Volunteers helping farmers clear flooded paddocks
A group of volunteers from Lincoln University known as the 'Handy Landies' is among those descending on Otago to help farmers get their properties back to normal.
The two-year programme will see students earning a full-time wage while gaining valuable, practical work experience as they study towards a Level 5 Diploma of Horticulture from Lincoln University.
Craig Betty, T&G global director of operations, says the partnership is the first of its kind in New Zealand and demonstrates the company's willingness to think creatively to recruit and develop new talent for the horticulture sector.
"We're incredibly proud to be partnering with Lincoln University to enable students to earn while they learn - making obtaining a qualification, practical experience and a long-term career pathway more attainable and appealing within our industry," Betty says.
"As T&G continues to expand its apples business to meet global demand its crucial the business has skilled and passionate team members to be the future leaders of our industry."
Betty adds it's an exciting time for the busines and the new partnership with Lincoln University.
"It provides a special opportunity for students to be a part of that, building their skills and capabilities within our world-class operations."
Dean of the Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce at Lincoln University, Professor Hugh Bigsby, says the collaboration with T&G is a new innovation in education, immersing university education within a leading New Zealand business.
"Given horticulture is a key part of the Hawke's Bay economy, gaining experience first-hand in this environment will provide students with valuable skills and experience to accompany their academic qualifications," Bigsby explains.
"this unique partnership with T&G will enable students to be immersed in work and education at the same time, earning while they learn and taking their learnings straight into the workplace."
The programme offers students a combination of online and face to face learning remotely with Lincoln University and in person with T&G trained coaches. T&G will also provide paid study days to help students with the academic components of the diploma.
Betty says the programme will bring new up-and-coming talent to the workforce and in turn will help provide support during the businesses' expansion and peak seasons.
"We've integrated the academic course work to align with our peak seasons, helping us have more hands-on-deck as we work up to the busy harvesting period," he adds. "At the peak of the season, students will work five days per week and for the remainer will work four days and be offered one paid study day per week to complete their academic course work."
The programme is targeted at high school leavers who are motivated to further their studies locally in the Hawke's Bay. There is also opportunity for students in Northland and Nelson to participate in the programme if there is interest.
Under the current Government's fees free vocational educational initiative, the Diploma in Horticulture is offered at no cost to participants. Eligibilityfor the programme is subject to meeting Lincoln University's academic criteria.
The first cohort of the programme has 30 places starting in January 2022. More: www.careers.tandg.global
