Mackenzie-May Woodrow is happy to be back living at home after a three-year hiatus: two years studying at Telford campus – Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), based just outside Balclutha, followed by a year farming.
The 20-year-old enjoyed her time studying at Telford and qualified with a Certificate in Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3) (Sheep, Beef and Dairy) in 2023, and a Massey Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5) in 2024.
“To go into the farming industry was the goal, whether that was in the agri-business, rural professional space or out on farm doing shepherding. “Telford gives you a great opportunity to get out on farm and build relationships with people in the community, as well as building your base skillset with the week-long shearing and fencing courses, safety training with motorbikes and four wheelers, learning about growing and pastures and much more.
“Meeting students from all over New Zealand at Telford was a great opportunity to build networks, says Mackenzie-May. “The Telford experience was a mix of a third classwork, a third placement and a third practical on the Telford farm. It was awesome to get the variety of placements and see the different farming systems that each farmer has.”
“The whole vibe on campus is all about helping you. If you have a question, just ask it. “Everyone who goes there are like-minded people that want the same goal. I think that is why it works so well. “The tutors are there to help you – they are on your side, they want you to progress, they want you to succeed. “After Telford, Mackenzie-May went farming for a year. “I loved it. I had a great experience on a sheep, beef and deer high country farm above Geraldine.”
Added to her background in farming, she now has hands-on experience across various farming systems. And since February, Mackenzie-May has worked as a receptionist/stock management advisor at Aorangi Veterinary Services in Timaru. “People’s animals can be like their kids, so to see the happiness from making sure their dogs and cats are healthy is a good feeling,” she says. “It is really good to see people in the community every day and their animals.
I also like the stock management role, to see what goes in and what goes out. And I enjoy the revenue side of things too. “There is good variety in the job.” For school leavers looking for a career in agriculture, Mackenzie-May recommends studying at Telford. Taking Accounting, Maths, Art, Agriculture and Woodwork in Year 12 at MacKenzie College in Fairlie, South Canterbury, MacKenzie-May says halfway through the year, a friend’s sister went to Telford and raved about it.
Telford offers three-day taster camps where students travel to Balclutha and experience first-hand the different learning options available. “It gives students an opportunity to learn what it’s all about and meet the tutors, instead of taking a big leap of faith without seeing it for yourself first. “I went on a taster and made my decision straight after that.”
Writer: Peter White from Leaving School Magazine