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Pathways for students and young people

Pāmu offers pathways for students to enter agricultural careers through early exposure, supported study, and paid employment with training. Clear routes into farming are essential for the sector's workforce. Practical pathways reduce barriers, build capability, and improve long-term retention.

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Apprenticeship Scheme

The apprenticeship scheme is a paid employment pathway for people starting or formalising a career on farm. Apprentices are employed by Pāmu, and work toward recognised qualifications while gaining on‑farm experience.

How it works

  • Apprentices are placed on farm and employed as part of the farm team
  • Training is a mix of day‑to‑day farm work and off‑job learning through an external training provider
  • Progression is structured, with expectations increasing over time as skills and confidence develop.

Pastoral care and support

  • Apprentices have a named point of contact for pastoral support outside the farm
  • Support covers wellbeing, accommodation challenges, work–life adjustment, and learning progress
  • Regular check‑ins help identify issues early and support 100% retention in the first cohort
  • Farm managers are supported to provide consistent supervision and feedback.

Who it is for

  • People new to farming or early in their career.
  • Those wanting a supported entry point with clear development steps

Scholarships

First Foundation

First Foundation supports students from backgrounds under‑represented in tertiary education. Pāmu partners with First Foundation to provide scholarships and practical exposure to the food and fibre sector.

What Pāmu provides

  • Financial support toward tertiary study through the First Foundation programme.
  • Paid work experience during study, where available.
  • Connection to Pāmu staff and workplaces to support learning and career insight.

What students receive

  • Academic and pastoral support through First Foundation.
  • Mentoring and structured support across the duration of study.

How students apply

  • Applications are made directly through First Foundation.
  • Selection is managed by First Foundation, with Pāmu involvement where relevant.

Warren Parker Scholarship

The Warren Parker Scholarship supports students with a demonstrated interest in agriculture and leadership potential.

What the scholarship supports

  • Financial assistance during study.
  • Ongoing connection to Pāmu and the agricultural sector.

How students apply

  • Applications open annually.
  • Students apply through the published scholarship process.
  • Selection is based on study focus, interest in agriculture, and leadership potential.

Working with schools and students

Alongside formal programmes, Pāmu works directly with schools and students to provide early exposure to farming and career options.

This includes:

  • Hosting school groups and individual students on farm.
  • Supporting school‑based placements and practical learning where feasible.
  • Participating in careers events and sector education activities.

These activities are designed to give students a realistic view of farming roles and the skills required.

How it fits together

These pathways are designed to connect rather than operate in isolation:

  • School engagement builds awareness and interest.
  • Scholarships support study and reduce financial barriers.
  • Apprenticeships provide structured employment and training.

Students can enter at different points depending on their stage and circumstances.