Real world task ends busy first year for agricultural engineering students

Curriculum Area Manager, Barry Mason, joined them out in the field for their final task before finishing for the summer.

Read Barry’s blog below:

It was a proud moment to see our students out in the field — quite literally — showcasing their developing skills and professionalism in a live cutting operation.

As Curriculum Area Manager, I’ve had the privilege of watching this group grow from their first introductions to machinery and workshop life, into confident young technicians ready to tackle the real-world demands of agriculture and engineering. This latest practical day was not just a milestone in their learning — it was a testament to their work ethic, adaptability, and resilience.

Thanks to a sudden shift in the weather, we were presented with the perfect opportunity to carry out a full-scale grass cutting task. A quick change to the delivery sequence saw students and staff alike respond with flexibility and enthusiasm, and by early Wednesday morning, engines were running and machinery was rolling.

The task was to harvest and collect grass which is used to feed our cattle, using both modern and older equipment. Students rotated through various roles, handling a combination of tractors and implements, and putting their theory into action under real pressures.

No practical session would be complete without its share of hiccups, and this was no exception. Midway through the task, the group was confronted with a couple of technical issues, but rather than defer to instructors or wait it out, students took initiative. With the guidance of senior lecturer Adam Eckersley and part time lecturer Mark France, they diagnosed the problems and applied their skills to get the equipment back in operation quickly and safely.

This kind of critical thinking and practical resilience is exactly what we aim to instil in our learners. Seeing them rise to the challenge, support each other, and take ownership of their work was one of the most rewarding moments of the academic year.

It was also refreshing to see our delivery team back in the practical setting, away from the workshops and classrooms and back into something resembling real-world conditions. Their expertise, adaptability, and encouragement set the tone for the day and reminded us all of the importance of staying closely aligned with industry practice.

It was hot, it was tough, and the expectations were high. But time and again, these students proved their mettle. The teamwork, the communication, and the sheer physical effort were truly impressive.

This experience reinforced a common truth we see across agricultural education - the sector attracts individuals with a powerful blend of work ethic and resilience. And watching this group operate, from the way they managed equipment to the way they supported one another, left no doubt that these students are well on their way to becoming the next generation of industry professionals.

Amongst the hustle of the day, I had a moment to step back and reflect. It feels like only yesterday that I stood in front of a quiet, uncertain group on their first day. Fast forward to now, and I’m watching confident young adults at work, collaborating seamlessly, and making it look easy.

It’s a reminder of how time shapes us all, and how vital practical, industry-aligned education is in that transformation.

We’re always keen to collaborate with employers. If you’re interested in supporting our curriculum or helping shape the technicians of tomorrow, we’d love to hear from you.

Click here for details of agricultural engineering opportunities available at Myerscough College