Horse care apprentices on show during National Apprenticeship Week

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Our Level 2 Apprentices in Horse Care organised a ‘Best Turned Out’ competition today (Monday) to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (March 9 – March 13).

The apprentices were assessed on their ability to present their horses plaited and groomed to perfection and also on their organisational skills. They also took the opportunity to raise money for Macmillan and World Horse Welfare through personal sponsorship.

Course manager Dawn Joyce said: “All the apprentices worked really hard and made a big effort to turn out the horses to a high standard. Hopefully they all learned a lot and enjoyed themselves at the same time!”

Our horse care apprentices travel into college for one day a week from their workplaces as far afield as Bolton, Altrincham and Stoke on Trent. They are also visited at their yards by Reaseheath assessors.

On successful completion of their programme, our apprentices collect an industry recognised qualification plus relevant additional awards such as health and safety and first aid.

For further details on apprenticeships see www.reaseheath.ac.uk/naw

On show: Apprentices Becca Raftery, Emma Sutton, Holly Whitehead and Leah Whitfield and pony ‘Jack’ show off their rosettes after the ‘ Best Turned Out’ competition

Reaseheath College apprentices feature in BBC Countryfile

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Reaseheath College agriculture apprentices featured in BBC’s Countryfile programme on Sunday March 8 as the popular series celebrated the launch of Apprenticeship Week (March 9 – 13).

The programme showed Level 3 apprentice Jason Smith, 21, being joined by presenter Matt Baker as he carried out the duties of assistant herdsman at his family’s dairy farm in Middlewich. Matt also discussed the benefits of the apprenticeship programme with Jason’s father, Adrian, and watched as Reaseheath Training assessor Anna Hughes carried out an assessment as part of Jason’s portfolio.

Jason was selected for the programme from several Level 3 agricultural apprentices who are studying at the Nantwich specialist college. Reaseheath is a leading trainer of apprentices throughout the north-west and also provides a valuable recruitment service for employers in the land-based sector.

Anna Hughes explained: “Jason is an outstanding student who is both hard working and entrepreneurial. He is typical of many next generation farmers who are learning their skills at Reaseheath and we had no hesitation in putting him forward to feature on Countryfile.”

Anna Hughes is joined by presenters Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker

Anna Hughes is joined by presenters Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker

The TV crew also filmed on Reaseheath’s campus, following Jason and fellow apprentices in the classroom during a session on cattle genetics with lecturer Jane Richardson and watching another group as they calibrated a fertiliser spreader and moved expectant ewes through a foot bath. Students were also filmed using a cutting edge tractor simulator.

Jason is the third generation of Smiths to raise and manage the Pedigree Holstein Bostock Herd at Brook House Farm, which is owned by the Tatton Estate. A former pupil of Leftwich County High School, and Sir John Dean’s College, Northwich, he hopes eventually to take over the farm’s management.

He said: “Filming with Countryfile was a brilliant learning curve and great fun.  I’d like to thank Reaseheath for suggesting me for the programme.”

Thousands of employers have benefited from training apprentices. Find out more about how a Reaseheath apprentice could help support your business by registering your interest on our website.

Header caption: Matt Baker with apprentice Jason Smith and assessor Anna Hughes

 

Elite dressage judge inspires enthusiasts at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre

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The world’s most senior and well respected dressage judge, Stephen Clarke, helped competitors, trainers and judges take their knowledge to a higher level when he gave an inspirational lecture demonstration at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre in Nantwich.

Stephen, who is based at Cotton Equestrian Centre, Holmes Chapel, was President of the Ground Jury at the London Olympics 2012. He is an FEI Official International Judge and has judged at all major competitions including three World Cup finals, three European Championships and the World Games. Throughout his career as an elite judge he has had a great influence in the development of judging systems and the training and encouragement of established and new judges in the UK.

In his current role as Dressage Judge General of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines, Stephen creates and co-ordinates discussion among judges world-wide and ensures all conclusions are communicated to the FEI. His key aim is to create a common theme among judges, ensuring consistency in marking and equality in standards across the globe.

FEATURE Stephen Clarke 2 RHC web[5]

 

His evening lecture attracted judges, competitors and dressage enthusiasts from across the region, with tickets selling out months in advance. Four competitive rider / trainers rode tests ranging from novice to Prix St George, with Stephen awarding marks and advising the riders how they could improve.

