Taratahi turning out talent

BY PIERS FULLER - WAIRARAPA NEWS

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre says it has a record number of students enrolled at its Masterton campus.

With fulltime student numbers reaching their highest in decades at Taratahi's Masterton campus, the centre has just completed the building and fit-out of three new accommodation pods to house the extra students undertaking fulltime agricultural training.

The three new accommodation pods are the first of nine pods being built for the increase in student numbers.

The pods consist of eight single rooms with private study space, bathrooms and a communal kitchenette and living area.

With 80 new first-year students having arrived this week from all over the country, they will be welcomed into the local community by Carterton Mayor Gary McPhee at the campus.

He said Taratahi is an important institution in Carterton District and the students make a good contribution to the community, and he had a few words for the intake.

"Letting the new students know where they sit in the framework of the community and we can be good friends.

"If they play the game, then we will too," he says.

He pointed out how much the institution was growing and this is being driven by proactive management.

"I think the CEO there is doing a great job. Just the fact that they are one of the tertiary institutions to be able to get that new funding, one of only five in the country, I think they did really well," he says.

Mr McPhee praised the standard of graduates coming out of Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre.

"I think they are turning out, not only good tradespeople, but they're turning out good people. I think the people that come out of Taratahi are held in pretty high esteem around the country," he says.

Farmers' demand for well-trained, highly qualified employees has never been greater, and Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre is continuing to develop solutions to meet the needs and promote a robust and growing agricultural sector.

Due to the demand in student numbers at Taratahi, the centre is also looking to increase their relationship with local farmers and is encouraging those in the rural community to come on board with Taratahi to support the practical training needs of the students.

Education delivery manager of Taratahi, Nigel Udy, says the centre is keen to hear from individuals from the local industry who may be able to assist with practical hands-on experience for the students in the areas of fencing, chainsaws, stock work, dog tucker, and hand-piece work.

Mr Udy says Taratahi's aim is to make sure their fulltime students are workforce-ready by acquiring the best skills and having the right attitude and work ethic.