About the Careers Pathway Scheme
The purpose of the scheme is to grow the number and diversity of advisers in the primary industry advisory sector.
Independent advisory companies and whenua Māori entities may be eligible to receive financial support when hiring new advisers or upskilling existing staff.
- New and early career advisers – $22,500 per year (for up to 3 years) to help cover salary and training costs.
- Experienced advisers – one-off contributions towards training costs to grow skills required for integrated farm planning.
Applications opened in April 2022 and will remain open until 2025.
Why the scheme is needed
The agriculture and horticulture advisory sectors have an ageing workforce and a shortage of advisers. The scheme will support the development of up to 100 skilled farm advisers. This will ensure farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners have access to high-quality farm planning support and advice.
There will be an emphasis on attracting more advisers who are:
- women
- graduates
- Māori
- career changers.
Three types of funding available for primary industry advisers
Financial support is available for companies or people who employ primary industry advisers.
Employers will be eligible for different levels of support based on the experience of their advisers.
Up to 3 years' salary and training contribution
This category is for advisers who have less than 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as an adviser.
Up to 2 years’ salary and training contribution
This category is for advisers with between 1 and 3 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as an adviser.
One-off contribution towards training costs
This category is for advisers:
- with more than 3 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience as an adviser
- who want to upskill to support farmers with integrated farm planning.
Check if you are eligible to apply
Independent advisory companies and whenua Māori entities may be eligible for funding.
You’re encouraged to apply if you:
- want to develop great advisers
- support the use of integrated farm planning
- have access to experienced advisers
- can support professional development with a steady workflow
- want to grow your team’s diversity
- are eager to expand your understanding of whenua Māori needs.
Who to contact
If you have questions or would like to discuss applying for the scheme, email slu.team@mpi.govt.nz
Find out more
Careers Pathway Scheme fact sheet [PDF, 640 KB]
Careers Pathway Scheme fact sheet (Māori entities) [PDF, 332 KB]
Careers Pathway Scheme competency matrix and professional development plans FAQs [PDF, 143 KB]
Integrated farm planning fact sheet [PDF, 318 KB]
Good farm planning principles: Towards integrated farm planning [PDF, 1022 KB]