In conclusion, Stephen told his audience: “The main thing for judges to bear in mind is that they should be influenced only by the movements within the test, award a fair mark for those movements and give constructive feedback which will encourage riders to progress.”

Reaseheath Equine Events Co-ordinator Heather Cooper said: “We were delighted to welcome Stephen to Reaseheath for the first time and extremely pleased that he was complimentary about our indoor arena and surface. Having such a well respected and prestigious judge here was a great coup for us and much appreciated by spectators.”

The next event at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre is on Thursday March 26th with three day eventer Michael Owen, click here for details and to buy tickets. For details of Reaseheath’s competitions, events and short courses see our Equestrian Centre page.

For details of Stephen’s latest training dvd see: www.throughtheeyeofthejudge.co.uk

Photos by Roy Gadsden

Twins Sienna and Jessica Nicoll 3 yrs from Crewe with Joe Roach

Lambs herald Spring at Reaseheath College

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Hundreds of families flocked to Reaseheath College in Nantwich over the weekend for the first of  two lambing events.

Spring has already arrived in the college’s lambing sheds with the arrival of the first newborns of the season. Visitors were able to meet the lambs and some were lucky enough to experience a live birth. The campus zoo, which is one of the best at any educational institution in the country, was also open to the public. Both attractions will open again next weekend – March 7 and 8.

Reaseheath’s lambing weekends have been a community highlight for over 20 years. The college has a flock of 460 expectant ewes which will produce 1,000 lambs before the end of the month. As well as meeting the ewes and their new families, visitors were able to watch a big screen showing highlights of the action and watch experts demonstrating the special care required for the delivery and care of the lambs.

There were also plenty of activities at Reaseheath’s zoo, which houses over 1,000 animals including meerkats, lemurs, tapirs, otters, birds of prey, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians. Highlights included ferret racing, hawk walks and a new harvest mice exhibition along with educational talks by Reaseheath zoo keepers.

Keeper Mitch Doyle and Johnny the striated Cara Cara with visitors

Reaseheath’s sheep unit manager Ollie Bagley, 22, a former Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student, is in charge of the lambing flock helped by a rota of current students who are gaining practical experience in the lambing sheds.

He said: “Lambing is traditionally the first sign of spring and this event is always very popular, with some visitors returning year after year. Opening the lambing sheds gives us the chance to show what we do here and it’ll be even better next weekend because we’ll have even more lambs. As well as giving the public the unique experience of seeing lambs being born, it is also a great opportunity for us to educate them about the farming calendar and about the food on their plate.”

One of the lambs helped to record the action after being fitted with a mini video camera by animal management student and photographer Alex Lyth. You can view one of Larry’s videos here or to see more from ‘Larry’s lamb cam’ go to our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Reaseheath College’s lambing sheds and zoo will open again to the public on Saturday and Sunday, March 7th and 8th from 10am to 4pm. For further details on the 2nd Lambing and Zoo Weekend click here.

Vicky Venn demonstrates Strelitzia to Sue Poole and Fiona Davies

Reaseheath becomes flagship college for floristry software

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Reaseheath College in Cheshire has become the first in the UK to integrate a cutting edge software management system into its floristry teaching.

The Strelitzia software is an intuitive programme which incorporates all aspects of running a floristry shop into one system. Used widely  throughout the industry in this country and abroad, it enables shops and managers to communicate efficiently with each other and with suppliers through structured links into the industry’s web-based systems. This speeds up processes from ordering and organising deliveries to completing invoices, preparing reports and tracking marketing techniques.

The top-of-the-range technology is being introduced to Reaseheath floristry teaching staff this month and will be incorporated into student lessons from March. It will become an established part of all courses from Level 2 Diploma in Floristry upwards from September 2015. The department also plans to run short courses so it can share knowledge and training on the system with local floristry businesses.

Sue Poole, Programme Leader for Floristry, explained: “This software system brings the day to day running of floristry shops up to speed with today’s retail world. It is definitely the way forward and we are proud to be the first college to incorporate the technology into our courses. We view it as a very positive move, as these additional skills can only improve the employability and entrepreneurship of our students.”

Mark Bennett, a Director of Strelitzia Software, said: “We are delighted that Reaseheath College  recognises the importance of educating florists early about the benefits of a software management system.”

Click here for more information on our Floristry courses.

Council secures pilot enterprise scheme for Reaseheath College

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Cheshire East’s farming community, food growers and suppliers could soon benefit from a successful bid by Cheshire East Council to secure Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) status, a government scheme aimed at boosting the economy in the countryside.

