Bridgwater College launched an exciting new magazine, thought to be the first of its kind in the sector, at their recent Cannington Open Day.

Bridgwater College launched a brand new publication, thought to be the first of its kind in the sector, at their recent Cannington Open Day.

The magazine, entitled ‘Live it, love it, learn it’, focuses on the reality of learning and working in the industry, offering specific career advice and guidance to readers, and includes interviews with a wide range of personalities from the industry, ranging from the Head of Animal Training at Chessington World of Adventures to the Project Manager of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. With expert opinions, industry intelligence, student success stories and a unique insight into what it is like to teach at Bridgwater College, the magazine aims to challenge any negative preconceptions of life in these industries, while offering inspiration and encouragement to those looking to escape life at an office desk.

The magazine’s author, College Marketing Manager Lisa Flahant, explains

“Many people are simply not aware of the massive skills shortage the land-based industry is facing, with an estimated 25,000 new skilled workers desperately needed by 2020. In agriculture, for example, 150,000 businesses are currently looking for experienced, qualified staff to address the demands of sustainable food production. There are going to be over 11,000 vacancies in horticulture in the next few years, highlighting the expertise needed to help safeguard the world’s food supply and fulfil our leisure requirements. And the increasing welfare, conservation and rehabilitation agenda in animal care means a wealth of new careers are becoming available to those willing to devote time, energy and commitment to their training.”

The publication includes some multi-media features, with the inclusion of a series of nine short films accessible through QR codes in the magazine, or which can be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel. The films follow the daily lives of staff and students in subjects ranging from fisheries management to arboriculture and from equine studies to sport—and have already had over 2000 viewings.

‘Live it, love it, learn it!’ was available to be picked up at the College’s Open Day where staff and students were on hand to demonstrate the wide range of subjects on offer. Hands-on activities included tractor driving, dog grooming and horse riding, with specialist talks from the Head of Land-based courses. As well as the full range of full and part-time courses, apprenticeships and HE programmes, the event allowed visitors to find out more about two new courses being offered from September 2013, namely Zoological Horticulture being delivered at Paignton Zoo and a new Foundation Degree in Animal Conservation, offered at Cannington.

Head of Land-based at the College Jeremy Kerswell said,

“We are really proud to be delivering a curriculum that is preparing students for roles which will address these serious skills gaps in the industry. We have an excellent training offer, graded Outstanding by Ofsted, which is supported by facilities that are unparalleled in the region, including the dairy farm, medieval walled gardens, high ropes activity centre, golf course, commercial sports facilities and much, much more.”

Bridgwater College is currently preparing for two of its land-based open events at Yeovil on Wednesday 6 March, 5.30 - 7.30pm, and Paignton on Saturday 16 March, 10am - 12.30pm. These events will allow prospective students to view the facilities, speak with staff, meet the animal collections and take part in some hands-on activities. If you would like more information about these events, or any of the land-based, sports and services programmes call our course enquiries team on or visit www.bridgwater.ac.uk.