HUMAN RESOURCES
Practice makes perfect. The practical approach is important and the practice-based nature of the studies can be seen in the
assessment methods.
modules presented over 72 contact
days/12 weeks. The modules include
subjects such as: Farming Management,
Agri-markets and Marketing, Personnel
Management, Infrastructure and Resource
Management, Farming Technology and
Mechanisation and Financial Management
and Entrepreneurial Farming Management.
The animal production or grain production
modules of the respective programmes
are extensive and are presented over five
study weeks. It covers the full spectrum
of production practices. The diploma is
obtained over a period of 24 months by
attending 12 study schools from one week
each to six and eight weeks.
The programme has a practical
approach. It offers learners the opportuni-
ty to undergo practical training by special-
ist presentations by technical, livestock
and wool advisors, agronomists and plant
nutrition experts, agricultural engineers
and grain specialists. Interesting new
developments in agriculture, such as the
application of drone technology, are also
investigated by students and practical
sessions are held. These practice-focused
study sessions involve expert speakers,
best practice farm visits, supplementary
courses, animal or plant nutrition pro-
grammes/models, demonstrations and
visits/investigations into marketing houses
and agencies.
The practice-focused nature of the
studies is continued with in the assess-
ment methodology in respect of both
diplomas. Every student is expected to
compile a comprehensive portfolio in
respect of every learning module, demon-
strating his/her expertise regarding the
contents of the module. This portfolio is
then the instrument used to evaluate the
learner. The composition of the portfolios
is important and requires commitment
from the student and it has the added
benefit that no formal exams are written.
The first group of students complet-
ed the programme in 2014 and received
diplomas - a 100% success rate. Since
then five new programmes have been
launched and hundreds of learners have
obtained diplomas, underwritten by the
South African government.
The Peritum Agri Institute concluded
an agreement with Aeres University in
the Netherlands in 2018. This agreement
offers our students an opportunity to
investigate best practices in production
models by means of exchange lecturers
and exchange students. Peritum College
students also have the opportunity to
apply to be included in the exchange
programme, which includes visits to the
Netherlands.
Top students on our diploma pro-
grammes are treated annually by John
Deere Sub-Saharan Africa to a best prac-
tice visit to the John Deere head office,
distribution centre and even an interna-
tional factory.
A further attempt to make the Peritum
Agri Institute more accessible for
agri-students, is the fee structure. The
programme fees include everything and
no additional fees are charged for books,
practical exams, etcetera. The course
fees can also be paid off over 24 months
by means of affordable monthly pay-
ments.
For more information regarding the
diploma studies, contact Odette
Shepperson at marketing@peritum-
agri.com or at 051-4511120.
SENWES SCENARIO | SUMMER 2018
65