T&G Global, formerly Turners and Growers, has doubled its support of undergraduate students studying at Massey University’s Palmerston North campus towards a degree in horticulture.
Applications for the scholarships, worth up to $5,000 per year of study over three years close on 10 March 2018 with recipients announced mid-May.
T&G Global’s capability manager Greg Turrell explains the six scholarships, double the number offered last year, are designed to attract and encourage undergraduates to study horticulture at Massey University.
“New Zealand’s horticulture industry, worth $8 billion to our economy, plays a vital role in food production and offers an array of exciting career pathways,” says Greg. “Our decision to double our support was based on the increasing gap between the number of young people entering the industry and the growing need for capable staff by employers such as ourselves.”
Greg says T&G offers careers across all business functions from corporate roles to working in greenhouses, orchards, cool stores, sales and logistics – all vital in getting fresh produce delivered daily to kiwis and consumers overseas.
As well as receiving financial support, T&G offers scholarship recipients summer internships, mentoring, networking and engagement opportunities at industry events and career pathways post-graduation.
Last year’s scholarship recipients, and now T&G employees, Megan Becker and Bree Martinac, grew up around orchards and now working on them full-time. They say they’re excited to be gaining more knowledge about the industry and helping to provide healthy, nutritious food to New Zealanders.
“I was attracted to a career in horticulture because I have been passionate about the industry from an early age as I come from a horticulture and farming background,” says Bree, who studied a Bachelor of Agricommerce majoring in food marketing and retailing and minoring in horticulture at Massey University. “I feel that the industry is both personally fulfilling and essential for the sustainability of our future.”
Her sentiments are echoed by Megan who holds a Bachelor of Agriscience majoring in horticulture who sees horticulture as a very exciting industry for new graduates entering the workforce.
“The rate at which horticulture is expanding in New Zealand is exciting and the opportunities that are available keep increasing. It’s an exciting time to join the industry.”
To find out more about T&G’s scholarship programme visit Massey University’s scholarship page on its website at https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/admission/scholarships-bursaries-awards/other-scholarships/agriculture-scholarships/scholarships_home.cfm
