9 January 2008
“Never Stop Learning” Say Top Graduates
The Agriculture Industry Training Organisation’s top poultry graduates have some advice for anyone considering a
qualification – “take opportunities as they are provided, and don’t be scared to try.”
Hashem Talafha of Inghams Enterprises and Lyn Ingram of Tegel Foods Ltd were recognized as trainees of the year at an
industry function in Auckland.
Hashem has a Masters in Animal Nutrition and has worked in Jordan as a breeding farm manager for ostriches. Now a
breeding farm manager for Inghams Enterprises in Waikato, he recommended Agriculture ITO qualifications for anyone
looking to get involved in the industry.
“It‘s a great time to get a qualification in poultry, with the scientific background that’s offered – working in the
industry is a great job,” Hashem said
Lyn Ingram has worked for Tegel Foods since 1983, and now manages a breeding farm in Taranaki. She began studying for a
qualification in the poultry industry five years ago, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I’m living proof that you’re never too old to learn, or gain a qualification,” Lyn said. “I recently heard of a
78-year-old woman who gained her School Certificate – if she can keep learning, so can I.”
Michael Brooks, Executive Director of the Poultry Industry Association, was proud of what Lyn and Hashem have achieved.
“The qualifications offered by Agriculture ITO are a great passport into an industry with lots of potential,” he said.
ENDS