Late last year PGG Wrightson initiated a new trainee programme for retail sales representatives, with four Rural Supplies and two Fruitfed Supplies trainees selected to start in 2018.

Mentored by highly-experienced Technical Field or Horticultural Representatives, the trainees learn about the wider PGG Wrightson business through a structured programme of modules and assessments. They also complete the company’s in-house NZQA accredited programme to gain a National Certificate in Rural Servicing (Level 4). The trainees work full-time in the business for 18 months while completing the programme, leaving them well positioned to move into a permanent role as a fullyfledged Technical Sales Representative. The two successful applicants for the trainee positions within Fruitfed Supplies are Kirsten Ellmers (pictured), based at the Richmond store, and Paul Kahaki, based in Gisborne.

Kirsten, who has a Bachelor of Arts and English, and a Diploma of Science and Technology, was looking for the right role to commence her professional career. Her background includes fulltime work on a Havelock North pip and stonefruit orchard, university holiday work on a sheep and beef station in Rere, Gisborne, helping out at the Matawhero saleyards, and growing up in the rural/equestrian community. The 24-year-old says she’s keen to make the most of the programme’s variety. “I am enjoying being part of this year’s academy group. It’s an excellent place to make contacts and meet people who relate to where I’m at in the trainee programme. I enjoy learning from the Richmond store staff. I am very grateful to be chosen for the programme. The move to Nelson has been a great kick-start to a potential career in Fruitfed Supplies and PGG Wrightson, and I look forward to progressing through the programme.”

Paul Kahaki, age 35, is originally from a Gisborne farming family. “I lived in Auckland for 19 years and saw this as a great opportunity to return home and start a career in farming.” Paul says: “Growing up on the East Coast I spent a lot of time on the farm with the olds, school was non-existent during October whilst docking, and I have always had a keen interest in sheep and beef systems. Comparing farms up the coast back then and the same operations today, the growth and technical development have increased dramatically. As part of the trainee academy, I have chosen to study the export of beef into China. Whilst study has come as a bit of a shock, it is developing my knowledge of a key market New Zealand supplies. “I want to be seen as a trusted technical advisor dealing with the farms I grew up around, helping grow their farming businesses. So far, the programme is great. I’m learning a lot of information that will help me further down the track. I have met a lot of key people within the business in a short space of time, and enjoyed some travel already."