Towards a rewarding agricultural career

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre’s Rodney students may have grown up in areas with high unemployment rates, but they are clearly relishing the agricultural lifestyle whilst learning practical skills to start them off in a career in New Zealand’s most important industry.

Twenty four students are now half way through their National Certificate in Fencing Level 3 course which will provide them with tangible qualifications to broaden their career options and opportunities on completion of the 37 week full-time course.

The students are learning a range of skills that will give them grounding in conventional fencing including electric fencing, repairs, building and hanging gates. As well as the fencing aspect of the course the students will also learn a range of other skills including chainsaws, ATVs, safety, as well as general work ethics.

The group, supported by two tutors have been busy applying their new skills undertaking work tidying up and fixing fence lines on some of the Regional Council’s properties within the Rodney region. The students have also had the opportunity to try their hand at stock work and have spent a few days in the yards giving them extra exposure to other agricultural activities.

“This new initiative is a great opportunity not only for the individuals undertaking the course, but also for the agricultural sector as the demand for well trained, qualified employees has never been greater. Taratahi is dedicated to the development of our young people in this fast changing industry and we are hoping that Taratahi is able to secure further funding to allow a similar course to continue next year” Taratahi Education Partnership Manager Stephen Hannam said.

Taratahi is New Zealand’s largest agricultural training centre, offering a variety of full and part time educational opportunities. Taratahi provides a supportive environment always recognising that students are a diverse pool of individuals. Students are both male and female, both from city and country backgrounds.

On completion of the course students will be supported to gain full time employment within the rapidly growing region, or go on to further training to enhance their career aspirations.

Sister Publication