Friday, March 29, 2024

New scheme to grow horticulturalists

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A new horticulture apprenticeship scheme is an initial step to alleviate a skill shortage in a sector crying out for capability throughout its supply chain.
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Launched at the 2018 Horticulture Conference in Christchurch by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, the Apprenticeship in Horticulture Production was developed by Primary ITO.

Horticulture New Zealand president Julian Raine said now is the perfect time to start a career in horticulture. 

“Horticulture is the industry to be in. 

“We have people wanting to join us and we need more people.”

The sector will need an extra 25,000 people in the next 10 years and they will have to be smart and tech savvy.

Primary ITO chief executive Dr Linda Sissons said the three-year apprenticeship programme, which will employ 100 people a year, is a first step to creating a premium path for aspiring leaders in the horticulture sector.

The apprentices will be supported in their professional development by their employer, Primary ITO and off-site training providers.

“The apprenticeship signals to future talent that employers are willing to invest in their development.”

It also shifts the conversation from seasonal labour to a long-term career option in what is a buoyant sector of the economy.

The programme, which allows apprentices to earn as they learn, takes the different needs of the different industries in the sector into account. 

Apprentices will work through a typical season of whichever industry the apprentice chooses to ensure they start at the right time for both employer and employee.

For Canterbury-based vegetable grower Robin Oakley the apprenticeship programme could not come soon enough. 

Employing 30 people full-time, he relies on holiday and Recognised Seasonal Employer workers for his business to function.

Where he sees the void appearing is in senior management roles as there are simply not the skilled people coming through to replace those nearing retirement.

While he appreciates the work done by the RSE workers, who are in the country for only a short-term, he wants New Zealanders on a pathway to learn about the industry both on and off-farm and develop their skills.

“This is something that hasn’t come too soon.”

“It’s music to a grower’s ears. It’s rain and sunshine all at once.”

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