New sponsorship from ACT helps agriculture student sow seeds of success

_{SRUC student Anna Craig,  recipient of a sponsorship from Agricultural Central Trading (ACT).}

An SRUC student is the first recipient of a sponsorship from Agricultural Central Trading (ACT), which aims to improve access to higher education.

Anna Craig, a third-year agriculture student based in Aberdeen, will be paid a bursary across the coming year, and will also have the opportunity to undertake paid internships as part of the award.

“I was thrilled to have been chosen for this sponsorship programme” she said. “It means I can gain relevant paid experience while studying for my degree.

“I already feel it has helped my confidence and organisational skills, which will be invaluable for my future career. I’m really looking forward to my placements!”

Through connections at ACT, students in receipt of the sponsorship are able to gain experience at leading agricultural firms across the UK. Options include GrainCo Ltd and C J Grant and Partners, which was recently featured as the Farmer’s Weekly ‘Farmer of the Year’ for 2024.

Sam Keir, lecturer at SRUC, said: “These sorts of initiatives are really useful in developing practical and professional skills which are vital to the industry.

“Anna has really benefited from this placement, which is evident in her professional approach to her studies; it has even inspired her honours project.”

Currently the ACT scholarship is only available in Scotland and is being piloted through SRUC. Gary Bruce, Feed and Supplements Manager at ACT said: “After the initial success of the bursary, ACT is now keen to roll out this initiative across the UK.”

The cost of study is a barrier to improving access and providing a range of bursary and scholarship options to students is an effective way to combat this. Receiving a bursary also places less pressure on students to find an income, providing more time for study and improving the quality of their experience.

In recognition of these positive outcomes, SRUC is keen to continue working with potential employers via apprenticeship schemes, work experience in HNC and HND programmes, and also the new Work Professional Placement module, through the newly revalidated Agriculture degree.

Find out more about bursaries for SRUC students here.

Posted by SRUC on 02/04/2025