Lackham celebrates land-based excellence

Home > Lackham celebrates land-based excellence

24 June 2025

Wiltshire College & University Centre recently celebrated the achievements of its Agriculture and Land-Based Engineering students at their end-of-year awards ceremony.

Held at the college’s Lackham campus, the event brought together around 75 students and teaching staff to celebrate the close of a busy academic year.

Set against the backdrop of summer sunshine, the afternoon featured an awards presentation followed by a relaxed BBQ – the perfect chance to reflect, socialise, and celebrate all that had been achieved.

Among those recognised on the day was 18-year-old, Daisy McIntyre from Calne, who took home three awards: Overall Student, Stockperson of the Year and Outstanding Work Experience.

Daisy completed her work placement on the college’s own farm and is now preparing for an apprenticeship in Wales.

“It was a bit nerve-wracking walking up in front of everyone, but I’m really pleased,” she said. “The course has been great – I’ve learnt how to milk, worked with livestock every day, and now I’m heading into a job I really enjoy.”

Having only discovered her interest in agriculture a year ago, Daisy’s success is a great example of how quickly passion can turn into a career.

A student with red hair receives a red rosette from a tutor at a prize table, with students and staff watching in the background.

Another student who found their calling through the course was 18-year-old Jo Patient, from Chippenham, a Level 3 Agriculture learner who was recognised for her dedication to lambing.

“Lambing was my favourite part – I even cried when it ended,” she admitted.

Jo spent so much time in the lambing shed that tutors joked they had to kick her out. She’s since completed a shearing course and is planning to pursue a future in shepherding.

Reflecting on her time on the course, she said: “Every lesson was different, and it helped my realise what I want to do.”

A student receives an award outdoors at Lackham campus, shaking hands with a tutor as fellow students and staff applaud in the background under the shade of a large tree

17-year-old Ryan Fell, from Chippenham, also celebrated at the event, and described the course as a turning point. With no background in farming, he started the Level 2 Agriculture course as a complete beginner.

“I came in green – I didn’t know anything really, I just loved the machinery and remembered sitting in combines near a farm around my nan’s house,” he said.

Since starting the course, Ryan has learned to handle livestock, carry out vaccinations, and work with machinery. He now has a job on the dairy farm where he completed his placement and is returning to Lackham in September to study Level 3 Agriculture.

A smiling student and staff member pose for a photo at the event, with students and guests gathered in the background.

With big dreams to travel after education – particularly to Australia and New Zealand, Ryan wants to explore how dairy farming differs around the world.

“I’d love to work as a relief milker and get the chance to see the big dairy herds over there,” he said. “It would be amazing to see how they do things differently, learn from it and bring that experience back with me.”

Ryan’s story captures exactly what the day was about – celebrating how far students have come and looking ahead to where they’re going. Whether moving onto apprenticeships, further study or even starting careers, the future for Lackham’s students is bright and full of possibility.

Here’s a full list of this year’s award winners – congratulations to everyone recognised for their hard work and achievements.

Level 2 Land-Based Engineering