A dream come true for equine science graduate

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Emily Westwood back on campus recently

Emily Westwood back on campus recently

Equine Science graduate Emily Westwood is set on a highly specialised career in veterinary medicine now she’s graduated from Reaseheath.

Emily, 28, will be joining the prestigious Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh this September after recently gaining her place.

Shortly after graduating with First Class Honours, Emily had the opportunity to complete a work placement with the Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre and it was there she found her passion for veterinary medicine.

Impressing the team at the Nantwich, equine centre, on completing her placement, Emily’s now their Yard Manager and part time nurse.

Emily used her business innovation and creative skills to set up a blog and own business to help raise the necessary funds to pursue her dream career as a vet.

Emily has now successfully fundraised her entire £150,000 worth of course fees ready to start her studies and credits the invaluable support of the Nantwich Veterinary Group Equine Centre’s industry links and contacts to this impressive accomplishment.

Read more about Emily’s journey via her blog https://emilyjayneequine.wordpress.com/

 

Reaseheath praised for innovative online store

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The Reaseheath Online Store has been commended for its quality and innovation by being awarded the WPM ‘Most Innovative Use of the Online Store Award’ at its recent annual user conference. The award comes less than two years since Reaseheath introduced the online store function to the college and recognises the success it is bringing for both Reaseheath staff and students.

This fantastic achievement is due to the college wide support of the store by all departments.

In less than two years the annual use of the online store and payment gateways has gone from £0 to £500k in year one, to over £1 million in year two. The benefits for our customers are huge, with the system being easy to use and available 24/7 making it a simple and convenient way to make payments.

WPM are the largest supplier of online store/payment gateways within the education sector, working with over 170 HE and FE clients, approximately 2 million students in the UK and process around £4 million transactions with a value over £2 billion annually.

This award recognises outstanding examples of innovation across the sector specifically within the Online Store. Whilst every institution has typically found ways of adapting the functionality to cater for, and typically improve, their service offering and efficiency, the award is aimed at those which really stand out from the crowd and are worth highlighting and rewarding.

Reaseheath was recognised has having a varied and interesting online store ranging from automotive repair to student events. The inclusion of a parent guide and the success of selling over 90% of the summer ball tickets online and the majority outside of normal college working hours. It was also recognised that the college is working hard to drive staff and student engagement with the Online Store.

Reaseheath’s Head of Finance, Stuart Cooper, commented: “This award is recognition for all the hard work and dedication by everyone involved in the online store from its implementation to day to day running.  It’s been a successful journey so far and we intend to build on this success by continually looking for ways we can improve the online store with customer experience being a key driver.“

 

Pushing the limits by elite athlete Adam

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Forty of our sports performance and adventure sports students gained a personal insight into the training and lifestyle of an elite athlete thanks to two presentations from Senior Team GB canoeist Adam Burgess.

Adam, one of the world’s top ten senior canoe slalom athletes, joined us for an appearance day as part of his sponsorship by UK Sport. During his inspirational and enthusiastic talks he described the commitment needed from athlete and support team, the level of training required at world class level and his hopes for the future.

The current ‘Under 23 World Champion for White Water Canoe Slalom’, Adam recalled the thrill of standing on the podium in Brazil in April 2015 to receive his title, his travels to international competitions and the amazing people who had supported him. Other major wins in his career to date have included a 3xC1M Team Gold in the Junior World Championships in France and his first senior medal – bronze at the Oceania Championships in Australia this February.

The 23 year-old, from Staffordshire, told our students how he had combined studying for a degree in sports science at Nottingham Trent University with training at the nearby National White Water Centre, and how the degree would help him in his future career outside competitive sport.

Realising that he needed a job back-up once his guaranteed funding had come to an end, he said he had realised there were skills in sport which he could adapt for business.

Based at Lee Valley White Water Centre, London, the Home of British Canoeing, Adam is currently focused on making his boat go faster by pushing the limits in ‘race real’ situations.

