The kiwifruit industry's rapidly increasing fruit volumes is opening up more job opportunities across all levels of the industry.

And to help meet the demand for more workers, and to give people a chance to discover if a career in horticulture is for them, the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic is offering a free course - the National Certificate in Horticulture (Introductory).

The future's looking bright for employment in the horticultural industry believe Dr Tim Lowe, School of Applied Science and Shelley Rose, team leader primary production at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

Team leader, primary production Shelley Rose says limited places are still available on the course which begins this month and she's urging people, especially teenagers looking for a career pathway, to apply now.

She says: 'This free course is an ideal way to find out if you would enjoy working in the horticultural industry and there are no fees to pay.

'The course covers all the basics like plant science, soils, pests and diseases, propagation, agrichemicals, first aid, health and safety and weather interpretation.”

Shelley says the course can lead to a job in the kiwifruit, avocado, pipfruit or wine industries, but also in other aspects of horticulture including plant nurseries, vegetable growing, landscape and amenity work.

The course can be taken one of three ways, to suit each student's situation. There's a full-time on-campus course, or for those already working in the fruit production industry, there is a part time on-campus programme.

In addition, there's an online option for those already working in the nursery and amenity sectors. 'They key for the part time and on-line courses is that students must be in employment,” adds Shelley.

Shelley says now is an excellent time to consider a career in horticulture as the industry estimates it will need 7800 more workers between now and 2025 and that 66 per cent of its work force will require tertiary qualifications.

Employment across all primary industries is expected to increase by 50,000 by 2025 to reach the Government's goal of doubling primary exports. Over half of these workers will need a Tertiary or Level 4 Qualification.

For more information visit: www.boppoly.ac.nz or phone: 0800 BOP POLY.