‘Some of my friends had gone to KMC in the past which is why I chose the animal management course. It was more practical and suited me more than A levels, plus animals interest me. I enjoyed working with the exotic animals and Mark my tutor was brilliant. We also went away on a study tour which I really enjoyed. In the future I would maybe like to have my own business in something animal related but I'm not sure yet. I'm enjoying my current job at Southfields working with the small animal's team.’

‘I used to work as a duty manager in a hotel, but after working 80 hour weeks, weekends and holidays I couldn’t imagine doing it for the rest of my life. Horticulture interested me so I chose Kingston Maurward. I enjoy the practical side of things, using machinery and building. The tutors are good too, they don’t treat you like kids, you get the work done but still have a laugh and they have been in the industry so tell you their stories. I’m going to go on to study Arboriculture as that also interests me, eventually I would like to run my own business or get a job with the council.’
 
 

‘I've always been interested in agriculture as my parents work in farming and I wanted to increase my knowledge and get some skills after finishing my GCSEs. I like the fact we get to do different things.
 
I enjoy working with livestock and helping out with the lambing. Kingston Maurward is a very nice place to study and everyone is very friendly. We have classes in the morning and in the afternoons we do practical work. Learning to drive tractors has definitely been a highlight.’

Seventeen−year−old Emily Lamb could be producing future Grand National and Gold Cup winners thanks to her Apprenticeship with Kingston Maurward College.
 
Horse loving Emily, from Wareham is working towards an Equine Apprenticeship at Langton Stud near Blandford, where she works with over 30 racehorses.
 
Emily, who aims to go to university after completing her Apprenticeship said: ‘My work is very varied from mucking out the horses, grooming, and feeding to handling young stock. You have to have your wits about you all the time as some are not used to being walked or ridden. I've always wanted to work with horses but I wanted to do something different to a regular riding stables. The benefit of an Apprenticeship is that I'm learning new things all the time in the workplace but I'm still getting my qualification and getting paid.’<
 
 

Helen joined the Level 2 Diploma course to help her gain skills needed to return to work and find a job to fit in with her two children. ‘After leaving work to have my children, I needed to update my administration and IT qualifications to apply for administration posts. This course has given me a lot of confidence and excellent qualifications including work experience allowing me to use my skills before returning to permanent work.’
 
Kirsty joined the Level 3 Diploma after deciding against university after school. ‘This course has given me time to decide my next step. It has widened my options and improved my qualifications and skills for the future. I now have the drive to pursue my education at university in September, where I will be starting a degree in Event Management.’ ’

‘This is a really good course, as you get to learn all about ecology and the environment. It's practical and hands−on, so you're not stuck in the classroom all day and the tutors treat you as more of an equal. I'm currently working with a team of six other students to build a board walk on the Dorchester Riverside Reserve, making it more accessible for the public. I want to go on to higher education and then perhaps become a ranger for a local authority or work with the Forestry Commission.’
 
 

Teenagers Toby Etheridge and Boann Charlton are training to show future adrenalin junkies how to stay safe and get the best from their sport.
 
The dynamic duo are learning how to become Outdoor Adventure instructors with the BTEC National Diploma in Outdoor Adventure.
 
The two year course teaches students how to instruct and coach others in a wide range of outdoor and water sports including climbing, caving, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing.
 
Seventeen year old Toby who regularly conquers Portland climbs with names like 'Battleship Edge' and 'The Lost Valley' says: ‘I don't like doing sports that are slow! Ultimately I want to go into instructing kayaking and climbing and this is a perfect grounding to teach others how to be safe and enjoy these sports. On the course you learn all about sport business and sport coaching, they hold regular academies where you can specialise and lots of opportunities to get national coaching certificates. The tutors here are awesome, they're not book taught and so it's great to have the opportunity to be taught by people who have really lived it.’
 

Sailing must be in 18 year old Boann's blood as she sailed from South Africa to the Caribbean and Brazil with her parents at only six months old! She says: ‘I chose this course because although I'd done a lot of sport at school, they were mainly team sports and I wanted to branch out into a different direction. I'm hoping to qualify to become an instructor and teach children sport at activity camps, maybe specialise in sailing.’