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.  

Careers and 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 structures for horticultural vocational eduction.

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
  

To find out more, visit the Plant Careers Website.

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 award 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. 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 Plant Producer..

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.

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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