Attributing his success to optimising all processes, he said: “I get excited by the technical side rather than just chasing the time. The attraction of being out on the water is that conditions change every time. Winners are not always the best athletes –  you’ve got to have a good day too.”

Equine undergraduates win USA internships

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Two Reaseheath equine science undergraduates have won prestigious internships in the USA.

Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood have both been awarded the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) competitive internship to go to Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE Center).

The MARE Center is a 420 acre equine research and education facility in Middleburg, Virginia – the heart of horse country in the USA.  The three month internship will allow our undergraduates to develop research and academic skills in a practical, hands-on, environment.

The programme, which focuses on optimising horse and environmental health, is designed to prepare students for careers in the equine industry, academia or veterinary science by applying classroom knowledge in a ‘real world’ context.

Looking forward to their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood

Looking forward to their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood

It is the first time in the history of the internship that it has been awarded to two candidates, with judges feeling that both were equally worthy.

Michelle and Zoe are following in the footsteps of first class equine science graduate Charlotte Woolley, who won the internship in 2014 during her final year with us. Charlotte is now studying for an MSc in Animal Biosciences, and will start a PhD in Clinical Veterinary Sciences in September, both at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.

Michelle and Zoe, both 21, are due to complete their BSc (Hons) Degrees in Equine Science this summer and are confident that their internships will boost their career prospects as well as giving them a unique insight into an acclaimed international programme. As interns, they will be involved in the advancement of equine research in reproduction and breeding in the Sport Horse and Thoroughbred industries, and in nutritional management and health, exercise physiology and land stewardship.

To qualify for this valuable opportunity, both undergraduates wrote 3,000 word essays on subjects involving the health and welfare of equines. Michelle, who wants to become an equine journalist specialising in horse care and veterinary issues for the leisure owner, chose the indiscriminate breeding of horses as her subject.

Zoe, who is considering a future career in research, wrote her report on internal parasite burdens in young horses and how it affects their health in later life.

Both students, who came to Reaseheath after ‘A’ level studies, were shortlisted and interviewed by a judging panel consisting of Prof Graham Suggett OBE (former Director National Equine Database, former BEF Director of Equine Development and Principal Emeritus Warwickshire College), Dr Georgina Crossman (BEF Research Consultant) and Dr Bridgett McIntosh (MAREC) via Skype.

Dr Crossman commented: “Michelle and Zoe were both outstanding candidates with unique qualities who we felt would equally benefit from the internship. We hope they enjoy the summer with Dr McIntosh and the rest of the team at the MAREC, and look forward to reading about their experiences and the way the internship has influenced their future upon the submission of their reports when they return.”

Michelle said: “This will be an amazing opportunity for us to learn alongside acknowledged experts and to gain practical skills working with some fantastic horses. We’re both really excited about the trip!”

Keep updated with Michelle and Zoe during their internship experience via our HE blog site here.

Header picture caption: Celebrating winning their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood are joined by Professor Graham Suggett, Dr Georgina Crossman and Charlotte Woolley

Second award for apprentice gardener Rebecca

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An apprentice gardener at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens near Malpas has become Reaseheath College’s ‘Horticulture Apprentice of the Year’.

Rebecca Dawson, 26, from Aldford, Chester, received her award at a college ceremony held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits which apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Rebecca was one of 150 apprentices who have gained their qualifications at the Nantwich, Cheshire, specialist college in the past year. She is one of a team of seven gardeners who look after the historic gardens and grounds at Cholmondeley, which attract thousands of visitors each year.

Reaseheath’s award was the second prestigious accolade which Rebecca has received since she became an apprentice just over a year ago. She also holds the national title of ‘New Gardener of the Year 2015’, presented by the Professional Gardeners Guild to the top new entrant to the industry.

Barry Grain, Head Gardener at Cholmondeley, who is mentoring Rebecca through her apprenticeship and who nominated her for her Professional Gardeners Guild Award, said: “Rebecca is exactly the sort of person we need to attract into the industry. She is young, committed and passionate and really wants to learn and get involved.

“Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are known as one of the best in the region and are part of our living history. We need young talent to help preserve and enhance historic gardens like ours for the future and are currently looking for another apprentice to join our team.”

Rebecca has completed her Level 2 apprenticeship and has progressed onto her Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. She attends Reaseheath once a week to learn academic and practical skills and is also supported by college assessors at her workplace.

At Cholmondeley she has worked in all sections, including the popular terraces and temple garden. She also helped to build Cholmondeley’s award winning show garden at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show last year and will work on a similar project at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

Rebecca said: ““An apprenticeship is a very versatile qualification which is becoming increasingly popular with employers. By choosing this route I have not only been able to enter the horticultural industry, but my future prospects have improved through the lifelong skills I’ve learnt and vital networking opportunities I’ve gained.  I’m also very fortunate to work in such a beautiful and historic environment as Cholmondeley.”

Reaseheath currently has 355 apprentices studying agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal care, construction, construction plant, food industry skills, horse care, horticulture, motor vehicle and sports turf.

Rebecca’s assessor Lyndon Smith said: “Rebecca is an outstanding apprentice and we were delighted to choose her as our award winner this year. Her portfolio of work is exceptional and her enthusiasm is infectious. She has become a vital team member at Cholmondeley, taking garden tours and answering questions from the public.”

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens were a personal project of the late Lady Lavinia Cholmondeley, who began work on them in the 1950s. The gardens are currently going through a renaissance, with new landscaping and renovated borders. They have just reopened to the public for the new season.

For further details of Reaseheath apprenticeships visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/apprenticeships or call 01270 613221

For further details of Cholmondeley Castle Gardens see www.cholmondeleycastle.com

Header caption: Rebecca is joined by Lyndon Smith (left) and Barry Grain at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Accolade for Royal Liverpool apprentice greenkeeper

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An apprentice greenkeeper at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, has been crowned Reaseheath College’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Peter Lewis, 17, from Heswall, received his award at a college ceremony held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits which apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Peter was one of 150 apprentices who have gained their qualifications at the Nantwich, Cheshire, specialist college in the past year. He is one of a team of 11 who maintain the championship course at the world famous venue. Eight of the staff are former sports turf apprentices who have been trained by Reaseheath College.

Apprentice of the Year Peter Lewis

Reaseheath College Apprentice of the Year Peter Lewis

Royal Liverpool Links Manager Craig Gilholm, who is mentoring Peter through his training programme, said: “Apprenticeships work well for us. They attract committed young people who are keen to learn ‘on the job’ and who quickly become key members of our team. The qualification is well respected by employers because they know that apprentices have proven, practical skills as well as understanding the theory of their subject.

“Peter has shown real passion for the job and really wants to learn and get involved. He is exactly the sort of young person we like to attract into the industry, and he has a great future ahead of him.”

Peter, a former pupil of Kingsmead School, Hoylake, has completed his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Sports Turf and has now progressed onto his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. He attends Reaseheath once a week to learn academic and practical skills and is supported by college assessors at his workplace as well as by his colleagues.

He has worked at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club for two years, during which time he has helped to prepare the course for the 2014Open Championship and other major tournaments. Highlights of his career so far have been meeting 2014 winner Rory McIlroy and fellow professionals Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.

A keen golfer himself, Peter has always wanted to work at a world class golf course and started to gain work experience at courses in Heswall during school holidays.

He said: “Being an apprentice has given me an opening into a great career. It’s fantastic working in such a lovely environment and with such a friendly team. I’ve worked hard and the training is really paying off.”

Reaseheath currently has 355 apprentices studying agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal care, construction, construction plant, food industry skills, horse care, horticulture, motor vehicle and sports turf.

Reaseheath assessor Lyndon Smith said: “Peter’s portfolio of work is outstanding, he works hard and he’s extremely keen to learn. We were delighted to choose him as our Apprentice of the Year.”

Header picture caption: Peter Lewis celebrates success with Craig Gilholm (left) and Lyndon Smith