Funding of $1.1 million from the PGF will help pay for six horticulture career coordinators across New Zealand to increase people capability and fill jobs within the industries.
One of those coordinators is Di Holloway who is helping Bay of Plenty’s horticultural industries access the workforce they need to support their growth.
Di has experience in both the education and the horticulture industry with a background as a teacher and as a kiwifruit grower and says she sees her role as linking people with horticultural careers and showing them the opportunities that horticulture can offer.
“There are a range of ways to do this, from connecting with employers and educational and training institutions in areas such as the Eastern Bay or the Innovative Horticulture Project at Katikati College.
“Another way is to connect with career advisors and students and make them aware of the career opportunities that the horticulture industries offer.”
Di adds that her work is not restricted to students.
“There are lots of people wanting a change in career or have got a taste of the industry as a seasonal worker. It’s great to show the very wide range of opportunities available in the horticulture industries which caters to people’s different interests.”
Horticulture New Zealand CEO Mike Chapman agrees with Di and adds “There are a lot of technical roles available in the horticulture industry and I encourage people to look into the range of degrees available such as the Bachelor of Horticultural Science at Massey University.”
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