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

Do you know any Young Achievers?

20 Apr 2021

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The plant production industry’s Young Achiever of the Year competition is back in 2021, and bigger than ever before.

This year, NZ Plant Producers and the International Plant Propagators Society - NZ Region are hosting the competition in Hamilton. The challenge day will be held at Growing Spectrum nursery on the 14^th of July, with the awards evening on Thursday the 15^th.

Young Achiever challenges young plant producers on technical, business and public speaking skills. Contestants will receive an invaluable boost of experience, industry insight and mentorship, plus go in the running to win a $3000 fund to advance their career.

The winner also gains automatic entry to the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award where they will compete against finalists from the entire horticulture sector, vying for a prize pool worth more than $20,000. Our Young Achievers typically do very well, with Rico Mannall in 2019 and Devin Winter in 2018 both awarded Runner Up, and Shanna Hickling winning the competition in 2017.

Our industry continues to see unprecedented growth and demand. It is the perfect time for our industry’s rising stars to grow their careers and inspire others to do the same.

As 2019’s winner Rico Mannall says, “I encourage employers to nudge suitable young staff into the competition and support them through the journey.”

Below is a link to the Young Achiever poster encouraging potential candidates to enter. You can download and print this out for your staff room. 
Please head to youngachiever.co.nz for more details, terms and conditions, and the Entry Form.

Applications close on Sunday 2^nd May 2021.

 

 

 

DOWNLOADS

Enter Now Poster (Adobe PDF) 214KB

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