Supporting the Lantra ALBAS Awards and Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
Lantra ALBA Awards
The Lantra ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) recognise the inspirational qualities and outstanding contributions that nominees make, while showcasing the many rewarding careers on offer. The winner of the ‘Modern Apprentice of the Year’ category was Ross Rutherford from Edinburgh.
Ross took home the award for his hard work and dedication in completing his SVQ Level 3 in Landscaping at SRUC Oatridge. Ross was also the Overall Runner-up and won the Horticulture Learner of the Year category. He has been doing an SVQ in Landscaping at SRUC Oatridge while working as a Landscape Gardener for Noble Grounds Care Ltd. Ross said:
“It’s a great feeling to win these awards, and to know all the hard work is paying off. I’d like to thank my employer, Alex Noble, for giving me an opportunity to work in this sector; to Grant Skillen, my tutor at SRUC Oatridge, for nominating me, to Lantra Scotland and everyone else who has supported me. I changed careers during the pandemic which was a major shift for me – winning these awards has proved that this was definitely the right move.”
Scottish Apprenticeship Awards
At the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards we sponsored the ‘Modern Apprentice of the Year SCQF Level 5’ category, celebrating the dedication and achievements of Modern Apprentices.
On behalf of SQA, John McMorris was thrilled to present the award to the winner, Marc Ingram. Apprentice butcher Marc was recognised for his hard work throughout his Food and Drink Operations apprenticeship at Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop, with the support of Craft Skills Scotland.
Marc’s outstanding contribution also saw him scoop the overall award for Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year! In response to this recognition, Marc said:
"I am still in shock and at a loss for words as to what this means to me. I can't quite believe the journey I have been on over the past few years since I started my apprenticeship and how far I have come… It would be impossible to put into words how eternally grateful I am for everyone who has supported me… To think that my story could possibly inspire others from a similar background means the world to me. I can't wait to use this platform to spread the word of the importance of apprenticeships and what it has allowed me to achieve. Onwards and upwards!"
SQA is proud to sponsor these awards and sends a huge well done to Marc and Ross, along with all the learners nominated and celebrated across Scotland.