Early Bird People Special I Thursday October 24th

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather! Good Morning I’m Richard Baddiley, on this Early Bird special today, we take a look at the stories around education and opportunities for those looking to start work and those already working in our primary industries.   Government revamps Apprenticeship Boost to target critical skill shortages The government is giving its Apprenticeship Boost initiative a new direction, targeting critical skill shortages in rural and trade industries. This strategic move aims to rebuild the economy and provide much-needed certainty for employers in vital sectors. Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds has outlined the program's fresh focus on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, designed to help employers confidently hire and retain apprentices, even in these challenging economic times. Under the National-NZ First Coalition agreement, $64 million has been allocated to Apprenticeship Boost in the 2024 Budget. This investment extends the program beyond its original 2024 end date, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in critical industries. From January 2025, the initiative will prioritise key sectors crucial to New Zealand's growth and sustainability, including agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, building and construction, manufacturing and engineering, automotive technology, and food and hospitality. This targeted approach aims to address the most urgent skill gaps in the economy, with a particular emphasis on rural communities and primary industries. Under the current arrangement, employers can continue to claim funding for eligible apprentices until December 31st. After this date, the $500 monthly subsidy will only apply to first-year apprentices in the specified industry areas.   Rural NZ's struggle with internet access and farming tech Our agricultural sector is grappling with an unexpected challenge: finding farm workers who are as comfortable with computers as they are with cattle. The modern farmer's toolkit now includes smartphones and tablets alongside traditional equipment, highlighting a growing need for digital literacy in rural communities. Southland Federated Farmers President Jason Herrick says farmers are spending more time on devices due to increased reporting requirements. This shift means that farming, once considered an ideal career for those less academically inclined, now demands a higher level of education. The skills gap is particularly evident in rural areas. Primary ITO, which leads work-based training in the food and fibre sector, reports that 20% of their students have no previous qualifications. In some rural regions, 35% of Kiwis lack internet access at home, limiting opportunities for young people to develop crucial digital skills. Primary ITO's Leigh-Anne Buxton highlights the range of digital tools used in today's farming operations. From dairy shed management to farm budgeting, animal health tracking to feed analysis, farmers at all career stages must navigate multiple platforms and applications. To address this challenge, the government has committed $163 million over four years to support Digital Services in schools. This investment aims to enhance cyber security and replace outdated equipment, potentially helping bridge the digital gap in rural areas.   Red Meat sector seeks fresh talent with comprehensive scholarship program The Meat Industry Association is reaching out to students keen on building a career in New Zealand's red meat sector with a new scholarship initiative aimed to attract talent to the industry beyond the farm gate. As New Zealand's largest manufacturing industry, meat processing and exporting contributes over $11 billion annually to our economy. Recent decades have seen the sector transform, embracing new technologies, automating production, and conquering fresh markets worldwide. From food design and environmental science to marketing and industrial innovation, the sector offers diverse career tracks. Beyond financial aid, the program offers robust mentoring. Scholars will attend annual workshops, connect with industry leaders, and receive help securing work experience in meat processing.  Undergraduate awards are open to current Bachelor's or diploma students, as well as those starting in 2025. Post-graduate funding is available for Masters or Doctoral candidates.  Interested students should apply online by November 27, with more information available on the MIA website, www.mia.co.nz    New Wool Classer Scholarship unveiled The New Zealand Merino Company's Wool Classer Scholarship programme is playing a crucial role in addressing a looming skills gap in the wool industry. The initiative is co-funded by the NZ Wool Testing Authority, and offers a comprehensive three-month course focused on fine wool classification. The programme was developed in response to an anticipated shortage of skilled classers, with a significant number expected to retire in the coming decade. It aims to prepare the next generation of wool classers, ensuring the industry maintains its high standards and expertise. To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must already hold a provisional classer's stencil from the NZ Wool Technology and Classing course at the Southland Institute of Technology.  The curriculum is both practical and wide-ranging, gaining hands-on experience in fine wool sheds during pre-lamb shearing, and working alongside experienced mentors. They also receive exposure to various aspects of the wool industry supply chain, including contracts, brands, wool scouring, selling systems, and wool testing. A unique feature of the course is a trip to Melbourne, allowing students to observe wool processing firsthand and gain international perspective on the industry. This ensures graduates have a thorough understanding of the entire wool production process, from the farm to the final product. The programme not only focuses on technical skills but also emphasises networking and relationship-building within the industry.  Applications for the next intake of this valuable scholarship programme open from Marchnext year, offering another opportunity for aspiring wool classers to gain specialised skills and contribute to this vital sector of New Zealand's agricultural industry.   Agri-Education gets boost as Rabobank donates books to 100 schools A hundred primary schools across New Zealand now have new resources to teach students about farming and food production, thanks to a recent competition by Rabobank. The agri lending specialist has donated sets of 'George the Farmer' books to schools nationwide, more than doubling last year's giveaway. Rabobank New Zealand Head of Client Councils Jeffrey Morrison highlights the initiative's aim to improve knowledge about farming and food production among young Kiwis. The huge volume of entries received demonstrates strong demand from schools for this type of agri-focused teaching resource. The competition, which ran in late July and early August, attracted entries from all over the country. Winning schools received six 'George the Farmer' books earlier this month. 'George the Farmer' is a fictional character created in 2014 by South Australian farmer Simone Kain. The series aims to connect children to the earth, food, and farm through engaging stories. With help from the New Zealand Agribusiness in Schools programme, the learning resources have been adapted for Kiwi students. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.