STEM internship opportunities for WA's food and beverage industry

CSIRO and the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are together delivering a new program to boost the food and beverage sector in WA.

The WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program is offering paid internships for tertiary students, as well as support for host businesses in food manufacturing, production, processing and technology.

Twenty paid internships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students from university, TAFE and VET institutions.

The program is interested to hear from WA food and beverage businesses interested in hosting a student. CSIRO said 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 valuable experience and supporting future employment opportunities.

Liz Crompton, CSIRO’s WA Food and Industry Education Collaboration Program Lead, said the program 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.”

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

Applications are open until mid-2025. For more information and to apply, please visit the CSIRO website here.

Image caption, left to right: Kim Antonio (DPIRD); Kinley Dorji (Student); Anjana Raju (Student); Liz Crompton (CSIRO).