Minister for Rural Affairs, Elin Jones AM, presented the winners of the prestigious Land-based Learner Awards with their prizes in front of a packed audience at the Welsh Winter Fair on 30 November.
These Awards celebrate the achievements of those within the environmental and land-based industries in Wales who are committed to improving their skills and strive for excellence.
During her keynote speech, Elin Jones AM said, “The link between skills and business productivity and profit is undisputed – but in rural Wales the value of skills is much more than this; they equip the workforce with the world-class skills needed for a strong, productive and sustainable agricultural industry into the 21st century. With skills that address the key priorities and drivers in this sector now, such as food and fuel security, climate change, carbon reduction and animal health and welfare.
“Lifelong learning is essential to keep up-to-date with the latest techniques and practices, and to provide the tools to manage businesses effectively; to seize business opportunities and develop enterprises to compete in today’s challenging economy.
“We need to develop a culture that acknowledges the importance that personal and professional development plays in the improvement of business performance and sustainability; and to assist with this I am pleased to announce that Farming Connect is set to increase the rate of support of training and mentoring from 50% to 80%, and this will apply to all skills development applications received from 1 January 2010."
Kevin Thomas, Lantra’s National Director for Wales said: “Lantra welcomes the news that funding through Farming Connect has been extended. When training has been shown to boost staff productivity by 4% per employee and there to be a return of between £3 and £6 on every £1 invested in training, it is easy to see why skills are essential to the success, and sometimes even survival, of many businesses in today’s difficult economic climate."
Lantra Young Learner of the Year titles went to, in the agri-production category, Gareth Griffiths, a dairy farmer from Llangynog, Caerfyrddin currently studying currently studying a HND in agriculture at Coleg Sir Gar, Carmarthen. In addition to answering general questions, the specialist subject he elected to be quizzed more closely on by the judges was the growing of maize under plastic compared to conventional systems. He says, “I think farming is a very rewarding job offering a variety of work and plenty of occasions which make the long hours and hard work worthwhile.
Gethin Hughes won the animal health and welfare, conservation, horticulture and landscaping category. He lives on a small farm near Y Rhiw, Pwllheli which has diversified with the addition of a native tree nursery and his interests lie in countryside management. He comments, “I work with local contractors from tree surgeons to plant hire machinery, make customised wooden gates, work on shoots, advise people on different management objectives for small mixed woodland and volunteer for a local community project – the skills used are as varied as thatching roundhouses to stone walling. I felt honoured to be nominated for this award.”
Runners up were: Rhys Wyn Owen, of Llandrillo, Corwen, nominated by Harper Adams University College having recently graduated with a FdSc/HND in Agriculture; and Tom Owen, of Dolgellau, nominated by Coleg Meirion Dwyfor. His studies in countryside management are accompanied by work experience with Snowdonia National Park Wardens and gamekeeping on the Nannau Estate.
Lantra Lifelong Learner of the Year in the agri-production category was Jon McCalmont, of Llangammarch Wells, Powys, who works in forestry and was nominated by Aberystwyth University. He points out that, "Although there are real problems with recruitment in the land based industries - Lantra figures showing up to 50% of job vacancies in the sector being classed as ‘hard to fill’ due to skills shortages - this is only really a problem for employers and managers. For prospective workers in a time of rising unemployment this should be seen as a real opportunity. There has never been a better time to take advantage of land-based vocational training – hard to fill vacancies should mean more choice and higher wages for the workforce – so get smart...get trained!"
Winning the second category was Marie Fowler, of Tretio, St David's, who was nominated by her employer Pembrokeshire National Park Authority. She commented: “There is no better place to work than on the Pembrokeshire Coast footpath. I love being outdoors and working as a warden is most rewarding. A year ago, I was working in an office and barely knew the names of tools. Now, after training, I can not only name them, but know how to use and maintain them as well. It was a pleasure to take part in these Lantra awards. The process was straightforward and the people involved were most helpful. They made me feel really special.”
Runner up in the agri-production category was organic dairy farmer Stuart Evans, of Goodwick, Fishguard. He says, “During times of poor returns in agriculture, the training I obtain allows me to improve farm efficiency and help keep the business profitable. I have been in the family business for over five years since leaving university, yet everyday is a learning experience.
“As farming becomes increasingly regulated, training is essential to keeping the business both up to speed with the latest information, as well as compliant. Some of my most rewarding experiences come from seeing a project into which I have invested acquired knowledge succeed. I feel exceptionally privileged to be nominated for this award by the lecturing staff at Gelli Aur College in Carmarthen.”
Runner up in the animal health and welfare, conservation, horticulture and landscaping category wasequine professional Susan Alldridge, from Maesteg, Bridgend, who was nominated by Bridgend College. She comments: “I love to learn and strive to be the best I can be. I believe anything is achievable if you put your mind to it. Working within the equine industry is worthwhile and rewarding; no two days are the same when working with horses. I found the Lantra awards process exciting, nerve racking but most importantly enjoyable!'
The candidates for the Land-based Learner Awards are considered on their ability to deal with the challenges their job presents, their use of initiative to secure a better future for their business and/or industry, as well as their skill level and attitude to learning.
Kevin Thomas continued, "The judges commented on the excellent quality of this year’s finalists, praising not only their excellent ability but their interest in further developing their skills and knowledge. There were some hard decisions to be made before the eventual winners were chosen. "
The Land-based Learner Awards are hosted by Lantra and receive additional sponsorship from Countryside Council for Wales, National Farmers Union, Farmers Union of Wales and the Welsh Assembly.
