Holme Lacy Awards Ceremony
Over 300 people gathered in a beautiful marquee at the Holme Lacy campus on the evening of 10th July to celebrate student
successes at the annual Land-Based Studies and New Entrant Training Scheme Awards evening.
Families, friends and employers accompanied students from a broad range of subject areas including Animal Care, Agriculture, Equine, Forestry and Arboriculture, Outdoor Education, Sports Performance and Excellence, Blacksmithing and Farriery. The achievements of trainees who have been studying on the New Entrants Training Scheme, previously operated by the Countryside Agency and its partners, which include HCT, were also celebrated at this event. Trainees from as far away as Dorset, London, Northampton and Suffolk came to collect their awards in the fields of Blacksmithing, Forge Work and Furniture Making.
The Scheme is primarily designed for trainees employed by firms in rural areas of England with a population of less than 10,000. HCT has, since 2001, been the only college in the Country to provide traditional apprenticeships in rural crafts, based on the Countryside Agency’s New Entrants Model. Representing the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, Blacksmithing Tutor Paul Allen, commented “Many of the students diversify from farming, engineering and such like, often following redundancy. Most are not 17-18 year olds, but more mature apprentices. We are finding that people we trained 15-20 years ago, who have set up their own businesses are now sending their apprentices to us. The NETS course is unique because it works on a block release system backed up with experience at the trainee’s place of work. It concentrates on the practical skills needed in order to cope with the everyday commercial demands of a forgework business. All trainees received Certificates from the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Land-Based Studies students received certificates for the successful completion of their courses and also college prizes were awarded to the Top Student, Top Practical Student and Best Progress Students in each area. Rob Dunn, Assistant Principal, Faculty of Land-Based Studies congratulated students on their achievements and hard work in an opening address before handing over to the special guest.
Special Guest, Mr Adam Evans, a former student and local farmer who decided to diversify his farm and set up the company ‘SHIFT Herefordshire Ltd’ gave a superb talk. Adam works with persistent offenders, children in care and school groups. Clients are offered practical experience of the day to day running of the farm; they are encouraged to become actively involved. Adam teaches them about responsibilities, and self-worth, to promote confidence and give a new direction to their lives. Congratulations to all our students and particular congratulations go to Jack Bowen (pictured inset), NVQ Mixed Farming and Livestock student, who was presented with the Phillip Anning Memorial Cup, awarded to the agricultural day release student of the year.
