He has been redeveloping the Otago Polytechnic’s Central campus’ high country farming course content, which will reflect the increased work experience component.
The polytechnic is also looking at using a new app-based format for students to record their practical learning.
Video and photographs will be uploaded to their online course diary for assessments.
"It is a work in progress, but course development is well advanced now," Mr Williams said.
"We are developing our own unique flavour to the way we do things."
The two level 3 certificates in agriculture will have nine sub-sections covering health and safety, animal handling and health, vehicles and machinery, farm infrastructure, sustainable practices, food and fibre, and soil and pasture.
The students will gain NZQA qualifications while following the seasonal work pattern on a real farm, and delivery is almost entirely on-farm.
"The farm is the best learning environment."
The polytechnic formalised its partnership with Tinwald Farm owners Amanda and Adrian Currie early last year.
The farm, which has been working with the polytechnic for a couple of years, will host 10 students four days a week during the polytechnic semesters.
Numbers for the course are capped at 10, up from seven last year, and there is a waiting list.
In addition to working on Tinwald Farm, students will also be helping out at Locharburn Station next door and Lake McKay Station down the road.
They will also be on the Lincoln University-owned Mount Grand Station near Hawea, where they will help with merino shearing, as well as the AI’ing, scanning, progeny testing and wool classing.
The Upper Clutha A& P Show committee have asked for some students to help with the sheep section during the Wanaka show, and to work with sheep judges to learn the finer points of judging.
