
What is the value of training your staff? V2
There are a few good reasons to train your team and to get in touch
- Create a positive brand for your business, especially in a tight labour market. Why not set yourself apart from your competitors?
- A skilled team means more time for you to focus on the strategic priorities of your business (and to have more time for yourself and your family).
- The team are able to instantly apply their learning to the job and produce quality work – helping to grow a successful, sustainable business.
- Build trust between yourself and each learner.
The skills they learn are relevant to your business as all qualifications are developed for industry, by industry. - Learners are working at a recognised industry standard.
- Literacy and numeracy support is available for those who need this support.
But don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of our dairy, vege production, amenity, nursery and sheep/beef employers had to tell us about the value of training.

PAMU Mayfield Farm
“The guys bring a lot of new skills to the business and we can improve the farm performance overall.” John Arenas, PAMU Mayfield Manager.

Cascade II Dairy Farm
“The learning that they get from the regular courses and classes is very valuable to our business, and then they can use that theory and put into practical use on the farm.” Daniel Ditchburn, Contract Milker, Cascade II Dairy Farm.

Sutherland Produce
“We put staff through training through Primary ITO because we like to invest in our staff and it makes them feel valued, it also helps with performance. If they have a goal to achieve, they can sometimes work harder.” Kylie Faulkner, Compliance Manager, Sutherland Produce.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
“If you want to get into the horticultural world, this is definitely the way to do it because it gives you that course training and it makes it so much easier to apply all those skills.” Joanna Saunders, Park Ranger, Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Southern Woods Nursery
“It’s a great way to offer continual development to our staff, to have a bit of career progression and having them constantly bring new ideas and grow in the role.” Devon Westley, Production Manager, Southern Woods Nursery.

Lochiel Station
“Having the boys go through the Primary ITO apprenticeship scheme is really beneficial to the farm.” Hamish McRae, owner of Lochiel Station.

Ngamatea Station
“I started off doing Primary ITO when I first got introduced to farming, it got me up the ladder pretty quick. It helped get me to where I am today.” Jessee Kereopa, Station Manager, Ngamatea Station.