Originator/Sponsor: Agribusiness in Schools
Portfolio Managers: Fiona Windle
Status: Completed February 2025
Lead Agency/Service Provider: Scarlatti
Introduction/Background:
The Agribusiness in Schools (AIS) programme kicked off in 2014 at St Paul’s Collegiate in Waikato, primarily supported by parents and key industry stakeholders who observed a lack of career pathways into agriculture.
In 2017, the programme was piloted with a select cohort of schools. Since then, it has seen 187 schools teaching at least one agribusiness achievement standard, and just over 16,000 students studying agribusiness. The number of schools participating each year has also increased, from approximately 55 in 2018 to 111 in 2023.
Since the programme’s inception a decade ago, and agribusiness achievement standards being available to all secondary schools since 2018, there is value in undertaking an evaluation of the programme’s success – particularly in terms of the progression of students into related tertiary study or careers in the primary sector.
Objectives:
The evaluation collated evidence using quantitative methods and data from Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), along with qualitative insights drawn from interviews with key stakeholders associated with Agribusiness In Schools (AIS).
The evaluation will involve a two-stage process:
- STUDENT LEVEL OUTCOMES – the research examined students who participated in AIS and followed them over time using data from Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). The outcomes of this cohort was compared to against other cohorts or students who did not participate in AIS. It includes who are the students; student outcomes; impact analysis, ie the likelihood of students achieving certain education and employment outcomes.
- SCHOOL LEVEL OUTCOMES – is intended to provide additional evidence to support the evaluation, including quantitative and qualitative insights on school participation and outcomes.
The report can be viewed here.
The interactive dashboard can be accessed here.
The above information was current as at 10 March 2025