Priva provides knowledge and automation systems for unique training centre in Australia

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Priva provides knowledge and automation systems for a unique training centre in Australia
Meiny Prins (CEO Priva) has opened an ultra-modern Controlled Environment Horticulture Training Facility in the Australian town of Cranbourne, Melbourne. The facility was opened during the Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2010 at Chisholm Institute. Priva supplied the automated system for the greenhouse and also provided training for Tony Bundock, one of the instructors in horticulture.

Chisholm Institute is a technical training centre with 45,000 students and 1,500 instructors, spread over six locations in and around Melbourne. The idea to attach a practice-based training centre to this institute was that of Chisholm’s and Carl van Loon, owner of Priva dealer Powerplants. He was also the driving force behind the project, which was made a reality thanks to financial support from the Australian government.

Official opening
Meiny Prins had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the greenhouse. “The greenhouse looked fantastic,’ said Meiny proudly. “It’s a real achievement for Carl and his team. It was far from ready a few days before the opening, though. The project was dogged by many delays but the result was clear to see: It all looked first-rate. I hope that the greenhouse will provide the students and the instructors with a great deal of enjoyment and an excellent learning environment.” The opening took place on the day after Meiny gave a 'keynote speech' to around 200 attendees at the Hydroponic Farmers Federation Conference 2010, in which she provided her response to the question ‘What happened to growers in Europe (The Netherlands) and how to avoid it in Australia’. “The attendance of Priva was very much appreciated,” Meiny added. “It’s very special to feel so welcome.”

Learning by doing
The purpose-built greenhouse is unprecedented in the agricultural industry and this makes it one of the most modern training centres in Australia. The structure will initially have a surface area of 1500 square metres and is 6 metres in height. However, there are already plans to increase the structure by a further1000 square metres in the next 2 years. It houses the latest technology in the field of climate, management and crop production information systems, all of which will be easily accessible to current horticulture students, and it means that they will be able to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. A specially developed computer and many other teaching resources will really promote the ‘hands-on, learning by doing’ aspect of the training facility.
 
Trained by Priva
Some 200 students are studying at the horticulture facility in the Chisholm Institute. The majority of students are Australian, but many students also come from countries such as Japan, India and China to gain knowledge in horticulture. The senior instructor in the training centre is Tony Bundock, who recently spent two weeks in De Lier to be trained by Priva for this position and to apply the knowledge gained in a practical setting. Tony works with six colleagues who also teach training courses. Tony: “About 2 years ago, I was given the opportunity to visit a number of training and knowledge centres in Europe, as that is where the level of expertise in horticulture is highest. It soon became clear to me that a partnership with Priva would offer fantastic opportunities for the Chisholm Institute. In my view, Priva is the best brand on the market, as Priva systems do exactly what you would expect of them.”

Further information about Priva América Latina is available on our website.
Product information of Priva is now also available in Spanish on our new Spanish-language website: www.priva.mx.