Our Industry Champions recently enjoyed a fascinating visit to a harvesting site in Ae Forest, hosted by last year’s learner of the year winner, Emma Staniforth, and colleagues from Forest Enterprise Scotland.

Accompanied by Lantra staff, the Champions learned about Forest Enterprise Scotland’s work in the South Region, seeing a harvester in operation, and finding out more about recreational forestry and the work taking place to control tree-related diseases.

Eleven champions took part in the two-day knowledge exchange event to develop their leadership skills and improve their knowledge of a specific land-based industry, which this year was trees and timber.

Feedback from all who attended was very positive, with Champions now having a much better knowledge of forestry careers.

Lantra’s Industry Champions Initiative helps inspire the next generation of learners and support skills development in the land-based, environmental conservation and aquaculture sector. 

Like Emma, the Champions have all been finalists in Lantra Scotland’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of The Year Awards, which celebrate the success of outstanding learners.

Champions are involved in a variety of activities, including promoting sector careers, providing feedback to inform skills development and speaking at key stakeholder conferences and events about their learning journey and job role. There are currently 30 Industry Champions from a variety of land-based industries.

The champions will use their improved knowledge when promoting careers and skills development activities.