Agricultural engineering students at Hartpury spent time finding out what their future careers could hold from the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) CEO Alastair Taylor, during a talk at the college.
Alastair, gave students on land-based technology courses at the college a unique insight into what lies ahead of them.
Alastair Taylor with Hartpury students
Ryan Dymott, 16, a land-based engineering student at the college, said: “The talk was really interesting. He gave a great insight into what life in the industry is like and gave a real sense of where we could be in the future with our careers.
“He started off exactly where we are now so it’s great to hear from someone who has got to where his is now by starting out on a similar route to us.”
Ryan, who is in the first year of his course, is also part of the John Deere Apprenticeship scheme which Alastair Taylor is closely linked with.
“It’s great here at Hartpury. What I find useful is that the classroom is right next to the workshop so we can go straight from our theory to getting stuck in with the manual stuff.”
Alastair’s talk focused on what a great career the students have ahead of them in what is a fast growing industry, how they will need to keep an eye on technological advancements, the benefits of networking and the importance of being part of an institute.
“I know engineering has gone on at Hartpury for a number of years and, much like the rest of the industry, it seems to be on the up at the moment,” Taylor added.
“Coming here it’s great to see that there’s been investment and it’s good to see that resources are on the up and that student numbers are rising.
“I’ve had a chance to look around and chat to some of the students and it’s great to see the quality of the provision they’re getting and how much they know already at such young ages. The fact they all really seem to be enjoying themselves is an added bonus as well!
“We need to inspire these students to embrace the technology and to congratulate them on choosing this path.
“Research says that those who are registered as engineering technicians will earn more over their lifetime because they will be recognised as having the required skills and as someone who’ is at the top of their game.”
