NZ's handbrake
OPINION: Your old mate gets the sinking feeling that no matter who we vote into power in the hope they will reverse the terminal slide the country is in, there will always be a cohort of naysayers determined to hold us back.
Our team and I will be at the Dairy Expo to talk you through the options, from entry-level skills to micro-credentials (bite-sized pieces of learning), apprenticeships, and more. We'd be delighted to share what's involved and help identify the best options for your team.
This year is the perfect time to train your staff, with several exciting initiatives available now at 50% off fees in 2025. The popular 50% off fees for agriculture training has been extended into 2025. This is available for our NZ Certificates (Level 3 and 4).
In the face of ongoing cost pressures on farmers, this offer aims to help make training more accessible for all. We look forward to seeing even more of you take advantage of this fantastic offer this year.
Apprenticeship Boost payment for employers
The Government has extended the Apprenticeship Boost payment into 2025, with up to $6,000 available for agriculture employers with first-year apprentices.
This is excellent news for employers looking to take on, train and retain new workers.
The payment of $500 a month from Work and Income is only for first-year apprentices. It recognises the time and effort made by employers taking on new staff, and the value that work-based training adds to a business.
Short courses for all visa holders
Primary ITO has launched two new dairy short courses that provide affordable and flexible options for all dairy staff, no matter their visa or residency status.
The Dairy Basics: Milking course covers key knowledge in milking and dairy plant hygiene. This includes describing and reporting on milking problems, risks to on-farm milk quality, and how to prevent and implement solutions to milk quality problems.
The Dairy Basics: Effluent course provides knowledge on effluent management at all stages, from production to storage and spreading. It also covers monitoring a dairy effluent management system.
Developed in response to industry demand, both courses are suitable for farm assistants and relief or experienced milkers who want to develop or refres their knowledge. They are available any time of year.
Learners will take part in one or two short off-job workshops, where they will complete a workbook, engage in interactive activities to put theory into practice, and share knowledge and experience with other course participants.
These courses are non-formal, meaning learners will not complete any formal assessment. They will receive a certificate of attendance upon completion. Each course has a similar level of content to a Level 3 programme.
Find information on all of these exciting initiatives on our website (primaryito.ac.nz). Or come and chat to our friendly team at the Dairy Expo - site 25. We look forward to seeing you there!
Marianne Awburn is sector manager for agriculture for Primary ITO.
