Career Pathways Program nurtures next crop of leaders

July 17, 2024

Twenty of Australia’s most promising university students have this year had the opportunity to explore diverse career opportunities in the fresh produce and floral industry through the International Fresh Produce Association Australia-New Zealand (IFPA-NZ)’s Career Pathways Program.

The IFPA A-NZ has been connecting students near the end of their studies with fresh produce leaders from across the supply chain for mutual benefit in this format for more than 10 years including under the IFPA’s previous incarnation as the Produce Marketing Association.

IFPA's Brylie Bond said a record number of students from across multiple disciplines were selected this year.

“The 2024 expanded program allowed 20 fully funded aspiring industry entrants to hear about career opportunities from experts along the fresh produce supply chain at an inaugural Career Insights session at premier horticulture industry trade show, Hort Connections in Melbourne in June,” Mrs Bond said.

The program funded flights, accommodation and Hort Connections provided tickets for the students' attendance. Students were introduced to some industry leaders from the IFPA A-NZ’s diamond and platinum membership who took on mentorship roles to outline career opportunities, walk students around the trade floor and introduce them to key stakeholders.

Career Pathways Program participants network with fresh produce mentors at Hort Connections 2024 in Melbourne.

Universities inspire fresh thinking

“The students come from a broad spectrum of academic studies from leading universities throughout Australia. All are at the end of their studies and thinking about their future. This is a way to get them to consider a career in the industry and get excited about the multiple pathways the industry offers.

“For fresh produce and floral businesses, the Career Pathways Program is a chance to unearth and attract talented students who are fresh with new ideas and concepts and ready to join our dynamic, fast-paced industry,” she said.

Industry representatives who outlined career opportunities at the IFPA A-NZ Career Insights session came from research development corporation Hort Innovation, sorting machines and post-harvest solutions provider TOMRA Food, retailer Aldi Supermarkets, leading vertically integrated produce business Fresh Produce Group, wholesaler-processor One Harvest and floral innovation company Lynch Group.

Students came from Australia’s top tertiary institutions including the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, University of Adelaide, University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Queensland, University of New England, Monash University, Charles Sturt University, University of Tasmania, Latrobe University, Melbourne University, Melbourne Polytechnic, Griffith University and Marcus Oldham College. Courses include Master of Agricultural Science, Master of Agriculture and Environment, Bachelor of Agribusiness, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Plant Production and Environmental Studies, Master in Greenhouse Horticulture and Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture. One participant is completing a PhD in Agriculture and Food Innovation.

Mrs Bond said the IFPA worked closely with lecturers, supervisors and heads of department at Australia’s top universities to encourage students to apply for the program in the lead-up to Hort Connections.

This year, 40 students applied for 20 places, with the calibre of applicants exceptional, she said.

“We also connect the Career Pathways students with HR managers of our diamond and platinum members to fast-track recruitment opportunities,” she said.

“Globally, IFPA offers a Virtual Certificate Program and facilitates internships. This is how we envisage developing our program in Australia in coming years,” Mrs Bond said.

Program fuels passion for industry

For 2016 participant Tayla Field, now Foodbank Australia’s national supply chain manager – agri/fresh, the Career Pathways Program opened her eyes to the possibilities of a career in the horticultural industry and the diversity of options available. After completing her thesis in cotton, she was interested in pursuing a career in that area until she joined the program. She studied for a Bachelor of Agriculture Science at Sydney University.

“I was able to attend Hort Connections in Brisbane and then Fresh Summit in Florida in the US as a part of the program, which gave me a taster for the Australian produce industry and some highlights from the US,” Ms Field said.

“Katie de Villiers from One Harvest was my mentor and has continued to play a significant role in my career and development. After the conference, One Harvest was supportive of a graduate position and designed a rotation for me to spend time on their farm, in their factory and with the sales team over 18 months. I started work on the Monday after finalising my degree and was with the business for five years, where I gained so much valuable experience across the supply chain,” she said.

Ms Field joined Foodbank Australia in a supply manager role in 2022 and is based in Tasmania.

“Since the program I have found that fresh produce is where my passion is. The industry is exciting and dynamic. There are lots of different pathways that you can go down and there are a lot of great people who are willing to help and support you,” she said.

She advised participants to make the most of every opportunity the program brings.

“They need to ask for opportunities or work experience at places that they are interested in. The program is a great platform, however you need to be the driver in terms of what you want to get out of it – build a network and opportunities will come,” Ms Field said.

Submissions for the 2025 Career Pathways Program will open next February.

Hort Connections is the largest horticulture conference and trade show in the Southern Hemisphere, and is a co-produced event between IFPA A-NZ and AUSVEG.

Brylie Bond — **IFPA managing director A-NZ Ben Hoodless**

Career Pathways Program Nurtures Next Crop of Leaders

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