Horticulturalists Internship

Get paid to learn. Experience horticulture first-hand. Discover where it could take you. 

Mr Apple is looking for two Year 12 students moving into Year 13 in 2027 to join our Growing Future Horticulturalists Internship Programme. 

This paid internship is an opportunity to experience the journey of an apple from orchard to market while gaining practical workplace experience and exploring career pathways across horticulture, science, technology, engineering and business. 

What you’ll be doing:  

Your internship combines hands-on work experience with opportunities to learn from people working across different parts of Mr Apple. 

• Spend three weeks working alongside our orchard teams from 1 December to 22 December 2026 
• Return during the Term 1 school holidays in 2027 for one week of post-harvest experience 
• Gain exposure to our packhouses, coolstores and other areas of the business 
• Discover the variety of careers available within horticulture 
• Meet industry professionals and learn about their career journeys 
• Take part in weekly mentoring and development check-ins 
• Build confidence, communication skills and practical workplace experience 
• Complete an end-of-programme presentation and receive a certificate of completion 

What you'll bring 

You don't need previous horticulture experience. We're looking for students who are keen to learn, get involved and make the most of the opportunity. 

• A current Year 12 student entering Year 13 in 2027 
• Based in Hawke's Bay 
• Curious, motivated and willing to learn 
• Reliable and committed to completing the programme 
• Positive and comfortable communicating with different people 
• Interested in horticulture, agriculture, science, engineering, technology or business 

What we offer 

• Paid, real-world work experience while you're still at school 
• Exposure to the full apple journey from orchard to post-harvest 
• Mentoring, development and connections with people working in the industry 
• An opportunity to explore future study and career options within a modern and innovative industry 

How to apply 

As part of your online application, we'll ask you to: 

1. Provide the details of a school support person (teacher, careers advisor, dean, coach, mentor or tutor). 

2. Answer the question: "Why do you want to participate in the GFH Internship?" 

Our selection process includes an online application, phone screening, interview and a check-in with your nominated school support person before the final two interns are selected. 

Applications close 30 October 2026.