What a difficult spring so far! We realise that the weather on top of on-going COVID issues and labour shortages are creating time problems for our trainees so we really appreciate that managers are prepared to release their trainees and give them time on rainy days to do their EIT work. We also appreciate the good communication between trainers and EIT staff. It is always great that managers are welcoming when we plan our visits.
There are very few classes left for this year so it remains to mop up work that is due.
Year 1 trainees have now completed all their formal classes for this year. There are just two tutorials remaining for any last minute resubmits or questions. For the first time this year we have run a “taster day” for the year 1 trainees to give them some insight into what they are going to do next year in the Level 3 Fruit Production. It is a larger course credit wise and a bit more academic so we have set them up with some tasks to help with some completions for next year. An example is that we have given them a template to diarise irrigation tasks that they can start on now. They need ten diary entries over a three month period that covers not only what task is being undertaken but why it is occurring.
The first class for next years’ Year 1 trainees is on Thursday 13th of January.
Year 2 trainees have one more formal class, irrigation. Many of them are feeling the pressure of a lack of time. It is important that the next two tutorials are well attended to get help and get work completed. Again communication is key because we do understand.
The first class for next years’ Year 2 trainees is the 13th of January.
Year 3 trainees have similar deadlines and of course we want to see them graduate at the HBFA Industry Awards Night in January. There is also only one formal class left for them which will be a combination of Crop Protection and the Growing Environment. Again it is important for them to attend the tutorials to ensure they complete all requirements. A number of them have applied for HortNZ scholarships, so there is certainly some urgency to complete.
The first class for Year 2 trainees next year is Weeds on Friday the 21st of January.
Diploma in Fruit Production classes have now finished for the year so it is just a matter of completing assignments. Brian, Chris and I are still available to help and guide anyone who needs it. There has been some stunning work produced by this cohort.
The first class next year is on Wednesday 19th of January.
As always if you have any queries or concerns or enrolment queries, please get in touch with EIT Tutor Gordon Reid greid@eit.ac.nz , 06 8301851 or 027 3940410.