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.

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 (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.

New Approach to Food and Fibre Qualifications

08 Feb 2023

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 A new discussion document from Muka Tangata examines how good qualification, standard, and micro-credential design can enable greater flexibility in vocational education and training. 

A New Approach to Learner Pathways responds to engagement and discussion between Muka Tangata and the food and fibre sector, iwi and hapū Māori and education providers that vocational education and training needs to be responsive and flexible for people to succeed. Muka Tangata have developed a proposal to create a streamlined set of qualifications that work for ākonga (learners), the food and fibre sector, and particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples. 

“We have heard that employers, learners and providers find formal vocational education inflexible, complex and hard to use and know that vocational education numbers in food and fibre have been dropping. The main positive demographic opportunities for the workforce of Aotearoa are Māori and Pacific peoples — but only if they can succeed in the system,” Muka Tangata Chief Executive Jeremy Baker said.

“We need a system of qualifications, standards and micro-credentials that is much more responsive to diverse needs - of employers, learners, and iwi and hapū Māori.” 

The document examines the changing state of vocational education, poses questions and establishes an initial set of refreshed design and review principles. It is the first step in investigating the opportunity for a streamlined set of qualifications, standards and micro-credentials that work for ākonga and the food and fibre sector. 

Muka Tangata, the People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council, will use the document to further refine their approach to qualification development and review through engagement with iwi and hapū Māori and industry and education partners and welcomes feedback and ideas.

To provide your feedback please reach out to Craig Langdon, GM Qualifications and Standards qualifications@mukatangata.nz.

 

 

 

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