Lucentlands Podcast | Episode 56: Sam Louw: Innovations at Citrus Academy

In this insightful episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Sam Louw, the newly minted engagement manager at the Citrus Academy. Join us as Sam delves into the Citrus Academy's pivotal role in the citrus industry's skills development and stakeholder engagement. Sam shares his journey and responsibilities within the Citrus Academy, highlighting the organization's mission to bridge gaps in skills development within the citrus industry. He discusses the Academy's various programs designed to support citrus enterprises, packhouses, and nurseries by providing essential learning materials and training resources. One of the key highlights of this episode is the Citrus Academy's "Train the Trainer" program. Sam explains how this initiative aims to certify specialist trainers who, in turn, provide on-site training to growers, ensuring that the knowledge and skills needed for effective citrus production are disseminated throughout the industry. The conversation also touches on the Academy's efforts to develop a career pathway for young individuals interested in the citrus sector. Sam elaborates on the supervisor training course, the bursary fund available for students, and the industry exposure programs that offer practical insights into citrus production. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where the next generation of agricultural professionals can thrive. Sam recounts the history of the Citrus Academy, detailing its inception and growth under the guidance of Yakomin Declac. He highlights the Academy's early work in standardizing learning materials and developing audiovisual content to make education more accessible. These resources have played a crucial role in training new entrants and enhancing the skills of those already in the industry. In addition to discussing current programs, Sam provides a glimpse into future initiatives aimed at further supporting the citrus sector. The Citrus Academy's commitment to continuous professional development and best practices ensures that all levels of the industry, from workers to middle management, benefit from their comprehensive training programs. The episode also covers the Academy's secondary school program, which introduces grade 10 and 11 students to the citrus industry through practical experiences and learning opportunities. Sam explains how this program helps students understand the various career paths available in agriculture and encourages them to consider futures in the citrus sector. Towards the end of the podcast, Sam shares some personal anecdotes and reflects on the impact of the Citrus Academy's programs. He highlights the importance of building a skilled workforce that is passionate about agriculture and committed to the industry's growth. Don't miss this engaging conversation with Sam Louw as he sheds light on the vital work being done by the Citrus Academy to nurture talent and drive innovation in the citrus industry. Tune in to learn more about the Academy's initiatives and how they are shaping the future of agriculture.