Harper Adams University Shines: Student and Alumna Nominated for Inaugural Lantra Land-based & Environment Learner Awards
A recent Harper Adams alumna and a first year Agricultural Engineering student are among those shortlisted in tonight’s inaugural Lantra Land-based & Environment Learner Awards.
The awards take place this evening, Wednesday, 22 November, and will be hosted by BBC Countryfile presenter and Harper Adams Honorary Degree holder, Adam Henson.
The awards were launched by leading land-based training and qualification awarding body, Lantra, and the representative body for land-based colleges and universities, Landex, to celebrate the achievements of learners from across further and higher education.
The finalists were selected by an independent judging panel, with the awards open to all who studied in land-based and environment sectors between September 2021 and September 2022. Prizes will mark the top learners and apprentices across a range of industries – as well as an award for overall Learner of the Year and overall Apprentice of the Year.
Dr David Llewellyn CBE, Lantra’s Chair of Trustees and former Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, said: “Whilst the headlines may concentrate on the important topic of a lack of qualified individuals and skills in the land-based and environment industries, we think the equally important abilities and achievements of those thousands of learners who are dedicated to helping grow our workforce of tomorrow, are both celebrated and rewarded.”
Chair of Landex Marcus Clinton added: “There is so much amazing talent across the network of land-based colleges and universities who are doing such a great job supporting the land-based and environment sectors and employers with their workforce of tomorrow. Being able to shine a light on and recognise the hard work and achievements of our students will make for a very special evening.”
Among the shortlisted nominees this year are MRes and BSc (Hons) Agriculture alumna Liz Tree, and current first-year student Luke Tighe.
Liz – who graduated from her MRes in September – said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be a finalist. I hope I can show others that anyone from any background can find a happy and successful career in agriculture.”
Meanwhile Luke – who began his BEng (Hons) Agricultural Engineering degree this autumn – added: “Being shortlisted is a great feeling – it gives me a validation of the efforts and dedication I put in at college.
“When I received the news, there was an immediate rush of excitement and a great sense of accomplishment, not just for myself but the teachers who have helped me along the way.”
As he nears the end of his first term at Harper Adams, Luke says his shortlisting has boosted his confidence – and renewed his appetite to make the most of his time at university.
He added: “The main draw which made me come and study at Harper Adams is that Harper makes me feel I want to be the best I can be and gives me a feeling that I want to study further and keep progressing my knowledge in the Agricultural Engineering sector.
“The opportunities I will encounter along the way through at Harper are incredible.
“Nevertheless, being shortlisted is a big boost of confidence for me and a reminder that my journey is progressing positively and that my aspirations are even more achievable.
“It’s also a moment of gratitude for the opportunities that are yet to come and a renewed motivation to do my best.”