Basis foundation award

[robbie]

I am thinking of doing the qualification this year at Easton and otley college.

Is it worth the £600?

I've had a look at the syllibus online and without sounding like a big head I reckon I could pass the exam already, will it further my knowledge and will it make me "sweat" abit. I don't want to do something which is aimed at people fresh out of college who've not got the practical experience.

 

[AndrewM]

My understanding is that it is aimed at people that have little or no agronomy experience but need to pass the full basis exam in the future. Such as people working in agchem depots or agchem sales reps. Trainie agronomist will probably just shaddow an agronomist for a year as part of their companies training programne then take the full basis qualification.

 

[faircomment]

Currently doing full basis. Some of the people on the course have done foundation basis and said it was easy compared to full basis

 

[trigger]

I am thinking of doing the qualification this year at Easton and otley college.

Is it worth the £600?

I've had a look at the syllibus online and without sounding like a big head I reckon I could pass the exam already, will it further my knowledge and will it make me "sweat" abit. I don't want to do something which is aimed at people fresh out of college who've not got the practical experience.

i`m doing mine up in edinbrough,i thought the full basis was maybe a bit much for me so went with the foundation course to start with.i`m finding it quite interesting and have learned plenty so far but i`m not from an arable farming backround so it may be different for you

 

[Brisel]

@Woodlander

 

[Rob Holmes]

Go for full BASIS!

 

[Woodlander]

@Woodlander

Thanks @Brisel . I deliver around 1/2 of the Foundation Award for one training provider and all of the course for another. Making assumptions here, but if you have worked/run a farm for many years, and have been involved in all aspects of crop production then I would suggest you would find the exam a walk in the park, and it certainly is compared to the full BASIS exam. I would also say that you would definitely learn something.

I can't comment for other training providers, but I like to deliver more than is required by the syllabus and exam so that everyone gets something really useful out of the course, whilst highlighting during the sessions which bits are the important bits for the exam. I also devote quite a bit of time to practical exercises and field walking.

I would suggest talking in detail to the trainer in terms of what is covered and if possible talk to someone who has done the course with that provider, to work out if it would be worthwhile. Most people, whatever their background, and whether they move onto the full BASIS award or not, state at the end of the course that it was worthwhile.

Also - I'd imagine the £600 would not include the exam fee, not sure exactly what it is but imagine it would be over £200.

 

[robbie]

Interesting thanks.

The £600 includes the exam and a discount through my buying group.

I'm sure I would learn something, hearing new/different ideas is always good and being made to thinking differently about what and how we do things is worth it but is this worth 600 quid?

I've always had a interest In agronomy and always walk around with the agronomist and normally it's me who says what I want to do and he just tweaks it.

This year I've put him onto a reduced fee and joined niab tag and I'm planning to do most of my agronomy myself.

 

[Woodlander]

It's looking like you've answered your own question. Another year shadowing your own agronomist and studying the copious amount of material that NIAB TAG produce and you'll probably be in a great position to jump in at the full BASIS level.

If there are any major crops that you are not familiar with, try to gain a little experience prior to the course, e.g. if you don't grow potatoes.

 

[Jamin]

If u spend time with your agronomist and in future plan to do most of it yourself if not all of it go straight for full Basis. If u have good sound knowledge of the basics u will find Basis very interesting and well worth doing. Did mine last year and would recommend it to anyone. Just watch out as u do catch the bug. I have just passed Facts and wondering what to do next as it’s all great learning.

 

[robbie]

How long is the full basis course? Do you still do days of learning or is it week long blocks, having stock could make that difficult.

If you pass the full basis and don't join the register or come off the register do you loose your qualification.

 

[Jamin]

How long is the full basis course? Do you still do days of learning or is it week long blocks, having stock could make that difficult.

If you pass the full basis and don't join the register or come off the register do you loose your qualification.

Think if u got to Harper they do Basis in a week long course. Lincoln is 3 days every few months and mine was 2 days a fortnight and totalled about 10-12 days in total.

Passing gets u into register then it’s just a case of keeping up your points and joining each year. Points are easy as the courses are all things u would want to be attending anyway if considering doing your own agronomy to keep yourself up to date with label changes and new products etc

 

[Rob Holmes]

At Harper there are 3x 1 week blocks, IIRC Feb, May and Sept

 

[faircomment]

We stareted in November, 2 days a fortnight 9-4. A month brake for Christmas, exams the start of March.

 

[Jetemp]

From the experience you have I reckon you would be better jumping straight for the full basis.

@Woodlander are you still teaching modules on the full basis courses.
Woodlander taught some of the modules when I did full basis a few years ago and presented it in a way that people all of all levels could learn from!

James

 

[Woodlander]

From the experience you have I reckon you would be better jumping straight for the full basis.

@Woodlander are you still teaching modules on the full basis courses.
Woodlander tight some of the modules when I did full basis a few years ago and presented it in a way that people all of all levels could learn from!

James

Thanks James

Yes I am still heavily involved, covering a couple more areas since you did the course.

The University of Lincoln run the course as 6 x 3 day blocks, one every four weeks Nov/Dec-Feb/Mar - around 8 weeks off during the 'busier' spring period and then the final two blocks Apr/May - exam in June.

Always happy to answer any questions.

 

[Andrew K]

I am thinking of doing the qualification this year at Easton and otley college.

Is it worth the £600?

I've had a look at the syllibus online and without sounding like a big head I reckon I could pass the exam already, will it further my knowledge and will it make me "sweat" abit. I don't want to do something which is aimed at people fresh out of college who've not got the practical experience.

Do the full BASIS exam, its worth it.

 

[ZXR17]

Go for it , it's good to get your brain working , you'll enjoy it.

 

[Flat 10]

How much to do full basis?

 

[robbie]

Where's the nearest place to Norfolk teaching full basis? I can't see anything on Easton ottley website.