Secondary School Student Programmes

Canterbury Secondary Schools' Agriculture Skills Day and Competition

During May each year the National Trade Academy hosts the Canterbury Secondary Schools' Agriculture Skills Day and Competition. The event is designed to showcase different farm skills such as stock handling, tractor driving, ATV & trailer driving, fencing, electric fencing, tool identification, shearing, cross-cut sawing, agrichemical application and water supply to troughs. The focus is on safety and teamwork.

The day is divided into two categories: the competitive Advanced event and the Basic 'have a go' event. In the Advanced competition teams of four students compete for the Canterbury Secondary Schools Agriculture Skills Competition trophy. This title is always hotly contested by Agriculture students representing their schools from all over Canterbury. In the Basic event students get to try out a range of different farming skills,watch the Advanced events and see some demonstrations. It is a great opportunity for students who have no Agriculture experience to see what skills are required, have a go and find out what training is available to them in the land-based industries.

The day is always a great showcase of what the Agriculture industry has to offer. Some great prizes are provided each year by generous sponsors Goldpine, Gallaghers, Southern Woods nursery, CRT, Tectra, the AgITO and AGNZ. A BBQ lunch is provided for all staff and students to top off a great day out for all involved.

If you or your school is interested in participating contact the National Trade Academy for more information.