Posted: 5th April 2023 | Back to news feed
SMB College Group has a rich history of educating Equestrian practitioners at it’s 850 acre land-based Brooksby Campus. A specialist LANDEX campus, this site has offered Agricultural and land-based qualifications since the end of the second world war, and the college has a strong historu of educating several generations of Equestrian and Agricultural practitioners and, most importantly, evolving alongside the industries to provide the very best training.
We caught up with SMB College Group Equine student, Olivia Swinbourne, who has studied at the college for almost five years – studying her Level 3 BTEC (equivalent to three A Levels) and progressing on to a degree programme in Equine Performance with Business. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:
SMB College Group: Why did you choose to study with us?
Olivia: From reviewing other colleges that offered similar courses, the environment and facilities offered by SMB College Group interested me the most. Throughout Level 3 this only grew and cemented that I had made the correct choice.
SMB College Group: What did you enjoy most about your time studying with us?
Olivia: The support from the equine staff to pursue both curricular, extra-curricular, and externally any passions that I had to find what was right for me.
SMB College Group: What has been your career journey so far to be where you are now?
Olivia: I was an events co-ordinator between 2018-2022, which supported me over the years into equine industry and management aspects within working environments. I am also a BHS Welfare Adviser volunteer, which I was able to explore with support from SMB College Group by undertaking training alongside my current studies and the BHS staff in welcoming me into the team.
SMB College Group: What’s your career highlight been so far?
Olivia: Probably volunteering at a Castration and Health Clinic with the BHS. I was able to get hands on during the clinic helping with passports, castrations, and more!
SMB College Group: How did your studies at the college contribute to where you are today?
Olivia: When I first joined in Level 3 I was not sure what part of the industry I wanted to go into, SMB College Group was able to help me expand my knowledge of the industry and through that find my passion within welfare. This passion is one I am pursuing this September with an MRes in Equine Health and Welfare at NTU.
SMB College Group: What is something you still value today that you have taken from your studies here?
Olivia: The vast routes and knowledge within the industry and the clear community that is seen both working industry and in educational environments.
SMB College Group: What would you say / Do you have any advice for to people currently looking at studying here?
Olivia: You don't have to know what you want to do now; it is something that you may find along your way at the Brooksby Campus and if you don't, that is okay too! The courses are supportive with plenty of routes to take.
SMB College Group: Any advice for people aiming to follow a career/education pathway like yours?
Olivia: As the equine industry is key for word to mouth networking, take any opportunity that arises to attend events, support people, and really get out there as it will help you later whether you know what career you want to pursue or not.
If you’re interested in finding out more about what it’s like to study at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus, you can discover everything you need to know at a special Agriculture, Land-based & Equine Open Day on Saturday 22nd April (9am – noon).
This event is a great opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facilities, meet the friendly expert lecturers, and discover more about the fantastic Equine courses on offer at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus.
Achieve your potential and become one of the family at SMB College Group. For further information about Brooksby Campus and the forthcoming open event, visit the SMB College Group website: Agriculture, Land-based & Equine Open Day | SMB College Group
Applications are still open to join one of SMB College Group’s Equine, Land-based or Agriculture courses in September 2023. With excellent full-time programmes available and a host of fantastic industry-standard facilities on-site, including a state-of-the-art Equine Rehabilitation Centre and a mixed arable and livestock farm, there’s never been a better time to apply and become #OneoftheFamily.
Find out more and apply here: www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk.
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