The four new providers awarded the mark are Waiariki Polytechnic, Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC), Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT). A full list of the endorsed programmes is below.

AgExcel recognises and rewards training providers who deliver superior quality agricultural training. It bridges the gap between basic quality assurance standards and the delivery of training and education that meets industry best practice requirements. The quality mark is endorsed by AgITO’s industry partners DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

“Four new providers have been awarded the agricultural training quality mark, AgExcel, for the quality of their associated agricultural training programmes,” Andrew says. “AgExcel is surpassing our expectations, with these four new endorsements and still more in the pipeline it is clear that providers are seeing the value in AgExcel and getting excited by the endorsement.”

Training providers must meet a rigorous set of quality assurance criteria to secure the quality mark. The criteria focus on the quality of the education systems and processes used by the training provider and the capability of tutors delivering the training, including their ongoing professional development. The endorsement allows providers awarded AgExcel to distinguish themselves as leading agricultural educators.

“We anticipate that prospective trainees, their parents and employers will use AgExcel to identify high quality agricultural training providers and make a more informed choice about training,” Andrew Donohue says. “Those undergoing training at an AgExcel endorsed provider can be assured they are getting the best delivery of training, best resources and best environment in which to gain a qualification, setting them up for a successful future in the agriculture industry.