Agriculture ITO, Taratahi Agriculture Training Centre and Telford Rural Polytechnic have joined forces to develop a new, nationally recognised pre-employment qualification for agriculture.
The new qualification would meet a clear need of the agriculture industry for a reputable course covering core skills, said Agriculture ITO's chief executive Kevin Bryant.
"There's currently a variety of courses offered locally by a range of providers all over New Zealand," Mr Bryant said. "This qualification will give employers the certainty that the learning has been done to a national standard, and covers industry best practice.
"Telford and Taratahi's approach to supporting a national qualification in this way allows both institutions to deliver things that are common to both, while retaining areas unique to each."
The one year full time course, currently before NZQA for approval, is made up of a range of options, or electives.
"The electives mean people can still choose the learning they want that's relevant to their interests and the farming strengths of their area," Mr Bryant said. "At the same time, graduates will finish with a national qualification that will be recognised and valued by employers all over the country."
Learning programmes cover areas such as livestock handling, personal wellbeing, using farm machinery and vehicles, fencing, pasture management and general farming skills.
The training has a strong practical focus, and both Taratahi and Telford have on-farm facilities for participants to practice their new skills on.
Other training providers who offer agriculture courses will also be able to take advantage of this national certificate thereby further promoting a programme that will have national consistency.
Agriculture ITO manages national qualification standards that bring best practice onto New Zealand farms, with the aim of boosting productivity and sustainability. Over 10,000 people engaged in its training programmes in 2008.
Telford Rural Polytechnic, based in Otago, and Taratahi, near Masterton, focus on preparing students for rewarding careers in agriculture industries. |
