Hartpury University and College has received over £2 million in the latest release of capital funding from the Department for Education.
The funding will be used to renovate its workshop facilities and launch three brand-new T Level courses in agriculture for students across Gloucestershire and beyond — further establishing its commitment to enhancing the local community through opportunity and investment.
£1 million will be put towards facility development, while a further £1.4 million will be allocated to the purchasing of specialist equipment for T Levels in the agricultural subject area, including land-based engineering, crop production and livestock production — all set to be available for the 2024/25 academic year.
T Levels have been introduced by the UK government as new two-year, post-GCSE courses, broadly equivalent to three A Levels.
They offer students blended learning methods, theoretical and practical, to ensure they receive a well-rounded education. 80 per cent of contact time will be spent at Hartpury facilities, with 20 per cent — or at least 45 days — training within the workplace.
Deputy principal at Hartpury College, Claire Whitworth, said: 'By using the funding to refurbish two agricultural engineering workshops, it'll help us to deliver unparalleled technical education to our students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to forge successful careers and meet the many challenges faced by the agricultural industry. They will also provide opportunities for industry use outside of term time.
'We're always looking to align our curriculum with industry needs and remain poised to contribute to the growth and success of the agricultural sector in Gloucestershire and beyond.'
Having also recently launched an agriculture digital studio, Hartpury is taking advantage of technological developments by offering exploration of the future of the agriculture industry through augmented reality, simulators and virtual reality headsets.
T Levels are being gradually rolled out across the UK, with animal management and equine subjects still expected to be introduced at Hartpury.
