A Bridgwater College apprentice was recently named the runner-up in the Apprentice of the Year award category at the regional National Apprenticeship Service awards, held at Somerset Country Cricket Club.

Tom Heal, 22, from Stogursey has completed the Level 2 and 3 Apprenticeship in Mixed Farming, as well as other additional qualifications including proficiency tests in Fork-Lift Truck and ATV Quad Bike use. Since completing his course, Tom has obtained a farm tenancy on a 180-acre farm, where he hopes to develop a beef and sheep enterprise.

Tom’s Apprenticeship allowed him to gain work placements and have experience in robotic milking systems, maintaining animal welfare conditions and managing breeding programmes.

Tom, who was previously named as Bridgwater College’s Land-based Apprentice of the Year and the Grow Somerset Advanced Apprentice and Apprentice Champion of the Year said,

“I have gained a huge amount of experience and knowledge about many different aspects of working on and managing a farm during the four years of my Apprenticeship. The confidence I have gained on this course in all farming matters, as well as interacting with fellow apprentices, colleagues and employers, has helped me to gain the position of Vice Chairman of Bridgwater Young Farmers Club. Working within this club I am encouraging the younger members to follow a similar career path to my own.”

Geoff Miller, Assessor and Tutor at Bridgwater College said,

“Whilst working on his placement farms, Tom was an exemplary apprentice, bringing new ideas and expertise which resulted in improved production performances. Tom has now achieved his goal having been awarded his own farm tenancy, a remarkable achievement at the age of 20. He has been granted one of the Fairfield Estates farms, which are owned by Lady Elizabeth Gass, who recently retired as Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.

“On awarding Tom the tenancy, Lady Gass said that as well as enthusiasm, practical skills and farming knowledge, it was Tom’s commitment to his personal development and remarkable progress made throughout his Apprenticeship, which particularly impressed her.”