Fisheries apprentice lands prize catch
Stirling Council Fisheries Apprentice Max McKinstrie has been awarded the Lantra Fisheries Management Learner of the Year Award for the most outstanding Modern Apprentice.
Max, from Kippen, beat-off strong competition from apprentices across Scotland to win the coveted award, which was sponsored by Barony College, Dumfries.
Stirling Council Portfolio Holder with responsibility for Environment Councillor Jim Thomson congratulating Max on his award said: “Max is an excellent example of a young person with a commitment to learn a trade and demonstrates sound work ethics – it also helps he’s a keen angler. His enthusiasm shines through and it’s obvious he really enjoys what he’s doing learning a lot from his Fisheries colleagues, gaining great work experience and nationally recognised qualifications in the process.” 
Max said: “Since joining the Fisheries team at Stirling Council I have had many opportunities given to me such as being given the opportunity to widen my range of skills by being put on courses from wood chippers to power boat training. This is all down to the support I have received from David Jones and the Fisheries team, Youth Services at Stirling Council and Barony College. I have enjoyed every second of it and appreciate how lucky I am to be involved in this set up at Stirling Council. This course has secured my outlook on my future career and I look forward to what it throws at me.”
Stirling Council Fisheries Officer David Jones said: "Max has done exceptionally well to win this award. He has worked hard and has been a credit to himself and Stirling Council. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our many partners who have given training to Max which has seen him attain his qualification seven months ahead of schedule."
Stirling Council Fisheries team was delighted to recruit Max through the Stirling Council Apprenticeship Development Fund and Skills Development Modern Apprenticeship programme after identifying an opportunity for a young person to learn a trade, while gaining valuable work experience and providing a service to the public.
The Modern Apprenticeships programme is promoted, managed and developed across all council services by the Council’s Youth Services team, who researched and co-ordinated the SVQ in Fisheries Management L2, working in partnership with Barony College.
The Modern Apprentices scheme is a great way to support local young people who are ready and willing to work, but finding it difficult to compete against sometimes-higher skilled or more experienced applicants. Full support, guidance and a wage are given to the apprentices throughout their training.
Lantra is a nationally recognised Awarding Body approved to develop and accredit qualifications such as NVQ/SVQ and VRQ by Ofqual and SQA the Regulatory Bodies of qualifications. They offer national qualifications in a range of subject areas, as well as technical awards and customised provision to accredit in-house training and specialise in qualifications and training for people in the land-based and environmental sector.
Last year Max skippered the Scottish Fly Fishing team to victory in the Youth Fly Fishing International Championships on the Lake of Menteith.
Pictures Show: 1) Outstanding Modern Apprentice Winner Max McKinstrie (second, right) with his Lantra Award being congratulated by Councillor Jim Thomson (centre) together with Environment Opposition Spokespersons Councillor Graham Reed (left) and Councillor Colin O’Brien (right) with Youth Services Jane Taylor (front row, second left) and Fisheries Officer David Jones at the River Forth
2) Max McKinstrie
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