Opportunity for keen townie teens | Rural

A private training academy at Welcome Bay, which has places open now for young people keen to learn about farming, has received endorsement and funding from Beef and Lamb New Zealand.

Diane Falconer, people and capability manager for Beef and Lamb in Wellington, said the organisation was excited about the work of the Summerhill A1 Youth Academy.

"We are involved in a small way by providing some funding to the academy to assist in its programme to give the youth of the area the chance to experience sheep and beef farming and to learn about the career opportunities it offers," she said.

"We decided to support Summerhill because they asked for our help and, when our representatives visited the farm, they were impressed with the programme it runs."

The academy was established in 2010 on the farm which has been owned by Cloie and David Blackley for 50 years. Academy CEO is Garth Collings, who has an extensive background of working with young people.

There are places for up to six people between the ages of 16 and 18 to take part in the free Beef and Lamb-funded programme beginning on March 11 this year and culminating with a graduation in August. It is hoped they may also join the 25 young people expected to enrol for the Summerhill A1 Academy Course this year.

"Through the Beef and Lamb course, David and Cloie Blackley, along with the farm staff, wish to give city young people a taste of what it is like to work in the outdoors on the mixed beef, lamb and forestry farm in the Papamoa hills," said Mr Collings.

"The livestock on the farm are of high quality and include former stud Romney sheep, pure angus beef and the high-prized wagyu beef cattle, too."

Students will have hands-on experience of mustering, lambing, docking, shearing, stock movements, fencing, plus forestry and pasture management.

"Most of the hands-on rural work will be in the weekends and holidays, but there may be occasions when a day off school is required - with the permission of parents and teachers."

Mr Collings will be contacting secondary schools in the area to inform them about the course and the opportunities it offers.

"The students will be encouraged to attend the Summerhill A1 Youth Academy as well. That course, for which seven young people have already signed up, covers a huge range of topics aimed to not only introduce them to farming and the outdoors but also to gain life skills."

Those who complete either or both courses will receive a Summerhill "Gold Card" and a reference for their CVs. The gold card links to the Summerhill website on which information about each student's participation and achievements through the academy can be accessed by prospective employers or tertiary institutions.

In the past two years, 41 young people have completed the academy course.

"Some have gone on to tertiary education, others have won scholarships, assisted by their academy reference and gold card, and others have found employment," said Mr Collings.

The academy course includes participation by 21 business and community leaders as guest speakers.

However, it is primarily an outdoors, adventure-based learning experience with tramping, bush sleepovers, high confidence rope course and optional horse-riding, blokart and jet boat rides.

The life skills training incudes courses called "The 7 great habits", "Moneywise" and "The 6 most important decisions you will ever make".

While the course is free, there is a $100 refundable bond and students are expected to commit to nine Sunday sessions and 20 hours of community work.

"Both courses offer an outstanding opportunity for young people to gain an amazing skill base and build confidence to achieve their full potential in life," said Mr Collings.

To find out more see the website: www.summerhillacademy.co.nz or contact Garth Collings, ph 571 1125 or email garth@summerhill.co.nz