Farmer investment in people strong

Farmer investment in people strong despite recession

Over 12,000 people completed work towards national qualifications in the agriculture and water reticulation and treatment industries in 2009, the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation announced this week.

The number of people in training was slightly down, at 12,378 compared to 12,644 in 2008, but the number of national certificates issued was higher, at 4,953 compared to 4,575.

Chief executive Kevin Bryant said these were outstanding results considering the hurdles facing agri-businesses at the beginning of 2009. “The global economic crisis, a credit clampdown, job cuts and low commodity prices undoubtedly had an affect on industry’s ability to invest in staff,” he said.

“We were looking at a 15 per cent drop in numbers mid-year, so to come through with numbers like this is fantastic It shows the value the industry places on improving productivity through training, and the hard work of our team in getting that message out there.”

Last year 4,338 employees and 854 employers participated in Agriculture ITO training for the first time.

“We’re committed to training that makes a difference for our customers – that means ensuring it delivers measurable results for business that are recognised by the trainee, the employer, and the industry,” Mr Bryant said.

Of a total 23,443 training agreements signed in 2009, 29 per cent were for training at NZQA levels four and five, up from 26 per cent. Level three agreements made up 38 per cent, up from 30 per cent, and level two 33 per cent, down from 44 per cent.

Mr Bryant said it was pleasing to note the increase in training at levels four and five. “This is an area we’ve been asked to concentrate on by our funders the Tertiary Education Commission, DairyNZ and Meat and Wool NZ.

“Agriculture needs more operational managers, and qualifications at this level are helping provide them.

“The numbers suggest our training pathway is being followed, which is a positive sign that our customers recognise the value of training,” Mr Bryant said.

The focus this year for the training organisation will be on helping trainees complete their qualifications, and demonstrating more clearly the benefits of training.

“These are a measurable difference on farm that leads to improved productivity, and for a trainee, a genuine increase in capability that leads to improved career prospects.”

Mr Bryant said Agriculture ITO had developed tools to measure and demonstrate this change that it would be introducing this year.

Agriculture ITO is a not-for-profit organisation funded through the Tertiary Education Commission and the industry good groups Dairy NZ and Meat and Wool NZ through farmer levies. It manages qualifications and training to help New Zealand agriculture and water industry businesses improve productivity through better skills and knowledge.

ENDS