GoHorticulture internship programme grows new industry talent

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

By Hugh Chesterman : Horticulture New Zealand

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 (above right), a second-year Bachelor of Agribusiness Food Marketing student, says the internship “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.

It was such a great opportunity to learn about what it’s like on an orchard — and to travel too!

“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 with Orangewood was an incredible opportunity.

to register. Register your interest at: https:// gohorticulture.co.nz/gohort-employer-registration/