Australia's national science agency, CSIRO, and the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are teaming up to boost the capability of the state’s food and beverage sector.
Western Australia has been making a series of investments in the food and beverage sector recently, including $1.2 million to boost production of fruit, a $6.4 million research initiative to grow the state’s beef industry, and an additional half a million dollars into the latest edition of its Agrifood and Beverage Voucher Program.
Funded by DPIRD and delivered by CSIRO, The Western Australian Food Industry Education Collaboration Program is the latest of these initiatives, offering paid internships for tertiary students, and support for host businesses in food manufacturing, production, processing and technology.
CSIRO’s lead for the program, Liz Crompton, said it would provide a two-way benefit to interns and host businesses – nurturing future high quality employees, while supporting industry growth.
“Through this program, CSIRO will facilitate student and employer matching to support WA businesses with high-quality STEM interns, particularly in regional and remote areas,” Crompton said.
“While the program's primary objectives include retaining skilled STEM talent in WA, we also aim to build and strengthen connections between industry and tertiary education institutions.”
Twenty paid internships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students from university, TAFE and VET institutions. Facilitation and financial assistance will also be provided to businesses to help host interns.
The interns will be employed by the host businesses to undertake real-world projects that benefit the businesses, providing experience and supporting future employment opportunities.
DPIRD’s food industry innovation manager, Kim Antonio, said the paid internships would provide real-life, hands-on work experience, giving students practical skills, experience and industry connections to launch their careers.
“The program will showcase the sector as a valuable employment option and provide students an opportunity to apply theory and skills on meaningful projects in an important industry sector,” said Antonio.
“We’d love to hear from WA food and beverage businesses interested in hosting a student to work on a STEM related technical solution to support their business growth.”
Applications are open until mid-2025, with further information and forms available on the CSIRO website.
