FEATURE: Key appointment strengthens Myerscough’s Cumbria offer

Louise Fletcher, Curriculum Area Manager for Cumbria

Louise Fletcher takes up the role, having made the move from Moulton College, where she held the post of Head of School for Land-based and Equine Studies.

Myerscough has offered education in animal studies, agriculture and arboriculture and forestry since 2020, when an innovative partnership with Furness College was launched, offering study programmes in animal care.

In 2021, agriculture, animal studies and arboriculture further education programmes began as a partnership between Myerscough College and Ullswater Community College in Penrith.

They follow a blended learning model where learners can still live at home, while enjoying the benefit of quality, local, academic study, with theory and classroom sessions, combined with additional weekly travel to Myerscough College, where practical elements are taught in state-of-the-art, sector leading facilities, as well as the opportunities to study in the workplace or residentially at Myerscough.

The collaboration is now coming to the end of its third academic year, and recognises the importance of the future of the land-based sector to Cumbria, and how vital it is that the next generation have the best possible opportunity to obtain high level qualifications locally.

Louise Fletcher said: ‘’I am really excited about this opportunity to relocate to Cumbria to grow, develop and improve the agriculture education provision in Cumbria through understanding the needs of the industry and young people to create an outstanding and engaging provision.

‘’During my time working in further education I have become passionate about providing the sector with a new workforce of young people that are educated in a way that works with employers and provides the knowledge, skills and behaviours that the industry needs.''

‘’I strongly believe in providing the opportunity to bring people into the industry that may not have been born into it but have a passion and desire to work and succeed within the sector.

‘’From my initial observations, there seems to be a limited offer to reach a wide range of young people and give them the opportunity to access work in the industry. I see a really exciting opportunity to open up education to young people and provide the Cumbria area with the workforce that they need to continue and move forwards.’’

Louise’s background is initially in the equine sector, before becoming interested in agriculture and the broader land-based sectors.

In her previous role at Moulton College, Louise was responsible for their commercial one thousand acre farm, including a 60 heard of cattle, 700 sheep, and 700 acres of arable land.

Louise cites working with employers to improve the curriculum delivery and student experience as key to sustaining successful and meaningful provision in the county, as programmes innovate to meet the needs of both learners and industry.

‘’I am excited and ready to improve and develop the provision in Cumbria and welcome anyone to contact me to share their views, advice and guidance and anyone who wants to support in revamping and revitalising such education in Cumbria, ‘’ says Louise.

‘’A great education provision for young people relies on the input of the Industry to help shape it, we would really like to hear from people with their views and how they can support the education of young people in Cumbria.’’

Louise can be contacted on LFletcher@myerscough.ac.uk

In addition to full time school leaver programmes, Myerscough also successfully delivers agriculture apprenticeships in Cumbria, through a dynamic delivery model with a hands on approach to training the next generation of agricultural professionals.

Delivered through the Level 2 General Farm Worker and Level 3 Livestock Unit Technician apprenticeship standards, apprentices are brought together once every two weeks at various delivery sites across Cumbria and Northumberland.

The sites that are currently used include Penrith Auction, Carlisle Auction and Hexham Auction Marts to provide apprentices with diverse learning opportunities and the chance to engage with the agricultural sector.  The current offer includes livestock and arable farming pathways which reflect the skills employers needs, and apprentices are visited by a work based tutor every 8-10 weeks.

From September 2024 the College will further enhance its agriculture career path with the introduction of the Level 4 Assistant Farm Manager apprenticeship for those in the sector that operate and support the management of an agriculture business.

Myerscough is also set to branch out into forestry apprenticeships, as Paul McGrail (below), Assistant Principal - Apprenticeships & Workforce Development, explains.

‘’With support from the Forestry Commission, Myerscough will offer the Level 3 Forest Craftsperson from September 2024, in addition to a Level 4 Arboriculturist and the new Level 6 Professional Arboriculturist programme, the latter being the first in the country,’’ said Paul.

‘’Myerscough has some great connections within the industry along with skilled staff and have recently been working with Mere Plantations, delivering training out in Ghana, but Cumbria's rich natural landscape makes it an ideal setting for forestry apprenticeships closer to home.’’

To find out more Myerscough’s educational offer to the county, simply head to www.myerscough.ac.uk/cumbria