WORKFORCE & EDUCATION
Our sector has a strong history of developing young people who love working with plants and building their skills and knowledge. Sadly this has been in decline in recent years, but we are working with our members and the Government to reignite the training programmes and qualifications that have been so important to our sector.
Young Achiever Competition
The Young Achiever competition recognises the best young people in our sector and enables them to take the next step in their personal and career development.
It 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 Achiever joins the winners of other horticulture industry competitions in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year. Applicants must be less than 30 years old at the beginning of the year.
Check out the 2021 Young Achiever Website for information and the entry forms. Entries close Sunday 2 May.
Young Achiever 2021 is sponsored by Horticentre Charitable Trust and hosted by NZ Plant Producers, International Plant Producers Society NZ region, and Growing Spectrum.
For more information contact Alix Walles alix@nzppi.co.nz, 04-918 3511.
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 Primary ITO Website
Women's leadership scholarships available
23 Mar 2021
Scholarships are currently available through Women & Leadership New Zealand to support the development of women leaders across New Zealand’s plants and horticulture sector.
Scholarships of between $1000 and $5000 will support participation in one of three leadership development courses designed for emerging through to senior leaders.
Expressions of interest close on 18 June. Find out more and register your interest at https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/farmingagriculture.html
Women & Leadership New Zealand (WLNZ) supports women leaders across all sectors and industries by providing world-class leadership development programs for emerging, middle and senior leaders. Our applied, work-integrated leadership programs provide skills and strategies to address real-world leadership challenges, and are designed to maximise learning outcomes.
Through our Industry Partnership Framework, we work with associations and professional bodies to increase awareness and action around gender equity. With your support, we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for women leaders in your industry. For more information, visit https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/industrypartnerships.html
Scholarships of up to $5000 per person available for women in the plants and horticulture sector
To encourage more women to step into leadership roles across the plants and horticulture sector, WLNZ is offering scholarships for three leadership development courses. The current round of scholarship funding must be allocated by the end of June. Expressions of interest are being accepted until 18 June (unless allocated prior) via this link: https://www.womenandleadership.co.nz/farmingagriculture.html
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Skills Shortages
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Join NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival, 12-14 March
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New Zealand emerging from the bubble
On Wednesday 24 March, NZ Plant Producers Alice Schofield and Alix Walles attended Ngā Kōrero Whai Take - Conversations that Count.
He Tātai Rangahua - The Food and Fibre Youth Network
Apply for the Food and Fibre Youth Council – registration closes on the 9th of April.
Minimum wage rates increase from Thursday, 1 April 2021
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey
NZ Plant Producers would like to say thank you to everyone who participated in our labour survey, to identify your needs in labour, skills and training for 2021
Catch us at the Rotorua careers expo
We are very excited to be participating at this year’s career expo in Rotorua on the 10th and 11th of May.
NZ Plant Producers at Grow Ōtautahi
NZ Plant Producers attended Grow Ōtautahi Christchurch Garden Festival on 12-14 March
Entries now open – are you the next plant production Young Achiever?
After being forced to cancel in 2020, the next competition will be held on July 14-15, at Growing Spectrum, Hamilton.
Entries are open and must be submitted by Sunday 2 May 2021.
Lincoln University resumes horticulture diplomas and degrees
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Plant production jobs showcased
Plant production joins other primary industries to promote careers and employment opportunities throughout New Zealand.
Visa changes for temporary workers
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