Growing Future Horticulturalists Internship Programme Evaluation
By Dr Lesley Petersen
Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence (Food and Fibre CoVE) has recently completed the evaluation of the Growing Future Horticulturalists (GFH) Internship Programme, which is an initiative designed to engage Hawke’s Bay secondary school students in Years 11-13, offering them valuable exposure to the horticulture industry.
Launched in December 2023 as a pilot, the initiative is sponsored by Sow the Seed (Agricultural and Horticultural Science Advisory programme), Mr Apple, the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association, and, in collaboration with the Horticulture and Agriculture Teachers Association (HATA). The programme aims to address a significant challenge facing the horticulture sector: a declining interest in horticultural careers. By providing hands-on experiences, the programme seeks to inspire young people to consider horticulture as a viable and rewarding career path whilst also helping to bridge the workforce gap within the industry.
The pilot programme allowed students to immerse themselves in various aspects of the horticultural supply chain, including orchard management, post-harvest operations, and supply logistics. Its core objectives were to give students meaningful industry exposure and to prepare them for the workforce by enhancing their technical skills, core transferable (soft) skills, and their employability. A qualitative evaluation was conducted through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders: the intern students, parents, the programme coordinator (Sow the Seed), the co-coordinator and host organisation (Mr Apple), and industry leaders including the past CEO and programme founder, and current CEO of Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association. This approach provided valuable insights into the programme’s impact on students and its potential contributions to the horticulture sector.
The findings of the evaluation were highly positive. One of the most significant impacts of the programme was on students’ career aspirations. For instance, one student who began with little knowledge of the horticulture sector expressed a newfound interest in soil management and horticultural operations after participating in the internship. Students gained practical skills such as operating irrigation systems, driving forklifts, and understanding pest management, alongside core transferable (soft) skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication.
The hands-on learning approach, combined with opportunities to shadow department heads in areas such as marketing and quality control, offered students a broad perspective on career possibilities within the horticulture industry.
The evaluation also found that industry stakeholders, particularly Mr Apple, benefitted significantly from co-coordinating and hosting the internship programme. The company was able to showcase the diverse career opportunities available within the horticulture sector, positioning itself as a leader in workforce development and youth engagement. Hosting the programme also created opportunities for positive public relations, as seen when the programme was featured at the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Association Industry Awards night. However, some logistical challenges were noted, particularly in coordinating student schedules and ensuring continuous engagement throughout the internship. Improved communication between schools and industry sponsors, and a more structured approach to daily activities were recommended to enhance future iterations of the programme.
In response to the evaluation’s findings, a two-round model has been proposed for future iterations of the programme. Round 1, scheduled during the Christmas holiday period, would introduce students to core horticultural activities such as irrigation, pest management, and orchard operations. This phase would also offer elective modules aligned with students’ interests, such as marketing, project management, or quality control, culminating in a project-based assignment. Round 2, planned for mid-year school holidays, would build on the foundations established in Round 1, offering more advanced training and further immersion into the industry. This second phase would encourage students to present their project findings to their schools and the host organisation, deepening their understanding of the industry and reinforcing the skills they’ve developed.
One of the programme’s long-term goals is to create a scalable and adaptable model that can be used by other food and fibre sectors in New Zealand. For example, sectors such as dairy, viticulture, or forestry could benefit from implementing similar internship programmes to attract young talent and address workforce shortages. The inclusion of micro-credentials, such as certifications in forklift operation or food safety, has also been suggested to improve students’ employability and provide them with industry-recognised qualifications that are immediately applicable in the workforce.
To enhance the effectiveness of the programme, several recommendations have been made. Strengthening partnerships with vocational and tertiary institutions such as Primary ITO, Private Training Establishments (PTEs), and Massey University, would allow for clearer pathways from secondary education to tertiary horticulture programmes. Improving communication and outreach strategies, especially between schools and industry sponsors, would help ensure better coordination and attract a more diverse group of students. A more structured approach to daily activities, combined with weekly check-ins between mentors and students, would also ensure that students remain fully engaged and supported throughout the internship.
The pastoral care and mentorship components of the programme are also crucial for its long-term success. Mentors need to be provided with adequate resources to guide students effectively, offering support and helping them navigate any challenges. Regular feedback sessions between mentors and interns would allow for timely adjustments and help ensure a positive learning experience.
In conclusion, the GFH Internship Programme has shown great potential to address key workforce development challenges within the horticulture sector by providing students with meaningful exposure to the industry and helping them develop both technical and core transferable (soft) skills. The insights gained from this pilot programme have led to the development of a clear and scalable model that can be applied to other sectors within New Zealand’s food and fibre industries. By continuing to foster industry partnerships, improve communication, and enhance programme structure, the GFH programme can serve as a blueprint for engaging young people in horticulture and related fields. With its long-term commitment to nurturing young talent, the programme has the potential to positively shape the future of the horticulture industry, offering students a dynamic and rewarding career path.
For more information and to read the full report, visit www.foodandfibrecove.nz. Stay up-to-date on all projects by following Food and Fibre CoVE on LinkedIn.
