FOUNDATION SKILLS IN SEASONAL WORKPLACES Phase II Report December 2006
Training Opportunities Available In The Pipfruit, Viticulture And Kiwifruit Sectors
Workbase staff asked a range of staff from the Horticulture ITO and training providers about training opportunities for seasonal workers in the three regions. Horticulture ITO personnel pointed out that the training system is suited to permanent horticulture workers and it is very difficult for seasonal workers to complete the National Certificate in Horticulture. They are rarely employed long enough to fulfil the requirements of a training agreement, and are likely to move from employer to employer.
A range of higher level courses are aimed at permanent workers. New Zealand Wine and the Tairawhiti Polytechnic recently completed a thorough training needs analysis in which they list courses in winemaking and viticulture currently available through Christchurch Polytechnic, Eastern Institute of Technology, Lincoln University, Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Otago Polytechnic, Tairawhiti Polytechnic and University of Auckland. None of the people Workbase spoke to during the course of the research mentioned these courses as options for seasonal workers.
Industry association representatives and company representatives did not know of any foundation skills training programmes run specifically for seasonal workers in New Zealand. A small number of seasonal workers currently attend general English language training courses in Hawke's Bay.
Table 1: Training opportunities available in each region and sector
| Type |
Pipfruit - Hawke's Bay |
Viticulture - Marlborough |
Kiwifruit - Bay of Plenty |
|---|---|---|---|
School to work |
Pipfruit New Zealand and Horticulture New Zealand are looking at expanding a pilot primary school resource focusing on integrated fruit production. This resource was originally developed by Pipfruit New Zealand. |
No information received during interviews. |
In partnership with the Horticulture ITO, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic (BOP Poly) and industry representatives, Priority One Bay of Plenty is developing a programme that will link into NCEA, focusing on kiwifruit horticulture. A school work experience programme has been going with various industries in the Bay for some years. A BOP Poly tutor has developed an interactive CD ROM game about the kiwifruit industry. |
Short courses |
Short courses with associated assessments of competency have been developed in:
The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT), Horticulture ITO, Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers Association and Hawke's Bay Horticultural Contractors Group have all been involved with these "passport" courses. Some seasonal workers have completed them. GrowSafe (spray safety) courses are offered by a number of providers in Hawke's Bay. |
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) runs adult and community education courses. Seasonal workers who are not New Zealand residents have tried to enrol in these but have been refused entry. |
BOP Poly runs GrowSafe (spray safety) and quality assurance courses. They also offer tractor driving and first aid courses on request. Fruition Horticulture also runs GrowSafe courses. Most participants on these courses are permanent workers, but some seasonal workers attend. |
Certificate level |
EIT runs National Certificate in Horticulture Cadetships and National Certificate in Horticulture (Fruit Production) training and apprenticeship programmes. Linked to Horticulture ITO. |
Permanent employees can complete the National Certificate in Horticulture through a Marlborough provider and the Horticulture ITO. No-one was aware of any seasonal workers undertaking these qualifications. |
The BOP Poly and Kiwifruit Growers Inc. (KGI) have developed the Certificate in Kiwifruit - Orchard Skills. This is only available in the Bay of Plenty. BOP Poly also offers the National Certificate in Horticulture as a full-time or part-time course. This is more likely to be taken by people either in or seeking a permanent role. |
Supervisory/ management |
The National Certificate in Horticulture (Advanced) is offered to long serving orchard managers, and may be completed by a recognition of current competency process (Horticulture ITO). |
NMIT runs a Certificate in Viticulture Skills aimed at first line management and supervisory staff. |
KGI has developed a training package to help contractors develop supervisory and management skills. They are currently looking for a provider. |
Higher level |
Massey or Lincoln University Horticulture qualifications. Horticulture New Zealand Leadership programme. Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. |
Massey or Lincoln University Horticulture qualifications. Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. |
Massey or Lincoln University Horticulture qualifications (supported by Fruition). Horticulture New Zealand Leadership programme. Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. |
Foundation skills related |
Learning Innovations (a private training establishment) offers English language courses (participants must be legally resident in New Zealand). A very small number of seasonal workers attend these courses in their own time for up to 3 hours per week. Most had attended a full-time course at the same training provider before they obtained seasonal work. |
NMIT have approached employers to offer English language training. The offer has not yet been taken up because issues about who would pay seasonal workers to attend, location, and content were not addressed. |
None identified. |
Other training initiatives |
In previous years, WINZ has arranged orchard and packhouse readiness training for WINZ clients. |
Department of Labour is working with the Rural Contractors' Federation and a group of contractors to establish better practices in the industry across a number of areas including
In the past, WINZ has arranged viticulture pruning courses. This is not happening currently as training is provided by growers and contractors. In the past, ACC, Pernod Ricard New Zealand and two local health care providers jointly arranged Pruning Without Pain courses at a vineyard. |
WINZ staff are trialling a jobs partnership programme with kiwifruit employers. WINZ staff reported a one-off programme they had facilitated in the Bay of Plenty with a tomato growing employer. 12-15 trainees went through a structured training programme that included horticulture unit standards and literacy, language and numeracy skill development. |