Amy's the best on chicken farm

Amy Kimura, 2016 Poultry Trainee of the Year, receives her award from PIANZ Chairman, Phil Hand.

Team spirit, pride in her work and a determination to succeed in her studies have proved a winning combination for Taranaki woman Amy Kimura, who has been named Poultry Industry Trainee of the Year for 2016.

The national award is given each year to the top performing trainee in all of the training courses run by the poultry industry in cooperation with the Primary Industry Training Organisation (PrimaryITO).

Amy, who is of Ngati Raukawa descent, is currently a farm worker at Aviagen New Zealand Ltd's Taranaki production farms where her duties include general care and responsibility for the welfare of the poultry.

In her eight years with Aviagen, Amy's experience has covered production and rearing, growing her husbandry skills from the placement of day-old chicks up to the end of lay of the flock.

This extensive workplace experience helped her to successfully complete a Level 3 National Certificate course in Poultry Husbandry, a one-year course aimed at those currently in or progressing towards supervisory or management roles.

The course includes on-the-job training, written assessments and attendance at a block course.

Tanya Ingram, Amy's course coordinator at PrimaryITO, says Amy's determination and commitment to complete the qualification made her a very worthy recipient.

"Amy contributed valuable ideas in class and the standard of her assessments was high.

The combination of written theoretical work and study on top of full-time work commitments meant that it wasn't an easy journey for her at times, but she really extended herself. Like her employer, we are proud of her."

Tina Bland, Aviagen's Breeder Training Assessor, describes Amy as a staff member who just keeps on giving.

"Amy does a great job on the farm, has done lots to help new staff and is a wonderful role model. She takes pride in her work and has used a lot of what she has learnt in the workplace. Aviagen is very proud of Amy's achievement."

As part of her award, Amy travelled to Auckland to meet the PIANZ Board and attend as the guest of honour.

"The Poultry Trainee of the Year Award reflects the industry's strong commitment to training and education," says Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Association of New Zealand (PIANZ).

"A highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce is vital for the growth and profitability of the industry. It is notable that the poultry sector has the highest number of personnel with PrimaryITO qualifications compared with any other agricultural sector."