News | Primary ITO

Growing future farmers with Primary ITO Trades Academy

10 September 2026

Dannevirke High School students are gaining hands-on farming skills and valuable real-world experience through Primary ITO Trades Academy, leading to employment and cadetship opportunities.

Primary ITO takes next step towards industry-owned future

8 July 2026

An Interim Establishment Board has been appointed to guide the organisation as it establishes an industry-owned Private Training Establishment (PTE).

Green-fingered Primary ITO graduate wins horticulture award

22 June 2026

Fresh off a flight from the United States, Primary ITO graduate Meg Spittal took out the title of 2026 Young Amenity Horticulturalist of the Year in May.

Pest training underpins conservation effort on Banks Peninsula

19 March 2026

Native birdsong echoing through regenerated bush and thriving ecosystems across Banks Peninsula is the aim of a local conservation trust, with the support of Primary ITO training.

Building a career in landscape construction

2 March 2026

Primary ITO qualified landscaper Sarah Moorhouse loves working with the team at New Concept Landscaping to create attractive outdoor spaces that clients delight in.

Dom signs off after fifty-year career in horticulture

2 December 2025

After fifty years in horticulture and vocational education, Primary ITO Training Adviser Dom ‘the dominator’ Steenstra is retiring on 5 December to pursue retirement, or possibly a new career pathway.

Vehicle and machinery micro-credentials open to non-primary sector

14 November 2025

Primary ITO vehicle and chainsaw micro-credentials are now available for self-employed owner-operators and people working in industries not related to the primary sector.