At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in horticulture through rotations and mentoring.
- Company: Join Mr Apple, a leading apple grower in Hawke's Bay.
- Benefits: Structured programme with mentoring, development support, and future career opportunities.
- Other info: Open doors to exciting roles within the horticulture industry.
- Why this job: Launch your career in horticulture and learn from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Graduating in 2026 with a relevant diploma or degree.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you graduating in 2026 and ready to take the first step in your career? We have 3 graduate vacancies for 12-18 months available at Mr Apple in Hawke's Bay. At Mr Apple, we don't just grow apples — we grow experts. This programme is designed for ambitious graduates looking to gain real-world experience, build technical and commercial capability, and explore long-term career opportunities within horticulture.
You'll be exposed to multiple areas of our integrated apple growing business, work alongside experienced industry professionals, and develop an understanding of the full life cycle of the apple from orchard to customer.
What you'll be doing:
- You will develop skills and knowledge through hands-on learning, mentoring and 2–3 rotations that provide exposure to different departments across our business.
- Through the programme you’ll have opportunities to:
- Build technical, operational, and commercial capability.
- Receive mentoring and development support.
- Learn from industry experts – developing meaningful professional networks.
- Participate and join in industry events.
Starting in January 2027, you'll complete a minimum of 2 work rotations within a 12 – 18-month contract in the following departments:
- Post Harvest: Build an understanding of cool store and packhouse operations, inventory management, logistics, quality standards, and the systems that support the delivery of the world-class apples around the globe.
- Orchards: Experience growing apples and learn about the systems, technology and expertise involved from redevelopment and crop management through to harvest.
- Wider Business Exposure: Gain insight into how business support services contribute to the success of our business. Meet the people, contribute to projects, and learn how different experiences and roles can shape a successful career within horticulture.
What you'll bring:
- Passion – you are keen to learn, work hard and explore different roles within horticulture.
- Completed a minimum of a Diploma or bachelor's degree in 2026 in a subject relevant to horticulture.
- Strong communication skills, comfortable working in a team and autonomously.
- High attention to detail and eye for quality.
- You are willing to work both indoors and outdoors.
- Own accommodation and transport (minimum of restricted licence) in Hawke’s Bay.
- You have the right to work in New Zealand and are available for either 12 or 18-months contract.
What we offer:
- Join a business committed to innovation and developing future talent.
- Structured programme including mentoring and development support.
- Minimum of 2 work rotations, with exposure across other areas of the business.
- Opportunity to meet and learn from leaders and subject matter experts.
- Open doors to future roles within Mr Apple and horticulture.
If you’re ready to launch your career in horticulture and learn from experts across one of New Zealand’s leading apple growers, apply now!
Advertising will be open until Sunday August 23rd. All candidates will be notified of outcome by end of September.
Graduate Programme 2027 in Hastings employer: Mr Apple
At Mr Apple, we pride ourselves on being more than just a leading apple grower; we are dedicated to nurturing our employees and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. As a Technical Operations Manager – Orchards, you will enjoy a collaborative work environment that values your expertise and offers ample opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to the future of horticulture in New Zealand. Join us to make a tangible impact on orchard performance and be part of a supportive team that is committed to excellence and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Programme 2027 in Hastings
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Reach out to local farms or horticultural centres and ask if you can volunteer or intern. It's a hands-on industry, so showing you’re eager to get stuck in can really set you apart. Plus, you’re likely to learn loads and make valuable contacts who might just mention openings at their own workplaces.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Associations
Look for local gardening clubs or horticulture associations and join in on their events. Networking with enthusiastic gardeners can lead to inside info on potential internships. Often, these communities share opportunities that might not be advertised elsewhere, so don’t miss out!
✨Take Advantage of University Resources
If you're at university, make sure to hit up your career services. They often know about internship openings in horticulture that you might not find on typical job boards. Attend their career fairs, as companies often look for interns directly on campus.
✨Explore Tabletop Events and Workshops
Look for workshops, fairs, or exhibitions related to horticulture. These events not only focus on the floral aspect but can open up a world of connections. Don't hesitate to chat with presenters and attendees; you never know who might have or know of the perfect internship opportunity. And don’t forget to check out Mr Apple’s website for openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Programme 2027 in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb!:In the horticulture field, it’s essential to highlight any relevant experience you’ve got with plants, whether that's in personal gardens, volunteering at local community gardens, or any courses you’ve completed. Use your CV to detail the specific types of plants you've worked with and any gardening techniques you're familiar with to demonstrate your passion for horticulture.
Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn:As this is an internship, make sure to express your eagerness to gain hands-on experience in your cover letter. Talk about what motivates you to apply for this role at Mr Apple and how this opportunity will help you develop your skills in horticulture. It’s all about showcasing that you’re keen to absorb knowledge and grow as a budding horticulturist!
Include Your Certificates and Projects:If you've done any gardening courses, workshops, or even had mini-projects like creating a herb garden, don't hold back on listing those in your application! Attach any relevant certificates and share fun side projects in your CV or cover letter to underline your commitment to the field and your proactive approach.
Simple Formatting, Nature-Inspired Design:Keep your CV and cover letter looking fresh and easy to read. A nature-inspired design can work wonders — think earthy colours or a plant motif but keep it professional. Avoid clutter and odd fonts; we want to focus on your skills and experiences without distractions. Remember, apply through our website for a seamless experience with your applications!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mr Apple
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be ready to chat about different species, their needs, and maybe even pest management techniques. Show that you’re keen and can apply your knowledge practically during that internship at Mr Apple.
✨Hands-On Experience Matters
Since it's an internship, emphasise your hands-on experience, even if it's from your own garden or school projects. Bring in examples of how you've created a compost, propagated plants, or worked on a garden design to showcase your practical skills and passion for horticulture.
✨Familiarise with Tools of the Trade
Get comfy with the tools often used in horticulture—from trowels to greenhouses. You might be asked about their uses or asked to demonstrate how you'd use them. Having that familiarity can really set you apart as someone ready to dive into the role at Mr Apple.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Internships are all about learning, so express your enthusiasm for gaining new skills and knowledge. Talk about specific areas you wish to improve, such as soil health or landscape design, and how you'd like to grow during your time at Mr Apple.
