Mr Patterson visited on Thursday 7th May to meet with Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) management, Telford staff and the Telford Farm Board to gain details and view the areas of campus where the new investment will be utilised. Mr Patterson was also updated on progress since SIT and Telford’s return to standalone entities.
SIT has received a grant of $2.4m from the Tertiary Education Commission for maintenance which was deferred whilst under Te Pūkenga governance. The investment project incorporates roof replacement on various accommodation buildings, plus general repair and maintenance on all Telford campus structures. The historic stone building upgrade (former Telford homestead built in 1869) will be fully finished to accommodate further administration and course delivery needs.
Plans also include to increase prefab accommodation for a further 40 students, taking total beds onsite from 104 to 144. Once confirmed, the beds will be built by SIT New Zealand Certificate in Construction Level 3 students and transported from Invercargill to the Telford campus. Additional carparking space is also included in the campus upgrade.
SIT is also investing into sustainable energy options for Telford, with plans for appropriate solar panel installation being investigated.
Head of Faculty, Hamish Small said there was significant programme development taking place as well. “There are further blended and online delivery options being centralised and run by Telford to support those already in work.” Areas of development include specialist Dairy qualifications and updating the current Wool Technology and Classing programme from Level 4 to Level 5. “Further primary industry micro credentials are also being explored for development, in close liaison with industry connections.”
Mr Small stated Telford was moving into a new era of positive growth with fantastic support from industry, the local community and central Government. He emphasised the uniqueness of the campus.
“We offer a hands-on learning experience like no other, preparing the next generation for the challenges and rewards of the agricultural sector.” Mr Small added that the SIT Zero Fees Scheme was available to all domestic students at Telford, saving them thousands in tuition fees.
“The Telford team are very grateful for the extra funding and are aware of the responsibility to ensure Telford’s legacy continues to meet regional and national primary industry needs and expectations in agriculture vocational training and education,” Mr Small said.
Mr Patterson was supportive of the development plans outlined during his campus visit. “Telford is the jewel of New Zealand Agricultural vocational training. It’s very encouraging to see the campus on the front foot again with increasing student numbers and a plan to continue expansion,” he said.
“There is high demand for the skilled students graduating from Telford into a primary sector offering unlimited opportunity.
The government investment into upgrading the facilities can be read as a huge vote of confidence in Telford and its importance to New Zealand Agriculture.”