn more about other land-based industries as well horticulture. The experience is unique in the people you meet and the friends you make and worth taking part in If you have the opportunity to do so then I would whole-heartedly encourage you to work with the champions."

JENNIFER WRIGHT - HORTICULTURE 2018

"I would definitely encourage any finalists this year to get involved with the Industry Champions initiative. You learn so much about the other industries and can even learn more about the industry you work in yourself. It provides you with a wonderful network of people to chat to, socialise and learn with and can help you find endless opportunities within your industry of work. I've found joining the initiative has really boosted my confidence and helped me to learn about so many different things out with my industry of work "

SHAUNA MURDIE - AGRICULTURE 2021

BENEFITSOFBEINGANINDUSTRYCHAMPION

There are a range of benefits and opportunities to the Industry Champions which support their personal development, their industry and the wider sector

Examples include:

Being part of an exclusive club

Opportunities to meet with like-minded 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

To become recognised as a positive role model to new entrants

To increase awareness of their industry by sharing working/study experiences with new audiences

To 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

The success of our industry champions initiative relies entirely on the generosity of employers in supporting their staff as Champions. Lantra very much values this support, as it has helped raise the profile of the sector, skills development activities and increased opportunities for further engagement with partners.