The directors of Fruition Horticulture BOP Ltd are excited about the first year of delivery of the Fruition Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 6) beginning in January this year.

Ruth Underwood and Sandy Scarrow, the owners and directors of Fruition, have worked closely with the horticultural industry all their careers and are well aware of the need to grow and develop the skills and knowledge of those working in the industry.

Sandy reflects on her own career and looks at the opportunities that still exist. “The horticulture industry is on a growth trajectory and provides New Zealanders with a bouyant environment for career development and opportunity,” she says.

Global demand for quality, sustainably-grown, clean and green New Zealand primary produce continues to grow, even during the difficult period experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has led to unprecedented growth in the horticulture industry, resulting in demand for a skilled workforce to meet the needs of horticultural enterprises across New Zealand.

The Fruition Diploma meets the needs of the industry in building this skilled workforce.

“The programme has been designed for people working in the industry,” says Ruth.
“We focus the teaching and learning on the learners workplace so that they can take the theory taught and apply it in a meaningful way straight away.”

By mid-January, there had been a strong level of interest and formal enrolments.

This interest is heightened by the fact that the programme is completely free for the learner.

Fees, normally paid by the learner or their employer, will be covered under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund and available for any New Zealander looking to enrol until December 31, 2021.

The programme is also approved for delivery both in class and online, allowing for enrolments to come from throughout New Zealand.

To date, enrolments have been received from across the North Island.

The online and class-based group will have the opportunity to meet physically during a three day fieldtrip in February.

Sandy described the three day session as: “an opportunity to see other horticultural producers, see the challenges and the opportunities that they face and also the opportunity for some teamwork and learning together”.

The Fruition Diploma adds to a raft of training offered by Fruition from those new to the industry through to those currently employed but keen to grow their skills and knowledge to add more value to their current role or seek promotions internally or in other businesses across the country.

For more information on any of the training offered by Fruition, visit: www.fruiton.net.nz or: www.fruition.ac.nz