Oliver studied Agriculture at Riseholme College, completing his time in 2019, after completing a diploma and foundation degree. Having grown up with a keen interest in farming and livestock, Oliver wanted to build on his practical experience with a strong agricultural education.
Oliver explains what life was like whilst studying at Riseholme.
‘’Life at Riseholme was both enjoyable and rewarding. There was a great balance between classroom learning and practical, hands-on experience, which made the course engaging and relevant. It was a close-knit environment where everyone shared a passion for agriculture, creating a real sense of community and lifelong friendships.’’
When asked what stood out most about his time at Riseholme, Oliver's answer was simple, the people.
‘’Without doubt, the people. The friendships I made and the sense of community at Riseholme are what stand out most. Being surrounded by like-minded people who all shared a passion for agriculture made it an enjoyable place to learn, and many of those friendships and industry connections remain today.’’
The knowledge, skills and connections Oliver gained at Riseholme have continued to support him throughout his career in the agricultural industry.
‘’My time at Riseholme gave me a solid foundation for my career in the livestock industry. The combination of practical skills, industry knowledge and the confidence I gained during my studies has been invaluable throughout my career. It also helped me build a strong network of contacts, many of which I still utilise today in my role as Auctioneer and Deputy Market Manager at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart (DfAM).’’
Reflecting on the years since graduating, Oliver believes Riseholme has continued to adapt to the changing needs of modern agriculture.
‘’Agriculture has evolved significantly over the years, and Riseholme has continued to evolve alongside the industry. From embracing new technologies to adapting courses to meet the changing needs of modern farming, it's clear the college continues to prepare students for successful careers. While many things have changed, I'm sure the strong community spirit and passion for agriculture that made my time there so enjoyable remain at the heart of the college.’’
