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.

To apply, or for more information, visit the website or email kellogg@ruralleaders.co.nz.

Primary Industry Capability Alliance research and insights forum on workforce in the food and fibre sector

08 Mar 2021
On February the 25th NZ Plant Producers attended the PICA research & insights forum on ‘Growing our Workforce through Quality Workplaces’.

This was a thought-provoking day with leaders in innovative employment practices, that shared research and experience in building resilient workplaces in the food and fibre sector. The day left us with fresh ideas and strategies to tackle the challenges of building and retaining a skilled workforce in our plant production industry.

To grow and meet future capability needs, it is important to keep our talented people in our workforce by creating great workplaces from which they do not want to leave. We had an insight into data and information around labour market insecurity, job quality framework, job satisfaction in New Zealand, retaining your staff, being a leader, bridging the communication gap between older and younger workers, as well as information on new health and safety tools to utilise in the workplace.

Ben Allomes, from Hopelands Dairies discussed the process he went through in his business to win the Primary industries Good Employers Awards in 2018. Hamish Murray spoke about bridging the communication gap between older and youngers workers and his experience on farm. There were panel discussions with young people on retaining young talent, and examples of leadership and professional development programmes that have been created throughout the industry.

The last year has had challenges, but with challenges comes opportunity, and with opportunity there is growth. Over the next couple of weeks, we will share with you the insights had from attending this forum.
 
 

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