More than expected...
"We
never spend a whole day indoors and learn skills from vineyards and
orchards to some construction and landscaping - I have even learnt
to drive a tractor this year!"
Kara was made redundant twice recently due to companies
downsizing from the recession.
"I figured it was about time I gained a career in what I always
had an interest and passion in - Horticulture.
I saw the horticulture qualification being advertised in the paper
and enrolled."
"The programme is so much more than I expected and having a farm
as a classroom is brilliant! I have learnt to drive a tractor,
build heating beds, tables to cater for water run and sun capture,
we have built fences and have learnt so much about growing fruit
and vegetables."
Kara has also been completing her work experience at Timaru's
Garden Centre. "We learnt the skills for work in orchards,
nurseries landscaping and vineyard work, but I chose the Garden
Centre because I enjoy the interaction with people and increasing
my knowledge of plants."
This year, Kara is enrolled in the Level 4 Horticulture
programme and has received an Aoraki's 'Go Places' scholarship. The
scholarship is offered to students moving on to a higher level
Aoraki programme. "I want to stay and gain a higher qualification
and more knowledge from my tutor Percy, he is like a walking
encyclopaedia of Horticulture and his passion for the industry is
infectious."