Fresh growth

Training for the future of the countryside

Here’s your chance to grow with Elmwood – and it’s not too late to apply for a September start. Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Elmwood Campus is situated in Cupar, Fife and there’s always something going on. The popular family fun day returns on Sunday May 14 and the Pimms on the Lawn horticulture event will also be back on Thursday June 15.

The college attracts students from across Fife, Perthshire and Tayside and many other areas of the UK, as well as from Europe and further afield. Courses range from introductory level programmes to Higher National Diploma level, with excellent progression routes to degree programmes at other SRUC campuses and universities. As funding is increasingly an issue for students, Elmwood can help to ease the financial burden by allowing people to study to HNC/HND level locally, before they access a university course directly in their second or third years.

SRUC Elmwood Campus offers a variety of courses, including countryside management, animal care, gamekeeping, greenkeeping, professional golf, golf management, hospitality, horticulture and sports coaching. Limited spaces are still available on the next batch beginning in September.

Along with its excellent training facilities, including beautiful grounds and gardens, a fitness suite, training restaurant, kitchen and bakery and even its own 18-hole golf course the college boasts fantastic links with industry.

SRUC is committed to developing learning and skills for the economy that lead to jobs and life fulfilment for students. Courses are designed with a blend of theoretical and practical skills and all include a period of work experience, which can enhance the student’s CV and offer networking opportunities in their chosen industry.

Students who attend SRUC Elmwood Campus will follow a range of different paths once they have completed their studies. For many it is a stepping stone to a degree qualification, for others employment and for some it may even lead to the opportunity to set up their own business.

Getting to Elmwood need not be an issue as there are excellent bus and rail links and the college provides free transport from the Levenmouth and East Neuk areas.

If you are a school leaver or contemplating a career change and would like to know more about what is available locally at Elmwood, why not pop along to the family fun day on May 14? This informal event will run from noon-4pm and will provide the perfect opportunity to visit the friendly campus and find out more about what is on offer for 2017. You can also find out about funding and the study support that is available too.

If your interest lies in gardening and horticulture you might want to join the team at the Pimms on the Lawn event on June 15 from 5–7pm. This horticultural open evening will take place in the grounds, where lecturers will be on hand to talk to about their courses and provide tours of the horticultural facilities. And don’t forget the allotment club, which runs every Saturday morning from 10am–noon during term time. It’s free and anyone with an interest in gardening is welcome.

Details of these and future events can be found at www.sruc.ac.uk/opendays so book your place now.

Elmwood turns out students who are outstanding in their fields.