| 109 nzdairy DAIRY SERVICES » Irrigation New Zealand National Cert III in Irrigation Technology Karen Phelps A new National Certi cate III in Irrigation Technology has just been launched in response to industry demand, says Irrigation New Zealand CEO Vanessa Winning. The year long nationally accredited quali cation has been developed from the Australian model and is fully compatible with irrigation systems and technology in New Zealand. It is tailored to deliver a multi-platform learning experience, focusing on everything irrigation. “The industry supply sector has been asking for a course like this to ll a gap for a recognised quali cation. It will help to bring in new people into the industry and qualify them to complete this complex work. Irrigation is a massive investment for farmers and they need the right people with the right training to do the job,” explains Vanessa. She says the Certi cate III in Irrigation Technology is considered the starting point or gateway, into the irrigation industry. It entails everything people need to learn to install and maintain irrigation systems in a wide range of professional environments and includes 22 units of competency delivered over four block training modules. The course will also entail 900 to 2400 hours on the job supervision accumulated over 2 years depending on level of prior industry knowledge before entering the program. The rst ten students have already enrolled. With water and ef uent irrigation hot topics, Vanessa says farmers need more than ever to engage with the best industry professionals. On the other side farmers also need to be well trained themselves in water use ef ciency and irrigation management. Irrigation New Zealand offers a wide variety of training opportunities to both farmers and those supplying the sector. Vanessa says good water and ef uent management also ensures farmers are ahead of what consumers are demanding as well as front footing regulation. “It’s not just a bottle of milk any more – consumers want to know how did it come into existence, the provenance story around it, farming practices and how much water was used to make that milk. Irrigation New Zealand offers a wide variety of training opportunities to both farmers and those supplying the sector. • to page 111 “There are certain challenges that come with using data to completely replace intuition so many farmers are learning how to use both together.” • Wintering Sheds • Pond Cleaning: Sumps, Sludge & Liquid Ponds • Tip Trucks & Diggers • Weeping Walls, Pond Stirrer attachment on digger Phone Devon 021 224 7990 or (03) 418 2896 FARM EFFLUENT CLEANING Covering the Clutha District
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