Learning and development core business of AGC Training in Whanganui
Making an impact on the Whanganui and wider community, is AGC Training, a learning and development business focussed on agriculture, construction, animal care and rural animal technology and employment. Thousands of students have been trained over the last 30 years, with positive experiences and students gaining industry understanding and potentially jobs as well.
“We do a lot of work with secondary schools using academy-style training,” says Adrian Lyne, AGC Training’s general manager. “We work with 12 different secondary school groups in construction each week”.
“We build up to 14 houses annually, students create a three-bedroomed home from foundations to lock up stage. They are built on behalf of Brittons House Movers, who supply the materials, then uplift the completed houses and sell them.
“They end up all over New Zealand, with a number headed over to Hawke’s Bay for accommodation relief following Cyclone Gabrielle,” he said.
The farming training is for New Zealand students, with seven different school groups coming through each week. They are completing Level 2 and 3 Agriculture or units towards those which helps with student NCEA credit achievement.
School students learn the basics and fundamentals of farming, such as raising calves, milking, fencing and grazing management. Numerous students have returned for the third year, which has more advanced units and levels of understanding.
The 14 full-time students doing cadetships are transitioning into full-time work in farming. Some are employed, and some are pre-employed.
Animal care is another component of AGC Training’s activities, it’s a pre-runner to vet nursing, now a full-time course onsite.
There is a total of 256 students enrolled with 143 learning construction trades and 113 learning the Food & Fibre Suite (Primary Industries.) Rural Animal Technicians (RAT) work alongside vets to care for large animals - cows, alpacas and horses.
AGC Training provides skills-based training and workready learning in agriculture and building construction for those seeking employment or further education, or are school students in the Whanganui, Ruapehu, Taranaki, Tararua and Rangitikei regions.
Students gain knowledge and skills through authentic learning and applying them in real-world work experiences.
“We facilitate exceptional learning and development, in flexible ways, as required by people and industry, developing life-long relationships,” said Lyne.
A message was sent to AGC Training’s main carpentry tutor recently “Hey Jim, how are you? I hope you are doing well, I wanted to thank you for teaching me building and being a real good teacher I wouldn’t be where I am without you I’m loving my apprenticeship and I’m with a real good company.”
History
This training facility started from one small acorn and now it stands proudly as a large oak tree. Thirty years have gone into this successful training facility, which was started when farm owner, Stephen Gudsell was approached by the then Department of Social Welfare to teach their clients dairying skills that would lead to employment.
Over the years services expanded to provide education that led to formal qualifications and in 1996 Ag Challenge Ltd became a registered private training establishment.
The training models
AGC delivers learning programmes and experiences using a hybrid blend of work-based and classroom-based learning. For the students, they have real-life learning experiences and get to learn employability skills.
This leads to enhanced career prospects and opportunities and to develop personal and interpersonal skills. A chance to work and study at the same time. In turn, the teachers end up with motivated students enjoying having the opportunity to get a feel for an authentic workplace experience and employers end up with confident and skilled employees.
School-based training
Students attend AGC campuses in Whanganui locally and from as far afield as Rangitikei and Patea. A considerable number of their students are drawn from urban Whanganui, supported by the AGC transport services team.
Schools involved in the Construction module include Waitara, Spotswood (New Plymouth), Stratford, Dannevirke, Ruapehu, Rangitikei, Whanganui City College, Whanganui High School and Tupoho (Castlecliff). Students have access to transport services to assist them in getting to campus and class, thus removing a barrier. They are provided access to basics such as hot beverages and bread and spreads, with each site having the basics of a kitchenette.
Learning, pastoral and Maori support
Tutorial staff are always available prior to and after lessons to provide one-on-one support for learners who might be struggling or just need that little bit of extra support and guidance and they work hard to support their Maori akonga with any cultural concerns. They are also available to refer students to organisations for specialist pastoral assistance so as to assist them in their studies. ■ For a prospectus, contact AGC training on
0800 348 8215 web: www.agctraining.co.nz