Promoting agri careers together

NZ Young Farmers chief executive officer Terry Copeland and Careers New Zealand chief executive Keith Marshall signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable both parties to progress strategies of mutual interest together.

Copeland says the relationship would enable the two parties to share expertise to strengthen programmes and initiatives.

"This agreement strengthens our commitment to encourage young people into the Primary Industry and is another important step in trying to attract labour into agriculture, in line with the Government’s 2020 export goals for the sector."

The youth organisation currently facilitates a number of programmes that promote Primary Industry careers, including the Get Ahead Programme that highlights the myriad of opportunities available in agriculture to secondary school students. Funded by Beef and Lamb NZ and Dairy NZ, the programme offers Experience Days and targets urban schools.

"The relationship with Careers New Zealand will strengthen all our programmes and I am delighted to be working collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes."

Careers New Zealand chief executive Keith Marshall says this relationship is another step in strengthening our education to employment strategy to get people “career-ready”.

“By working with NZ Young Farmers we can better connect educators with employers to increase their understanding of career pathways within the Primary Industry – a sector that offers numerous opportunities for young people to gain skills and qualifications as they work.”

Careers New Zealand is helping to grow a skilled workforce and improve outcomes for young people by connecting learning to work, and is a hub for trusted, independent high-quality career information and advice.

"This document aligns with the Government's emphasis on encouraging more young people to take STEM subjects, as careers in the Primary Industry draw on science and technology, in particular."