EIGHT talented students from Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre have been awarded landbased scholarships with numerous employers from across the South West.

Bridgwater College, in collaboration with Coombe Farm, Cricketer Farm, Magnox, Micron Bio-Systems, Synergy Farm Health, Thatchers, University of Exeter and Wessex Water, is offering sponsorship packages for students studying courses in agriculture, horticulture and fisheries management.

Each scholarship is worth up to £500 and will entitle the student to a work placement with their sponsor for up to 200 hours per year.

The scheme enables students to develop their employability skills and form meaningful relationships with employers and businesses, who could potentially look to employ them afterwards.

Last year student Jack Armstrong was offered a job at Thatchers Cider after his placement and his course finished last summer.

Jack said: “The scholarship has been invaluable in terms of the experience I have gained.

“It was hard work at times, involving long days and early starts, but the hard work has paid off as I have been offered and accepted a summer job in primary processing.”

Jeremy Kerswell, head of landbased, sports and services said: “It can have a significant impact on the progress and development of the students involved, whilst also allowing employers to get closer to their future workforce.”