New Work Exchange Scheme Boosts Global Dairy Farming Experience for Young Professionals
Source: The DairyNews
A novel Work Exchange Scheme has been introduced for young dairy farmers aged 18 to 30 from New Zealand and Ireland, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and professional growth. This initiative is a joint effort between New Zealand Dairy Careers (NZDC) and Farm Relief Services (FRS), aimed at enriching the global dairy industry with fresh perspectives and enhanced expertise.
Under the scheme, Irish dairy professionals will have the opportunity to spend a year in New Zealand, engaging with the dynamic local dairy sector to broaden their skills and understand diverse agricultural practices. Notably, even those Irish citizens who have previously utilized their New Zealand Working Holiday Visa are eligible, providing a rare second chance for deeper engagement with New Zealand's dairy farming methods.
Conversely, New Zealand participants will travel to Ireland for a year, where they will work alongside Irish farmers. This exchange will allow them to learn from Ireland's distinct farming techniques and integrate best practices into their own repertoire.
Highlights of the NZDC-FRS Work Exchange Programme include:
Matt Jones, Director of NZDC, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the decade-long partnership with FRS that made this scheme possible. "This initiative underscores our commitment to promoting international cooperation in agriculture and nurturing the next generation of dairy industry leaders," Jones stated.
Colette McInerney, Head of Operations at FRS Network, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the scheme's role in facilitating talent exchange and promoting global dairy community collaboration.
Testimonials from participants like Simon Henderson from New Zealand and Molly from Ireland illustrate the personal and professional benefits of the scheme. Simon, currently working in Co. Kilkenny, praised the supportive environment and different farming approaches in Ireland, while Molly shared her enriching experience in Canterbury, New Zealand, underscoring the enjoyable work-life balance and the opportunity to explore the country.
This Work Exchange Scheme represents a significant step towards globalizing the dairy industry by providing young professionals with invaluable international experience and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse agricultural practices.
Conversely, New Zealand participants will travel to Ireland for a year, where they will work alongside Irish farmers. This exchange will allow them to learn from Ireland's distinct farming techniques and integrate best practices into their own repertoire.
Highlights of the NZDC-FRS Work Exchange Programme include:
- Eligibility for previous New Zealand Working Holiday Visa users from Ireland to re-engage with New Zealand's dairy sector.
- Competitive paid job placements in Ireland with wages ranging from €12.72 to €13.50 per hour for New Zealanders.
- Equally competitive salaries for Irish workers in New Zealand, with earnings between $25 to $33 per hour.
- Comprehensive on-the-job training covering animal health, pasture management, and overall farm maintenance.
- Full support services including accommodation, pastoral care, visa application assistance, and travel logistics.
Matt Jones, Director of NZDC, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the decade-long partnership with FRS that made this scheme possible. "This initiative underscores our commitment to promoting international cooperation in agriculture and nurturing the next generation of dairy industry leaders," Jones stated.
Colette McInerney, Head of Operations at FRS Network, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the scheme's role in facilitating talent exchange and promoting global dairy community collaboration.
Testimonials from participants like Simon Henderson from New Zealand and Molly from Ireland illustrate the personal and professional benefits of the scheme. Simon, currently working in Co. Kilkenny, praised the supportive environment and different farming approaches in Ireland, while Molly shared her enriching experience in Canterbury, New Zealand, underscoring the enjoyable work-life balance and the opportunity to explore the country.
This Work Exchange Scheme represents a significant step towards globalizing the dairy industry by providing young professionals with invaluable international experience and fostering a deeper understanding of diverse agricultural practices.
