Gone are the days of training being all about sitting in a class room listening to a lecturer go on for hours

Training is about gaining and developing skills and knowledge and the best way of doing that is by learning on-the-job (learning in groups)

Training with the Virginia Horticulture Centre is all about flexibility, delivering training and assessment services to clients when they want it, where they want it, how they want it and what they want. it may also be 'distance' or 'remote' training.

We do our very best to accomodate everyone interested in undertaking training. In some cases it is enforced training, perhaps to achieve, or maintain industry compliance. in other cases, we are training clients who are there seeking improvement in any number of areas, from business skills, specific industry skills (e.g. Irrigation, Hydroponics, Pest & Disease, Soils etc)

Flexible training and assessment takes place at a time to suit the client. The Virginia Horticulture Centre assessors understand the time limiters of Primary Industry, and work accordingly to achieve the desired outcome for the client. Whether it is in the darkness of pre-dawn when so much is done, to the dark of night, and all the hours between, if the time suits the client, we will provide service

As has been mentioned elsewhere, training and assessment will be carried out in a place most appropriate for the client, the nature of the task, and the mode of training/assessment required.

There is a fully outfitted training room at the Virginia Horticulture Centre if it suits, and there is the client's own environment, be it work or other environment, where he/she is most comfortable and at ease.

To achieve the best result for the client. we vary training to help maintain motivation and interest.

Classroom training is always interactive, while outside training (farm, pack house, office etc) is very hands on where the client can carry out task themselves.

The essence of an adage of one of the great philosophers expounds the theory:

Our training operation is built around Training Packages - a range of Qualifications created by Industry and Educators.

Qualifications range from Certificate 1 up to and including Diploma in most disciplines.

Some clients may take on a full qualification, but many clients do not wish to take on a full qualification all at once.

The option we provide is a selection of one or more units of competency, which are most relevant to them, within their capabilities and within the time constraints they have.

The Virginia Horticulture Centre will cater training for those whose situation rarely allows for face to face training or monitoring visits.

The client may be someone who simply cannot give time throughout the day to be involved in training.

OR

The client may be geographically situated where it is impractical to travel to any site for training.

In the very near future we will have a learning platform set up to accomodate and cater for anyone out in the country. We will provide online learning opportunities to provide the same opportunity as their peers.