Developing quality new entrants for primary industry
A 'virtual' primary industry trades academy running national, pan-industry school- and workplace-based training for 16-18-year-olds is a step closer with funding for a feasibility study announced.
Three training organisations - for the agriculture, horticulture and forest and wood industries - are collaborating on the proposal. It follows a Government policy to develop a network of national trades academies with the aim of equipping school leavers with relevant, industry-based skills. Together the three ITOs have over 20,000 people a year in training.
The Ministry of Education has granted the group $100,000 to complete a feasibility study into the academy.
Agriculture ITO chief executive Kevin Bryant said the intent is to work with existing education providers to create a 'virtual academy'. "We want to avoid any duplication of resources and infrastructure, while still supporting 2000-3000 students a year," he said.
The academy will combine years 11-13 of secondary schooling with years 1-2 of vocational tertiary education to give students a smooth transition from school to workplace or further studies.
Ian Boyd, CEO of FITEC, said: "Too many young people are leaving school too early without and skills or qualifications as they do not find the school environment suited to their needs. The academy is a positive alternative to keep these students motivated to succeed in a practical and involved way. They can build a rewarding career for themselves in the primary industries so critical to the nations economic success."
The academy fits well with existing plans the ITOs had for a pan-sector qualification. The level 1 National Certificate in Primary Industries provides learners with a mix of practical skills that can be applied in one or more of the primary industries, along with key language, literacy and numeracy skills.
As with the trade academy concept, the aim of the new certificate is to provide opportunities for young people to gain experience in the workplace and get qualified, Mr Bryant said. From there, they have a choice as to which industry they will pursue, and can go on to further workplace-based, industry training.
"Putting trade training back into secondary schools is a sound move," said Mike Finlayson, chief executive of HortITO. "It is estimated today's learner will have 10-14 jobs by the time they turn 38. We must educate for change by giving young people with an interest in the outdoors the opportunity to pick up transferable skills across the land-based industries to help ensure they have multiple career opportunities".
Mr Bryant said that as well as backing from the Ministry of Education, the proposal had received strong support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
"This is very important. These are our most important economic sectors. With good management and foresight, we should soon be laying much stronger foundations for the next generation of the world's leading agriculture, horticulture and forestry business managers." |
