A free new course is on offer to young people in Katikati after the town had no such option since the Poutama – Pathway Into Employment programme ended on June 30.

Bay of Plenty company Fruition Horticulture (BOP) has stepped into the void by offering its 20-week Hei Whanake course in Katikati.

Applications are open for the first intake of 11 young people aged 15 to 24, with the course to begin on October 12.

Fruition’s course offers the opportunity to gain a New Zealand Certificate in Primary Industry Skills Level 2 with a strand in self-management and employability skills.

Katikati’s Poutama – Pathway Into Employment programme, run by Katikati Community Centre, ended when it didn’t secure a new Ministry of Social Development contract.

Sjaan Rounds, who was Poutama’s youth employment coach, has been hired by Fruition to run Hei Whanake in Katikati from Poutama’s former base upstairs at the Katikati Christian Centre.

Sjaan Rounds began her new job as Fruition Horticulture’s Hei Whanake course tutor two weeks ago. Photo / Merle Cave

Rounds, who has a career background in education, told Katikati News that she was pleased the community once again had a free programme for those who didn’t fit the school model.

“It’s about youth doing something constructive and learning some new skills,” she said.

“This course is really for people who the school system hasn’t worked for and they still need something positive to do.”

The programme is for young people who hold few or no formal qualifications.

Rounds said students who completed the course – which will have a break during Christmas-New Year – could earn 61 Level 2 credits by the end of March 2027, when it finishes.

“The course is based around horticulture because that’s our primary industry here,” she said.

“It focuses on basic horticulture skills and the soft skills required to function successfully in the workplace. All students will be offered horticultural work experience during the programme.”

By prioritising the needs of every student and challenging them to succeed, Fruition said most successfully transition into employment or further education.

Rounds said Fruition is a horticulture-based company that provides consultancy services to the industry and other horticulture-related educational courses.

The course will be run by Rounds as the fulltime tutor and a part-time tutor Piripi Paraeana, who formerly worked for the Poutama programme.

Rounds said Katikati’s Hei Whanake course was funded by the Youth Guarantee Fund – a Government initiative managed by the Tertiary Education Commission that provides fees-free tertiary education and foundation learning in levels 1 to 3.

Fruition had taken over Poutama’s lease at Katikati Christian centre, she said and had purchased Poutama’s equipment at the facility.

The course will have pastoral care throughout, to look after each student’s wellbeing, plus free lunch and transport daily.

Sjaan Rounds, who was Poutama’s youth employment coach, has been hired by Fruition Horticulture (BOP) to run Hei Whanake in Katikati from Poutama’s former base upstairs at Katikati Christian Centre. Photo / Merle Cave

Rounds said those interested shouldn’t be scared by the fact it’s a Level 2 course.

“It’s a very practical course, with activities inside and outside of the classroom. There’s lots of connection with the community, and it will be run in a really supportive environment.”

Hei Whanake would run differently to Poutama, she said, but it held the same values.

“The course has the same philosophy in that we really care about the students. We know that school hasn’t worked out for them, but we know that’s not the end of the world.

“This course is to propel them on their life journey, keep them going and help them build confidence. It will also keep them busy and connected to the community,” Rounds said.

“The only thing that’s different from Poutama is that we have a Level 2 course we have to do. There is course work and assessments – and you come away with a Level 2 certificate.

“This will give them a sense of achievement,” she said.

“The course also has a strand to teach self-management and employability skills. So, we’ll learn how to be work-ready, and students will make a CV.”

Students can apply online at: https://fruition.ac.nz/programmes/level-2-hei-whanake

For those with questions, contact Rounds by emailing: sjaanrounds@fruition.ac.nz or phone 027 396 4132.