Monday, 18 July 2022 11:56

Palmerston North to host new recruitment programme

Written by  Staff Reporters
Agri Women's Development Trust general manager Lisa Sims Agri Women's Development Trust general manager Lisa Sims

A new programme designed to attract young talent into New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, accelerate career paths and sector change is rolling out for young women in tertiary study or training.

Researched, designed and delivered by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT), ‘Generation Change’ is a one-day workshop and mentoring programme preparing young women for meaningful work in the food and fibre sector.

Following a successful online pilot in March with 50 women, the programme is now set for a series of face-to-face events over the next 15 months, starting in Palmerston North on 2 August.

AWDT general manager Lisa Sims says the programme supports young women to find their purpose and bring their true selves, perspectives and ideas to the sector to drive change.

“It’s for young women in any type of tertiary study or training who are curious about a career in any part of the primary sector supply and value chains, from the farm or orchard to marketing, tech support and shipping,” she says.

The workshop covers four key areas, with participants reflecting on their values, strengths and purpose, as well as exploring the mega trends shaping the sector’s future. Participants will also plan a meaningful career and connect with sector leaders, including a mentor, Sims says.

The first programme’s pilot mentoring programme has seen 50 mentoring relationships established between programme participants and leaders from the AWDT, Rural Leaders NZ and NZ Young Farmers networks.

Generation Change is co-funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries and AGMARDT through the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund, and supported by amp’d Careers.

Young women currently in tertiary study or training who are interested in ‘Generation Change’ should visit www.awdt.org.nz/generation-change-2/

Generation Change will be held at the Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre on 2 August 2022 and is open to any woman in tertiary study or training.

More like this

New rural wellbeing project

A newly launched collaborative rural wellbeing recovery project aims to help rural communities across the North Island to come together through a series of in-person events and programmes this summer.

AWDT chair steps down

Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) chair Linda Cooper has stepped down after three years serving the charitable trust.

Escalating women leaders

To be a good leader, you have to first know your 'why', says Ravensdown shareholder and Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT) Escalator programme graduate Donna Cram.

Featured

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards.

National

Machinery & Products

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

Grabbing bales made quick and easy

Front end loader and implement specialist Quicke has introduced the new Unigrip L+ and XL+ next-generation bale grabs, designed for…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Risky business

OPINION: In the same way that even a stopped clock is right twice a day, economists sometimes get it right.

Should've waited

OPINION: The proposed RMA reforms took a while to drop but were well signaled after the election.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter