Gains self confidence with Modern Apprenticeship

Northland Youth gains self confidence with Modern Apprenticeship

Eighteen year old Mike McGough from Titoki in Northland has become the first Agriculture ITO student to complete his National Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy) Level 4 as a Modern Apprentice.

Mike was awarded his certificate of achievement by Associate Minister of Education, Hon Steve Maharey at the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (ITO) National Conference held in Wellington on Thursday November 28th. Also present at the ceremony were Mikes parents, Malcolm and Lee, his employer, Andrew Fraser, Skill New Zealand CEO Max Kerr, his local Agriculture ITO Training Adviser, Kate Alexander, and all Agriculture ITO staff.

“The course allowed me to learn while I was on the job,” says Mike. “ I also found that because the qualifications were set out for me every quarter, it was more achievable”.

Mike also praised the efforts of Kate, Andrew and Agriculture ITO in helping him get to where he is today.

But it doesn’t end there, Mike is continuing his study and is now completing his National Certificate in Production Management. Mike aims to have his own herd in the future and the Modern Apprenticeship scheme has helped him on the way to achieving this.

The Modern Apprenticeship scheme is a Government initiative available in 27 different industries. At present Agriculture ITO co-ordinates 180 Modern Apprentices throughout the country. Training Advisers like Kate Alexander set goals, monitor, and encourage apprentices to achieve to the best of their abilities. Regular on-farm visits keep apprentices focused and on track.

If you would like to know more about agriculture Modern Apprenticeships in your area please contact your local Agriculture ITO Training Adviser on 0800 691 111 or visit www.agricultureito.ac.nz

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