Top training helps Cody kick-start career

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Successful motor vehicle alumnus Cody Brookes returned to Reaseheath to share how his time at college helped kick-start his career in the motor industry.

Cody,19, from Nantwich, addressed a captive audience of 40 students in our state-of-the-art Motor Vehicle Technology Centre, with a presentation on starting out in the industry. He shared with students how the knowledge and training gained whilst studying at Reaseheath helped him to secure his first professional role as an apprentice technician with the well-known automotive manufacturer, Audi.

Cody Brookes addresses students in Reaseheath’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre

Cody Brookes addresses students in Reaseheath’s Motor Vehicle Technology Centre

Based at the Crewe Audi dealership, Cody explained to students how he is supported in his role through Audi’s prestigious Modern Apprenticeship Programme. This 3 year scheme combines full-time employment with block-release training and is designed to equip employees with the technical skills and knowledge to become fully qualified service technicians for the brand.

Cody studied both IMI Levels 2 and 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair during his time at Reaseheath and was thrilled to be invited back to the campus. Our latest cohort of motor vehicle students were very impressed with Cody’s industry knowledge and drive to succeed.

Said Cody: “I’m so grateful for support and training I received at Reaseheath. The experience and skills I gained gave me the confidence to focus my career aspirations and get a great job with good career prospects.”

Motor vehicle students joined by Cody Brookes, Programme Leader Ryan Johnson and Course Manager Steve Ellis

Motor vehicle students and staff joined by Cody Brookes

 

 

Reaseheath students discuss election issues with MP Stephen O’Brien

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Members of Reaseheath College’s Student Association had the opportunity to question their local MP Stephen O’Brien about things that concern them when he visited campus last week.

Lack of funding for mature Further Education (FE) students, budget pressures on colleges, rising transport costs and the buying power of supermarkets were top of the list during an hour long discussion with the MP for Eddisbury, who is an active supporter of the specialist college in Nantwich.

President of the Student Union Rob Sparkes, a Foundation Degree in Zoo Management student, questioned the inequality between mature students studying for FE qualifications, which are not funded, while there was funding available for mature degree students.

Stephen replied that the government recognised the importance of continuing education and although there was not yet a plan in place, there was a lot of political sentiment not to exclude adults studying at FE level from financial support.

Katie Massey, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Equine Science, was concerned that colleges faced a difficult balancing act meeting budgets while continuing to deliver quality education.

Stephen assured her that the government realised that land-based colleges, in particular, faced higher financial demands because of the specialist facilities and staff required. To help meet these costs, Reaseheath had been supported through considerable government capital over the past 10 years.

Rising travel costs were a particular worry to Nicole Duggan, a Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare student, who pointed out that this created financial pressure for students throughout their course, during work placements and when they first began their careers. She also felt it restricted where students could study and work.

Stephen replied that the government realised the importance of giving everyone access to college. Reaseheath had played its part by increasing quality accommodation on site and by subsidising dedicated buses throughout its local region.

The students’ meeting came days before Stephen’s appointment to a top job at the United Nations. He is to be the new Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, based in New York, after standing down from Parliament.

His new role will enable him to concentrate on improving and giving security to lives in some of the most difficult and impoverished parts of the world. Stephen was previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development and was also the Prime Minister’s envoy to the Sahel region of Africa.

Principal Meredydd David said: “Reaseheath is very grateful for the support it has received from Stephen O’Brien during his time as our MP and we wish him well in his new role.  He has assisted the college’s development in a number of ways and we are looking forward to working similarly closely with his replacement.

“Our students enjoyed a full hour’s discussion with Stephen and really benefitted from his wealth of knowledge. All fully recognise the importance of using their vote in the coming election.”

Mike Cullen takes students through simulator test

Engineers help shape simulator technology

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Our agricultural engineering staff and students have been helping to evaluate a top of the range agricultural tractor simulator which could revolutionise the way tractor driving is taught in the UK.

Tenstar Simulation, which already delivers innovate simulation based training tools for the construction, forestry and transportation industries, approached us to evaluate how the technology could be further developed for farm and construction plant operations.

Our feedback is proving invaluable to Tenstar UK Manager Simon Hogg, who is currently carrying out evaluations on the simulator following its recent release in the UK . Two key selling points are the way the technology delivers cost effective education and makes the workplace safer.

Agricultural Engineering Lecturer Mike Cullen, who has led CPD training sessions with colleagues on the simulator, has found it a valuable teaching resource as it not only performs a range of tractor operations but also logs reports on driving errors and diesel use and offers constructive advice.

