The Role of a Modern Apprentice Co-ordinator

Horticulture is an industry where whatever level you are at, you never quite stop learning. There is always something new, undiscovered or a differing of opinion. The career path, in effect, is quite endless, from school leaver to tradesperson to university degree, right through to PhD level.

A Modern Apprenticeship provides an entry point into the industry, with quality workplace learning, combined with the strength and traditions of an apprenticeship. The objective of the scheme is to encourage young motivatived people into the industry, which has been one of New Zealand’s top performers for a number of years.

My role as a Modern Apprentice co-coordinator is to recruit and place young people into a Modern Apprenticeship and then to provide assistance throughout their qualification, in the form of quarterly visits. I work for both the Modern Apprentice and the employer, providing an independent service that will ensure the success of the Modern Apprentices throughout their qualification.

The key feature of the Modern Apprenticeship is that it is aimed at the 16-21 age group and providing high quality workplace learning. The training is flexible and individualised to meet the needs of the Modern Apprentice and the employer.

It will lead to a National Certificate in Horticulture (level 4), which is the level of Tradesperson.

Cheers

Phil Greenlees,

Regional Manager,

Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast