ÎÞÂ붯»­

Hundreds of apprenticeship students to be celebrated at inaugural awards evening

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Rural Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprentices undertake fieldwork at ÎÞÂ붯»­

ÎÞÂ붯»­ is preparing to celebrate the success of its apprenticeship students by hosting an inaugural awards evening.

The Apprenticeship Awards, on April 22, will celebrate the rapid growth of degree and higher-level programmes at the university, and the outstanding achievements of the apprentices who are shaping the future of the food production and rural resource management sectors.

“The University launched its first apprenticeship pathway in 2018 with a cohort of fewer than 40 apprentices. Six years on, Harper Adams now has more than 300 apprenticeship students across four pathways,” explained Apprenticeships Manager Carol Rogers. “Apprenticeships are driving innovation, equipping the next generation with vital skills, and ensuring the industries we serve remain strong, sustainable, and forward-looking.

“We are fortunate to work closely with many inspiring employers who are committed to investing in future talent and paving the way for more young people to join the industry.”

The university delivers Rural Chartered Surveyor, Food Industry Technical Professional, Veterinary Technician and Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeships – with the latter recently introduced in response to growing demand. Every apprentice works for an employer whilst also studying for their degree.

Some of those employers have stepped up to sponsor the awards night at the university, which will feature inspiring stories of achievement and partnership, showcasing how apprenticeships are transforming agriculture and strengthening rural economies.

; a niche firm of rural-practice chartered surveyors specialising in renewables, utilities and infrastructure; and Dalcour Maclaren, a firm of land and environmental specialists acting exclusively for the utilities and infrastructure sector have been confirmed as lead event sponsors.

FGP Managing Director Claire Priestener said: “We strongly support the degree apprenticeship scheme for the rural practice chartered surveyor qualification at ÎÞÂ붯»­. The course is a great opportunity for students from rural and non-rural backgrounds to gain a professional qualification and academic degree whilst gaining invaluable experience at the same time and be able to apply the MRICS qualification globally. It is imperative that the scheme continues to fill the significant gap in the industry of property professionals following the rural route. Our apprentices make FGP who we are today.”

And Jo Middleton, Head of Future Talent at Dalcour Maclaren, added: "We greatly value our partnership with Harper Adams, who actively collaborate with us as an employer partner to deliver a high-quality, tailored apprenticeship offering that meets both learner and business needs. We champion apprenticeship pathways because they combine the benefits of structured off-the-job learning with practical, on-the-job experience, creating well-rounded professionals who can apply theory to our real-world projects. This approach also promotes inclusivity by opening doors to diverse talent pools and supporting career development for talent from all backgrounds.”

Further support for the awards event has been received from and .

Carol Rogers added: “We are very grateful to FGP, Dalcour Maclaren and our other sponsors for their support. We expect the event to be a true highlight of the year, with dignitaries, employers, apprentices, and sector leaders in attendance, as we highlight both individual success and the wider impact of apprenticeships on industry and society.

“Finalists will be announced in the coming weeks and tickets will go on sale at the end of January for what promises to be an evening to remember!”

Tickets can be reserved by contacting  kheirene@harper-adams.ac.uk