Reaseheath College, Nantwich has been chosen to pilot the scheme in parallel with ten similar pathfinder projects throughout the UK.

Cheshire East is one of 11 potential FEZs announced by Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Through a local development order, agricultural businesses and communities will be able to take advantage of relaxed planning regulations to encourage new enterprises and business development in the food growing, food supply and farming industry.

The 272 hectares which form the Reaseheath Estate are at the heart of the Cheshire dairy farming industry and it is hoped that if the pilot scheme is successful, similar FEZs will be established in other parts of the borough.

Reaseheath has a longstanding reputation for working alongside the agriculture industry, food growing and supply chain.

The proposal is to create a unique and highly innovative integrated FEZ within which businesses can access support, skills, specialist technical resources and facilities to grow and thrive.

Welcoming the announcement, Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones said: “This is more excellent news for this part of the Borough and great news for our local farmers and food growers.

“I congratulate our team on their successful bid.

“Food Enterprise Zones will help to unlock the potential of our local producers, food and agricultural businesses.

“It will encourage enterprise and job creation across the board, generating opportunity and innovation.

“The County of Cheshire and Cheshire farmers represent a great tradition and have been at the heart of the UK’s food production industry for centuries.

“Reaseheath College is a beacon of excellence in the agri-economy of the UK and is a glowing example of the breadth and depth of skills and innovation in and around the towns of Crewe and Nantwich.”

The Reaseheath enterprise zone will encompass five sites. Schemes will include a new knowledge and development facility to demonstrate the use of drones and remote imaging to increase efficiency in crop production.

There will be incubator space to support and develop new business within the FEZ.

Other initiatives include the development of a nutrition centre to explore the impact of diet on exercise performance and well-being in the general population.

The ambition and objective of the FEZ is to strengthen research, technical development, innovation and skills, to enable more collaborative working along the food supply chain and to support economic growth and healthy competition.

Meredydd David, Principal of the college, said: “Reaseheath is delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council on securing Food Enterpise Zone status, as this will help the college to continue to support the agricultural, food manufacturing and rural businesses within the sub-region of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the surrounding counties.

“Defra’s selection of this project as a ‘pathfinder’ is recognition of the importance of the agriculture and food industry to the regional and national economy and the role that both Reaseheath College and Cheshire East Council play in supporting this hugely valuable industry.”

Cheshire East Council’s successful bid was spearheaded by Caroline Simpson, the authority’s newly appointed Executive Director of Economic Growth and Prosperity, in conjunction with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

Grants of up to £50,000 will be made available for the initial process of establishing a Local Development Order, an essential step towards the creation of a FEZ.

The UK’s food industry is worth more than £100 billion a year to the UK economy and FEZs will ensure that farmers and agricultural businesses in Cheshire East can grow more top quality food and develop innovative businesses that will help to boost the rural economy.

The zones will empower local communities to influence the choice and location of businesses and give added protection to the countryside around their communities.

In a statement, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “Food and farming is at the heart of our long-term economic plan and vital to securing Britain’s economic future.”

Talented George is Apprentice of the Month

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Talented Crewe Alexandra FC forward George Cooper has been selected as apprentice of the month in a national competition ‘The 11’ run by the League Football Education (LFE).

The first team player was chosen over entrants from clubs nationwide for the outstanding progress he made in both his sport and academic studies while he has been an apprentice at the famous Crewe Alex Football Academy.

George, 18, will be one of 11 football apprentices to go head to head in a national final at the end of the season. He was put forward for the competition after impressing Reaseheath College Lecturer in Sports Performance Lauren Goff, Head of Education at Crewe Alex Dave Whiteside and Regional Officer for the LFE Keith Leighton.

George, who lives in Warrington, was offered a three year professional contract by Crewe Alex last April and has played and scored in several League One matches.  As well as continuing his football training with the club, he is a student at Reaseheath College in Nantwich, where he and fellow Academy members study sports science related topics which will be useful for their later careers.

A former pupil at St Gregory’s Catholic High School, Warrington, George is due to finish his studies in May and is on track to complete his Level 3 Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence qualification as well as Functional Skills at Level 2 in Maths and English.

Course manager Lauren explained: “We put George forward because he has worked hard at his academic studies. He has also shown maturity by the way he has coped with the demands of continuing his education alongside his blossoming career as a professional footballer. He will be an asset in any sporting career.”

