NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
Telford Agricultural College near Balclutha held an annual open day last Friday, where students and staff were optimistic about their place in the changing tertiary landscape.
‘‘On October 31 we cease being part of Southern Institute of Technology and move under the national Te Pukenga umbrella, but our fees›free offers will continue for next year,’’ campus development manager Josh Borgia said.
About 200 visitors were expected, and high schools from as far away as Invercargill had visited on other days.
The one›year, fulltime farm systems course is Telford’s signature course, with 10 modules including health and safety, fencing and shearing.
‘‘We’re seeing the effect of our marketing, especially on social media,’’ academic programme manager Debbie Rankin said.
‘‘We have a fabulous cohort of students this year — reliable and easy to teach. They prefer our hands›on learning and enjoy cycling through the course, which is about a third each class theory, practical on›campus, and work experience on›site.
‘‘There are huge opportunities in the district, so we have plenty of encouragement for students to stay on after they’ve graduated.’’
› There are huge opportunities in the district, so we have plenty of encouragement for students to stay on after they’ve graduated. ›
