Learn more about training with us

If you’re interested in enrolling with us, this page tells you about eligibility, how to enrol, what support you can get, and more.

Watch here to learn about what you can expect when you are doing on the job training with us.

Watch this short video sharing tips and tricks to get the most out of on the job training, whether you are an employer or learner.

For most of our programmes, you will need to already be working in the sector. Your employer must also be comfortable that you’re training because they (or someone in the business) will play a key role in helping you learn.

Some programmes require you to have experience in the industry or specific workplace responsibilities.

Explore all of our programmes

If you aren’t employed, check out our new to industry page. You will find some careers information and job search websites that are available across the primary industry sectors.

How to enrol if you work in agriculture or horticulture

If you want to enrol in our training, talk to your employer first and make sure they’re comfortable with you training.

Once you contact us, we will organise a visit from one of our Training Advisers who will come to your workplace to discuss your training options.

If you work in other parts of the primary sector

If you are looking to enrol into a programme in any of the following sectors, you should engage directly with your employer who will work with our specialised Sector Managers to sort out your enrolment.

Meat Processing, Seafood Processing, Dairy Processing, Energy and Chemical, Pest Operations, Animal Care, Equine, Rural Servicing.

We’ll support you throughout your training

We help you and your employer to choose a programme that is fit-for-purpose, and equips you with the right skills, knowledge and experience. Then we’ll work with you and sometimes with external training providers to support you to complete your programme. We also help with assessments and ensuring all the evidence and learning modules in our resources are completed.

Train on the job

Training and assessment happen in the workplace, so you can learn on the job with real-world industry experience. About 70% of all learning takes place at work through on-the-job learning. The rest is made up of coursework, training, coaching, mentoring, and peer networks. 

You do not need to be employed if you’re a school student

If you’re currently a high school student, you don’t need to be employed to enrol with us.

See what options are available to school students.

You may be able to get help to pay for your training

You may be able to get help to pay for your training.

Fees Free

You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.

Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.

For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.

What if I am on a work visa - can I train with you?

From 1 January 2023 only work-visa holders who meet specific immigration criteria can enrol into an approved programme and receive funding on the same basis as a domestic learner.

Work-visa holders must be employed through an Immigration New Zealand ‘Green List’ occupation or via a Sector Agreement.
If you meet the above criteria you can enrol into one of the programmes approved for that sector by TEC. The list of programmes is here.

For more information please Contact Us

We can help you with apprenticeships

An apprenticeship in the primary sector is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills and knowledge while you’re working. We offer plenty of support to help you undertake your apprenticeship.

Learn more about apprenticeships.

We can help you with reading and writing

We’re a dyslexia-friendly organisation and can provide support and resources to help you finish your training.

Learn more about our reading and writing support.

We can help you if English is your second language

We can help you find online English lessons and direct you to your nearest English Partners, who can help you learn English.

We can suggest translation apps and direct you to Pathways Awarua, who can help you improve your basic English literacy.

We’ll work with your employer to support you in your training

We'll help you to choose a programme that gives you the skills, knowledge and experience you’re looking for. We then work with your employer and external training providers to help you complete your programme. Once you’ve completed a programme, talk to your Training Adviser and your employer about other programmes you could pursue.

If you’ve been working in this industry for years, you won’t have to start your training with basic courses

Our expert team can work with you to establish the best starting point for your training to match your experience.

Follow you progress through our online portal

You'll get access to an online portal linked to our training data system. This allows you and your staff to see what training has been completed and any off-job training days that are coming up.

Programmes

Check out our range of programmes

Programmes

Check out others who have done training with us

Powering kiwi households with qualified staff

Todd Energy produces over a third of New Zealand’s natural gas supply from its onshore gas fields in Taranaki, with skilled staff completing in-house training and formal qualifications through Primary ITO.

Rural Women’s Day Q&A with Ginny Vincent

To mark the International Day of Rural Women on Thursday 15 October, we sit down with Primary ITO Chief Executive Ginny Vincent, who has been leading the organisation since January 2026.

Pāmu and Primary ITO collaborate to upskill future farmers

Growing the pipeline of farmers into the agriculture industry and providing opportunities for employment and career development is at the heart of the Pāmu Apprenticeship Scheme, proudly supported by Primary ITO.

Q&A with 2026 Nelson Young Grower - Amelia Marsden

Amelia Marsden has been racking up the accolades since completing her New Zealand Apprenticeship in Horticulture (Fruit Production) through Primary ITO in 2022.