WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. We are working with our members, industry partners, tertiary providers and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.
Lincoln Memorandum of Understanding
In July 2022, NZPPI was delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Lincoln University to establish a national Centre of Excellence for plant production. This Centre, based at Lincoln, will provide extension, research and capacity-building programmes for our industry, from breeding and germplasm through to the production and marketing of plants and plant products. The overall aim is to drive productivity and resilience in our industry through:
- accelerating the adoption of innovations
- technical and extension services for NZPPI members and our partners.
- establishing new models for horticulture education, in the regions and in the workplace.
Alongside this partnership with Lincoln, sits an innovation network model for plant production. The framework will give our members access to expertise from Lincoln and through its international networks. This is a step change for our industry. It will put plant producers in the driving seat, making science and education relevant and accessible, as well as cheaper and faster. Through our relationship with Lincoln, NZPPI can bring together the resources and know-how needed to establish the Centre of Excellence plus regional and local centres where extension and education activities can be delivered.
The Young Plant Producer competition (formerly called Young Achiever) recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.
The two-day event pushes entrants to learn valuable new skills, gives them exceptional networking opportunities with industry leaders, and a boost to their careers. Each year our Young Plant Producer joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year.
Check out the Young Plant Producer website for more information and how and when to enter.
In July 2022, we announced the establishment of the Carol Fraser Industry Training Award (Fraser Award) in memory of Carol Fraser who founded Growing Spectrum with her husband Peter. Carol, who played an extremely active role in industry training and the professional development of plant producers. This award, supported by the Fraser family, will continue Carol’s educational legacy through its support of those outstanding individuals who have a passion for plants, for training and education, and for our industry. The inaugural award was presented at the Conference 2022 awards dinner by Carol’s son Michael to Rural Design nursery manager, Dani McBride, our 2021 Young Achiever.
Careers & Education
With about 4000 people employed in our sector and many unfilled jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for people to join our industry and pursue an exciting and rewarding career.
We work with other primary organisations to identify the best structure for a Primary Workforce Development Council to represent our sector.
This work includes:
- Developing our industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
- Promoting free apprenticeships
- Establishing a way for people to find jobs in our sector
Workplace Training
The $1.6 Billion Trades and Apprenticeships Training Package announced by the Government will provide free training in our sector for a two year period, starting 1 June 2020.
This is a prime opportunity for anyone working in your business to take the step upskilling. There are many new training opportunities for workers that are starting out, or already in management positions.
To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website
Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
Equipping today’s leaders for tomorrow’s challenges.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has been specifically designed for the food and fibre sector.
The programme develops food and fibre sector leaders with the skills, confidence, awareness, and networks to think and act strategically.
It is for farmers, foresters, fishers, growers, and agri-professionals who have a desire to contribute to their rural community, food and fibre production, processing, or profession.
To apply, or for more information, visit the website now
For any queries contact Lisa Rogers +64 21 139 6881 or email kellogg@ruralleaders.co.nz
2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards opens for entries
18 Jan 2021
Entries are open for the 2021 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards, says Ministry for Primary Industries' director of investment, skills and performance, Cheyne Gillooly.
The awards, run by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), celebrate primary sector employers who demonstrate exceptional employment practices.
"The Primary Industries Good Employer Awards provide the opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding employers who put their staff at the heart of their operations," says Mr Gillooly.
"We're on the lookout for employers who go above and beyond by creating productive, safe, supportive, and healthy work environments for their people."
"2020 was a difficult year for many employers and employees, and this is an opportunity to celebrate the extensive work executed by so many people to keep businesses going."
The awards are open to all food and fibres sector employers and the businesses that service them. Entries open today and close at 5pm on 5 February 2021.
Mr Gillooly says good employers are key to attracting, developing, and retaining the skills New Zealand's food and fibres sector needs now, and in the future.
"Our Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential Roadmap sets goals of employing 10 percent more Kiwis from all walks of life in the primary sector by 2030, and 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next 4 years.
"It also sets the goal of lifting the value of our food and fibre exports by an additional $44 billion over the next 10 years.
"Our food and fibre products continue to be sought by consumers around the world, and we need to ensure New Zealand has the right workforce to meet this demand.
"Employers play a critical role in showing that the food and fibres sector is a great place to work, and where people can build long-term, rewarding careers.
"The awards are a great way to showcase employers who are creating workplaces that put people first. Having the right environment to nurture and develop workers is critical to the future of our food and fibres sector."
Find out more here.
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