He joined the Gateway Programme at the beginning of 2008.

After negotiations with Mr Apple Packhouse, Waipawa – Jeremy Simpson (Human Resources) suggested a plan for James.

Initially James was to be taken through the ‘journey of the apple’ – right from the apple entering the packhouse to the final truck ride to the coolstores in Hastings. This involved work experience in every aspect of the packhouse production line – including the laboratory, grading and packing.

Once this has been covered James will move on to an organic orchard at Tikokino for an orchard experience.  James is hoping to obtain a Cadetship in 2009 so is currently working on Unit Standards from the Orchard and Seasonal Package provided by the NZ Horticulture ITO, in consultation with Norm Miller, Training Advisor.

Central Hawke’s Bay College would like to thank Mr Apple ( Waipawa Packhouse), Horticulture NZ ITO, and Gareth Ingram (Tikokino Orchard) for their input towards developing a work placement and specialised learning plan for James.

For more information about the how you can get into a career in horticulture contact your local NZHITO representative, for your local representatives details click here.