Support for Future Industry Professionals

Posted 20 May 2007

A Harper Adams University College student has been awarded the Wessex Animal Health Scholarship and is embarking on an introduction to what will no doubt be a flourishing career in sales and marketing within the animal health industry. Second year BSc (Hons) Agriculture undergraduate Andrew Mathewson from Buxton, Derbyshire fought off tough competition from other students to win this much sought after scholarship.

Wessex Animal Health has given Andrew the opportunity to complete a year-long work placement within the Sales and Marketing Department. Peter Barker, Managing Director, who leads the company in promoting excellence in customer service, providing sound technical advice and highly competitive prices, was very impressed with Andrew’s ability, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Mr. Barker said "It is vital to build academic and industry links to support and encourage our future professionals. We aim to give Andrew the best start to his career by him gaining practical experience and sound teaching." He continues "Andrew showed that he is an ideal candidate to work within our team at Wessex. He has a good grip on the agricultural industry as well as some outstanding personal qualities that will set him in good stead for the future."

Harper Adams has established close links with the nationally recognised Wessex Animal Health. They aim to find and encourage students with the ideal attributes and ambitions to pursue a career in sales and marketing to enter the animal health industry.

If Andrew suitably impresses his new employers whist working on his year placement Wessex Animal Health will grant a scholarship fund of up to £3,000 for his final academic year and on passing his BSc (Hons) degree will be offered a full time position within the company.

Since being selected Andrew has successfully completed the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority Suitably Qualified Persons (AMTRA SQP) qualification which is offered as a short-course at Harper Adams. This enables him to handle and sell and prescribe animal health products for food producing species, equines and companion animals.

With the support of the Wessex team, it shouldn’t take long for Andrew to gain that all important industry experience.

Andrew says "I am extremely pleased to receive the Wessex Animal Health Scholarship and to have been selected to work for such a reputable firm. I am really looking forward to starting work and gaining experience in handling the products and implementing high levels of customer service. It is now essential to develop skills within a real working environment and I am grateful for such a great opportunity to put the knowledge I have already gained at Harper Adams into practice."

The scholarship and placement support is of particular significance now because of tuition fees that can be up to £3,000 per annum. Under these circumstances, Harper Adams University College are actively working with industry so that together they help and support students during their education and thus continue to bring highly skilled practitioners in to professional employment.

Wessex Animal Health was established in 1990, supplying an extensive range of equine, farm animal products, nutrition and ancillary equipment. It has grown into a highly successful nationwide business. Managing Director, Peter Barker leads the company in promoting excellence in customer service, sound technical advice and highly competitive prices.

For further details on Scholarships please contact: The Student Financial Aid Officer, Renee Gallina-Morris. Tel: 01952 815428 E-mail: rgallinamorris@harper-adams.ac.uk

For further information on Wessex Animal Health and the products and services they offer go to: www.wessexanimalhealth.co.uk