We are very pleased to hear from William Banham who received a Scholarship in 2023 and is attending Bicton College in Devon studying Agriculture Level 2.

“I am 16 years old, and live at home in West Dorset where I attended the Sir John Colfox Academy.  I’ve always loved farming, although my parents are not from the farming industry. My ambition is to run my own sheep farm and contracting business, living in Dorset initially but I’ll see where the sheep take me!

My course is for one year and I hope to stay at Bicton next year to progress onto the next course. I chose the course because it gives me a broad range of knowledge in farming and I love being able to stay at college for a few nights a week.

My course involves work experience which all the students are required to do.  I work on a local sheep farm in West Dorset and get involved in all aspects of helping to run the farm. I really enjoy the time I spend at the farm, being able to be at college for 3 days and then doing the practical job is the best of both worlds.  I am lucky to have people to help me learn and support me to expand my skills.

The scholarship has helped me massively, it has allowed me to attend Bicton College and be a residential student and start my agricultural adventure.  I would recommend others to apply, I found the application process really straightforward, and the Melplash Agricultural Society were really supportive.”

 

Applications for the 2024 Melplash Agricultural Society Scholarship are now open!  The annual scholarship is offered to students aged 16 years and over who live within a 12-mile radius, and who are planning to pursue further education courses in subjects connected to agriculture. The scholarship offers financial assistance with their apprenticeship, diploma or degree courses.   For more information and to download and application form click here.