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.