College Principal, Tim Jackson led the minister on a tour of the College's facilities, which focused on its advanced Fisheries and Aquatics Centres, and the unique Game and Wildlife Centre. Mr Paterson appeared very impressed at the extent to which students develop industry skills and knowledge as part of their study programmes, which ensure they are equipped with high level skills and are fully compliant with health and safety, and food hygiene regulations - making them completely job ready.
Mr Jackson reinforced the College's close industry links saying, "Since the 70s, Sparsholt College has been working 'cheek by jowl' with employers and businesses. The quality of our students is well known in industry, which is why so many go on to have successful careers in their chosen specialist areas."
The visit was arranged by Winchester MP, Steve Brine who is a great supporter of the College. Mr Brine officially opened the College's impressive Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre last January and was keen to have a member of the cabinet visit the centre, to see how closely Sparsholt is working with industry. He said: "Every time I come here I learn something new and it is always truly fascinating. I was delighted that I was able to bring the Secretary of State with me to Sparsholt so that he could see for himself this college I have been raving about up in the House."
During the tour, the Secretary of State was informed that the College has over 2,000 full-time students at Sparsholt and remarked positively about the College having 280 Apprentices in land-based subjects across Horticulture, Equine, Agriculture, Veterinary Nursing and Fish Husbandry. He said: "It was a real pleasure to be invited by Steve to visit Sparsholt and to see for myself some of the excellent work they are doing. I was hugely impressed by the mix of hands on and academic experience the students are able to gain, providing them with the skills employers are looking for and enabling them to pursue a successful career of their choosing."
Mr Jackson also highlighted to the Secretary of State how the College had seen a significant rise in Agricultural Students this year, many of whom were not from traditional farming backgrounds, making a conscious choice to join this specialist industry. Tim said that he believed this was a very positive sign of young people "getting the message" that there are good technical long term careers in the food and farming sector.
The College was able to show off the excellent practical facilities and technical applied research programmes which students are involved with. The Secretary of State met with BSc 3rd Year students who enthusiastically discussed their research thesis activities and also their plans for their future careers upon graduating.
Pictured, Owen Paterson and Steve Brine meet staff and students
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