Our Support Services Workforce Development Plan contains further analysis of Industry, Workforce and Learner data trends.

Support Services industry trends

This is a complex collection of industries which play a critical role in conjunction with many of our other industry groups. Industry forecasts show continuing growth.

Support Services is a complex industry grouping of people in the workforce who support the outputs of the food and fibre sector. This includes four ANZSIC class codes: Hunting and Trapping; Landscape and Construction Services; Other Agricultural Product Wholesaling; Other Agriculture and Fishing Support Services. These various industries that sit within Support Services can overlap with multiple parts of the food and fibre sector, with the most common industries being Nursery, Turf and Gardening; Arable; Sheep, Beef and Deer; Fruit; and Vegetables. Industry and workforce growth is forecast across ‘Livestock and Other Agricultural Supplies Wholesaling’ , ‘ Landscaping Services’ and ‘ Shearing, Cropping and Agricultural Support Services’.

Approximately 752 (or 11%) of businesses in Support Services were Māori owned in 2020. This is one of the largest representations of Māori owned businesses across Muka Tangata industries, with only Sheep, Beef, Deer and Wool (approximately 1,526 businesses) and Dairy (approximately 942 businesses), having more than this.

Support Services workforce trends

The workforce has been increasing over time but has high levels of seasonal variation (which affect how forecasts should be treated). The ‘cross-sector production’ workforce as a whole is forecast to slightly decrease by 2032 but shows substantial increases in higher skill role types (13%-20%) that will require increased levels of training. Other forecasts covering other segments of the sector show workforce growth. The workforce currently has low levels of formal qualifications and would need a substantially higher than requested level of investment to reach industry benchmark parity. The workforce has low new entrant retention rates and very low levels of industry tenure which drive a need for training of replacements. The sector has very strong reliance on those on RSE, temporary and work visas making the industry vulnerable to changes in immigration trends and policy shifts.

Support Services workforce overview and highlighted demographics

63,460 individuals worked in Support Services across 2020 making it the largest of our industry groupings, and 68% of the workforce identified as European, 16% as Māori, 14% as Asian and 9% as Pacific peoples, with 29% of the workforce identifying as female. The sector has very strong reliance on those on RSE, temporary and work visas making the industry vulnerable to changes in immigration trends and policy shifts.

 

Support Services workforce forecasts

MPI forecasts, using the conservative ‘BAU Scenario’ for the ‘cross-sector production’ workforce as a whole is for a slight decrease by 2032 but shows substantial increases in higher skill role types (13%-20%) that will require increased levels of training. We have mapped these forecasts to the roles and related qualifications for each of our industries and used them as an input to the level of increase requested for each qualification. See Appendix A: Translating MPI workforce forecasts to learner enrolment numbers for more details.

Other forecasts covering other segments of the sector show workforce growth. (‘Livestock and Other Agricultural Supplies Wholesaling’ , ‘ Landscaping Services’ and ‘ Shearing, Cropping and Agricultural Support Services’).

Support Services workforce retention and tenure

The Support Services workforce has a low level of new entrant retention and a low level of industry tenure. This replacement demand also is a driver of training requirements in this industry. This training is not lost to the sector – over a third of new entrants to Muka Tangata industries come from another food and fibre industry and our qualifications are increasingly focused on transferable skills. Specialised education and retention are associated with retention – so increased training is expected to support retention within the industry and broader sector.

 

Which specific qualifications and credentials do you want to see growth in (that can be supported by TEC investment in 2025)?

Qualification or credential

Mode

Specific regions?

Scale of change you are seeking for 2025

Evidence of workforce need – include as text below the table or an attachment

Evidence that this provision will meet the workforce need

WDC-assigned priority level (for this advice)
New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3): Rural Pest Control, Rural Pest Monitoring, and Urban Pest Control [2443]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: West Coast have indicated that there is a widespread local demand for pest control in the region.
10-15%

There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.
Pest control is an area that overlaps with other Workforce Development Councils. We are working with Toitū te Waiora and Toi Mai.

