A Duchy College Rosewarne student has been awarded a scholarship with Fraddon based machinery dealership, Vincent Tractors & Plant.

This years’ recipient, Barnaby Hills has already started his work placement at the Cornwall and Devon Kubota franchise as part of his scholarship package as he works towards his Level 2 land-based engineering certificate at Duchy College.

Barnaby Hills

It is the third year in a row that Vincent Tractors & Plant have offered this scholarship to a Duchy College Rosewarne student as part of its ongoing commitment to encourage new entrants into the engineering industry. Paul Vincent, managing director at Vincent Tractors & Plant recognised that there was a shortfall in engineers and provided the scholarship as a means of encouraging youngsters into the industry.

16 year old Barnaby said, “I was really surprised and pleased to receive the scholarship. It’s really interesting working on all the different machines. The team at Vincents are great fun to work with and the staff at the college are really helpful."

As part of the application process, candidates had to complete an application form, attend an interview and carry out work experience with the dealership.

Service manager, Andrew Hoddinott said, “Barnaby is the third recipient of the scholarship in partnership with Duchy College. The other two recipients have both gone onto an apprenticeship within the company. As a business we are keen to invest in the future and this scholarship is our way of encouraging new people into the industry. We are training up local engineers to provide a good quality local service”.

Danny Sellors, program manager land-based engineering at Duchy College, Rosewarne commented, “Barnaby is settling in well to college life. This last month he has had a lot of new experiences and is coping really well. The health and safety unit is finished and we have moved onto engine technology, stripping down and assembling Perkins four and six cylinder Phaser Engines. They are now learning about engine components, two and four stroke cycles, the differences between indirect and direct diesel engines, cooling and lubrication. After half term the Level 2 students will be taking the first of three examinations, the health and safety exam”.