Hartpury College is set to receive a total of £2.4 million for the development of facilities and the purchase of equipment to facilitate three new post-GSCE agriculture courses.
Hartpury College will launch its agricultural T Levels for the 2024/25 academic year, with workshop refurbishment due to complete before the arrival of the first cohort of students.
T Level programmes are technical qualifications that offer a two-year option for students after their GSCEs.
The funding will refurbish two agricultural engineering workshops at Hartpury’s Gloucestershire campus.
The three new T Levels to be offered by the college are:
Hartpury College has said T Levels in animal management, animal science and equine subjects will follow after the initial three.
T Levels blend theory with practice and work-based training, with students expected to participate in at least 45 days of practical training each year.
Deputy principal of Hartpury College, Claire Whitworth, said: “We’re grateful for the government’s recognition of our expertise and commitment to advancing vocational training and are delighted to have been successful in securing a share of this UK-wide T Level investment funding.
“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.”
Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, Robert Halfon, said: “This boost of over £100 million (across the sector) is our latest investment in T Levels.
“These are robust, high-quality technical qualifications providing a unique ladder of opportunity for students to gain both classroom knowledge and on-the-job experience.”