Says Mike: “This is proving to be a very valuable tool in terms of monitoring a student’s progress.  Although you can’t beat the real thing, the computer version is very authentic and allows you to try activities from loading a trailer to mowing fields and collecting bales.

“It will be of great benefit to students with no previous experience of driving tractors because it allows them to become familiar with the cab controls in a safe environment before progressing onto the real thing.

“It also frees up staff time because the students can progress at their own pace and you can download the report for discussion after the session.”

The simulator has already proved a great hit with select groups of students and also with professionals who were queuing to try it when we took it to the LAMMA agricultural machinery and services show.

Simon Hogg commented: “I have been delighted to work with Reaseheath’s agricultural engineering department on this new, emerging technology. The input and feedback from staff and students is always invaluable and allows Tenstar to shape this technology further for use in the farming industry.”

For more information on our agricultural engineering courses click here.

Reaseheath rugby team show great promise

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Reaseheath rugby team demonstrated great sportsmanship during their recent game against Crewe and Nantwich Colts.

The two teams met at the Vagrants on Wednesday February 25th and played a celebratory match to mark the installation of Crewe and Nantwich RUFC’s new floodlights.

Despite Reaseheath loosing 29-3 to the Colts, our students demonstrated plenty of promise and it was a great experience for all of the players.

The game was exciting to watch and was played in good spirit with fantastic support on the touchline for both teams.

Reaseheath Rugby Team

It is hoped that playing against the Colts will become a regular fixture for the Reaeheath team, as this will be great experience for the students. This will also help to maintain and strengthen the link between the College and the Crewe and Nantwich RUFC.

Reaseheath rugby team have a number of fixtures left to play this season. Please continue to show your support as the team strive to finish top of their league.

You can keep up to date with the Reaseheath Sports department on Twitter @RHC_Sports

Horse care apprentices on show during National Apprenticeship Week

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Our Level 2 Apprentices in Horse Care organised a ‘Best Turned Out’ competition today (Monday) to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (March 9 – March 13).

The apprentices were assessed on their ability to present their horses plaited and groomed to perfection and also on their organisational skills. They also took the opportunity to raise money for Macmillan and World Horse Welfare through personal sponsorship.

Course manager Dawn Joyce said: “All the apprentices worked really hard and made a big effort to turn out the horses to a high standard. Hopefully they all learned a lot and enjoyed themselves at the same time!”

Our horse care apprentices travel into college for one day a week from their workplaces as far afield as Bolton, Altrincham and Stoke on Trent. They are also visited at their yards by Reaseheath assessors.

On successful completion of their programme, our apprentices collect an industry recognised qualification plus relevant additional awards such as health and safety and first aid.

For further details on apprenticeships see www.reaseheath.ac.uk/naw

On show: Apprentices Becca Raftery, Emma Sutton, Holly Whitehead and Leah Whitfield and pony ‘Jack’ show off their rosettes after the ‘ Best Turned Out’ competition

Reaseheath College apprentices feature in BBC Countryfile

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Reaseheath College agriculture apprentices featured in BBC’s Countryfile programme on Sunday March 8 as the popular series celebrated the launch of Apprenticeship Week (March 9 – 13).

The programme showed Level 3 apprentice Jason Smith, 21, being joined by presenter Matt Baker as he carried out the duties of assistant herdsman at his family’s dairy farm in Middlewich. Matt also discussed the benefits of the apprenticeship programme with Jason’s father, Adrian, and watched as Reaseheath Training assessor Anna Hughes carried out an assessment as part of Jason’s portfolio.

Jason was selected for the programme from several Level 3 agricultural apprentices who are studying at the Nantwich specialist college. Reaseheath is a leading trainer of apprentices throughout the north-west and also provides a valuable recruitment service for employers in the land-based sector.

Anna Hughes explained: “Jason is an outstanding student who is both hard working and entrepreneurial. He is typical of many next generation farmers who are learning their skills at Reaseheath and we had no hesitation in putting him forward to feature on Countryfile.”

Anna Hughes is joined by presenters Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker

Anna Hughes is joined by presenters Ellie Harrison and Matt Baker

The TV crew also filmed on Reaseheath’s campus, following Jason and fellow apprentices in the classroom during a session on cattle genetics with lecturer Jane Richardson and watching another group as they calibrated a fertiliser spreader and moved expectant ewes through a foot bath. Students were also filmed using a cutting edge tractor simulator.

Jason is the third generation of Smiths to raise and manage the Pedigree Holstein Bostock Herd at Brook House Farm, which is owned by the Tatton Estate. A former pupil of Leftwich County High School, and Sir John Dean’s College, Northwich, he hopes eventually to take over the farm’s management.

