Argyll College - Think Again

You may think you have a good idea of what Argyll College is and what we have on offer, but did you know that in the past 5 years we’ve introduced over 45 new qualifications and as a student at Argyll College UHI you’ll be able to study in a convenient location, get recognised qualifications and improve your chances of getting your career on the right track. Our Campbeltown Centre is the home of our Agriculture programmes which are unique within UHI. Working in partnership with local Farmers Catherine, Matthew and David Ralston, practical sessions take place at Rhoin Farm just north of the town, whilst classroom time is spent in our HAzelburn Learning Centre. ‘’Many people think that you have to grow up on a farm of have a family connection to make a career in Agriculture’’, says Course Leader Catherine Ralston, ‘’but the fact is that often up to half of our students have little or no experience of farm work. The NC in Agriculture is a great way to find out if life on the farm could be for you. Students get involved in all aspects of running our family farm, from livestock handling, crop production, to fencing and tractor maintenance.’’ 19 year old Ellie-May Bovill has spent the last two years studying HND Agriculture with Argyll College. ‘’I don’t have a farming background at all, dad was a lorry driver and mum managed a shop. I loved animals and being outdoors so started helping out on a neighbour’s farm. I’ve now got a 5 year lease on Forestry Commission land through a scheme for young farmers, and have a flock of 40 sheep. My goal in 5 years’ time is to have 2-300 hectares and at least 200 sheep. ‘’ Her advice to anyone who’d like to get into farming ‘’put your mind to it and go for it. I had a lot of people telling me not to go into farming, but I just ignored them.’’ If you love life in Argyll but think you’re going to have to move away to get the qualifications you need – think again. Whether you want to get those Highers you missed out on at school, take your first steps into Higher Education, or retrain for a whole new career, we can help you achieve your goals. So if you think you know what we do, you might want to think again. Visit www.argyllcollege.ac.uk or call 01586 559 310 to find out more.