EDUCATION

It is estimated the industry will need another 2,000 permanent employees and 4,000 seasonal employees within the next few years. This future growth is dependent on the ability to attract and retain young people who are highly skilled and enthusiastic and develop them to become our industry’s future leaders.

Horticulture is a rapidly expanding industry with ambitious targets for growth. However, a persistent challenge facing the industry is finding an skilled workforce to support this growth.

To address this workforce shortage, the NZKGI Education Portfolio focuses on promoting careers and education within the horticulture industry. Our efforts involve reaching out to school students to raise awareness about the career opportunities available in horticulture and the different pathways to enter the industry. We collaborate with industry professionals to identify the educational and training needs required for upskilling and career advancement. Furthermore, we aim to attract individuals who are considering a career change to join the thriving horticulture industry in New Zealand.

Winter Pruning Training

In 2020 and 2021, alongside Fruition Horticulture and Toi-Ohomai, NZKGI ran a series of Winter Pruning Taster and Training courses. The one-day Taster course was targeted at newcomers to the industry, allowing them to see if the physicality of winter pruning was for them. The five-day Training course provided a deeper understanding of the basics and an opportunity for participants to practice new skills.

The MPI project funding those courses is now complete. Any growers or contractors interested in running their own courses for new staff are welcome to access the course material, which includes slideshows and lesson plans.

For more information on the Kiwifruit Winter Pruning Taster course click here.

For more information on the Kiwifruit Winter Pruning Training course:

  • Day 1 of 5 click here.
  • Day 2 of 5 click here.
  • Day 3 of 5 click here.
  • Day 4 of 5 click here.
  • Day 5 of 5 click here.