KATHERINE GALLOPS AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION
11/29/2011 11:50 AM EST
Katherine Touch from Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, was named as the Animal Health and Welfare, Horticulture and Environmental Young Learner of the Year winner in Lantra’s 2011 Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, for her dedication to training with Animal and Equine studies.
The Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, held on 28 November during this years’ Winter Fair on the Royal Welsh Showground, celebrates the most exceptional and inspiring learners in Wales’ land-based and environmental industries. The Awards were presented by Alun Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes.
“I started learning to ride horses at the age of five and now I am working in a trekking centre in North Wales. I’ve always been interested in animals so that’s why I thought it would be a good idea to study animal management, as I hoped training courses would be able to take me further.”
Katherine has studied at Coleg Sir Gar.
Kevin Thomas, Lantra National Director Wales, said: “Katherine is a great example of how chasing your passions can open new opportunities. She is dedicated to the health and welfare of animals and this no doubt shines through in her work and training courses. I would like to congratulate Katherine and all of this years’ nominees for the outstanding work they do.”
Winners were chosen from two categories with a ‘Young Learner of the Year’ and ‘Lifelong Learner of the Year’ award in each category. In addition, there was a Farming Connect Learner of the Year, open to all registered Farming Connect clients who have undertaken training through the Skills Development Programme and received funding for the course. Candidates are judged on their ability to deal with challenges, their use of initiative, as well as their level of skill and attitude to learning.
Kevin continued: “These Awards seek out and honour those in the land-based sector committed to improving their abilities. Their skills are vital to the future success, and in some cases survival, of environmental and land-based industries that contribute so much to the Welsh economy.”
“Winning this Award has helped me realise that I can handle any challenge head-on,” explained Katherine. “My next step is to get my degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and then I want to work with different types of animals around the world.”
To find out more about the Land-based Learner of the Year Awards, read about the winners or see photos from the event, visit
www.lantra.co.uk/wales-awardsENDS
ENDS
ISSUED BY
Lantra Press Office
Samuel Zelmer-Jackson, PR Co-ordinator
Tel: 02476 858 418 or email
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www.twitter.com/LantraSSCNOTES TO EDITOR
About the Land-based Learner of the Year Awards
Award categories
“Young Learner” (Two Awarded: One for each category 1 & 2)
Open to candidates 26 years or under on the 1st January 2011, who are developing a career within the environmental and land-based industries and who have shown a commitment to vocational education and training since leaving school.
“Lifelong Learner” (Two Awarded: One for each category 1 & 2)
Open to anybody over the age of 26 years, on the 1st January 2011, who has excelled in training and improving their skills and as a result benefited the business in which they work, the industry that they represent, or developed a successful enterprise.
Category 1 Land Management and production
• Agricultural crops
• Agricultural livestock
• Aquaculture
• Fisheries Management
• Land-based engineering
• Trees & Timber
• Fencing
Category 2 Animal health and welfare, horticulture and environmental industries
• Animal care
• Animal technology
• Equine
• Farriery
• Veterinary nursing
• Game and wildlife management
• Environmental Conservation
• Production Horticulture
• Horticulture, landscaping and sports turf
• Floristry
Farming Connect Learner of the Year
Open to all registered Farming Connect clients who have undertaken training through the Skills Development Programme and received funding for the course. Nominees must be over the age of 16 and have undertaken training through the programme since July 2008.
About Lantra
• Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries, working to ensure these businesses access the training, qualifications, skills and knowledge they need.
• Lantra represents 17 industries: agricultural livestock and crops; animal care; animal technology; aquaculture; environmental conservation; equine; farriery; fencing; fisheries management; floristry; game and wildlife management; land-based engineering; horticulture, landscaping and sports turf; production horticulture; trees and timber and veterinary activities.
• By working together with the sector, Lantra leads research on skills issues and business needs, sets national standards and develops qualifications to meet modern business needs and help businesses grow through skills.
• For more information see
www.lantra.co.uk.
* If you would like this press release in Welsh please email us