4 June 2013 New opportunity to study farming in South Canterbury

Lincoln University and Aoraki Polytechnic have signed an agreement to offer the university’s diplomas in agriculture and horticulture in the South Canterbury region.

The diploma programmes will be part-time, allowing students with employment to fit university study around their job. They start in July.

Aoraki acting chief executive Alex Cabrera says Aoraki Polytechnic is collaborating with local industry to promote business growth and a healthy local economy.

“This year we want to expand with more opportunities for workers to study close to home, with flexible hours that fit around work and life commitments. The partnership with Lincoln University allows this opportunity for some.

“We have a wide variety of courses designed to meet the needs of students who are already employed and wanting to improve their vocational skills.”

Aoraki Polytechnic spokesperson for primary industry Andrea Leslie says the Lincoln diplomas in agriculture and horticulture are ideal for farm workers who want to take their career further, including moving into farm management. They are also suitable for students wanting a new career.

The Diploma in Agriculture teaches skills like livestock health and production, soil management, farm management and animal husbandry. The Diploma in Horticulture is similar but covers the care of plants instead of livestock.

“If you were studying full time it would take a year to complete a diploma. We are offering them part-time, which takes a minimum of two years. Aoraki Polytechnic is committed to this partnership with Lincoln University for the long term,” says Mrs Leslie.

“It will provide an ideal stepping stone back into study for some students, and also a pathway to higher qualifications like the Diploma in Horticultural Management.”

Mrs Leslie says Aoraki Polytechnic has recently been looking at various ways it can collaborate with other tertiary institutions. “The partnership with Lincoln University has provided a great opportunity for South Canterbury students and shows the value of collaboration.”

Manager of the Regional Diploma Programme at Lincoln University, Lecturer in Horticultural Management David Shillito says the option to study part-time off-campus is appealing to many farmers, growers, and hobbyists.  “Lincoln University is committed to the highest standards of primary sector education in New Zealand.  Forming this partnership with Aoraki Polytechnic ensures, valuable skills development for those in the primary sector.”

Each paper in the diplomas in Agriculture and Horticulture require three hours of class time, per week, at the polytechnic’s Rural Training Centre at Washdyke. Students will also need to commit to several extra hours of study per week in their own time.