Joshua
Adams De Banke

"I choose to study Agriculture at Brackenhurst because I wanted to improve and develop both my practical and theoretical knowledge of the industry. I don’t come from a farming background and had limited experience."

"I enjoyed learning about the agronomy of crop production and protection. I also enjoyed the hands-on practical's with the experienced tutors learning about different types of machinery and implements, and how to operate and maintain it."

"The course tutors were friendly and helpful and will definitely help if you get stuck, they will always answer any questions you might have."

"The campus has very modern facilities with everything you need from the on-site farm, to the important caffeine boost from the Costa in the Orangery."

"The most valuable thing I learned from my course was learning the foundation blocks of agriculture. From the practical and theory lessons, and coming from a non-farming background, I realised then it's very important to have this knowledge before heading into work."

"When I finished my course I worked at Strawson Ltd, a big veg and cereal farm not far from Brackenhurst, for a year doing general farm work ranging from carrot and sugar beet harvesting, to bale carting and telehandler work. Most recently I have just moved and started a new job down in Essex doing jobs such as spraying, destoning, fertiliser spreading and cultivations. Furthermore, I am looking into studying a BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree, part time, along side my job."

"NTU provided me with the knowledge and skills that without, I wouldn’t have understood most things going on when I went into work. I enjoy having the opportunity to learn new skills that I wouldn’t have thought possible until I was much older."

I would advise you to get as much practical experience as you can and get stuck into whatever jobs you have to do with enthusiasm, even the bad ones because hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and it will pay off in the future."