Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has partnered with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) to introduce a new initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the state’s burgeoning food and beverage sector.
The WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program offers paid internships for tertiary students, along with support for host businesses involved in food manufacturing, production, processing, and technology.
The program will provide twenty paid internships to undergraduate and postgraduate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students from universities, TAFE, and VET institutions.
In addition, financial assistance will be made available to businesses hosting interns, facilitating their participation in this initiative.
Interns will work with host companies on real-world projects that benefit both the businesses and the students, providing valuable experience and paving the way for future employment opportunities.
Liz Crompton, CSIRO’s WA Food and Industry Education Collaboration Program Lead, highlighted the dual advantages of the initiative.
“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 stated.
“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.”
Kim Antonio, DPIRD’s Food Industry Innovation Manager, encouraged both students and businesses to consider how the WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program could enhance their futures.
“These DPIRD-supported, paid internships will provide real-life, hands-on work experience, giving students practical skills, experience, and industry connections to launch their careers,” Antonio said.
“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. 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 for the program are open until mid-2025.
For more information and to apply, please visit the CSIRO website.
The WA Food Industry Collaboration Program is funded by the WA Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and is delivered by CSIRO.
