SAC student, Claire Convery has been awarded HE Learner of the Year by Lantra, the Skills Council for the environmental and land based sectors.

Claire Convery (left) receiving the HE Learner of the Year Award from Lantra

Although being local to the Ayr campus, having lived in Troon, Claire’s long held interest in equine studies took her to Hartbury College where she gained an HNC in Stud Management. After this, she moved to Ireland where she worked on a stud, before moving back to England and working on the renowned Watership Down Stud.

During her time on studs, Claire became interested in animal welfare and decided that she wished to pursue a career in this field. Advice given to her by employers and vets was that she would be at a distinct advantage if she had an HND or Degree in agriculture. Claire returned to Scotland, and shortly thereafter, took up a place at SAC’s Ayr campus in 2005.

Claire received Lantra’s HE Learner of the Year Award after being nominated by SAC staff at the Ayr campus who had been impressed with her enthusiasm and dedication. About her experiences with SAC, Claire said “SAC has an excellent reputation and I knew that the Agriculture course there would be my best option. I am so pleased that I joined the HND course as it has been really interesting.

The quality of the lecturers makes a big difference, with everyone enthusiastic and knowledgeable in a specific subject. There was a great range of coursework throughout the year, which was motivating and rewarding such as the farm practical's and training courses especially as I didn’t grow up on a farm. I can even lamb a sheep and milk a cow!

I am enjoying the course so much that I am continuing on to degree level. Ironically I came through my interest in animals, however through my learning I have become more interested in crops now and I would like to pursue a career as an agronomist or within crop product development for a retailer - the options are endless!”

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