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.
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 structures for horticultural vocational eduction.
This work includes:
- Advocating for industry qualifications to ensure that they are relevant
- Promoting free apprenticeships and scholarships
- Supporting our emerging leaders on a strong career path.
The Young Plant Producer competition 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 (now) biennial scholarship continues 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. It is open to the wider industry, not just people working in nurseries but also those working in plant science or technology. The award is open to individuals enrolled in or recently completed training and education related to plant production, the award is a fantastic opportunity for emerging young leaders. The next award is available in 2026.
2024 Winner: Paige Bewster, Norfolk Rd Nursery
With five years' of experience in the industry and currently completing an apprenticeship in nursery production, Paige showed a deep passion and extensive knowledge in the propagation and botany of native species. Her significant contributions have earned her respect within the conservation community and among customers. Paige is stepping into a leadership role, mentoring and teaching others, and she use the scholarship to further her education and development.
2023 Winner, Alice Buschl,of Waimea Nurseries
Alice is a graduate of the Fruition Level 6 Diploma in Horticulture Production and oversees the commercial crops grown in the Container Nursery at Waimea Nurseries. She will use her scholarship award to do the Prince2 Project Management Course. "I am excited to learn about project management and use these new skills alongside my Horticultural skills to enhance my overall growth." The 2023 award was donated by Apex Greenhouses, NZPPI and the Fraser family.
2022 Inaugural Winner, Dani McBride of Rural Design
Dani was our inaugural Fraser Award winner. Read all about her career in our Spotlight On series.
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, producers, 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 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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