Aaron Olesen It's a long way from Mount Albert Grammar in Auckland to dairy farming in the Waikato, but 20-year-old Aaron Olesen has embraced such a total change with a quiet confidence that belies his age. Aaron attended Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland where he discovered a passion for farming and became involved with the school's farm and thrived on it. Aaron's first job was on a dairy farm in the South Auckland region where he began his National Certificate in Agriculture - Level 2 through Agriculture ITO. Aaron's second employer was very supportive of training through Agriculture ITO and encouraged him to take the next step and become a Modern Apprentice. Aaron has since completed his Modern Apprenticeship in Agriculture and his National Certificate in Agriculture Production Management qualifications. He is currently studying towards his National Diploma in Agribusiness Management, where he is working hard to gain his Business Planning Certificate. "Aaron is dedicated to his work and also his studies," says Rose Anderson, Training Adviser for Waikato. During 2005, Aaron was selected as the Waikato recipient for the Agriculture ITO "Bound to Succeed" programme sponsored by FiL New Zealand. Aaron, along with 15 Agriculture ITO trainees from around New Zealand, spent 21 days at Anakiwa developing leadership and personal skills. "This was an awesome experience, and I gained a lot from this," Aaron says.   Aaron is also actively involved with New Zealand Young Farmers and says he enjoys the club's fellowship. "Aaron is a great asset to the dairy industry and is happy to promote the industry to young people and to get them to give it a go," remarks Rose. On 24 March 2006, Aaron was selected to attend a 10-day study trip to Australia through Federated Farmers of New Zealand. The competition was open to all agricultural trainees who had completed their National Certificate in Agriculture to Level 4. Aaron applied and was delighted to be chosen to represent his area. Eight young farmers were selected nationally for the 10-day study trip. Back to training success stories