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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.
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