Next-gen of food and farming inspired by Harper Adams colleagues

12 December 2023

The hard work of Harper Adams employees in encouraging the next generation of food and farming has been recognised by one of our region’s schools.

This summer, Harper Adams hosted students from Burton Borough School in Newport for nine days to complete their Year 10 work experience.

The contribution of staff from across the University was recognised at the school’s work experience awards evening in November, where Harper Adams was nominated in every work experience provider category and received certificates in recognition of the contribution made.

This year, the students completed a five-day mixed science experience and were hosted by several members of staff from a range of Harper Adams departments.

Senior Laboratory Technician, Jane Cooper said: "The programme involved visits to the Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Creak Laboratories, Veterinary Education Centre, Jean Jackson Entomology Building, as well as the Future Farm and the Companion Animal House.

"Students also undertook activities in crop biotechnology, atomic absorption, and administration tasks."

After the awards night, two of the work experience students, Luke and Vinnie, visited the University to present staff with the certificates and trophies.

The general science week was nominated in the category of Best Overall Experience. Missing from this photo are Gina Hendy, Ellie Clowes, Li Oldershaw, Zoe Mitton, Joe Roberts, Fred Baker, Grace Milburn, Alex Watson-Lazowski and the two 2023 placement students Louie Millar and Hannah Bates all of whom contributed to the overall success of the placements.

Jane and Apprentice Food Technology Technician, Holly Rosser, and were each nominated as Most Helpful Mentor for their contributions to the activities.

The Best Training Provider Overall went to our Harper Adams University Engineering Team, who were delighted to be awarded with a trophy and certificate.

The award was given in recognition of the outstanding placements given to the students who were all given the opportunity to manufacture their own screwdrivers and experience tractor driving. They left feeling enthused and with a greater understanding of the role of engineers, and the possible career options open to them.

The successful team pictured are Tim Dicker, Giles Vince, Charlie Wright, Parmjit Chima, Mitch Porter-Keel and Tom Howes. Missing from the photo but also involved in the experience was Chris Waghorn.