Dairy Processing Apprentice

Kick start your career with a Dairy Processing apprenticeship working for one of the biggest dairy co-operatives in the world
- We will support you in a personal development program and have all the tools to seal your success in the dairy industry
- Earn while you learn and gain a NZ Certificate in Dairy Processing Level 4

About

We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.

The Opportunity

Not only will you get to learn from our technical mentors, you’ll also be heavily involved in the large-scale production of dairy products that are exported to the rest of the world, giving a much bigger scope to other career opportunities further on down the track.

As a Dairy Processing Apprentice at our Te Rapa site, you'll be using world class cutting-edge technology and working with our team of highly trained experts who are passionate about the work they do - producing food for people around the globe.

On site, you’ll be working from Monday to Friday initially and will eventually progress into our shift pattern, giving you plenty of time off. The theory-based work will be spread across the duration of your 30-month apprenticeship so that it aligns with the practical work you’ll be involved in. Along with one-on-one mentoring, you’ll also have a strong support network of previous dairy apprentices, plus you’ll learn and grow with other apprentices across different trades and services.

What you’ll bring and develop

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate about dairy processing (food production), wants to learn how milk goes from ‘grass to glass’ and shows a genuine interest in the technical and creative parts of the work you get to be involved in each day. The perfect fit will be someone who enjoys working in a team, shows initiative, can think on their feet when a problem pops up and brings a co-operative attitude to everything they do. Your confidence to speak up and ask questions, matched with your strong work ethic, will continue to boost you through your learning journey with us.

Other key skills and experience include:

- Achieved or in the process of attaining minimum of NCEA Level 2 Maths
- Confident with emerging technology and a strong mechanical aptitude
- Enjoys problem solving and a quick learner who adapts to change easily
- Strong time management skills
- A minimum learners driver's license with eligibility to secure your restricted before you start
- Ability to use computer systems confidently

Overall, it’s your positive attitude and your ambition to succeed that will set you apart

Our Story

Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do, we want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive. Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.

Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone’s lifestyles and choices.