GoHorticulture internship programme grows new industry talent

GOHORTICULTURE

INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME GROWS NEW INDUSTRY TALENT

Words by Hugh Chesterman, Horticulture New Zealand

GoHorticulture, a horticulture industry initiative to promote careers in horticulture, is expanding its internship programme to develop the next crop of aspiring industry leaders.

The successful pilot internship programme in Northland last summer set the bar high for this year’s nationwide programme. The network of horticulture industry career progression managers is recruiting employers and students for this year’s programme across major growing regions from Northland to Central Otago. The Northland internship programme proved popular with both employers and students. Todd Jackson, general manager of Orangewood Ltd, says he wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the internship programme to other businesses. “If you want to take on someone who is incredibly enthusiastic and smart, then I would highly recommend this,” Todd says.

The calibre of students in the programme was phenomenal, we couldn’t have wished for better. We were stoked with how it went and we want to take on two interns this year.

“Before it started, we were a bit nervous about how it would work out. Talking to other businesses who took part, we found the calibre of students to be really top notch; the whole experience to be really great. “It wasn’t just us that enjoyed the experience though, but the students had a great time also. We were able to give Marcia a wide range of tasks. She did a bit of everything from setting up a seasonal logistics plan, calculating crop estimates and working with the lab team, as well as doing some hands-on thinning and packing.

Marcia Adams

Marcia Adams, a second-year Bachelor of Agribusiness Food Marketing student, says the internship with Orangewood was an incredible opportunity. “I enjoyed the internship a lot. It was such a great opportunity to learn about what it’s like on an orchard – and to travel too!” she says. “I would definitely recommend the GoHorticulture internship programme to others as you can learn so much from it. It would have been difficult to intern with a company like Orangewood without the programme. “Orangewood was really great. I was able to learn and worked on all parts of the orchard and business side of things. As well as learning about the processes, I was able to understand why they were doing things and see the final outcome.

“Coming from a South Island sheep and beef farm, it was a great opportunity to see what the horticulture industry is like and learn what goes on behind the scenes on an orchard.”

If you or your business are enthusiastic about showcasing your industry and supporting the future of horticulture, there are limited places remaining to register. Register your interest at: https://gohorticulture.

co.nz/gohort-employer-registration/

HORTICULTURE CAREER PROGRESSION MANAGERS

TE ARA MAHI

Horticulture Career Progression Managers A dedicated team on the ground across New Zealand connecting workers with employers Te Ara Mahi in the horticulture sector.

WHO WE ARE

A network of six managers working across New Zealand to increase the number of people pursuing careers in horticulture, so the industry can continue to grow and prosper.

Our locations

HOW WE WORK

Our chief role is to link work ready people with horticulture employers, by acting as the interface between people, our industry, schools and tertiary education and training providers, and government agencies.

We promote horticulture careers by getting young people at secondary school or people already in the workforce to see potential in our diverse and vibrant industry.

We help young people decide on the training that is right for them and work out their training pathway.

We help young people find the right employer for them – employers who can offer on-job training and career mentoring.

We work with employers, helping them anticipate and meet skill needs, and provide them with work ready people.

We work with schools and tertiary education and training providers so that they meet our industry’s needs by staying up to date with requirements.

WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE

The right people for the right job – a work force with the right training and attitude, advancing their horticulture careers and our industry.

To contact a Career Progression Manager, please email: GoHorticulture@hortnz.co.nz

www.gohorticulture.co.nz