Holme Lacy College, part of the Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College (HLNSC) Group, is proud to announce a special visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who will tour the College’s new Low Carbon Technology Training Centre and its renowned Hereford School of Farriery and National School of Blacksmithing on Tuesday 1st October 2024.
During his visit, The Duke will be escorted by David Williams, Principal and CEO of Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College Group, where he will explore the innovative training being provided to students in sustainable construction and heritage crafts.
The Duke is passionate about promoting opportunities for young people and the tour will begin at the Low Carbon Technology Training Centre, where The Duke will meet with Richard Tyler who is the Curriculum Team Leader for construction and building services, alongside apprentices specialising in environmental plumbing and heating.
This cutting-edge facility focuses on equipping students with vital skills in the growing field of low-carbon technologies, contributing to the future of sustainable construction.
Following the tour of the training centre, His Royal Highness will visit the College’s farriery and blacksmithing workshops. Hereford School of Farriery is one of only three colleges in the UK delivering the Farriery Apprenticeship training programme.
The Duke will be introduced to lecturer Daniel Benett AWCF and will meet current apprentices honing their practical skills on their journey to becoming registered Farriers.
The tour will end in the blacksmithing workshop which is home to the National School of Blacksmithing and has the largest training forge in Europe.
The Duke of Edinburgh will witness first-hand the expertise of the students and will even have the opportunity, under the watchful eye of experienced lecturers Tom Savage and Adam Greenwall AWCB, to try his hand at blacksmithing, a testament to the College’s dedication to preserving traditional craftsmanship alongside modern skills development.
Holme Lacy College is the only further educational institution in the UK that has its own mixed organic farm and is recognised for its unique blend of sustainable agricultural practices, advanced green technologies, and traditional trades. This visit highlights the College’s commitment to leading the way in both future-focused and heritage skills training.
Principal David Williams commented, “We are deeply honoured to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to Holme Lacy College. His visit underscores the vital role of education in advancing both low-carbon technologies and traditional skills, all of which are essential to the future of industry and sustainability.”
Holme Lacy College continues to be a leader in education and training, dedicated to providing students with the skills needed to excel in both modern and time-honoured professions.
