Reaseheath plays key role in launch of UK’s first national land based college

Reaseheath College is playing a leading role in the establishment of the UK’s first virtual national land based college which will draw from the best minds in education and industry and offer students clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement.

The National Land Based College (NLBC), launched last month, is a collaboration of leading colleges, universities and industry experts working together to offer nationally coordinated training programmes which are tailored to the needs of both students and employers.

Reaseheath College, in Nantwich, is one of the largest and most successful land based colleges in the country and is an inaugural member of the NLBC. Principal Meredydd David is a member of the board which has been developing the innovative partnership over the past two years.

Courses will be delivered through ‘blended learning’ offered by a national network of member colleges and will be supported through online teaching and by industry experts in the workplace.

Aimed at those approaching or at supervisory and management level, the City and Guilds qualifications will include part time higher level programmes and opportunities for continuing professional development. The courses will be offered over a wide range of subjects including agriculture, gamekeeping, equine management and horticulture and are aimed at providing an essential balance between theory and practical skills training.

A small team at the NLBC hub will actively promote land based careers to high flying students, entrepreneurs and new entrants in collaboration with key organisations. It will also provide a CPD register for graduates.

Chief Executive of the NLBC Leigh Morris said: “Working for the first time at a coordinated national level, we can build a pool of resources drawn from the very best minds in education and industry.

“Collaboratively we will promote land based careers, raise the standard of college courses and create cutting edge training for those already employed. By so doing, we will meet the skills needs of the sector today and into the future.”

Meredydd David emphasised: “By working together, this collaboration of land-based colleges has developed professional and technical qualifications that are truly responsive to the current and future skills needs of the industry.

“By offering these cohesive, nationally recognised standards of achievement we aim to attract the very best people into the land based sector and equip them for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

“Businesses will also benefit. Multi-site businesses can be assured of consistent standard of delivery to staff throughout the country while smaller and more specialist enterprises will find it easier to access expert trainers.”

The NLBC is a registered charity chaired by Lord Donald Curry and with a board of industry leaders and principals from land based colleges and universities. Seed funding has been provided by Landex member colleges, Landex, and City and Guilds.