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.

We have our Young Plant Producer 2024!

11 Jul 2024

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Anna England from Amberley has been named as the 2024 Young Plant Producer of the Year.

This prestigious award, presented at the awards dinner in Christchurch last night (July 10), celebrates Anna's dedication and innovation in the plant production industry.

The Young Plant Producer event competitors on the skills needed to run a successful plant production. It is organised by  NZPPI, hosted by IPPS (International Plant Propagators’ Society) and supported by the Horticentre Charitable Trust.

This week the four finalists undertook two days of challenges at Lincoln University, where they were tested on their skills in finance and dispatch, biosecurity, plant propagation and identification, tool maintenance, agrichemical use and irrigation. The judges looked for individuals who could make a difference in the industry, going beyond great skills to also include leadership, attitude and personality.

Anna England is Sales Coordinator at Elliotts Wholesale Nursery. Along with her trophy, Anna has won a 12-month programme of mentorship support plus a $3000 fund to advance her career in plant production.  She will also take part in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award in November where she will compete against finalists from the entire horticulture sector, vying for a prize pool worth more than $20,000.

Anna moved to Christchurch from Taranaki four years ago to study horticulture at Lincoln University then joined the team at Elliot’s in a role she loves as it “offers with both incredible plants and fantastic people.”

“My time in horticulture so far has been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive industry. I saw the young plant producer competition as an opportunity to challenge myself to develop new skills and knowledge, as well as a great chance to meet other inspired people who are committed to the industry.”

The Young Plant Producer 2024 runners up were:

• Ellen Ballantine, Team Lead R&D Operations of vegetable breeding company, Enza Zaden in Puni, Auckland
• Johannes Andresen, Despatch Manager and Sales at Tharfield Nursery in Katikati
• Jessica Jack, Nursery Production Worker at Kerikeri Plant Production in Kerikeri.

For more information on Young Plant Producer and each of the finalists visit https://www.youngplantproducer.co.nz/.

 

 

 

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