Apprentices gain practical farming experience while working towards industry-recognised qualifications and vehicle micro-credentials focused on on-farm health and safety.
Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme manager Gary Brady said strong pastoral support was vital in helping young people succeed in the industry.
“They are learning how to balance life, study and work,” Brady said.
“Pastoral support is the part we must get right if we want to keep young people in the industry.”
Brady said he was impressed by the apprentices’ growth in confidence and capability.
Seeing this was “what brings me back each day”.
“The apprentices gain confidence and resilience from having to get on with the job and manage the responsibilities that come with living and working independently,” he said.
“The change in some of them is remarkable when you look back at photos from when they first started.”
Pāmu apprentice Grace Dolton said the programme provided a structured pathway to gain Primary ITO qualifications while building a career in farming.
She said it also offered the opportunities and variety that came with working for New Zealand’s largest farmer.
Pāmu apprentice Aidan King took part in the Primary ITO Trades Academy programme at Feilding High School.
Born and raised on a sheep and beef farm, King said he loved being outdoors and relished the opportunity to gain practical farming experience.
“I want to learn the skills and knowledge through the opportunities I get at Pāmu and my Primary ITO training and use them to progress into roles such as farm manager or head shepherd,” he said.
Pāmu apprentice Grace Dolton. Photo / Pāmu
Brady was impressed by the strong response to the January 2027 intake.
“The interest from young people out there is real,” Brady said.
“From my days working at Primary ITO Trades Academy, the interest has always been there.
“I love what the Trades Academy do – they’re giving high school kids a taste of real life on-farm.”
Pāmu apprentice Aiden King. Photo / Pāmu
How the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme works
Apprentices begin the two-year programme at Pāmu’s Aratiatia Farm near Taupō.
They live and work together while building foundation skills in dairy and livestock (sheep and beef) farming and working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture Level 3.
The programme also focuses on life skills such as budgeting, cooking and living independently.
In their second year, apprentices specialise in either dairy or livestock and move into fulltime roles on Pāmu farms around New Zealand.
They complete their Level 3 qualification and begin Level 4 study, with support from Pāmu and Primary ITO.
Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme’s Class of 2025. Photo / Pāmu
After two years, they continue working on-farm and studying independently, with the support of their local training adviser, while staying connected to the Pāmu apprentice network.
“During the first year, the apprentices are under the wing of the training advisers, who keep me informed on learning progress,” Brady said.
“We have a lot of communication back and forth.”
Primary ITO training adviser Elri Levin said the apprentices had been highly engaged in both their on-farm training and off-job learning.
“They are taking the opportunity to learn as much as they can, and it’s a pleasure to see their progress,” Levin said.
Find information about the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme on the Pāmu website.