Darren Broadley, from Avonbridge near Falkirk, may be dyslexic, but his exceptional abilities and his battle to overcome the learnign disorder placed him at the top of the class when he won through to the finals of the Scottish Modern Apprentriceship Awards for 2009. The 17 year old, who works for dairy farmers John Pollock and Sons in Bonnybridge, was the only agricultural apprentice to make it through to the last round of the competition. Having gained his MA qualification, Darren is back at Oatridge, studying for a Higher National Certificate in Mixed Farming.
College Principal David James says reaching the finals was "a great achievement" for Darren, while Willie Fergusson, the National Director for Scotland for Lantra, the sector skills council, sent his congratulations.