A Cumbrian college is to offer new courses to its students from September.
Kendal College will be offering new courses in land-based studies and uniformed public services.
The new land-based courses will be based in the Penrith area and include courses in agriculture, forestry and agricultural engineering.
Apprenticeships will also be available in agriculture and land-based roles, including a Level 4 (equivalent to the first year of a degree) in project management, which is tailored to those currently working in agriculture who wish to improve their business skills.
To enable access to these new opportunities, Kendal College is looking at ways to improve the current transport links in and around the Eden area.
The college is working with a network of highly regarded partners with access to thousands of acres of farming land.
Prominent Cumbrian dairy farmer Robert Craig, who operates three dairy farming businesses across the north of England, has offered Kendal College access to his 1,500 head of dairy cattle for student practicals ranging from dehorning to vaccination.
He said: “I have benefited from a Cumbrian education, and my farms benefit students and apprentices. I’m looking forward to seeing students on these courses working with us, and I wish the new venture every success”.
Following the announcement that Newton Rigg is due to close at the end of this academic year, Kendal College pledged to offer progression routes to students affected by the closure.
As well as land-based studies, the college will be offering a full-time uniformed public services course from its site in Kendal and will accept Newton Rigg applications for their second year of study in animal management, health and social care, children’s play learning and development and agriculture.
“We cannot replace Newton Rigg and what it achieved over the years for its community, but we do want to support Cumbria’s agricultural sector and the young people at Newton Rigg,” said college principal, Kevin Nash.
“We are committed to providing high-quality full-time education and apprenticeships that meet the needs of Cumbria’s important land-based sector, offering as many current students as we can an exciting and accessible way of continuing their education.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount of support for our plans, but we welcome more. If you feel you can support our new land-based curriculum and learners or wish to enquire about our new courses and forthcoming apprenticeships, please get in touch.”
