Steve Phelps, EIT’s Head of School Primary Industries

EIT launches a suite of new qualifications next year for those keen to pursue careers in significant regional growth industries – agriculture, forestry and horticulture.

The 14 qualifications being offered build on the strengths of the Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti regions, says Steve Phelps, who heads EIT’s School of Primary Industries.

Moving from unit standards to achievement-based assessment, the programmes have been designed with industry input to meet employers’ need for real-life skills. They also provide greater flexibility for learning – not only in their delivery but also in content and recognition of student achievement.

“We can actually grade students on their ability,” Steve points out, “and that will be helpful when they seek employment.” 

Programmes, which will include apiculture (beekeeping) as a new area of teaching at EIT Tairāwhiti, span levels two to five and lead to certificate and diploma qualifications. The study required ranges from 12 weeks to three years.

Delivery will be at regional learning centres from Dannevirke in the south to Hicks Bay on the East Cape as well as from EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Napier and the Tairāwhiti campus in Gisborne.

The School of Primary Industries is also adding horticulture and forestry to the offerings available to secondary school students through the Hawke’s Bay Schools Trades Academy at EIT.
Agriculture is already one of the study options, which provide students with a pathway from secondary to tertiary study.