Taking the Training to the Growers..............

Whilst traditional training with TAFE Institutes has always been seen as an 'on campus' exercise, we are now living in an age where there are ever increasing demands and pressures on available time.

In order to maximise the time for training, Chisholm Institute are now actively delivering basic level and specialised training 'on site' for growers.

This week, our glasshouse climate management specialist, Tony Bundock, delivered three days of training for renowned propagation experts, Trandos Hydroponics. The training centred around the use of computerised climate management, and was delivered entirely on site in Perth, W.A.

Danny Trandos, Tony Bundock and Jamie Trandos

"Having Tony come to us to deliver training is great from a logistical point of view" said General manager, Danny Trandos. "Tony was able to train three of us, while we could still keep an eye on our day to day operations. It also made sound financial sense not to have to commit to three sets of flights and accommodation," said Danny.

"The training focused on the way we are using our Priva Integro system, and Tony was able to train one of our new managers in the use of our climate management computer, as well as fine tuning a number of parameters for us. It also meant that we could work with Tony first hand to improve our growing conditions," said Head Grower, Jamie Trandos.

From the trainer's point of view, on site training offers some great benefits. "Being on site at the production facility is a great way to train individuals as you are able to see exactly what their issues and challenges are, and how you can assist them to resolve them," said Tony Bundock. "The growers are also able to learn in a very practical way" said Tony. 

Tony was trained in Holland by the Priva company, and continues to work closely with Priva to develop more training solutions for the wider industry. Whilst this training was based around the Priva Integro system, Tony also conducts training for the Priva Maximiser systems.

If you are interested in having training conducted on your site, feel free to contact Tony directly via email at tony.bundock@chisholm.edu.au

Student run open day

As part of their studies for the Diploma of Production Horticulture, some of our full time International students have been working towards gaining competence in a subject called "Develop a Marketing Plan".

This has seen students being actively involved in promoting the Glasshouse training facility as well as developing resources to promote the process of crop growing, and sales of the final product.

As part of these studies, the Glasshouse doors were opened to a  number of visitors from local community groups, which allowed members of the general public to see what our Industry is all about, as well as affording the students the opportunity to run a presentation and guided tour as part of their studies.

The format for the day was firstly an overview of what happens in the glasshouse in terms of growing techniques and climate management which was delivered by student Kieren Wheeler. This was followed by a guided tour of the crop area. Finally our 'guests' were able to experience some tomato tasting in the form of various recipes form the "Love my Salad" web site - expertly presented by student, Tony Pham.

 Student Annie Ecomo explains about Tomato growing

 

At the end of the day, our students were able to comprehensively prove competence in this part of their course. 

From the visitors point of view, it provided a unique opportunity to see first hand how commercial crops are produced, and to gain a deeper insight in to the whole process of food production.

 

Residents from the Hunters Green Retirement Village 

Garden Club in their bio security attire!