The Student View
Don't just listen to us! - listen to what our students have to say.
Ashley Lane
"The best thing about studying with HCT is the support of the staff."
New Zealander Ashley felt inspired to train as a blacksmith after tracking down the creator of the beautifully crafted blacksmithing features of his Devon cottage. He chose to enrol on the BTEC National Diploma in Blacksmithing at the Rural Crafts Centre - Holme Lacy campus. Although he found it difficult at first, the combination of perseverance and excellent staff support saw Ashley eventually excel. He is now returning to New Zealand where there is a shortage of Blacksmiths!
Jess Wright
"I would really recommend the course and I received all the support I needed with starting the course a bit later. Staff and students are very friendly."
Jess Wright, aged 18 completed her BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies last year. She transferred from the Sixth Form College and started with HCT half way through the term in October. Jess had always had an interest in business and as part of the Business Enterprise Unit, students developed a detailed business idea and plan. Jess has a talent for flower arranging and has won many competitions with Young Farmers. She chose to base her business idea around this passion. She is now considering following her business plan and setting up her own business producing flower arrangements for weddings, events etc.
Katie Howard
"I prefer hands-on learning and enjoy being outside, I have had a love for horses since I was little. I did have a break from them for about 5 years, but after visiting a friend with horses it all came back and so I started up again. The course has taught me a lot, it covers a wide range of areas, including science, anatomy and physiology, breeding, etc. It is very thorough. I am now hoping to go to Australia through an international exchange programme and spend 5 months working with horses there. I would thoroughly recommend the course”.
Having chosen to progress from the National Award in Horse Management, Katie has just completed her 2 year National Diploma in Horse Management.
Poppy Stokes
"I always had animals around me when I was growing up, so have had an interest in this area for some time. I would recommend the course to anyone who is a fan of animals. It is hard work, but fun. You also get a good understanding of business management, so it is a well balanced course. The staff are excellent if you need any extra support - no matter what the problem is"
Poppy went to Queen Elizabeth School and successfully completed her GCSE's before she decided to study the BTEC National Diploma in Animal Management. Poppy came along for the summer school taster session and also to an Information Day to find out about the course. She is now starting a Zoology course at Aberystwyth University.
Tyler Weir
"The tutors on my course were brilliant; they helped me so much during my 2 years."
Tyler is one of 6 students in the last 7 years to progress on to a professional football contract after completing the BTEC National Diploma in Sport-Performance and Excellence. He describes himself as a practical person who always enjoyed football at school. With the guidance of his tutors, Tyler went on to pass the necessary academic and functional skills of the course, leading him to find his own vocational path in something he really enjoys. In his second year, the experience of training once a week with the Hereford United Youth Academy put him in good stead for future developments.
"The team are great to be around; I get to play football and keep fit everyday. In the future I want to work hard and play in as many games as I can."
