The race to find Scotland's Modern Apprentice of the Year is almost there! Ryann Walker, a riding instructor and groom from Milngavie, is among the finalists for the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year Award 2003.

Managed by Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector, these special awards have been designed to reward Modern Apprentices in Scotland who have demonstrated a commitment to training, gained knowledge in a specialised land-based subject and supported others as part of their personal development.

To celebrate these achievements and to announce the winners, an evening awards ceremony is being held at The Huntingtower Hotel, Perth on Wednesday 26 November 2003.

David Stevenson, Lantra's Executive Director, Scotland said, "This award is designed to recognise the hard work and achievements undertaken by apprentices in our sector. We are very keen to recognise successful individuals and in so doing inspire new entrants to consider a career in environmental and land-based industries.

Modern Apprenticeships are a vital way for individuals to develop a career in the sector. They give individuals the opportunity to develop skills and experience whilst actually doing the job. And because of the flexible nature of the learning programmes, the apprenticeship can be tailored to suit the needs of both the employer and the apprentice - so it's a win-win situation."

Eligible candidates from across Scotland were invited to compete for the Scottish Modern Apprentice of the Year title. Finalist Ryann Walker, who has completed the Horse Industry Modern Apprenticeship in additional to gaining academic equine qualifications, now joins 5 other apprentices from across Scotland, including greenkeepers, a farm assistant and a florist, to compete for the award.

Lantra's Regional Development Consultant, Wendy Learmonth said: "We have been extremely impressed by the quality of entries for this competition. It is encouraging to see that the finalists come from across the land-based sector - from equine and agriculture to amenity horticulture and floristry."

"All our finalists have secured a better future for themselves as a result of their commitment and positive attitude to learning. We are delighted to celebrate their achievements and announce the overall winner at the evening award ceremony," concludes Wendy.

Around 800 individuals are currently following a Modern Apprenticeship in the environmental and land-based sector in Scotland. Over 300 have completed since 2000.

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