Fonterra Dairy Pilot Programme

The GFF Fonterra Dairy Pilot programme is a hybrid farmer-led vocational training programme developed in partnership between GFF and Fonterra, launching as a pilot in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. It combines practical on-farm experience with industry-relevant learning and qualifications, aimed at young people who want to build a career in dairy farming.

• Young people aged 16-20
• Based (or willing to move) in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty region (for this pilot)
• A desire to work on dairy farms, develop practical skills, and commit to a two-year training period
• Ability to meet underlying requirements such as reliable transport, work-readiness, willingness to learn, and some base level of literacy and numeracy

To meet the NZQA standards, you will be required attend regular in-person and online learning sessions and complete coursework to demonstrate your learning.
Attendance at these learning sessions is essential for the successful
completion of the course and the coursework will be graded to support
demonstration of the NZQA criteria.

During the
programme you will complete industry-recognised NZQA qualifications including
(but not limited to):

• Level 2 Certificate in Primary
  Industry
• Level 3 Certificates in
  Primary Operational Skills, Land Based Sustainable Practices
• Certificate in Agriculture
  (Dairy Strand) Level 3
• First Aid certificate.

These (or equivalent) reflect GFF's exsisting model.

• A full two-year placement, with approximately 44 weeks of training/work each year (excluding scheduled breaks).
• On-farm practical training under a Farm Trainer’s guidance (The Farm Trainer will be a Fonterra Co-operative Shareholder)
• Off-farm days (for theory, workshops, group training) approximately one day per week on average.
• Pastoral care and Student Success Advisor support to ensure holistic development (skills, wellbeing, career planning).

You’ll be placed with an approved Fonterra Shareholder dairy farm trainer. This means you’ll be working in real farm environments, doing real tasks (with
supervision), contributing to farm operations, learning how to manage animals,
pasture, equipment, and daily farm routines.

You’ll also benefit from mentorship, teamwork, and peer-learning opportunities.

The GFF-Fonterra Dairy Pilot follows the same successful GFF model used in sheep and beef, but with dairy-specific training, qualifications, and Fonterra
partnership support. It’s tailored for those passionate about dairy farming.

You’ll be placed on approved Fonterra Shareholder farms that meet GFF’s safety,
management, and mentorship standards. These farms will vary in size and system but all share a commitment to high-quality training and people development.

No, students do not have to pay fees for the GFF-Fonterra Dairy Pilot Programme

Yes, a student living allowance is provided weekly.

The Farm Trainers will provide your placement environment. Typical provisions include:

• Fully furnished accommodation meeting the Healthy Homes Standard
• Wi-Fi or internet access
• Power (within specified limit)
• Your placement supervision, training environment, and mentoring

• Own laptop (for digital
  learning and assessments) and access to reliable internet
• Working gear: boots, wet
  weather gear, suitable clothing (new or good condition), dairy aprons?
• A driver’s licence (usually
  Restricted licence minimum) to enable safe transport needs
• Good attitude, willingness to
  learn, healthy work ethic – this counts a great deal

You’ll live either on-site or near your farm placement. Accommodation varies by farm, some on-farm, some nearby. More details will be provided once placement is confirmed.

Yes, GFF runs regional catch-ups, training days, and wellbeing workshops to help
students connect, learn, and build networks across the industry.

Graduates of the programme can move into roles on-farm
roles, preferably Fonterra Co-operative Shareholder farms – the roles may be as
a farm assistant, contract milker, dairy farm manager, share-milker, or further
farm business leadership roles. The skills you gain are transferable across the
ag-sector and aligned with future growth of dairy in New Zealand.

Yes - the programme is structured in a way many students are eligible for student loans (via StudyLink) to cover study costs, equipment (laptop), and living expenses. 

GFF places strong emphasis on holistic growth - it’s not
just farm skills. You’ll have access to student-support networks (Student
Success Advisors), pastoral care, mentoring, and peer groups. We believe in
growing people, not just farmers.

Because the programme is intensive and structured for two years, you need to be prepared to commit for the full period. 

Approximately one day per week on average will be an off-farm theory/training day. The bulk of your time will be on-farm gaining practical experience. 

• Submit your application
  through the GFF website for the Dairy Pilot
• Selection will involve
  assessing your suitability (motivation, attitude, basic literacy &
  numeracy, licence, references)
• Placement matching (region,
  farm, trainer) occurs once successful
• Pilot intake begins in early
  2026 (for Waikato & Bay of Plenty)

If a contribution is required, GFF will provide information about scholarship or
hardship funds, and you may be eligible for student loans. GFF is committed to
ensuring financial barrier does not stop a motivated young person from
participating.

