Belinda Hill
Dairy Farm Worker
Introduction to Team Leadership (Level 3)
With aspirations to become contract milkers, Belinda Hill and her husband have been gaining qualifications that will help their dream become a reality. Aspire2’s Business Management Programme has provided a flexible way for Belinda – a busy mum of three – to upskill as the couple works towards their goals.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been working on a dairy farm in rural Otorohanga for a season with six years of farming experience altogether, but my husband and I are keen to become our own employers. It’s an idea that thrills and excites us! We’ve seen friends take that next step and it is something we definitely want to achieve for our family.
Why did you choose BMP?
As a mother of three young children and a farmer’s wife, flexibility was needed so studying online was an ideal option. Throughout the winter and into the spring I’m on the farm twice a day rearing calves. With BMP I was able to get some of my assignments done early to give me that flexibility during calving time which worked really well. There were a number of late nights during calving but it was all worth it. Organisation and time management were key to my success!
How did you find the course?
It was a bit of a challenge getting back into the rhythm of studying – I haven’t studied since finishing high school! But it didn’t take me long to find my feet. Passing each assignment and module was a real highlight, as it gave me a sense of achievement that I haven’t felt in a very long time.
How has your new qualification benefitted you?
Our focus is still very much on stepping up the ladder and eventually into business, and the farm we are on is expanding for the next farming season, so a lot more opportunities will be coming our way. The Introduction to Team Leadership Level 3 has helped prepare me for when we eventually employ staff. It can be hard to find employers who care about their staff, so I wanted to get it right. I believe that with the tools and knowledge I gained from the programme, I’ll be able to achieve that. Learning about diversity in the workplace, how to set goals, communication techniques, problem solving and equality in the workplace are key things for us as farmers and future farm employers.
What do you love most about what you do?
It has to be working with like-minded people who aren’t afraid to get stuck in to get the hard work done. I also really enjoy working alongside my employer as she is supportive of my goals and I’ve learnt a lot from her. The young stock are pretty neat too!
What advice would you give to someone considering studying with us?
Just dive right in – give it a go! The support is amazing. If I can do it with three children and working through the winter/spring period, so can you! The best thing I did in 2020 was study. If you’re worried about hours, then part-time is the way to do it. You can achieve anything if you truly put your mind to it.
