A local City & Guilds National Certificate in Agriculture course run by Abingdon and Witney College, on their Warren Farm campus, has proved so popular that enrolment has increased by 100%, with double the number of students joining the course compared to September last year.
Agricultural Lecturer, John Bosley, who teaches at Warren Farm explains "I'm thrilled that we have attracted so many new recruits. Students on the course will learn all about livestock care and management, crop husbandry, practise operating farm machinery safely, including how to drive a tractor and plough efficiently, gain understanding about how to protect the environment, as well as study the business management side of farming. It is a great introductory course and I'm not really surprised that it has attracted record numbers this year."
Warren Farm campus is Oxfordshire's leading land based training centre. With over 250 acres of commercial farmland and strong existing links with local farmers, the College offers its students many practical opportunities to support them on their agriculture, conservation and countryside skills courses. Part of Abingdon and Witney College, which is funded by the local Learning and Skills Council, Warren Farm is situated on the edge of Horton-cum-Studley, five miles north east of Oxford.
The City & Guilds National Certificate in Agriculture, Level 2 course, provides a broad introduction to a range of agricultural skills, whilst offering opportunities to enhance academic qualifications. This one year, full-time course also offers a progression route to Further Education for those who wish to continue with their studies.
John, who lives in New Yatt near Witney, and has been teaching at the college for the last 20 years went on to explain "There is a very strong practical element to this course with plenty of workshops that encourage a hands-on approach. We also expect our students to take part in a European Exchange programme, in their final term – last year it was in Normandy, which is an invaluable cultural experience for all concerned."
