David’s conservation journey

David’s time started at Capel Manor College with a countryside management course before he progressed to studying environmental conservation.

“I first heard about Capel Manor College from my parents, who took me to visit the Gardens when I was younger. I have always loved being outdoors, so the prospect of being able to learn and eventually work outside was brilliant for me.

After my GCSEs, I decided to enrol onto the countryside management Level 2 course, which involved lots of practical learning and really catered to my preferred learning style.

One of the things that stood out to me when I started was how friendly and kind all the lecturers and College staff were; I have never felt like I could not speak to a member of staff.

The course was one year in length and, after developing a passion for the subject, I continued my studies with environmental conservation at Level 3.

What I have enjoyed most about studying at Capel Manor College is the mature learning environment. I feel it has facilitated my development, not only as a student but also as a well-rounded person. By being treated like an adult, I feel confident to go out to the industry and work with others.

My goal is to gain employment in the conservation industry and I definitely feel that studying at Capel Manor College has been the best route to my chosen career. I will always be thankful for everything that I have gained by studying here.”

 

Where are they now?

After five years studying animal management with us, Cara has continued to thrive in higher education and the animal science sector. 

Following her time at our College she progressed to her first-choice university to study BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology, a course selected to broaden the biology and animal science knowledge she first developed at Capel Manor College. Throughout her degree, Cara explored diverse areas from physiology to animal behaviour, and the fascinating crossover of behavioural physiology. 

As part of her four-year programme, Cara completed an exciting placement year that took her around the world. She spent three months at a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Ecuador followed by six months at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna contributing to sector research. 

Returning to the UK for her final year, Cara graduated with first-class honours, as well as several prestigious awards recognising her academic excellence and dedication to student leadership. 

Her success has continued beyond her undergraduate degree. Cara has now been accepted to study an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour at one of the UK’s leading institutions in this field. Alongside her postgraduate studies, she is working remotely with her research team in Vienna, conducting data analysis and contributing to multiple scientific publications. 

Cara says that Capel Manor College helped shape the confident, motivated person she is today, supporting her personal development as much as her academic journey. Her long-term dream remains to work in animal behaviour and eventually become a team leader in a canine behavioural team with a charity such as Dogs Trust, RSPCA or Battersea, before moving on to a career in education, inspiring others just as she was inspired.