The training organisation for the primary industries, Primary ITO, has secured the services of seven tutors to deliver their off job classes in Otago and Southland following the liquidation of training provider Agribusiness Training Limited (ABT) late last year.

ABT delivered the ITO’s off job classes for Primary ITO agricultural training programmes in the region. However, in December it was announced ABT was in liquidation and the business is no longer operating.

“The closure of ABT presented a challenging situation for us,” explains Primary ITO Otago and Southland Regional Manager, Andrew Shepherd. “However, we’ve taken the opportunity to contract the tutors directly as we believe this will enhance the already successful working relationship we’ve shared with them in the past. We know they’re committed to quality delivery, and the decision has the support of both local industry and our customers. Primary industry training in the region will continue to be of the highest possible quality. We’re back to business as usual.”

“I know all the tutors are really excited to get started,” Andrew says.

“Securing tutors in Otago and Southland forms an integral part of our launch into Primary ITO’s new programme delivery which will better meet client needs,” says Alister Shennan, Primary ITO GM Field Operations.

In November, Primary ITO launched brand new training programmes for the agriculture sector. This was the first launch of the new programmes, which will be filtering out across all Primary ITO sectors – horticulture, sports turf, equine, seafood and food processing – over the next two years.

“The new programmes aim to ‘work the way you work’ and are more holistic and applied. This means there will be more learning in the workplace, and less time spent in the classroom. Our new programmes are designed with industry to ensure our learners leave with the skills and knowledge required to be consistently performing in the workplace,” Alister explains.

“Our overarching vision is to produce Primary ITO graduates with the capabilities our industries need. We want to develop people who are adaptable to industry trends, technically capable and innovative problem-solvers with critical thinking skills”

“With the tutors on board and our new agriculture qualifications in effect it’s looking positive for Otago and Southland this year. We can’t wait to help our local customers reach their career and business goals in 2016,” Alister concludes.

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