Hort diploma on offer online

Be Professionally Equipped: Gisborne people who have management ambitions in the horticulture field have the opportunity to gain the Diploma in Horticulture Production, a Level 6 NZQA-credited course that will be available on line in the New Year. File picture

Enrolments for the 2021 intake for training in Horticulture are being taken now.

“The horticulture industry's growth means businesses require more people in management and technical roles to lead their teams and support growers to become more successful in their orchards and vineyards.

“This programme is aimed at people who already have several years of industry experience and who are highly motivated to advance their careers and take advantage of management opportunities as they arise.

“We're thrilled to be supporting working professionals in fulfilling their passion for horticulture by equipping them with the skills they'll need to operate at a more senior level,” Fruition Horticulture's managing director Sandy Scarrow said.

Horticulture is New Zealand's fourth largest export industry and is worth $7 billion to the economy.

About 60 percent of New Zealand's total horticultural production is exported to more than 124 countries. Kiwifruit alone accounts for close to $2 billion in export earnings.

“Participants in Fruition Horticulture's Level 6 programme will focus on the specialist requirements for ‘process improvement' for meeting domestic and international market requirements.

“The industry's demand for innovative solutions means the course will also develop students' ability to assess the merit of products or technologies so they can be introduced to a horticultural workplace.

“The course will enable graduates to make informed strategic business decisions and the industry will benefit by having experienced technical specialists with the skills to optimise workplace efficiency and lift the competitive edge of their organisations.”

Students will be expected to remain employed during the university-level programme, with course content delivered online to fit around their work.

Fees will be covered under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) as horticulture is an industry where demand from employers is expected to grow during New Zealand's recovery from the impacts of Covid-19.

This funding provides an avenue for students wanting to upgrade their tertiary qualifications or transfer from other industries.

Fruition Horticulture is based in the Bay of Plenty and also operates offices in Hawke's Bay and Nelson/Marlborough. It provides specialist consultancy, technical, research and training services to the horticultural industry.

This new programme adds to the suite of educational opportunities provided by its qualified and experienced teachers. It offers the Lincoln University Diploma in Horticulture (Level 5) to Bay of Plenty and Nelson students who gain their qualification while being able to stay in their place of work.

It partners with the Primary ITO to deliver courses for the Horticultural Apprenticeship programme and provide tuition for the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture and Horticultural Production (Levels 3 to 4) to horticultural apprentices nationally.

Sandy said the Level 6 programme demonstrates Fruition's commitment to upskilling people who have a love for horticulture, wherever they are on their journey.

“We share their passion for horticulture and are here to support people throughout their career.”