CSIRO serves up STEM internships to WA’s food and beverage industry

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, in collaboration with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s thriving food and beverage sector.

The WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program offers paid internships to tertiary students, as well as support for host businesses involved in food manufacturing, production, processing, and technology. A total of 20 paid internships are available for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at universities, TAFE, and VET institutions.

In addition to the internships, businesses will receive facilitation and fnancial support to host interns, who will work on real-world projects that contribute to the growth of these businesses. This hands-on experience is designed to enhance the employability of interns while simultaneously providing tangible benefts to the host companies.

Liz Crompton, Program Lead at CSIRO for the WA Food Industry Education Collaboration, emphasized the mutual benefts of the program, stating that it will nurture future high-quality employees while also fostering growth in the industry.

“Through this program, CSIRO will facilitate student and employer matching to support WA businesses with highquality STEM interns, particularly in regional and remote areas,” Ms 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.”

Kim Antonio, DPIRD’s Food Industry Innovation Manager, encouraged interested students and businesses to explore how the WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program would beneft their future.

“These DPIRDsupported, paid internships will provide real-life, hands-on work experience, giving students practical skills, experience and industry connections to launch their careers,” he 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 are open until mid-2025. For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

The WA Food Industry Collaboration Program is funded by the WA Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and delivered by CSIRO.