The countryside is making a comeback with a
huge increase in the number of young people applying to study
Agriculture at Shuttleworth College.
Interviewed by BBC Radio 3 Counties, students
gave their views on what the countryside means to them and why they
are choosing agriculture and horse management studies to take them
into careers in the countryside.
Bronwen Bray (Assistant Director Land
and Environment) explained that traditionally 80% of
students leave Shuttleworth College and go straight into jobs in a
wide variety of areas in the countryside including farming,
countryside parks, horse management and racing.
Students studying National Diploma in
Agriculture, level 3, said:
Denis Omaset:
“My background is working in construction in
London but I decided I wanted a change of career and to work in
Africa.
“There is a need worldwide for more food
production and I intend to get involved in that and take the skills
I am learning at Shuttleworth College to Africa.
“Life in London can be very stressful and the
countryside offers a different way of life. People often
wait until they retire to move to the countryside, but we are not
waiting….we're already here!”
Daisy Taylor:
“My home is in a town and I had applied to
University but decided that I wanted a career in the
countryside. This is something so different and broad and
means dealing with both livestock and crops.
“I feel that more people are now leaving towns
to take up opportunities of living and working in the
countryside.”
Daisy Monk:
“I come from a town background but came here
on day release from school and decided this is what I wanted to
do. Here every day is different and you are always learning
something new.
“I think there are lots of opportunities for
young people to work in the countryside and with livestock.
“I like driving tractors and seeing the
results - it gives a real sense of achievement.”
Rachel Gabe (Course Manager Horse
Management) explained that in the past the majority of
students came from a countryside background but increasingly
students are coming from a town and city background.
She added:
“If students are keen and motivated and enjoy
what they are doing, then they are on the way to success.
“Many students go on to work in horse yards or
on to university where they study horse event management.”
Talking about their horse management studies,
students said:
Sophie Comar:
“I live in a town but since the age of 11
years when I was given the opportunity to ride a friend's pony,
I've been hooked. I now have my own horse and love to hack in
the fresh air and beautiful countryside.
“Shuttleworth College has opened so many doors
for me where I'm now in the 2nd year of the Extended Diploma Horse
Management (level 3).
“I'm considering a career in horse racing,
horse nursing or horse dentistry. There are so many options
for an interesting career.”
Sarah Nash:
“I've been riding since I was 5 years old and
love being in the fresh air and keeping fit. There are so
many great people to work with at Shuttleworth College and I've
learnt a lot.
“I'm going to apply to the British Racing
School for a job in the racing industry, hopefully as a
jockey.”
Shuttleworth College thanks Phil Lack of BBC
3CR for his interview to be aired on the Breakfast Show in
November.