New courses get NZQA approval

Dairy continues to be a strong focus within the new suite of programmes at Ag Challenge.

Whanganui-based Ag Challenge has developed and received NZQA approval for a suite of new agriculture programmes which credits to the latest registered New Zealand Certificates.

Programmes have been written using NZQA unit standards; a useful educational currency, easily recognised by employers and transferable into the schools for credit to NCEA. The focus for the new programmes is dairying and pastoral farming.

Two new programmes on offer for semester 1 are:

Next Generation: Farming Skills (Level 2) a fees free, 15 week fulltime programme designed as a practical way for those people who are undecided whether farming is for them to gain skills in Milking, Stock Handling, Tractors and Motorbikes framed by the principles of workplace health and safety. Graduates will be able to apply for jobs as farm labourers or progress on to further study/apprenticeships.

Stepping up to the Next Generation: Farming Systems Technology (Level 3) a 24 week fulltime programme, introducing a student to the science and technology used in pastoral production in our region. Topics include the use of GPS, herd testing and environmental sustainability. Theory is balanced by practical content offering a choice of dairy or sheep farm production tasks. Graduates would move into the industry as farm assistants or apprenticeships or consider higher level study.

"In the allied trades and building and carpentry space employers are requiring core skills and competencies to be met and it would be very unlikely for you that you could walk in off the street and get a job as a tradesperson or builder's labourer without having some core skills," Ag Challenge executive assistant Peter Macdonald said.

The two Ag Challenge programmes on offer for 2017 include:

For those with little or no experience and aged 16-19 years old, this specialist 28-week Youth Guarantee programme is offered and will credit to Level 1 and 2 and National qualifications Building Construction and Allied Trade Skills level 1 and 2 with this programme focusing on the basics of safety and tool use, concreting, decking and house framing.

"Real projects are used to support the programme and is a great way to see if building is for you.

The Level 1 and 2 programme leads onto Level 4.

"This 44-week, five day-a-week programme lays down the theoretical knowledge needed for an apprenticeship and uses actual projects to emphasise the theory. Employers have recognised the value of this local award and have offered our top graduates jobs and apprenticeships in the building industry," he said.

Veterinary Nursing Assistant and Rural Animal Technician is popular building on the fact that veterinary nursing has been delivered for 16 years through Ag Challenge in conjunction with Wanganui Veterinarian Services.

"Clinical access has provided a huge advantage for students with their training not only in terms of animal cases but interaction with clients.

"Industry has recognised the quality of graduates coming from this programme - with help from the fantastic staff at the vet clinic - resulting in excellent employment outcomes.

"The industry has recently reviewed the vet nurse qualifications resulting in a level 5 Certificate (Veterinary Nurse Assistant) and a Level 6 Diploma to now be able to qualify as veterinary nurse.

"In 2017 Ag Challenge is delivering the Level 5 veterinary nursing assistant programme.
"This programme is designed for those people who want to work in a vet clinic or animal facility with companion animals as a nurse assistant," Mr Macdonald said.