NTA Student profiles

Shawn Valpy

The equine industry offers many opportunities for self employment. Shawn Valpy of Springfield, a graduate of both the Stable Practice Level 3 and the Sport Horse Level 4 courses has established has own business breaking in your horses, schooling and assisting clients with problems such as floating etc.

Already a competent horseman when he enrolled with the National Trade Academy Ltd, Shawn credits the course with giving him the confidence to speak authoritatively to clients, as well as dispelling many of the myths surrounding horses.

Shawn has found a real demand for his work with an advert placed in a local paper keeping his phone very busy.

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Alex Searles

Retail saddlery positions are always keenly sought but Alex Searles was lucky enough to secure a full time position with Canterbury Equestrian at Templeton. She started this job immediately on completing the Stable Practice Level 3 course.

Alex works 5 days a week, and works each second Saturday. She has two mornings per week off which are mostly spent re-training her chestnut thoroughbred gelding, the former successful racehorse Music Man.

The saddlery work requires Alex to have a good knowledge of all types of saddlery and equipment. As well as dealing directly with customers Alex is responsible for ordering stock, helping with trade stands at show etc and also assists with repairs - riveting, making new cover straps, cutting out covers etc.

Alex's advice to anyone keen on working in a saddlery is for them to learn as much as possible about all the products, particularly types of bits, covers, saddles and show gear etc.

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Keri Bowen

After completing a STAR course while still at school, Keri decided to enrol with the National Trade Academy’s SIT Certificate in Dairy Farming Level 3 course.

"I enjoyed the mix of theory and practical work and the laid back environment. Having small classes was great, plus the tutors were really friendly and easy to get along with."

After completing the course Keri was employed on a Dairy farm in Dunsandel in Central Canterbury.

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Alex Fenemor

Alex enrolled in the SIT Certificate in Sheep and Beef Faring Level 3 course at the National Trade Academy after hearing about the Academy after the Canterbury Careers Expo.

"I really loved my time at the Academy. I really enjoyed the mix of classroom and practical work and the tutors and other students were fantastic. The course prepared me well for my current job on a Sheffield Hill country property carrying 150 cattle and 4000 ewes."

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Kumar Praduman (India)

"With being new to New Zealand farming systems Kumar found the National Trade Academy’s Certificate in Agriculture Skills course for international students a good starting place. The course gave me confidence in all aspects of farming. I found it easy to have one on one with the tutor and I really enjoyed the practical work experiences. The National Trade Academy helped to get my first job on a Dairy farm at Brookside outside of Christchurch.

"I recommend the course to other international students who have an interest in Agriculture. I started this course with the expectation of gaining experience and knowledge in the dairy industry so I could start my own farm back in India when I return.