Student Profiles
Grant Forlong
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Each year Waiariki sponsors the Apprentice of the Year award at the Westpac Rotorua Business Excellence Awards, so when the recipient is a Waiariki student, it reinforces the efforts of the institute’s tutors and support staff. The most recent winner, Grant Forlong, is just 21 years old, but those who know him are sure he’s well on his way to running a successful farm one day. One of the judges comments were, “Grant’s commitment, enthusiasm and desire to achieve, along with his workplace achievements are a credit to him. He is clearly a valuable staff member and is an asset to his chosen industry.” Grant grew up on the family farm. After leaving school he pursued his passion for golf, playing at regional level for local clubs, while working part time on the farm. After two years the dream of professional golf was not to be, so Grant decided it was time to give that same passion and dedication to work for his parents, Karen and Maurice. In March 2011 Grant completed the National Certificate in Agriculture Level 4 (Dairy) delivered by Waiariki, arming him with an Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (AgITO) Modern Apprenticeship in Level 4 Dairy. “Before that, I wasn’t doing any tech stuff, so when I started at Level 4, that was the biggest thing for me. But our tutor, Dave Morrissey, was just awesome, he’s a great dude and taught us a hell of a lot. He’s got a lot of experience that he shared with us. He’s someone that’s been out there and done that and can give us the knowledge and get us on our way.” In April 2011 Grant took first place in the Animal Health Dairy section at the local Skills Day, and the following month he won the Best Rotorua Modern Apprentice at the AgITO AgriAwards. He says that while not everyone in industry understands the significance of winning the Apprentice of the Year, once he explains it to prospective employers, they get it. “I’ve actually been applying for a few jobs and there’s been quite a bit of interest in having that on my CV so it’s been quite a bonus.” Grant is now studying toward the National Certificate in Production Management which he’ll complete in June. Not content to stop there, Grant will carry on with his studies, enrolling on the Diploma in Agribusiness Management, an ideal qualification for those who, like Grant, plan to own their own farm. Classes for the diploma are scheduled around time on the farm, meeting once a fortnight. From there, Grant says, he plans to “head off into share milking to earn some money for a while, then hopefully into farm ownership by the time I’m about 35.” Along the way, he has received full support from his parents. As a business owner, Mrs Forlong said she most definitely recommends the AgITO courses and Grant echoes her sentiments. Mrs Forlong says training has given Grant confidence in feeding and pasture management, and effluent management and application. “This has allowed Maurice to step away at times. When Grant returns to farm after class, he returns enthused and motivated. The classes teach the technical ‘why’ which allows more time for the farmer to teach the ‘how’.” |
