Dairy processing
New Zealand is the world’s biggest exporter of dairy products, producing 21 billion litres of milk for processing each year.
Job overview
Opportunities for those wanting to build a career in dairy processing continues to grow with New Zealand’s dairy industry prospering, new businesses starting and existing businesses expanding.
While dairy products are the country’s largest export earner, there are also companies who process milk into products, such as butter, cheese and ice cream, for sale across New Zealand. The Dairy Processing industry employs over 13,000 people.
A career in the dairy processing industry can offer many opportunities both across New Zealand and across the world.
Skills and experience
- Safety-conscious
- Excellent attention for detail
- Able to follow instructions
- Enjoys working in a team
- Can identify and solve problems
- Good communication skills
News from our learners and employers
Auckland goat milk product company NIG Nutritionals has substantially increased productivity and staff retention in its manufacturing plants by partnering with Primary ITO to give staff opportunities to gain recognised qualifications.
Aimee Thorne still pinches herself at her situation and after seven years working at award winning Dutch cheese company Karikaas Cheese in Canterbury, still loves cheese.
The opportunity to study for a qualification has kindled a passion for learning among staff at South Island dairy company Westland Milk with more than 60 of its manufacturing team studying toward a Dairy Processing Apprenticeship.
The smile said it all recently, when Fonterra's George Matiaha was presented with a NZ Certificate representing his first formal qualification.