increase font size
As part of the programme, apprentices will live in shared housing, repurposed from existing infrastructure on-farm, fostering a supportive community environment as they learn to navigate life and work.
Nine lucky school leavers passionate about farming will join Pamu for a two-year journey into agriculture, living and working at Pamu farm, Aratiatia near Taupo.
Launching in January 2025, the Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme combines practical on-farm experience, academic learning, and life skills.
Apprentices can earn while they learn, gain work experience on the state farmer’s dairy and livestock farms, and work towards Level 3 and Level 4 NZ Certificates in Agriculture through Primary ITO.
As part of the programme, apprentices will live in shared housing, repurposed from existing infrastructure on-farm, fostering a supportive community environment as they learn to navigate life and work.
Bernadette Kelly, chief of people, safety, and reputation, says a priority for Pamu is safe and capable people.
“At Pamu we are committed to growing and developing farmers. The Pamu Apprenticeship Scheme is not just about training young farmers; it's about setting them up for the future. Leaving school and starting a new career is often daunting. We’ll make sure our rangatahi get the balance right between work and study, as well as ensuring they take care of themselves when living independently.
“Budgeting, shopping, meal preparation, and paying bills are all essential life skills we can assist with to ensure they are set up for success as they transition to the workforce.”
This pastoral care will be a key component of the programme, led by an apprenticeship scheme manager.
Pamu chief executive, Mark Leslie says the scheme represents Pamu interest in growing the workforce of the food and fibre sector which is a driving force for the productivity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Investment in the food and fibre workforce generates greater returns to the nation than any other investment. Agriculture is export-led, with high productivity and significant GDP contribution per worker. With a small workforce compared to other sectors it has an outsized impact.”
Students enrolled in agriculture courses across the Central North Island, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty are eligible to apply.
For more information visit https://www.pamunewzealand.com/apprenticeshipscheme
OPINION: Nearly half of New Zealand's four million dairy calves are processed early, representing not just a missed $1.2 billion opportunity, but a reputational risk for our export-driven agricultural sector.
One of Fonterra's largest milk suppliers says Fonterra's board and management have got what they wanted - a great turnout and a positive signal from shareholders on the sale of its co-operative's consumer and related business.
The first calves of a new crossbred dairy-beef offering are now on the ground at a Pamu (Landcorp) farm near Taupo.
State farmer Pāmu (Landcorp) has announced a new equity partnership in an effort to support pathways to farm ownership for livestock farm operators.
The Government has appointed three new members to the board of state farmer Landcorp Farming Ltd, trading as Pāmu.
Fonterra Edendale has been recognised with the Mars Dairy Supplier Quality Award for the top performing supplier sites in the global food company's dairy supply chain.
Sheep milk processor Maui Milk has achieved grass-fed certification of milk supply against the AsureQuality Grass-Fed Scheme.
OPINION: What goes up must come down. So, global dairy prices retreating from lofty heights in recent months wouldn’t come as a surprise to many farmers.
Fonterra directors and councillors are in for a pay rise next month.
Federated Farmers says it is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
OPINION: Winston Peters has described the decision to sell its brand to Lactalis and disperse the profit to its farmer…
OPINION: The Hound reckons a big problem with focusing too much on the wrong goal - reducing livestock emissions at…