Our engagement with industry and intelligence from RSLGs (particularly the West Coast) has signaled an increased need for workers as pest populations increase (for example, mice rising relative to rats and rising populations as a result of recent natural disasters and changing environments and climate).
New skills may also be necessary as pest control methods change to meet new threats (for example, increasing use of chemical controls).

We note that Toitū te Wairora has raised changing skills as an emerging need.

The New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3) is intended for individuals who have recently begun working in the pest operations industry or who wish to enter the pest operations industry.

It recognises the skills and knowledge of individuals who can carry out pest control operations safely, under limited supervision, and in different environments for the purposes of biosecurity, conservation, and public health and enjoyment.

 Priority
New Zealand Certificate in Pest Management (Level 4): Pest Animal, and Pest Plant [2444]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Tairawhiti. 15 learners

There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.

Pest control is an area that overlaps with other Workforce Development Councils. We are working with Toitū te Waiora and Toi Mai.

Our engagement with industry has signaled an increased need for workers as pest populations increase (for example, mice rising relative to rats and rising populations as a result of recent natural disasters and changing environments and climate).
New skills may also be necessary as pest control methods change to meet new threats (for example, increasing use of chemical controls).

Tairawhiti has advised that in consultation with Iwi and due to a change in land use and Taiao interests, there is a need for provision in this qualification. (particularly the West Coast)
We note that Toitū te Wairora has raised changing skills as an emerging need.

 The New Zealand Certificate in Pest Management (Level 4) is intended for people who have some experience as pest control operators who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in pest management. Priority
New Zealand Certificate in Rural Servicing (Level 4) [3520]     20 learners

There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.

As farming systems have diversified and become more complex, external technical expertise to assist producers has become more important.

The rural servicing industry is small but performs a vital role for industries. We are looking to ensure that there is sufficient technical expertise available.

 The New Zealand Certificate in Rural Servicing (Level 4) provides graduates with the skills to:
• analyse a client's production system(s) to determine business needs
• investigate and apply technical knowledge of a range of rural products and services to provide a client with appropriate solutions
• recommend technical solutions and monitor their implementation.
• analyse and evaluate the outcome of implemented technical solutions and make recommendations for improvement.		 Priority
New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) with strands in Aquatic, Broadacre, Tree and Vine Horticultural, Targeted Weed Control, and Total Vegetation Control [3984]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Taitokerau. 15-20% There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.
Industries across both horticulture and agriculture has identified the need for skills to apply agrichemicals safely to control pests in crops or pastures; and on tree and vine crops; and to control weeds and vegetation.		 The New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Application (Level 4) meets the need of industries by providing people who have the technical skills and knowledge to apply agrichemicals and work unsupervised in the agrichemical application industry. Priority
New Zealand Certificate in Artificial Insemination of Livestock (Level 4) [2467]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Taitokerau . 10-15%

There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.

Artificial Insemination provides an economic benefit to individual farmers and the national economy from increased livestock production as a result of faster genetic gain through selectively using superior sires. The use of semen selected on the basis of sex of offspring can also reduce the number of unwanted bobby calves.
Farmers also benefit by having a closed herd, reducing the incidence of disease transfer.

 The New Zealand Certificate in Artificial Insemination of Livestock (Level 4) provides the agriculture industry with individuals who have the skills and knowledge to successfully artificially inseminate livestock. Priority
New Zealand Certificate in Arboriculture (Level 5): Supervisory Operations, and Technical Operations [2670]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Taitokerau. 20 learners There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.
The arboriculture industry is looking to build the skills of its workforce and provide better career pathways. It has also identified the need for leadership and self-management.

The New Zealand Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 5) is for experienced workers to develop their technical skills and knowledge to be able to manage arboriculture operations.

