increase font size
William Benson
Waipu dairy farmer Graham Hargreaves believes that if you find a job you love, you never have to go to work. He hopes to instil this philosophy in those students who are considering a career in agriculture.
Hargraves takes community responsibility and education seriously. He is the father of two teenage boys at Bream Bay College and the immediate past chairperson on the school's Board of Trustees.
Last year Hargraves took on Year 12 student William Benson as part of a Gateway placement, which sees students earn credits towards NCEA through work experience and hands-on practical learning.
"I'm a fifth generation farmer and I always wanted to be a farmer," says Hargraves. "I was fortunate to have that background. I'm all for exposing the next generation to the lifestyle, especially as there is demand for more educated and skilled workers at all levels across the primary industries."
Hargraves says that Benson, who wants to go into dairy, approached him looking for some real-life work experienced for sector credits. In the past Hargraves has employed students through Ag ITO and Primary ITO and is a registered assessor.
"William worked weekends and I was able to train him up. He completed his credits, and is now a competent relief milker. "
NCEA credits are linked to the Vocational Pathways. Primary Industries is one of the six pathways, which students such as Benson can use to develop an individual education plan and make informed choices about their future.
Benson has done exactly that; he is now enrolled at Telford in the Certificate of Agriculture.
Hargraves says the Vocational Pathways framework can help the employer as much as the student. A student's NZQA Profile clearly shows which pathways they have credits in, which tells the employer whether they are going to be suitable within their industry.
To other farmers thinking about linking with local schools and tertiary institutions Hargraves says, "Go for it. It's great because students are keen. It gives them exposure to the industry without you having to commit to employment. It is cool helping kids achieve and learn, by steering them in the right direction and setting them up for a bright future."
Much is said about the need for succession planning and leadership in New Zealand’s primary industries. The baby boomer bosses are gradually slipping out of the top jobs and into semi-retirement to take on directorships and ultimately exit the industry.
TWO LYTTON High School students are eyeing a brighter future as they work towards achieving their primary industries VP awards.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
OPINION: Foreign policy is a real strength of Winston Peter and this is recognised by Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) officials who, so the story goes, wanted him in his present role because of his experience in that field.
OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…
OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…
