Jean Jackson Charitable Trust supports two scholars

Posted 5 March 2015

Two students at Harper Adams University have been awarded scholarships worth £10,000 each from the Jean Jackson Charitable Trust to support their studies. 

Luke Cross, 25, from Wolverhampton, is a second year BSc (Hons) Countryside Management student, who previously attended Rodbaston College, South Staffordshire. 

He said: “The scholarship will allow me to progress my career change beyond what I would ever expect. I am able to support my placement and improve my CV to enter the countryside sector as a more qualified professional. 

“Thanks to the Jean Jackson Scholarship and the Harper Adams Development trust for giving me the opportunity and supporting my career aspirations of site management.”

For his placement, Luke will join the National Trust, at Attingham Park, Shropshire, as an assistant site manager and deer manager. “I will be working closely with the estates team and presenting talks to the public on Attingham’s fallow herd” explained Luke, the treasurer of a shooting syndicate, and National Trust member who enjoys deer stalking, duck flighting and hiking. 

He added: “I am a mature student. I was a plumber for five years before deciding on a career change with support from my fiancé. I left school with four GCSE’s but went back to college and am currently exceeding my academic forecast, getting an average of 70-85% in assignments.” 

Fellow scholar Alex Bentley, 20, from Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, is a second year Wildlife Conservation and Natural Resource Management student. 

“The scholarship means I can get the full benefits of a voluntary placement with one of the largest organisations working in conservation. I want to say a massive thank you to all the people involved in the decision to award me this scholarship,” said Alex who previously attended Stafford College.

Alex’s voluntary placement will see him work on Fenn’s Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses in Shropshire. His ambition is to work in conservation and practical habitat management in the UK and eventually around the world.