You can contact the GFF team via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 021 315 534.

The GFF-Fonterra Dairy Pilot is a new two-year training pathway developed in partnership with Fonterra and delivered by Growing Future Farmers (GFF). It extends our proven on-farm training model from sheep and beef into the dairy sector, but tailored with dairy-specific training, qualifications, and Fonterra partnership support. 
The pilot will begin in early 2026 in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, placing selected students with registered Fonterra Shareholder Farm Trainers for two years of hands-on learning supported by structured off-farm training and pastoral care.

We’re looking for Fonterra Shareholders in the Waikato or Bay of Plenty who:

• Are passionate about developing young people and sharing their skills;
• Operate professional, well-managed dairy farms;
• Can provide a safe and supportive learning environment; and
• Have the time and commitment to mentor a student
  for the full two-year duration.

At this stage only Fonterra Shareholders are able to join the GFF Dairy Pilot Programme.

You’re not doing it alone — GFF provides wrap-around support, including:

• Student Success Advisor (SSA): your first point of contact for any issues, progress, or wellbeing concerns.
• Resources and templates:
  including training plans, goal-setting templates, and feedback tools.
• Induction and guidance: before
  your student arrives, you’ll be supported through the GFF onboarding process to ensure you’re confident and ready.
• Wellbeing support

As a Farm Trainer, you’ll:

• Provide a safe, structured, and inclusive learning
  environment for your student.
• Support them to complete practical learning aligned with the NZQA qualifications.
• Offer regular feedback, coaching, and guidance.
• Encourage good habits around safety, animal welfare, and farm systems.
• Communicate regularly with the Student Success Lead and training team.
• Help students understand the value of being part of a Co-operative model and the value chain and network of
  Fonterra.

Students will complete nationally recognised NZQA Level 2
and 3 agriculture qualifications, alongside short courses such as First Aid,
vehicle operation, fencing, and animal health.
The exact qualification structure aligns with GFF’s existing framework, with a Dairy Industry focus (e.g., milk harvesting, effluent management, feed planning, and animal wellbeing).

Students will typically:

• Students are required to be on farm for 32hours per week.
• Spend around four days per week on-farm, applying what they learn in a real working environment.
• Attend one day per week of formal learning or workshops, organised regionally by GFF and supported by Fonterra.
• Farm Trainers are encouraged to integrate the student’s learning objectives into their daily farm work to reinforce both practical and theoretical
  understanding.

Approved GFF Farm Trainers are expected to provide:

• Safe accommodation (meeting Healthy Homes standards);
• Access to internet and basic utilities;
• A supportive workplace and structured training environment;
• Farm induction and mentorship;
• Feedback and participation in GFF’s monitoring
  processes.

Becoming a Farm Trainer allows you to:

• Invest in the future of the dairy industry by training and inspiring the next generation.
• Develop your own leadership and coaching skills.
• Gain recognition as part of a respected national training network.
• Access ongoing support, resources, and development opportunities through GFF.
• Many trainers describe it as one of the most rewarding parts of their
  farming journey.
• Keep the Co-operative strong for generations.

GFF will run Farm Trainer induction sessions covering expectations,
communication tips, student management, and risk/safety guidance to set you up
for success.

Please get in touch with us, as we are able to help with accommodation solutions

Fonterra are strategic partners - they’ll provide input, access to industry expertise, and regional connections but the day-to-day management sits with GFF.

Farm Trainers are required to contribute a $215 (excl GST) per week student living allowance.

Students apply directly to GFF. Those who meet entry criteria are interviewed and assessed for readiness, motivation, and fit.

GFF then works with Fonterra’s regional FarmSource network and Farm Trainers to
match students based on farm systems, personalities, and development goals - ensuring the best possible fit for both trainer and student.

GFF’s Student Success Lead will work closely with Farm Trainers
and students to address any concerns early.

If challenges occur - whether around performance, communication, or wellbeing -
GFF provides mediation, guidance, and support to help find constructive
solutions.

If challenges arise, GFF will step in to support both parties. In some
cases, a rematch may be possible, or GFF will help manage transition plans if a
student exits early.

Regular check-ins are part of the programme. You can raise concerns at
any time with your Student Success Lead or via the GFF reporting system.

• Expressions of Interest (EOI): Open late 2025
• Student–Farm matching: Early 2026
• Pilot placements commence:
  March 2026
• Duration: Two years

At GFF, our philosophy is simple - we don’t just grow farmers, we grow people.

That means helping young students develop life skills, confidence, resilience,
and values - alongside the technical knowledge that makes them great farm
workers.

As a trainer, you play a key role in that journey.

Email:
[email protected]

Phone: 021 315 534