Apply for agricultural study grant

The agriculture sector offers many different career options.

Applications are open for a study grant for people wanting a career in agriculture.

Every year, the Waihi Agricultural Education Trust Board offers the opportunity to local students wanting to study in the agricultural sector.

It is open to Waihi, Whangamata and Katikati students -- and rural areas in between -- intending to or currently in tertiary studies. Trustee and local dairy farmer Michelle Wilson says everyone has a fair chance to enter with an NCEA level. "This grant is also open to any professionals who are already working in this sector.

"Every application will be considered for someone who wants to study in this field," she said.

Michelle says the agricultural sector encompasses a broad career.

"People do tend to think that the agriculture sector is about being a farmer or farm hand but it is so much more.

"This industry offers many different career options such as working in viticulture, aquaculture or in research," she said.

The trust encourages newcomers to the area to apply.

"Some of the best professionals we have (in the district) come from a residential background, and they qualified through university. They make great contributors," Michelle said.

The trust was formed in 2006 to support tertiary education in the agricultural sector. It also links with schools and helps toward agri-events such as Fieldays.

Applications close on Friday, November 18.

To apply contact Mark Skinner by email on mark@waihiaccounting.co.nz or at Waihi Accounting and Taxation Services Ltd, 52 Seddon St, PO Box 138, Waihi.