"It was a light bulb moment for us. The diploma put us back in the driver's seat and helped us become more professional in our approach. We went from having no control in job interviews to being able to selectively choose where we wanted to go because we could do the background research and put together a budget to know whether it was a good opportunity or not."
The diploma is split into five different modules — human resource management, business planning, financial management, resource management and a property report which pulls together all the skills previously learnt into one professional analysis.
Yarndley discovered a passion and talent for people management which she didn't know she had.
"The HR paper gave me so much confidence and the skills to manage all our recruitment ourselves. I learned how to do everything from writing a job ad to interviewing people and checking references. I discovered I was good at sussing people out beyond what they had written in their CVs."
The financial and business planning skills have also proven invaluable. They have allowed the couple to focus on an agreed future direction and have made conversations with bank managers and farm owners much easier. "We know now where we want to go and have set goals and a budget to achieve it."
'Not the best student'
Like many diploma students, Yarndley hadn't studied for many years and was worried whether she would cope with the fortnightly class sessions and regular assessments.
"I wasn't the best student at school and I did think 'am I smart enough to do this'? But you feel so empowered when you pass your first assessment. You also develop a strong network among your classmates and your tutors are always available to help when you get stuck."
In addition to study, Anna worked part-time on the farm and had three young children to look after. The most challenging aspect was to juggle all these commitments and make study an equal priority.
"Some people put off homework or assignments because they're busy, but learning is probably more important than other everyday tasks. You have to be disciplined and not feel guilty about sitting down to study."
For every 4.5 hour classroom session, Anna says to expect between 4.5 and 9 hours of homework or background research.
The arrival of baby number three in the middle of her diploma meant Anna took six years to complete her qualification. While she would recommend finishing it faster than that, the flexibility that Primary ITO offers is a big plus.
'Lot on the line'
Yarndley now works at Primary ITO overseeing the dairy farming apprenticeships programme. She firmly believes any farmer considering self-employment should upskill themselves with the diploma before diving in.
"So many people get into lower order share milking or contract milking and don't understand the financial side of things. So they end up in the same situation we were in — getting burnt and unable to make any money. Everyone wants to be their own boss but you need the right skills so you can be rewarded for your work."
Yarndley believes having the will and enthusiasm is the most important requirement for success.
"Sometimes the biggest barrier about starting the diploma is you. Give it a go. A lot of people are scared to study again but most of your classmates are in the same boat. The diploma is all about giving you skills and self-confidence because when you're self-employed, you have a lot on the line financially."
For more information, including courses dates, visit primaryitodiploma.co.nz.
