Your Future
A Smedley cadetship is more than farm training — it’s the beginning of a career in New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
The practical skills, confidence, work ethic, and industry connections developed at Smedley continue to create opportunities long after graduation.
Whether your goal is hands-on farming, farm management, further study, or owning your own operation, Smedley helps build the foundation for your future.
Where A Smedley Cadetship Can Lead
Smedley graduates go on to a wide range of opportunities across New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
Career pathways may include:
- Shepherding and stock management
- Farm management and leadership
- Agribusiness and rural services
- Agricultural contracting
- Further agricultural study
- Livestock and farm consultancy
- Farm ownership and business development
The practical skills, industry knowledge, and personal confidence developed at Smedley provide a strong foundation for long-term success in the rural sector.
Why Employers Value Smedley Graduates
Smedley graduates are known for their practical skills, strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to take responsibility.
Employers value the hands-on experience cadets gain while working on a real commercial farming operation and the confidence they develop through living and learning independently.
See Where Training Can Take You
Hear from former cadets and see how Smedley helped shape their careers in farming and agriculture.
Where Are They Now?
Rebecca Dickson
Studying towards a Bachelor in Agribusiness
Since graduating from Smedley last year, Rebecca has continued her learning journey at Massey University and has her sights set on eventually managing a sheep and beef farm.
Smedley taught me the importance of having high standards, a good work ethic and to work with a range of people.
Chief Whakaue
Block Manager, Eskdale
Chief knew from an early age that he wanted to be a farmer, despite growing up in town. Today, he is block managing a 350 hectare farm in the Hawke’s Bay.
I met so many cadets from all over the country that I still keep in contact with now.
Lucy Neverman
Rural Officer with Rabobank Australia
Lucy grew up in town and discovered her passion for agriculture early on thanks to a family friend with a sheep and beef farm. After leaving Smedley, she studied commerce majoring in agriculture at Lincoln University and now works with Rabobank in New South Wales.
When I was still in primary school I knew someone who attended Smedley and from there on out it was always my dream.
Learning Doesn't Stop Here
Many graduates continue developing their skills through:
- Industry qualifications
- Further agricultural study
- Rural leadership programmes
- Farm management pathways
- Apprenticeships and specialist training
Smedley helps build a foundation for lifelong learning and career development within the agricultural industry.
Supporting Future Opportunities
The Josiah Howard Foundation helps support former cadets through scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and ongoing alumni initiatives.
This support reflects Smedley’s commitment to helping graduates continue developing both personally and professionally after leaving the programme.
Skills For Life
A Smedley cadetship helps develop more than practical farming ability.
Graduates leave with valuable life skills including:
- Confidence
- Independence
- Leadership
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Resilience
- Time management
These qualities help prepare cadets not only for successful careers, but also for the challenges and opportunities of everyday life.
The Smedley Network
More than 760 cadets have graduated from Smedley since 1931, creating a nationwide network of people connected by shared experiences, values, and opportunities.
The relationships formed at Smedley often continue long after graduation and can provide valuable personal and professional support throughout a career.
Ready To Start Your Future?
Take the next step towards a career in farming and agriculture.
Questions About Applying?
Need help with the application process or want to learn more about Smedley?
Frequently Asked Questions
What careers can this lead to?
Smedley graduates are highly regarded in the farming industry.
Career pathways include:
- Farm work and stock management
- Shepherding roles
- Farm management progression
- Agribusiness and rural services
- Further study (with bursary support available)
Graduates are known for their:
- Strong work ethic
- Practical skills
- Confidence and independence
How does the Foundation support former cadets?
The Foundation provides support through scholarships, leadership development opportunities, career advancement assistance, and practical help during times of hardship. It also works to strengthen the lifelong connections between former cadets and the wider Smedley community.
Do all graduates stay in farming?
No. While many Smedley graduates go on to careers in sheep, beef, and deer farming, others pursue opportunities across the wider agricultural sector.
Former cadets have gone on to roles in farm management, agribusiness, rural services, agricultural contracting, and further education. The practical skills, work ethic, and confidence developed at Smedley provide a strong foundation for a wide range of careers both within and beyond farming.
What skills do graduates gain beyond farming?
A Smedley cadetship develops far more than practical farming skills.
Throughout the programme, cadets build valuable life skills including:
- Confidence and independence
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Time management and personal responsibility
- Resilience and adaptability
These qualities help graduates succeed not only in their careers, but also in everyday life and future leadership roles.
Can I continue studying after Smedley?
Yes. Many graduates continue their education and professional development after completing their cadetship.
The qualifications gained at Smedley provide a strong platform for further agricultural study, industry training, leadership programmes, and specialised career pathways. Many former cadets continue building their knowledge and skills throughout their careers while applying the practical experience gained at Smedley.
Smedley encourages a mindset of lifelong learning, helping graduates stay adaptable and prepared for the evolving agricultural industry.