Eleven students from Newton Rigg College have received scholarships from agricultural supply company Carrs Billington.
Since 2012 the College and Carrs Billington have worked together providing work placements for students, support for its alumni organisation the Newton Rigg Society and overalls for students. In addition, students have the chance to apply for scholarships to assist their education needs and this year eleven students shared over £4,000. Over 50 students applied and were required to put a case forward as to why they should be chosen, and what they would do with the money.
They were presented with their awards and cheques by Managing Director, Rae Tomlinson, during a recent visit to the company’s head office in Carlisle. Afterwards the students and their parents enjoyed a tour of the country store, workshops and offices.
Commenting on the scholarships scheme, Mr Tomlinson said: “Carrs Billington Agriculture is delighted to continue to be involved with Newton Rigg College. The scholarship scheme is another way of investing in the future of farming that is so crucial to Carrs Billington and the fabric of our environment. We have former Newton Rigg students working at every level throughout our organisation and value the partnership and close links with students and staff alike. The students are the prospective customers and employees of Carrs Billington and the future custodians of British farming.”
The successful students were Josh Atkinson, Thomas Bateman, Matthew Beadle, Craig Thomas, Ellie Colling, Harry Dent, Reece Dinsdale, Luke Harrison, Joseph Shephard, Ellie Stamper, Ellie Wynne
Robert Marshall-Slater, Director, Newton Rigg College said: “Our links with Carrs Billington go back many many years and the company has been hugely supportive of our students’ learning, particularly through their sponsorship. To experience first-hand a busy agricultural industry centre is an important part of their education and further cements the relationship with the next generation of the farming community.”
The specialist college has extensive agriculture courses, from diploma level through to apprenticeship courses; as well as agriculture, it also has courses in forestry, countryside management and equine. It is the oldest college providing land-based education in the country. It first opened its doors to students in 1896 and is home to the National Sheep Husbandry Centre, a state-of-the-art dairy unit and has its own grouse moor at Shap.