Graduates will also be able to apply knowledge of leadership, and conflict and relationship management to engage with team members and clients using a range of effective interpersonal skills relevant to arboriculture.

 Priority
New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5) with strands in Construction, and Design [2888]     20%

There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.

The Landscape construction industry has seen a continuous increase in its workforce since 2015. It also has a high and rising proportion of the self-employed. There is a need for more autonomous and managerial skills.

 The New Zealand Diploma in Landscape (Level 5) recognises the technical skills and knowledge to either produce high quality landscape drawings or project manage landscape construction, working autonomously within established parameters of a landscape business. High Priority
New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 6): Process Improvement, and Product Development [2667]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Taitokerau. 30 learners There is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.
MPI workforce forecasts predict significant growth in the horticulture sector, particularly the fruit industry (kiwifruit, apples, and pears). The forecasts call for more managers and semi-autonomous workers to improve productivity and business performance.		 The New Zealand Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 6) recognises the skills and knowledge of individuals who can apply in-depth technical horticulture production skills and knowledge to inform strategic business decisions. The qualification supports the skills needed by semi-autonomous and managerial workers. High Priority
New Zealand Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) [2669]   All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Taitokerau. 20 learners here is demand from industry driven by forecast industry and workforce growth across the related industries, significant gaps in the qualification level of the workforces and demand driven by high rates of new workers constantly needing to be brought into the industries and upskilled.
As part of building the skills of its workforce, including better career pathways, the arboriculture industry is looking to develop greater leadership, mentoring, and role models.		 The New Zealand Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) is intended for experienced individuals who have advanced technical skills and knowledge in arboriculture operations to operate as a technical specialist at an advanced level with an emphasis on tree risk assessment and contract management. These skills contribute to the development of leadership, mentoring and role models. Priority

We have several qualifications with either low enrolment numbers or where any increase would be very small. These qualifications generally provide specific technical skills required by our industries. Due to the low numbers, we are not in a position to give a specific increase. We do not expect there to be large demand for these qualifications, but want to ensure that any extra enrolments are funded. We welcome discussion on any proposed delivery numbers that seem excessive. The qualifications are:
  • New Zealand Certificate in Tuberculosis (TB) Testing of Livestock (Level 3): Cattle [2369]
 Medium Priority

  • New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 3): Rural strand, and Industrial strand [2699]
 Medium Priority - All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Wellington has indicated that there is ongoing demand for fencing specialists in the Wairarapa, with particularly high demand following Cyclone Gabrielle
  • New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 4) [4356]
 Medium Priority - All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Wellington has indicated that there is ongoing demand for fencing specialists in the Wairarapa, with particularly high demand following Cyclone Gabrielle
  • New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 5) [2700]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Certificate in Agrichemical Supply (Level 4) [2497]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation System Performance Assessment (Level 4) [2555]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Certificate in Irrigation System Management (Level 4) [2556]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Diploma in Field Hydrology (Level 5) [2344]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Certificate in Tuberculosis (TB) Testing of Livestock (Level 3): Cattle [2369]
 Medium Priority
  • New Zealand Certificate in Fencing (Level 3): Rural strand, and Industrial strand [2699]
 Medium Priority - All regions – but note RSLG specifics: Wellington has indicated that there is ongoing demand for fencing specialists in the Wairarapa, with particularly high demand following Cyclone Gabrielle
Which specific qualifications and credentials do you want to see changes in?

As we note in our overarching advice, we have not been specific about mode at a qualification level. However, in general, we recommend a preference for workplace training as part of the mix of the provision across all of our industries. This could include both work-based training and campus-based learning that include a strong component of practical ‘on job’ experience in a workplace setting.

 

Footnotes

1. IBSWorld Livestock and Other Agricultural Supplies Wholesaling in New Zealand (October 2023)

2. IBISWorld Landscaping Services in New Zealand (October 2023)

3. IBISWorld Shearing, Cropping and Agricultural Support Services in New Zealand (May 2023)