The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and award ceremony on 3 March at the Hilton Hotel, Dunblane Hydro.
Underhill, from Oban, is working as a freshwater fish health biologist for Scottish Sea Farms and did a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture with Shetland UHI.
“I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to collaborate over the past two-and-a-half years with many talented people in their field, particularly within fish health. Every one of them has influenced me in my career,” she said.
Ferguson, from the Shetland Islands, is doing a technical apprenticeship in aquaculture management at Grieg Seafood through Shetland UHI.
“My current role involves ensuring the optimal husbandry of all stock on site, looking after the health and welfare of staff and resolving any problems relating to fish health. It’s very rewarding helping train colleagues and I take great satisfaction in maintaining the health of the fish stock,” he reflected.
Rey, from Glendevon, has completed a modern apprenticeship in aquaculture at Dawnfresh Farming Ltd, through Shetland UHI.
“As soon as I learnt about careers in aquaculture, I wanted to do nothing else. In a hatchery there is so much variation from one day to the next, and it always keeps you interested,” she explained.
Lantra Scotland is the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries and the ALBAS play a vital role in promoting rural careers, celebrating the achievements of learners, and highlighting the importance to employers of investing in skills.
“It is a privilege to be able to name the finalists for our 2022 ALBAS, especially in this, the twentieth year the awards have been running,” said Liz Barron-Majerik, director of Lantra Scotland, in a press release.
“As well as congratulating the finalists, I’d also like to say well done to everyone who was nominated, whether they have made it to the later stages of our awards or not. They should be very proud of this recognition,” she added.
Tickets for the evening are available by calling 01738 310164 or emailing scotland@lantra.co.uk.
