NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc and MPI join forces to launch new training course for job seekers keen to work in the industry.
A new NZ Kiwifruit Growers-led training course aims to give people an insight into working on a kiwifruit orchard.
The Ministry of Primary Industries-funded joint initiative is about encouraging job-seekers to take up employment in the kiwifruit industry and provide the necessary training.
It follows NZKGI's successful winter pruning trainingprogrammes earlier this year and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is investing $130,000 into the new initiative.
NZKGI Education co-ordinator Di Holloway said the kiwifruit industry needed a workforce of more than 17,000 people in November as the sector started its spring and summer orchard maintenance programmes.
"This initiative provides a great opportunity for New Zealanders, with free training and assistance to find jobs," Holloway said.
"We're offering potential employees the opportunity to see if summer work on orchards is something for them and offer further training to those interested."
Holloway said the opportunity may be of interest to those who had recently lost their jobs due to Covid-19, or those seeking a career change.
"Feedback from participants in the winter pruning courses was overwhelmingly positive and most went on to secure jobs in the industry."
NZKGI education co-ordinator Di Holloway. Photo / Supplied
Holloway said a "one-day taster course" would give job-seekers an insight into the nature of kiwifruit orchard work, which can be physically demanding.
"We hope that a large proportion of the people who undertake the one-day training will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of different jobs on offer."
"The one-day course will offer both the theory and practical aspects of summer canopy management. The first part of the day is in a classroom, followed by a practical demonstration on an orchard."
Holloway said after the "one-day taster", a two-day training course will be offered to those interested in pursuing the opportunity more.
"The two-day training will equip participants with the competencies required for the jobs on kiwifruit orchards all the way through to harvest in autumn."
The courses are managed by NZKGI and funded by MPI.
Cheyne Gillooly, MPI's director investment, skills and performance, said the initiative was a great chance for people keen to explore what working in the sector was really like.
"Working in the kiwifruit industry can be hugely rewarding," he said.
"We see enormous value in these types of initiatives in introducing jobseekers to careers that they might not have considered, or might have considered and want to learn more.
"It's a really exciting time to get into a job in the food and fibres sector," he said.
"There is a range of opportunities on offer, many of which are available on the Opportunity Grows Here website. Our food and fibres sector continues to play a huge role in New Zealand's recovery from Covid-19."
