Skill levels within the kiwifruit industry will be boosted by government funding for a training scheme for workers.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated president Neil Trebilco says the $150,000 funding will subsidise training for new employees, helping meet a need in the industry for skilled workers.

Government funding should help increase skill levels in the kiwifruit industry.

The training will be provided by Fruition Horticulture, which is experienced in delivering training to seasonal workers from the Pacific and people currently employed in the horticulture industry throughout New Zealand.

In announcing the funding, Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the Industry Training Fund will boost performance and participation in industry training, encourage competition and innovation plus simplify the industry training system.

"These past few years have been trying times for kiwifruit growers in Te Puke and the wider Bay of Plenty District and the industry is continuing to recover (from Psa) through the resilience of local growers.

"NZKGI was selected (for funding) following a competitive tender process and has shown a commitment to training that will benefit the trainees, their organisations, and the country as a whole.

"This is another positive step forward for our community. The Government has a strong interest in the recovery of the kiwifruit industry and I remain committed to supporting local growers," says Todd.

Fruition Horticulture academic manager Wendy Bradley says a number of post-harvest operators have indicated a willingness to have their staff take part in the training and now that funding is confirmed, classes can begin.

'There is quite a shortage of skilled staff within the industry now and the courses we run are designed to break down the barriers to further training.

'While the training is intended to assist employees in gaining a National Certificate in Horticulture Level 1 qualification, the aim is to provide essential skills and encourage people to pursue further training through the Primary ITO or Polytechnic.”

The courses will come at some cost to the employer, but because of the funding Wendy says companies will be able to afford to enrol more employees than they perhaps otherwise would have.

The kiwifruit funding is part of a total $2.09 million government packaged shared between four primary organisations which is expected to result in up to 1310 employees being trained.