
Because of the progress I’ve made, I’ve managed to secure a place on Level 2 for next year and gain employment in the same year, which I’m really proud of. My confidence has grown massively since joining LMC, and it’s been a genuinely life‑changing experience.
Luke first joined Lancaster and Morecambe College in 2025 and started on our Animal Studies Pathway course. He wanted a fresh start and we offered him a supportive space where he could really be himself.
I enrolled at Lancaster & Morecambe College in 2025 on the Pathway programme, and honestly it’s been the best year ever. The support has been amazing, and my tutor Stephen is the absolute G.O.A.T — he’s helped me push myself way further than I thought I could.
Luke told us about how much he enjoys being on the course as it is so different from school. He loves that he is able to be hands-on and work with practical elements of his learning, rather than being sat in a classroom all day. Due to this, he has made great progress in his education and also personally with his confidence levels rising so much has has been able to secure paid employment and a place on our Animal Studies Level 2 course.
We asked Luke, why he chose to study at Lancaster and Morecambe College and he said...
I chose to study at LMC because I wanted a fresh start somewhere that actually supports you and treats you like an adult. The atmosphere here is completely different from school — it’s more relaxed, more practical, and the tutors genuinely care about helping you succeed. I’d heard good things about the Pathway programme, and once I visited the campus, I knew it was the right place for me. LMC felt like somewhere I could actually grow, build confidence, and get myself onto the right track for the future.
Luke's most enjoyable part of his course is how hands-on he gets to be. He said he learns best by actually doing things, so the way the course is taught really works for him. He went on to say that the atmosphere is relaxed, the staff are supportive and that he actually feels listened to when he asks for help.
I’ve also enjoyed meeting new people and working in a place where everyone wants you to succeed. It’s honestly the first time education has felt enjoyable instead of stressful.
We asked Luke what key skills and behaviours he learnt while on his course and he said...
During my time at LMC I’ve learned loads of important skills that have genuinely helped me grow. On the practical side, I’ve picked up proper sweeping and cleaning techniques which I was honestly terrible at before as well as key animal‑care skills like husbandry, giving medication, docking lambs’ tails, and even helping with castrations.I’ve also developed stronger behaviours like working independently, staying organised, and managing my time better. My communication and teamwork have improved massively through all the hands‑on tasks we do. Most importantly, my confidence has grown so much. I’m more willing to ask questions, get stuck in, and push myself further than I ever did at school.
Luke feels like since being on the course, he has grown into someone who is ready for real work. What made the biggest change, in his own words, is how much his behaviour and attitude has developed.
I have become more motivated, more reliable, and much more confident in myself. I have learned how to turn up prepared, stay focused, and put real effort into everything I do. My enthusiasm has grown a lot too. I actually enjoy learning now, especially when I can get stuck into practical tasks. The tutors encourage you to push yourself, and that has helped me build a strong work ethic that employers really value. Because of this, I have been able to gain employment while still studying, which shows how much the course has helped me become someone who is ready for responsibility and real workplace expectations.
Luke first visited his place of employment on a trip with his course. It was here that he stood out to General Manager Jordan, and the rest is history.
In my current job I am responsible for making sure both customers and animals are safe at all times. A big part of my role is carrying out good husbandry, keeping the animals healthy, comfortable and well looked after. I help maintain a clean and tidy farm, which is really important for safety, hygiene and giving visitors a good experience.
In his role he also spends a lot of time engaging with the public, answering questions and helping people feel confident around the animals. Luke goes on to say how animal welfare if the top priority in his role, so he always makes sure they are handled properly, fed well and checked regularly.
We asked Luke what his biggest achievement was during his time at College and he said, as expected...
My biggest accomplishment during my time at College has been getting a job at Greenlands Farm. I was offered the role after impressing the staff during a college visit, and it felt amazing to know that my hard work and attitude had been noticed. It showed me how far I had come in confidence and skills, and it proved that I am capable of achieving real things when I put the effort in. Getting that job has been a massive boost and something I am really proud of.
Finally, we asked Luke, what would you say to someone who was thinking about doing the course?
I would say go for it. The tutors at LMC are genuinely cool and make the course enjoyable, but they also expect you to put the effort in. You cannot be lazy here, because the work is practical and you have to get stuck in. If you want a place where you feel supported, where the learning is hands on, and where people actually want you to succeed, then this is the right course. My confidence has grown, I have learned loads, and I even managed to get a job at Greenlands Farm. If you are willing to work hard and stay motivated, you will get so much out of it. It has been one of the best decisions I have made.