He said: “Filming with Countryfile was a brilliant learning curve and great fun.  I’d like to thank Reaseheath for suggesting me for the programme.”

Thousands of employers have benefited from training apprentices. Find out more about how a Reaseheath apprentice could help support your business by registering your interest on our website.

Header caption: Matt Baker with apprentice Jason Smith and assessor Anna Hughes

 

Elite dressage judge inspires enthusiasts at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre

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The world’s most senior and well respected dressage judge, Stephen Clarke, helped competitors, trainers and judges take their knowledge to a higher level when he gave an inspirational lecture demonstration at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre in Nantwich.

Stephen, who is based at Cotton Equestrian Centre, Holmes Chapel, was President of the Ground Jury at the London Olympics 2012. He is an FEI Official International Judge and has judged at all major competitions including three World Cup finals, three European Championships and the World Games. Throughout his career as an elite judge he has had a great influence in the development of judging systems and the training and encouragement of established and new judges in the UK.

In his current role as Dressage Judge General of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for all Olympic equestrian disciplines, Stephen creates and co-ordinates discussion among judges world-wide and ensures all conclusions are communicated to the FEI. His key aim is to create a common theme among judges, ensuring consistency in marking and equality in standards across the globe.

FEATURE Stephen Clarke 2 RHC web[5]

 

His evening lecture attracted judges, competitors and dressage enthusiasts from across the region, with tickets selling out months in advance. Four competitive rider / trainers rode tests ranging from novice to Prix St George, with Stephen awarding marks and advising the riders how they could improve.

In conclusion, Stephen told his audience: “The main thing for judges to bear in mind is that they should be influenced only by the movements within the test, award a fair mark for those movements and give constructive feedback which will encourage riders to progress.”

Reaseheath Equine Events Co-ordinator Heather Cooper said: “We were delighted to welcome Stephen to Reaseheath for the first time and extremely pleased that he was complimentary about our indoor arena and surface. Having such a well respected and prestigious judge here was a great coup for us and much appreciated by spectators.”

The next event at Reaseheath Equestrian Centre is on Thursday March 26th with three day eventer Michael Owen, click here for details and to buy tickets. For details of Reaseheath’s competitions, events and short courses see our Equestrian Centre page.

For details of Stephen’s latest training dvd see: www.throughtheeyeofthejudge.co.uk

Photos by Roy Gadsden

Twins Sienna and Jessica Nicoll 3 yrs from Crewe with Joe Roach

Lambs herald Spring at Reaseheath College

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Hundreds of families flocked to Reaseheath College in Nantwich over the weekend for the first of  two lambing events.

Spring has already arrived in the college’s lambing sheds with the arrival of the first newborns of the season. Visitors were able to meet the lambs and some were lucky enough to experience a live birth. The campus zoo, which is one of the best at any educational institution in the country, was also open to the public. Both attractions will open again next weekend – March 7 and 8.

Reaseheath’s lambing weekends have been a community highlight for over 20 years. The college has a flock of 460 expectant ewes which will produce 1,000 lambs before the end of the month. As well as meeting the ewes and their new families, visitors were able to watch a big screen showing highlights of the action and watch experts demonstrating the special care required for the delivery and care of the lambs.

There were also plenty of activities at Reaseheath’s zoo, which houses over 1,000 animals including meerkats, lemurs, tapirs, otters, birds of prey, companion animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, reptiles and amphibians. Highlights included ferret racing, hawk walks and a new harvest mice exhibition along with educational talks by Reaseheath zoo keepers.

Keeper Mitch Doyle and Johnny the striated Cara Cara with visitors

Reaseheath’s sheep unit manager Ollie Bagley, 22, a former Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student, is in charge of the lambing flock helped by a rota of current students who are gaining practical experience in the lambing sheds.

He said: “Lambing is traditionally the first sign of spring and this event is always very popular, with some visitors returning year after year. Opening the lambing sheds gives us the chance to show what we do here and it’ll be even better next weekend because we’ll have even more lambs. As well as giving the public the unique experience of seeing lambs being born, it is also a great opportunity for us to educate them about the farming calendar and about the food on their plate.”

One of the lambs helped to record the action after being fitted with a mini video camera by animal management student and photographer Alex Lyth. You can view one of Larry’s videos here or to see more from ‘Larry’s lamb cam’ go to our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Reaseheath College’s lambing sheds and zoo will open again to the public on Saturday and Sunday, March 7th and 8th from 10am to 4pm. For further details on the 2nd Lambing and Zoo Weekend click here.

