Students at Riseholme College are to benefit from enhanced agriculture and horticulture facilities and equipment, thanks to funding from Greater Lincolnshire’s devolution deal.
Riseholme, based on the outskirts of Lincoln, will receive £600,000 of investment for new skills training infrastructure as a result of the deal agreed with the government last year for Greater Lincolnshire to get a new combined authority headed up by an elected mayor.
Land-based college Riseholme will invest in a new state-of-the-art Centre for Plant and Soil Science with the funding.
It will be created by expanding the current practical learning space at Riseholme Park and creating a specialist horticulture laboratory and teaching area at the college’s Showground Campus, next to Lincolnshire Showground.
The centre will support the delivery of a range of qualifications across further education, higher education, apprenticeships and short and part-time courses in agriculture and horticulture.
A range of industry-standard agricultural equipment, including a telehandler, tractor and loader and a portable weighbridge platform will be purchased with the funding as well. The new equipment will also include a crop sprayer and virtual welding simulator.
Beth Curtis, vice principal at Riseholme College, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which will directly benefit our students by giving them access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard equipment.
“This funding is not just about new resources – it represents a significant step forward in our mission to prepare learners for successful and meaningful careers in the ever-evolving fields of agriculture and horticulture.
“It is essential that our students develop the hands-on skills, knowledge and adaptability that employers are looking for both now and in the future.
“We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition of the work we do and the role Riseholme College plays in shaping the future of the agri-food sector.
“It reinforces our commitment to excellence in education and training, and our ongoing dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled, innovative and work-ready professionals who will drive these crucial industries forward.”
Riseholme is one of six educational bodies to receive a share of £2.5m under the devolution deal.
