Businesses in Western Australia’s food and beverage sector are enhancing their technical capabilities through the WA Food Industry Education Collaboration (WAFEC) Program. This initiative, delivered by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in partnership with the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), connects tertiary STEM students with industry players through 200-hour paid internships across the state.
The WAFEC Program aims to bridge the gap between the food industry and skilled graduates. According to Liz Crompton, Program Lead at CSIRO, the initiative alleviates the challenges businesses face in accessing STEM talent. “The administrative burden is minimal – we handle recruitment and screening and present businesses with a shortlist of suitable candidates,” Crompton stated. “Businesses can focus on getting value from their intern, rather than burdensome paperwork.”
One notable success story from the program involves Gourmania, a Bayswater-based manufacturer that recently completed the internship cycle. The company hosted a food technology intern who was instrumental in the product development processes. Following the internship, the intern was offered a full-time position. Rhys Jones, Project and Sales Manager at Gourmania, highlighted the benefits of the program, noting that it provided a low-risk opportunity to evaluate the need for food technology expertise within the business.
The program addresses a critical challenge facing the food sector in Western Australia. Kim Antonio, DPIRD’s Food Industry Innovation Manager, remarked that many businesses struggle to attract highly-skilled STEM students, while students often find it difficult to locate opportunities in the food industry. “The program connects this talent with meaningful work experience that helps build the skilled workforce Western Australia needs,” Antonio explained.
The WAFEC initiative is open to businesses throughout the food and beverage supply chain, encompassing everyone from primary producers to manufacturers and technology suppliers. This collaborative effort not only enhances the technical skills available within the sector but also fosters a new generation of professionals eager to contribute to the industry.
As the food and beverage sector continues to evolve, programs like WAFEC play a vital role in ensuring businesses have access to the talent necessary to thrive. By facilitating connections between students and industry leaders, the program is paving the way for a more skilled and innovative workforce in Western Australia.
