MEDIA RELEASE

6 April 2011

First agricultural training providers awarded quality mark AgExcel

Agriculture ITO (AgITO) has announced the first four training providers to be awarded agricultural training quality mark, AgExcel, for the quality of their associated agricultural training programmes.

The providers are Agriculture New Zealand, Dairy Training Ltd, Ruraltec and Aoraki Polytechnic. A full list of the endorsed programmes is below.

"AgExcel has been well received by providers," Quality Assurance Manager, Andrew Donohue, says. "We have had a great response from those keen to achieve the AgExcel endorsement and gain the assurance that they are a quality provider of agricultural training. It is pleasing to announce the first four providers. We will continue to promote these providers and their agricultural programmes."

AgExcel is a quality mark that recognises and rewards training providers who deliver superior quality agricultural training. It bridges the gap between basic quality assurance standards and the delivery of training and education that meets industry requirements. The quality mark is endorsed by AgITO's industry partners DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Training providers must meet a rigorous set of quality assurance criteria to secure the quality mark. The criteria emphasise the quality of the education systems and processes used by the training provider and the capability of tutors delivering the training, including their ongoing professional development.

Training providers awarded the quality mark will be able to distinguish themselves as leading educators providing quality agricultural training that meets the quality standards industry demands. AgExcel enables prospective trainees, their parents and employers to identify high quality agricultural training providers and make a more informed choice about training.

"Our evaluation of these providers has been vigorous and our ongoing expectations are tough, but this is what gives AgExcel its robustness," Andrew Donohue says. "Industry demand for quality trainees, tutors, learning resources and learning environment is not unreasonable. AgExcel will confirm to the market that these providers are measuring up in these areas."

Those endorsed by AgExcel are listed on AgITO's website as accredited providers. They also have access to the resources AgITO has developed in association with industry - a clear indicator that best practice requirements have been included in the delivery of the programme.

AgITO manages AgExcel on behalf of the industry. Expressions of interest in becoming AgExcel accredited are being accepted from providers. Contact AgITO at quality@agito.ac.nz for more information and to request an application form.

Training Provider

AgExcel Endorsed Programme

Agriculture New Zealand

National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) Introductory Skills

Destination Dairy Programme

Future Farmer Programme

Aoraki Polytechnic

National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 2) Introductory Skills

National Certificate in Farming Skills (Level 3) Work Ready

Dairy Training Ltd

All programmes

Ruraltec

National Certificate in Farming Skills (Level 3) Work Ready

Youth Training Programme

Star/Gateway Programme

ENDS

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