Tocal’s short course program is getting under way for 2008 and one of the first courses on offer will be the safe use of ATVs.

ATVs are used on many farms and other businesses for land and property management operations, and are also used extensively as a leisure vehicle.

“The problem is that they can be particularly dangerous and have led to a number of fatalities and serious injuries over the years,” Mr Cameron Archer, Tocal Principal said.

‘We have been running ATV courses from our southern campus, Murrumbidgee Rural Studies Centre, for many years and they have been well received.”

“Due to the continued accidents that are occurring in rural industries, we have now extended our program of ATV training to our CB Alexander Campus at Tocal, Paterson.”

The course offered at Tocal is limited to six participants per course and comprises a one-and-a-half-day practical introduction to safe riding skills under varying conditions for four-wheel all terrain vehicles.

The course covers novice to advanced technical skills and includes riding strategies and instruction on how to conduct basic maintenance checks is also part of the course.

“At $530 per head these courses are not cheap but neither are doctors’ bills,” Mr Archer said.

“While some may shy away from paying for a hands-on, low student/staff ratio course, you need to think about how much an injury may cost you or your family.”

“ A serious injury could cost thousands of dollars, so a course on ATVs may well avert such expense.

”We make no apologies about the cost. These courses are run on a full cost recovery basis and involve a number of ATVs that must be kept in good condition, and we limit enrolments to six participants per trainer.”.

Tocal offers a wide range of short courses for landholders and new entrants to farming, mostly held on weekends.

For further information, phone Tocal’s short course secretary on 02 4939 8881 (or the College on 1800 025520) or visit www.tocal.com.