UK: Hadlow College launches commercial horticulture bursary initiative
The availability of food is largely dependent on the proficiency of farmers and growers, so it is worrying that production horticulture – that part of the industry responsible for commercial food production – has been recording a shortage of graduate entrants for many years.
The situation is getting worse and several British universities and colleges have been forced to close their higher education programmes in commercial/production horticulture due to low application numbers.
This is so concerning that Hadlow College is introducing an initiative designed to help to reverse the situation. Hadlow’s own HE Commercial Horticulture provision is thriving and well respected and now the college is offering three bursaries worth 80% of tuition fees for the first year of the undergraduate BSc (Hons) programme for entry in either 2017 or 2018.
The commercial horticulture industry affords a vast range of opportunities for career progression, both nationally and internationally, yet it is relatively unexplored by young people and those looking to change direction mid-career.
The college has excellent links with industry and it is commonplace for students studying Commercial Horticulture at Hadlow to be head-hunted prior to graduation.
Hadlow’s 1,000 acre estate includes a range of commercial businesses run to exemplar industry standards. The income the college derives is invested in developments that support students’ Hadlow Rural University experience. Students benefit from the chance to gain valuable ‘real life’ experience by undertaking paid work within the various businesses. In addition, a number of competitive scholarships and internships, sponsored by industry, are open to students studying a higher education programme at Hadlow.
Application forms for the Commercial Horticulture BSc (Hons) Bursary - together with further information - can be obtained from Patricia Crawford Associates: 01622 618628, pat.crawford@hadlow.ac.uk (Applications for the Bursary will close 1st June 2017.) Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interview.
Source: Hadlow College