Apprenticeship in Horticulture provides Mitchell with knowledge to grow
11 February 2025
From jobseeker benefit to discovering a passion for growing fruit, Primary ITO learner Mitchell Rush has just ticked off his apprenticeship and a job promotion.
Mitchell, 28, has had an inspiring career journey after leaving school unsure of which path to take. He spent a few months on the jobseeker benefit, attending work seminars through the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). A seminar on strawberry picking piqued his interest, and he started work as a seasonal picker at Sweet Red Strawberries in Helensville, north of Auckland, soon after.
“I was young and fit, and the fact that you had to be able to lift a certain number of kilos appealed to me,” Mitchell says. “I gave it a crack and loved it. I ended up staying four and a half years, part time for the first couple of years before being made full time.”
Mitchell cutting down plants as part of a crop change
Keen to gain more experience, Mitchell made the switch to capsicums in 2020 with a role at Gourmet Paprika in Parakai. He enjoyed picking and working with the team to carry out crop changes. It was here that he was offered a NZ Apprenticeship in Horticulture (Indoor Crop Production) through Primary ITO.
A short time later Mitchell moved to the company’s Kumeū site, which produces tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. He found this helpful while completing his training, as he could answer different questions based on variables of the different crops.
“For me being in the industry already, I found the Level 3 part of the apprenticeship quite easy. Level 3 is good for people new to the industry. I enjoyed Level 4; it was more of a challenge and more in depth.
“It included supervisory and communication skills and really opened up for me how to communicate well with people. This is very important in horticulture, as you can be working with other cultures. It really made me think about that side of things.”
Mitchell fixing irrigation leaks
In October 2024 with one paper to go, Mitchell landed a promotion as assistant grower at Gourmet Waiuku. The site grows capsicums in a large glasshouse and warehouse equipped with the latest technology. A typical day includes mixing fertilisers, carrying out water readings, crop recordings to check plant growth, and some paperwork/emails. He is also involved in general maintenance, checking irrigation and fixing any leaks.
“If it’s a quiet day I’ll jump into a glasshouse and help with picking or pruning, or in the packhouse to help the team pack produce for overseas customers and Costco. It helps to split up the day.”
While it’s been a “busy” few years for Mitchell, he says combining his apprenticeship study with full-time work was “not too bad”. He was also working extra hours picking, playing football, and helping to look after his grandfather after work.
“There’s also a feeling of pride when you go to the supermarket and see the produce on the shelf.”
Mitchell says his Primary ITO Training Adviser was very supportive and explained things well.
Training Adviser Martina Balasova watched Mitchell’s progress from first signing up to completing his apprenticeship.
“Mitchell has an inspiring career growth story. He is also an excellent student and a genuinely nice person, with a fantastic sense of humour.”
Mitchell receiving his certificate from Training Adviser, Martina
When asked what he enjoys most about working in the industry, Mitchell says “all of it.”
“I’m quite into the physical side of work and I like a challenge. The site I’m working at has a lot of new technology. And just watching young plants grow and transform into a plant producing fruit. I also enjoy being able to learn every side of the operation … there’s so much that goes into growing produce in a glasshouse from co² levels, humidity, temperature, cloud cover, water and airflow, pests and diseases … so many different things.”
Mitchell plans to keep growing his skills and experience in his new role as assistant grower. He’s keen to do more study and step up as a head grower in the next few years.
Click the links for information on Primary ITO’s horticulture apprenticeship options for indoor crop production and outdoor crop production.
Now is the perfect time to train, with 50% off Horticulture fees in 2025 (T’s and C’s apply). Find out more here.