New Land-based sponsors announced!

Bridgwater College’s Scholarship programme, in association with Coombe Farm, Cricketer Farm, Magnox, Micro Bio-Systems, Pattemores Transport, Synergy Farm Health, Thatchers Cider, the University of Exeter and Wessex Water, is back for a second year, for students studying a range of Land-based courses.

The scholarship package offers students studying agriculture, food technology, horticulture and fisheries management financial support of up to £500 for the duration of their course, plus 200 hours of work experience with their sponsor per year.

To be eligible for a scholarship, students must complete an application form on the College’s website (www.bridgwater.ac.uk) and, if shortlisted, attend an interview with the sponsor.

Dave Frecknall, Manager/Co-ordinator of the Vet Tech team at Synergy Farm Health, who currently has two apprentices, comments on one scholarship student, Jacob Wagemans, “From our perspective Jacob couldn't have pleased us more in his first week – he arrived on time every day and was very keen to help and learn. Jacob has enjoyed his stay and found it very interesting, and hopefully he has learned quite a lot as well!”

Emma Shapland, Recruitment Management from Mole Valley Farmers who employs one apprentice said, “Mole Valley Farmers recognise that in order to ensure the talent of tomorrow we need to engage with those who possess potential at an early age. We believe that this programme allows students a valuable insight into the day to day operation of businesses and allows them to make an informed decision over the direction of their career. It provides businesses with a great opportunity to identify those with potential and a desire to work for us, actively engage with them and potentially recruit them in the future when they have completed their studies.”

Sara Colley, from Thatchers Cider said, “Ensuring a sustainable company for future generations is part of Thatchers’ ethos, so apprenticeships and training are therefore high on the agenda. We need young people coming into the cider industry and in particular to orcharding. The Scholarship programme, in partnership with Bridgwater College, is a great opportunity for students to gain practical experience in these areas of work and supports students to make the right decisions their future. The successful students benefit from hands-on experience and the support of the bursary helps them to enhance their own training and development alongside the practical experience they gain.”

For more information on scholarships, or for more information about studying at Bridgwater College, please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234 or visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk. Our next Open Evening at our Cannington Centre is on Wednesday, May 14 between 5.30pm and 8pm, with the College’s Summer Open Day on Saturday, June 7.