Sow the Seed

We are delighted to introduce Clara and Lucinda as new members of the Mr Apple team, joining through the Growing Future Horticulturalists internship in collaboration with Sow the Seed. We are passionate about showing Rangatahi what horticulture is all about and hearing their fresh perspectives. It’s great to have you onboard! #WelcomeInterns #GFHinternship #MrApple

This month we also celebrated the 2024 Next Level Hawke's Bay cohort. The 12 graduates opted for a private wine tasting at Linden Estate Winery with close friends and family to mark the completion of their 6 month leadership and governance journey on Next Level. Congratulations to the graduates Rachelle O'Callaghan, Emma Bell, Sarah Williams, Emma Wright, Nicole McBreen, Talia Paewai, Suzy Newman, Emily Beetham, Sarah Tatham, Lee Ransom, Kate Ward and Jo Hall. The event marked another farewell to a long-serving AWDT Facilitator Heather Atkinson. Heather is a member of the Escalator Alumni since completing the programme in 2012. In 2014 she joined the AWDT facilitation team and for a decade has been inspiring and supporting participants across many programmes with her authenticity, compassion and relatability. Thank you Heather, and best wishes for the future. Many thanks to our partners for their on-going support AGMARDT (The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust), ANZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, FMG (Farmers Mutual Group), Ravensdown, Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), KPMG New Zealand and Farmers Weekly NZ.

Teachers' Day Out are professional development days for secondary school teachers that showcase industry best practice and careers in the Agri-sector. Teachers’ Day Out targets educators from across the secondary school curriculum – from science to business studies, mathematics, commerce, careers, and technology. Teachers get to experience working farms/orchards and agribusinesses in their region, along with the opportunity to network and hear from innovative, award-winning producers, and young professionals. Teacher Day Out- Gisborne (Wednesday 22nd November) A true paddock to plate experience had by all. Starting out with meeting GFF cadets on farm, moving to look at pasture measurements, lamb pick with Ovation and then seeing the carcass broken down. Off to Leaderbrand Salad House and then view their Future Farm indoor operation. Thank you to Ovation and Leaderbrand for supplying the produce for a beautiful lunch. All along the journey engaging with individuals career pathways and discussing what is needed for the future growth of a skilled work force in the Primary Industries. Thank you for making the Gisborne event possible Mark Harris and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Ovation New Zealand Limited, Growing Future Farmers, LeaderBrand and Matawhero Wines, Gisborne, New Zealand Kerikeri & Gisborne completed last week. This week is Taupo, Nelson and Invercargill. Thank you to all businesses that have supported the Teacher Day Out 2024 series. Funded by Sow the Seed, HATA (Horticulture & Agriculture Teachers Association) and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Agribusiness in Schools Kerry Allen Melanie Simmons Rex Newman

The popular MIA scholarship is now open for the 2025 intake for students interested in employment opportunities in the industry beyond the farm gate. New Zealand's red meat sector has a vast number of career opportunities in the processing and export sector, from food design and environmental science, through to marketing, food science and technology and industrial innovation. MIA invites applications for its scholarship programme from students interested in a career in the red meat processing and exporting sector. #NZredmeatsector #futureleaders #scholarships https://lnkd.in/ghy9s_QQ

NELSON DATE AVAILABLE NOW! The Teachers' Day Out is a fully funded professional development day for career advisors and teachers of technology, commerce and the sciences. Seats are limited, operating on a first-in, first-served basis. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ge4_QAsS More info here: https://lnkd.in/gniUeRrF

📢 NEW REPORT into Secondary School Pathways and Transitions to VET and Employment. Following an interim report that highlighted the effectiveness of secondary-tertiary interface programmes, particularly Trades Academies, in fostering career pathways for young people, a new report has been released that looks to understand and seek evidence of the effectiveness of the ‘ecosystem’ between secondary school and the food and fibre sector. The analysis emphasises the necessity for collaboration among schools, tertiary institutions, and workplaces to create an effective school-to-work ecosystem. It challenges the notion that schools alone are responsible for preparing students for the workforce, arguing that achieving a functional interface requires a shared commitment from both educational and industrial stakeholders. As Josh Williams and Arthur Graves from Skills Group note, "A dive into secondary school transitions has been a great opportunity, and reconfirmed for us that the post-compulsory phase of secondary education, including the connection with tertiary education and employment, should be reframed as an opportunity for all students to explore their potential next steps beyond school, and resourced accordingly." The report underscores the importance of viewing the last three years of secondary education as a supportive interface rather than merely a handover. It calls for employers to play a crucial role in fostering active partnerships with schools. The final phase of the research will explore case studies demonstrating successful ecosystem approaches in practice, although it notes that such innovative efforts are currently isolated rather than widespread. Additionally, the report addresses the persistent stigma around employment-focused pathways, highlighting the need for a strategic response to recognise that all senior students are ultimately on a trajectory toward the workforce. 📢 For more information and to read the report, visit https://lnkd.in/g2Vziygt Alternatively, please contact Portfolio Manager, Fiona Windle. #foodandfibre #innovation #vocationalexcellence #growth