Waipu dairy farmer Graham Hargreaves lives by the adage if you find a job you love, you never have to go to work. It’s a philosophy he is keen to instill in local students embarking on a career in agriculture. Graham 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.

Committed to the community and the future of agriculture, last year Graham took on Year 12 student William Benson as part of a Gateway placement that sees students able to earn credits towards Level 1, 2 and 3 NCEA through work experience and hands-on practical learning.

“I’m a fifth generation farmer and I always wanted to be a farmer. 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.”

“William lives up the road but is not on a farm. He approached me as he’d decided he wanted to go into dairy and needed real-life work experience for sector credits. In the past I’ve employed students through Ag ITO and Primary ITO and I’m 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 also linked to the Vocational Pathways. Primary Industries is one of the six pathways, which students like William can use to develop an individual education plan and make informed choices about their future.

And William has done exactly that. His education pathway became clear and he is now enrolled at Telford in the Certificate of Agriculture with aspirations for a career in dairy farming.

Graham says the Vocational Pathways framework has great benefits for employers. Vocational Pathways help the employer as much as the student. Each pathway has been developed in collaboration with industry, so employers can be sure that the skills valued by them are represented. 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 Graham 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. “

New Zealand aims to double the value of Primary Industry exports by 2025. This puts growing pressure and demand for more educated and skilled workers at all levels across the industries.

To help grow and develop an educated workforce, we need to ensure that all young people have the skills and competencies, including literacy and numeracy, to progress into tertiary education, training and work.

Approximately 70% of school leavers do not enter degree level study, so there are many students looking at alternative options and careers via a different pathway.
NCEA Level 2 or an equivalent qualification is the minimum qualification that young people now need to succeed in New Zealand’s economy. Achieving this means they are better prepared to enter tertiary study, training or work.

Education initiatives such as the Vocational Pathways and Trades Academies provide opportunities for students to learn more about the Primary Industry and get the hands-on practical learning.

The Government has set a target that 85% of 18 year olds will have NCEA Level 2 or equivalent in 2017. Growing the number of young people progressing through the education system with qualifications will make a positive contribution to growing the future labour market.

The Vocational Pathways
The Vocational Pathways were developed in collaboration with industry and education to ensure students 16-19 years have a better understanding of the workplace, and the qualifications and skills required by industry. Students can get NCEA Level 2 with Vocational Pathways, which shows they have a broad knowledge and relevant skills that are relevant to the industries.

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