UHI Shetland’s Aquaculture Team Celebrates with Three Trainees Shortlisted for ALBAS Awards
UHI Shetland's Aquaculture team is thrilled to announce that three of its exceptional apprentices have been shortlisted for the prestigious Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (ALBAS). This recognition underscores the team’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in the field
The ALBAS, designed to foster careers within the rural sector, commend the achievements of learners, and underscore the significance of employers investing in skills, will culminate in a grand ceremony at the Crieff Hydro on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Meet the finalists:
Hamish MacLean from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, who successfully completed his SCQF Level 9 in Aquaculture Management at UHI Shetland while concurrently serving as an Area Manager for Bakkafrost.
Craig Grounds from Oban in Argyll and Bute, who attained his Modern Apprenticeship Level 3 in Aquaculture at UHI Shetland, balancing his commitments as an Assistant Site Manager at Scottish Sea Farms.
Stuart Lavender from Mossbank in Shetland, who completed his MA Level 2 in Aquaculture at UHI Shetland, concurrently contributing as a Site Assistant at Cooke Aquaculture.
In the words of Stuart Lavender: “Getting into aquaculture has opened my eyes to how many different sectors and opportunities there are. Doing my SVQ level 2 and 3 has given me the knowledge and understanding, improving and pushing forward my career in aquaculture.”
The ALBAS 2024 encompasses industry categories such as agriculture, animal care, aquaculture, equine, game and wildlife, horticulture, land-based engineering, and trees and timber. The awards include distinctions for Overall Winner, Runner-up, Modern Apprentice of the Year, Higher Education, School Pupil and Secondary Schools, CARAS (Council for Awards of Agricultural Societies), a Mentor award for an inspirational tutor, the Tam Tod Trophy, and the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working.
An esteemed independent judging panel, chaired by Keith Paterson of Forestry and Land Scotland and featuring the horticultural expertise of David Knott, Curator of Living Collections at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, selected the finalists for ALBAS 2024.
For those eager to witness the celebration, tickets for the awards ceremony can be secured through Lantra Scotland, reachable at 01738 310164 or via email at scotland@lantra.co.uk
Stuart Fitzimmons, Senior Lecturer of Aquaculture at UHI Shetland said: “We wish to extend our congratulations to the finalists and give a massive thank you to the ALBAS for recognizing the dedication and accomplishments of our brilliant apprentices.
This would not have been possible without the collective efforts of our teaching staff and industry partners. This achievement showcases our commitment to fostering a community of learners who contribute significantly to the advancement of aquaculture practices. We wish our finalists all the best for the awards night.”
UHI Principal and CEO, Professor Jane Lewis added " This is quite an achievement for both the hard-working nominated apprentices, and the UHI Shetland’s Aquaculture team, who are dedicated to nurturing talent, promoting excellence, and shaping the future leaders of the aquaculture industry."
For those eager to witness the celebration, tickets for the awards ceremony can be secured through Lantra Scotland, reachable at 01738 310164 or via email at scotland@lantra.co.uk
UHI Shetland’s Aquaculture Department remains dedicated to nurturing talent, promoting excellence, and shaping the future leaders of the aquaculture industry.