Vineyard experience underpins Sector Manager role

Jimmy is passionate about helping the winegrowing, sports turf and apiculture sectors to develop a skilled and confident workforce. As Sector Manager, he works closely with industry to ensure that training programmes deliver the right skills to meet the needs of businesses and their staff. 

Jimmy “fell into the industry” after leaving school in Marlborough, where viticulture is a significant employer and contributor to New Zealand’s domestic and export wine markets.

“My uncle was developing a block at the time, so I helped him, and then started working in contract crews doing seasonal work like pruning. In 2004 the viticulture industry was ramping up, with planting going in everywhere.”

He went on to work as a vineyard operator for Constellation Brands – now one of Primary ITO’s biggest viticulture customers – for a couple of years, then working for a friend who had set up a business in the sector. 

He spent the next couple of years soaking up knowledge and gaining experience, progressing from a 2IC role to looking after a vineyard block. This led to a management role looking after several vineyards for a few years, before an opportunity arose to change focus and help the business develop an app as part of a new electronic payroll system.

“I worked on the app, which let our supervisors input real-time data about how our staff were tracking and completing blocks.  Then I got into the HR, health and safety, and training and recruitment side of things. This led to overseeing all RSE recruitment and visa applications. In this role I started studying the Primary ITO Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management.”

Jimmy joined Primary ITO in November 2017 as a Training Adviser, looking after viticulture and apiculture learners from Nelson/Marlborough down to north Canterbury. He spent a lot of time out visiting businesses and building relationships with employers and learners, while also squeezing in time to finish the diploma.

Jimmy presents at a pruning taster day for people interested in entering the industry in Marlborough, in 2021.

After four years as a Training Adviser, he stepped into the Sector Manager role, which he has held for almost four years. During this time, he also completed a Level 7 Graduate Diploma in Viticulture Science through EIT.

“This was a massive personal achievement, which I’d not thought possible based on my school experience.”

Jimmy says a highlight was working with industry to resurrect and update the viticulture qualifications, in particular the NZ Apprenticeship in Horticulture – Wine Growing (Level 3 and 4).

“I worked with and led a steering group of a wide range of employers and other providers to develop the new qualifications. The wine industry is very engaged in training - they are a big advocate of what we do and how we’ve made things work for them.”

Another highlight was helping to develop the new Vineyard Operations Limited Credit Programme (LCP), launched earlier this year.

Jimmy speaking with industry in role as Sector Manager

Recently Jimmy took part in a Primary ITO succession programme enabling managers to gain experience and insights in a senior role, with coaching and support in place. 

He says it was a fantastic opportunity to “test the waters” and be involved in different decision making.

“I have worked in leadership roles before, so this was a chance to see if I was ready to go back into that space. It made me realise I really enjoy problem solving and it definitely made me appreciate my Sector Manager role.”

Jimmy is passionate about the benefits of apprenticeship and on-job training.

Outside of work Jimmy loves camping with his family, playing football (he’s a big Leicester City fan) and traveling to new places.

Our Level 3 and Level 4 Certificates in Wine Growing are two of many programmes included in our half-price fees 2025 promotion. For more information, or to register interest for yourself or a member of your team, click here.