Posted 13 September 2007
The Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell MP, has had an inspiring visit to Harper Adams University College, Shropshire, today.
Harper Adams, which has the only Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning amongst land-based institutions in the UK higher education sector welcomed the Minister to the county to hear about its latest academic initiatives. The Minister, who is responsible for implementing higher education policy, including employer engagement, met representatives from businesses that work closely with the University College to develop the skills of students, many of whom are engaged in professional development programmes. He heard of successful work-based programmes.
The Government is keen to promote higher level skills development that is relevant to employers needs. The Minister noted that “Harper Adams is in exactly the place where we need more of the sector to be.”
Principal, Professor Wynne Jones welcomed this endorsement and said “Harper Adams is well-known for its employer engagement activities and puts much energy into working with rural businesses and networks. We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Rammel and demonstrate the dynamic work that we undertake. The Minister took a particular interest in the successful and innovative approach that the University College takes to working in collaboration with rural businesses and related professional organisations, communities and networks, and the successful way in which joint-initiatives are developed and maintained.”
Mr Rammell heard of the new work-based post graduate certificate in fresh produce production which is the first of its kind. It has been specially developed with a unique blend of business and academic expertise by MDS Ltd and Harper Adams University College so that the fresh produce sector can be guaranteed a supply of future managers who are equipped with a wide level of skill and experience.
He also learned about the inspiring programmes developed in association with JCB Ltd and the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA). JCB, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of agricultural and earthmoving equipment, works in close collaboration with the University College to ensure that graduates are of the highest quality by providing opportunities of industrial work placements and undergraduate sponsorships along with strategic development of academic courses. AMTRA, who have a long established relationship of over 20 years with the University College, has worked in conjunction to develop and deliver professional qualifications.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the website. However, you can change your cookie settings at any time.