Winner in the Student Nominated Category

J. A McClelland

J. A McClelland is a company of estate agents, valuers and livestock auctioneers. Jonathan Speers, a student who completed a 12 month placement with J. A. McClelland and Sons nominated the organisation for this award. He believes his time at the company enabled him to gain experience in a large number of roles which all related to his passion - agriculture.

During the year Jonathan was involved in organising livestock sales and machinery auctions, property valuations and sales, land letting, valuations for access and easement and compulsory purchase claims. The highlight of his year was the company opening a new £3m state-of-the-art livestock market facility and being given the opportunity to be allowed to auction there.

Assessment took place every 3 months in which a progress report and an action plan for the next period was drawn up, allowing Jonathan’s responsibilities to grow as he progressed. Jonathan believes that his willingness to learn was rewarded with an increase in responsibility and autonomy.

Jonathan’s placement and assessment were based on the competencies required for his course. Achievement in each area was rated from 1-3, and in each area Jonathan exceeded the level which was expected by the university.

Key Success Factors

• The organisation offers broad experience in a specialist industry
• Students are given a great deal of autonomy which reflected the student’s progression
• A clear assessment process is utilised to facilitate development

"“The level of trust shown by the company to empower a placement student with such responsibility went far and beyond the guidelines” Jonathan Speers, Placement Student, Harper Adams University College"