Ruth Elliot Smith, Cuddington, Cheshire
Apprentice Agricultural Assistant
To find out more about this vacancy and apply online visit the National Apprenticeship Service vacancy matching site.
Closing date: 21/06/15
British Wool Shearing Course
RADA Knowledge Transfer Facilitator Lesley Innes arranged a two day sheep shearing course which was delivered by British Wool Marketing Training Ltd(a growing area of Wool Board activity). The course, which was held last week on the Reasheath sheep unit saw the delegates work toward the internationally recognised qualification in Blue, Bronze, Silver or Gold Seals, which were awarded depending on their ability.
This course will now be running on an annual basis.
Contact Lesley for more information-
Lesleyi@reaseheath.ac.uk
Picture Caption: Left to Right British wool trainer Richard Schofield, Ollie Bagley (Reaseheath Flock Manager)-SILVER, Richard Petford-BRONZE and Callum Lewis-BLUE (external delegates), British Wool Trainer Bill Jones, Erica Bower (Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture)-BLUE and front row Miriam Howarth (Reaseheath Farm Secretary)-BLUE and Emma Ferneyhough (Level 2 diploma in Agriculture)-BLUE
Reaseheath welcomes Czech dairy students
A few weeks ago Reaseheath became home to a group of 13 dairy students and a tutor from the Czech Republic for two weeks.
The students have been enjoying an Agri-Food study visit funded by the European Erasmus+ VET programme, which aims to promote vocational educational training within the European community.
Our visitors spent three days with our Agriculture team milking cows, lambing and learning some basic theory about UK agriculture. They then joined our Food Department for a week, where they learnt some fundamentals about meat, dairy, and bakery technology. This included a variety of practical sessions to support their learning, including making soft cheeses, butter, lemon curd and croissants – they certainly ate well!
The group with Agriculture Programme Leader Iain Clarke and lecturer Alan Brown.
The students, ages 18-20, stayed in Platt Hall, our newest student halls of residence. For nine it was their first time in England, so this not only gave them a taste of life on a UK campus but also helped them develop their English language skills and gave them an appreciation of UK culture.
They also enjoyed a visit to Liverpool and its many museums and arts centres. Their final day was particularly memorable, with the solar eclipse ending their stay.
The students are all final year students at VOSP SPSM Kromeriz, a specialist dairy college several hours from Prague. We hope this visit will be the first of many – and plans are already afoot to arrange a return visit for our students in the near future.
Kathy Merrett, Food Programme Leader
Top training helps Cody kick-start career
Successful motor vehicle alumnus Cody Brookes returned to Reaseheath to share how his time at college helped kick-start his career in the motor industry.
Cody,19, from Nantwich, addressed a captive audience of 40 students in our state-of-the-art Motor Vehicle Technology Centre, with a presentation on starting out in the industry. He shared with students how the knowledge and training gained whilst studying at Reaseheath helped him to secure his first professional role as an apprentice technician with the well-known automotive manufacturer, Audi.
Cody Brookes addresses students in Reaseheath’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre
Based at the Crewe Audi dealership, Cody explained to students how he is supported in his role through Audi’s prestigious Modern Apprenticeship Programme. This 3 year scheme combines full-time employment with block-release training and is designed to equip employees with the technical skills and knowledge to become fully qualified service technicians for the brand.
Cody studied both IMI Levels 2 and 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair during his time at Reaseheath and was thrilled to be invited back to the campus. Our latest cohort of motor vehicle students were very impressed with Cody’s industry knowledge and drive to succeed.
Said Cody: “I’m so grateful for support and training I received at Reaseheath. The experience and skills I gained gave me the confidence to focus my career aspirations and get a great job with good career prospects.”
Motor vehicle students and staff joined by Cody Brookes
Reaseheath rugby team show great promise
Reaseheath rugby team demonstrated great sportsmanship during their recent game against Crewe and Nantwich Colts.
The two teams met at the Vagrants on Wednesday February 25th and played a celebratory match to mark the installation of Crewe and Nantwich RUFC’s new floodlights.
Despite Reaseheath loosing 29-3 to the Colts, our students demonstrated plenty of promise and it was a great experience for all of the players.
The game was exciting to watch and was played in good spirit with fantastic support on the touchline for both teams.
It is hoped that playing against the Colts will become a regular fixture for the Reaeheath team, as this will be great experience for the students. This will also help to maintain and strengthen the link between the College and the Crewe and Nantwich RUFC.
Reaseheath rugby team have a number of fixtures left to play this season. Please continue to show your support as the team strive to finish top of their league.
You can keep up to date with the Reaseheath Sports department on Twitter @RHC_Sports
Tattenhall blacksmith forges his mark on village
Talented Blacksmith Andrew Smith helped Tattenhall commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a fitting sculpture.
Andrew, a former Reaseheath engineering student, was commissioned by Tattenhall and District Parish Council to create a steel ‘Horse of War’ sculpture as part of Tattenhall Remembers, the village’s community event marking the centennial year. Having previously been commissioned to update Tattenhall’s village sign, Andrew was delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the community once again.
Christened ‘George’ by local primary school pupils, the horse was unveiled to crowds by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, K.St.J., on Monday 4th August. George has now taken permanent residence adjacent to the Tattenhall War Memorial.
Andrew studied on the City and Guild’s ‘015’ agricultural engineering and farm mechanisation course 1978-79, back in the days when we were known as the ‘Cheshire College of Agriculture’. Speaking fondly of his time at college, Andrew commented: “College provided me with a great set of skills and grounding in the basics of engineering, which has certainly stayed with me as I’ve progressed in my career. One thing we made as part of the course was a toolbox – and I actually still use that to this day. I also made a drawbar to put on a trailer or back of a car, I’ve still got that too – some things are truly timeless!”
With an interest in the blacksmith’s craft from a young age, Andrew spent much of his early career researching, self-teaching and essentially ‘working and learning’ simultaneously to build up his forging techniques and skills.
After working in the agricultural industry for some time after finishing college, Andrew decided it was time to dedicate his workload to his passion. He built his own blacksmith workshop and has now been running his own business at Hill View Forge for 28 years.
You can find out more about the history of Tattenhall and the Tattenhall Rememebers event by visiting the Tattenhall and district local history website.