Vicky Venn demonstrates Strelitzia to Sue Poole and Fiona Davies

Reaseheath becomes flagship college for floristry software

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Reaseheath College in Cheshire has become the first in the UK to integrate a cutting edge software management system into its floristry teaching.

The Strelitzia software is an intuitive programme which incorporates all aspects of running a floristry shop into one system. Used widely  throughout the industry in this country and abroad, it enables shops and managers to communicate efficiently with each other and with suppliers through structured links into the industry’s web-based systems. This speeds up processes from ordering and organising deliveries to completing invoices, preparing reports and tracking marketing techniques.

The top-of-the-range technology is being introduced to Reaseheath floristry teaching staff this month and will be incorporated into student lessons from March. It will become an established part of all courses from Level 2 Diploma in Floristry upwards from September 2015. The department also plans to run short courses so it can share knowledge and training on the system with local floristry businesses.

Sue Poole, Programme Leader for Floristry, explained: “This software system brings the day to day running of floristry shops up to speed with today’s retail world. It is definitely the way forward and we are proud to be the first college to incorporate the technology into our courses. We view it as a very positive move, as these additional skills can only improve the employability and entrepreneurship of our students.”

Mark Bennett, a Director of Strelitzia Software, said: “We are delighted that Reaseheath College  recognises the importance of educating florists early about the benefits of a software management system.”

Click here for more information on our Floristry courses.

Council secures pilot enterprise scheme for Reaseheath College

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Cheshire East’s farming community, food growers and suppliers could soon benefit from a successful bid by Cheshire East Council to secure Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) status, a government scheme aimed at boosting the economy in the countryside.

Reaseheath College, Nantwich has been chosen to pilot the scheme in parallel with ten similar pathfinder projects throughout the UK.

Cheshire East is one of 11 potential FEZs announced by Elizabeth Truss, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Through a local development order, agricultural businesses and communities will be able to take advantage of relaxed planning regulations to encourage new enterprises and business development in the food growing, food supply and farming industry.

The 272 hectares which form the Reaseheath Estate are at the heart of the Cheshire dairy farming industry and it is hoped that if the pilot scheme is successful, similar FEZs will be established in other parts of the borough.

Reaseheath has a longstanding reputation for working alongside the agriculture industry, food growing and supply chain.

The proposal is to create a unique and highly innovative integrated FEZ within which businesses can access support, skills, specialist technical resources and facilities to grow and thrive.

Welcoming the announcement, Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones said: “This is more excellent news for this part of the Borough and great news for our local farmers and food growers.

“I congratulate our team on their successful bid.

“Food Enterprise Zones will help to unlock the potential of our local producers, food and agricultural businesses.

“It will encourage enterprise and job creation across the board, generating opportunity and innovation.

“The County of Cheshire and Cheshire farmers represent a great tradition and have been at the heart of the UK’s food production industry for centuries.

“Reaseheath College is a beacon of excellence in the agri-economy of the UK and is a glowing example of the breadth and depth of skills and innovation in and around the towns of Crewe and Nantwich.”

The Reaseheath enterprise zone will encompass five sites. Schemes will include a new knowledge and development facility to demonstrate the use of drones and remote imaging to increase efficiency in crop production.

There will be incubator space to support and develop new business within the FEZ.

Other initiatives include the development of a nutrition centre to explore the impact of diet on exercise performance and well-being in the general population.

The ambition and objective of the FEZ is to strengthen research, technical development, innovation and skills, to enable more collaborative working along the food supply chain and to support economic growth and healthy competition.

Meredydd David, Principal of the college, said: “Reaseheath is delighted to be working with Cheshire East Council on securing Food Enterpise Zone status, as this will help the college to continue to support the agricultural, food manufacturing and rural businesses within the sub-region of the Local Enterprise Partnership and the surrounding counties.

“Defra’s selection of this project as a ‘pathfinder’ is recognition of the importance of the agriculture and food industry to the regional and national economy and the role that both Reaseheath College and Cheshire East Council play in supporting this hugely valuable industry.”

Cheshire East Council’s successful bid was spearheaded by Caroline Simpson, the authority’s newly appointed Executive Director of Economic Growth and Prosperity, in conjunction with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

Grants of up to £50,000 will be made available for the initial process of establishing a Local Development Order, an essential step towards the creation of a FEZ.

The UK’s food industry is worth more than £100 billion a year to the UK economy and FEZs will ensure that farmers and agricultural businesses in Cheshire East can grow more top quality food and develop innovative businesses that will help to boost the rural economy.

The zones will empower local communities to influence the choice and location of businesses and give added protection to the countryside around their communities.

In a statement, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “Food and farming is at the heart of our long-term economic plan and vital to securing Britain’s economic future.”