George said: “I was surprised and very pleased to be put forward for this award. Although I enjoy playing football, being a member of the Academy and coming to college has given me the chance to study subjects like nutrition and coaching. This will help widen my career choices after I’ve retired from professional playing.”

Reaseheath and Crewe Alexandra FC have worked together for some years to deliver the academic programme for the Football Academy. Reaseheath is now launching a Ladies Football Academy in partnership with Crewe Alex to give talented young female footballers the chance to enhance their football skills while studying for a nationally recognised sport qualification. Applications being taken now. For further details email kate.humphrey@reaseheath.ac.uk

 

Reaseheath scores hat trick in Young Shepherd of the Year

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Reaseheath College, agricultural students scored a hat trick by taking the top three prizes at the Young Shepherd of the Year competition, run by the Central Region of the National Sheep Association (NSA).

Tom Bird, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student from Derbyshire, took the top honours with fellow students Rich Bailey from Aberystwyth in the runner-up position and Rob Morris from south Shropshire in third place.

The students proved that they had the all-round skills to make successful commercial shepherds by completing five elements covering all aspects of the industry. These included demonstrating correct techniques in sheep handling, belly clipping, foot care, vaccinating, drenching and all terrain vehicle handling, and a written paper on flock management. They also carried out an EBLEX lamb selection, proving they understand the requirements of the meat market.

Sponsored by Horner shearing, the Texel Sheep Society and Mole Valley Farmers, the multi-skilled competition was held at The Winter Fair, Bakewell Agricultural Centre, last Thursday and attracted entries from across several counties.

As well as collecting a trophy and a cheque, Tom, 18, also qualified for the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year national finals which will be held at the Malvern Three Counties showground in 2016.

He said: “I really enjoyed the competition. It was great experience and certainly something to put on my CV!”

Reaseheath’s Programme Leader for Agriculture Richard Wheeldon is current chairman for the NSA Central region. He explained: “We run this competition annually to encourage and inspire the next generation of shepherds. It is also an opportunity for talented students to showcase their skills.”

 

Career talk inspires travel plans

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Adrian Dunn with Level 3 Extended Diploma Agric students Megan Baldwin and Becky Worthington 4mbReaseheath alumnus Adrian Dunn returned to the College to share his experiences of working and travelling abroad.

The former agriculture student addressed our final year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture cohort and discussed how he spent two years building his industry knowledge on a range of farms across New Zealand and Australia. Adrian began his travels in 2002, working on a 580 dairy herd farm in New Zealand and proceeded on to the Australian Outback where he achieved a role as a maintenance assistant on a five million hectare farm.

Adrian addresses agriculture students

Adrian addresses agriculture students

Said Adrian, “Working on the other side of the world was an amazing experience, it gave me a whole new perspective on work and my career. I made the decision to go to New Zealand after listening to an ex-student’s talk when I was at college myself and I wanted to  ‘give something back’ to the current students. I hope the talk gave students a little inspiration to help them take the plunge and travel too.”

Adrian offered students his tips on organising placements, how to get the best out of work experience and guidance on utilising their time effectively whilst travelling.

Combining work placements with travel, Adrian took the opportunity to embark on the famous ‘Kiwi Experience’ tour of New Zealand and spent time exploring some of Australia’s hotspots. On returning to the UK at the end of 2003, Adrian went on to work on farms across Cheshire, whilst also pursuing a part-time role as a youth worker. He now runs his own children’s sports coaching business, A-Star Sports.

Adrian studied at Reaseheath from 1996 to 1999. He initially completed a foundation course and NVQ Level 2 in mechanics, before moving on to complete his National Certificate in Agriculture (NCA).

 

If you would like to give our final year students your top tips on how to make that all-important transition from study to work through delivering a career talk or workshop, please contact Alumni Officer Katie Burt on alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

 

Agricultural undergraduates hone their lab skills as they get inside science

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First year Foundation Degree in Agriculture students really got stuck in to investigating the internal workings of the heart and lungs as part of their Agricultural Biology module.

Carefully dissecting hearts and lungs from sheep, pigs and cattle they were able to see first-hand the similarities and differences between species. Detailed knowledge of how body systems work in farm animals is key to understanding their management, particularly with respect to maintaining health and welfare while maximising production.

Even the most squeamish in the group admitted they had enjoyed themselves!

For more information on our Agriculture degree courses visit the Higher Education Agriculture pages on our website.