How many times during introductions have you heard someone say (or said yourself) “Oh, I’m just a farmer...”?

During last years drought the skills of farmers were highly sought after by the mining sector who recognised the ability of farmers to work unsupervised, be able to fix machinery and equipment with a minimum of fuss and delay, problem solve and identify practical alternatives.

Add to the mix their financial planning skills and budgeting and business management skills and you have a very employable package.

In tighter times many farmers who seek off farm income lack confidence in their own skills and abilities often because they lack a formal qualification. However there is now the opportunity to recognise their life experience and skills through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which recognises current skills through the collection of hardcopy evidence. This will give them a formal qualification such as a certificate or diploma without the need for additional study or formal education.

Whilst this comes at a small cost, it is in no way as much as it costs to attend TAFE or university. There are no exams or bookwork to complete, no need to go away from home.

If you are at all interested in having your skills recognised as a certificate or diploma, please call Liz Guerin at the Rural Solutions SA office at Streaky Bay on 86261108.

More information can be located at our website www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au under the “training” link.

AUTHOR: Liz Guerin, Land & Water Consultant, Rural Solutions SA

CONTACT: Liz Guerin, Rural Solutions SA Streaky Bay Office, Telephone 08 8626 1108, or http://www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au/training_info