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Agriculture course a positive step after leaving school
Two Hawke’s Bay teenagers took a positive step towards a good future by embarking on a full time agriculture course with Onsite Education when they left school.
Martin Nicholson, Flaxmere, and Hayden Wall, Taradale, were accepted onto the Onsite farm cadet programme earlier this year. Both have had good reports from their tutor, Onsite Education operations manager Keith Roberts, who says they have a promising future in farming, particularly dairying.
“Onsite Education can ‘pathway’ school leavers and young adults through certificated levels in agriculture and viticulture (vineyard production), firstly to help them gain employment and then continue their training under the ‘learn while you earn’ concept,” says Keith.
Martin and Hayden undertook some agriculture units while still at school and this helped them decide that a tertiary farming course was a good option.
During the year the cadets have been billeted on sponsor farms for their practical training and have attended tutorials in Hastings for theory unit standards. They are studying towards Onsite’s ILP Certificate in Agriculture. Once achieved, they can continue training with Onsite towards National Certificates in Agriculture Level 3 and 4 in Dairy, Sheep or Cattle.
It’s the first time they have lived away from home but both say this has not “phased” them as they have been well looked after with good accommodation and meals. They are now quite used to getting up around 4 o’clock in the morning to help with milking.
Martin Nicholson
“I love it. I can’t complain. I’ve learnt heaps on the farm.”
Martin stayed at school until he was 18, but was often absent, sometimes only turning up for “Agriculture day”. He wasn’t confident with written work at school. “I knew I had to do something and not bum around when I left school. It’s kept me out of trouble.”
He has handled the theory units well. “I knew there would be paper work and wasn’t sure what to expect, but it’s been okay. If I can understand it, anyone can.”
“I can remember stuff (from the tutorials) about what to do if there’s a problem, like a cow goes down or what to look for when a cow is going to calve. I’ve surprised myself.”
Martin’s farm sponsors Jamie and Jo Asken of Dannevirke are delighted with him and want to employ him when he finishes the course. “We have enjoyed having our trainee this year—he has become an important part of our team and is always willing to learn and do more than is expected of him.”
Hayden Wall
“It’s different to what I expected. It’s kinda fun and it’s cool to get out on the farm.”
Hayden wanted to opt out of school at the age of 16. “I thought farming would be okay and I didn’t want to be at school. It’s been a good option.” He would be happy to recommend the course to any of his friends.
At the start Hayden was a bit worried about the theory content with written assessments but found it to be “straight forward”. There had been quite a few times he had applied the knowledge learnt at tutorials—“like proper use of tractors and I can recognise things like mastitis and stages of calving.”
Hayden said even though he was “pretty tired” at the end of the day it was alright and he was overall more happier than before. “It’s all very cool.”
His farm sponsors, Anthony and Sue Williams of Ashley Clinton, are very pleased with his progress. “Hayden has been responsible, reliable and pleasant.”
Justin Renata—Champion pruner
Justin Renata, One of Onsite Education’s viticulture students based in Gisborne, took the title of best individual pruner at the national finals of the Silver Secateurs competition held in conjunction with this year’s Romeo Bragato Conference.
The conference and competitions were held in Napier from 20-22 August.
For the past seven years Justin has been competing in the competition, always getting well placed in the regional finals. He was delighted to win the national title this year.
Justin works at the Pernod Ricard Saints Vineyard and is studying towards his National Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4, Advanced), viticulture
Graduation 2009
Onsite Education held a graduation ceremony in March for the Marlborough students achieving the National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced Viticulture) Level 4 at the Brancott Montana winery in Blenheim.
Joining in the celebration of the success of the students was a number of their employers, also Blenheim Mayor Alistair Sowman and Kaikoura District MP Colin King.
Guest speaker Jean-Charles Van Hove, Winegrowers of ARA Viticulturist congratulated the graduates on their success and encouraged them to consider further training and advancement within the industry.
A great night for all involved including the Onsite Education Directors and staff from Marlborough, Taranaki and the Hawkes Bay.
2009 Graduates
Head Tutor Glenn Kirkwood
Director Bruce Findlay
Jean-Charles Van Hove
