The British Trout Association recently held its annual conference at University Centre Sparsholt (UCS). Attended by 40 delegates representing a number of fish farms and covering a wide range of topics from the history of the industry to its future development, Sparsholt Lecturer George Hide was also honoured at the conference dinner with the prestigious Peter Jones Award for service to the industry. Sparsholt is recognised worldwide for its expertise in providing education in fishery, aquaculture and marine studies through its expert teaching team.
Oliver Robinson, Chair of the BTA, presented the award and said: “The BTA was delighted to present the Peter Jones Award this year to George Hide. George has been a key contributor in training new recruits into the trout farming industry and has been responsible for leading much needed food trials.”
The educational opportunities delivered by our top lecturing team ensure that over 50% of our final year students return from their work placements with jobs already secured for their career after graduation and many progress further on to Master’s level.
Recently ex-students have returned to Sparsholt to attend industry meetings and training run by the feed company Skretting, in conjunction with the University. They have been unanimous with their praise for the education and industry links at the university. Neil Lewin, who gained an Aquaculture and Fisheries Management BSc (Hons) at Sparsholt said: “I currently work for the Environment Agency in the National Fisheries Team and have been working for them for 10 years. My experience at Sparsholt was brilliant. I initially didn’t want to go to uni but then I fell in love with Sparsholt. The lecturers for the course are very knowledgeable of the industry and the people you meet along the way are great.”
Robert Waker who graduated with a Sports Fishery Management and Aquaculture degree said: “I really enjoyed my time at Sparsholt! The industry links are also amazing, I don’t think I would have made the connections I did if I hadn’t gone to Sparsholt. The course was also great for practically teaching and preparing me for going into the industry, it’s very relevant in that sense. I am now a Hatchery Manager at a Trout Farm”
To join UCS and learn from industry experts like George, come along to the next Open Event on Saturday 17 November 2018, 10am-2pm. For more information, please call 01962 776441 or book a place here – all welcome!