George Beddis, of Lydney, chose to study a level 2 mixed farming apprenticeship at Hartpury College
“I grew up in Lydney with no connections to farming and agriculture. I wanted to get a qualification and work at the same time but I didn’t want to be in college all the time—so an apprenticeship was the ideal choice.”
“I chose to study the level 2 mixed farming apprenticeship at Hartpury and I loved it so much, I continued to level 3. A mixed farm meant working on 750 acres of arable, with Limousin suckler cows, some heifers going back into the herd and the others bred for beef. It was great, not only to learn more about the industry but also to meet like-minded people.”
“I learned so many skills, which included looking after the health and welfare of animals, the importance of routine treatments in livestock, machinery maintenance and operation, grassland management, and the legislation and health and safety, which is key in the agriculture industry. When you choose an apprenticeship, you’re always learning, whether on the job or at college.”
“As well as successfully completing my level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, I was also able to access the skills-based agriculture and land courses that Hartpury offers. I completed the Loadall ticket (farm vehicle operation qualification) and passed my emergency first aid and PA1 and PA2 sprayers course. Those extra skills and qualifications not only helped me on my work placement, they meant I stood out from the crowd when applying for university and now I am doing a Foundation degree in agricultural business.”
Hartpury College offers QCF agriculture apprenticeships at level 2 in mixed farming, extensive crop production and livestock production and level 3 in mixed farming.
