Landscaping Lessons?

Primary ITO has welcomed plans for new industry-led secondary school subjects, saying they could create stronger pathways into training and employment

From 2029, Year 12 and 13 students will be able to study new subjects including Food and Fibre Systems and Construction and Built Environment – areas Primary ITO Chief Executive Ginny Vincent believes could increase awareness of landscaping and related careers.

“The new industry-led secondary school subjects have significant potential,” Vincent said.

“It will help more students understand the breadth of careers available across the food and fibre sector, including landscaping, horticulture, agriculture and other related industries.”

Primary ITO already works with schools throughout New Zealand, providing Gateway and Trades Academy training and STAR programmes for senior secondary students.

Vincent said those programmes were in high demand and were already helping young people progress from school into employment, further training and apprenticeships.

Industry in the Classroom

The Government announced the initiative in August as part of changes designed to provide students with more practical learning opportunities and stronger connections between education and employment.

The Government has allocated $15m through Budget 2026 to develop the new subjects, which will have the same standing as traditional subjects.

Food and Fibre Systems will introduce students to food and fibre industries as a connected system, including the sustainable management of natural resources and the range of roles involved in creating value from them.

Construction and Built Environment will explore how materials, systems and practices come together to create the built environment, with a focus on safe, sustainable and effective outcomes.

Vincent said Primary ITO supported initiatives that strengthened the connection between schools and industry and helped students make informed career decisions.

“Industry-led subjects [like these] have the potential to increase awareness of the opportunities available across our sectors while creating stronger pathways from school into further training and employment,” she said.

Stronger Pathways

Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board Chief Executive Craig Langdon also welcomed the decision.

“By seeing these pathways earlier, [students] can make more informed decisions about future study, training and employment,” he said.

Langdon added New Zealand needed people with knowledge of production and the use and management of natural resources to support the country’s environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing.