11 October 2011

2 minute read

Oceania

Six recent university or TAFE graduates will be selected for the annual Dairy Australia dairy manufacturing scholarships.

The fully-funded scholarship introduces recent graduates with qualifications in science, engineering, nutrition, agriculture and related disciplines to a career in dairy manufacturing.

The scholarship training, lasting between eight and 10 weeks, can open rewarding career pathways into the industry, according to Dr Mani Iyer, Dairy Australia’s Programme Manager, Product Innovation.

“Previous winners have found the training innovative and relevant to gaining employment in the industry. In fact, more than 65 per cent of last year’s participants found jobs in the industry within months,” he said.

“Working in the dairy foods industry offers an exciting career choice, with great variety, job satisfaction and the flexibility for travel around Australia and overseas.”

Held between February and April 2012, the scholarship offers participants an introduction to Australia’s important dairy industry, which is a major export earner among agricultural commodities.

Participants undertake a study into the fundamentals of dairy chemistry, microbiology and processing at the National Centre for Dairy Education Australia (NCDEA) at Werribee near Melbourne. They experience the practical and theoretical aspects of dairy manufacturing including milk processing, cheese and milk powder manufacture, quality assurance and packaging.

“An important part of the scholarship is placement at five to eight dairy factories, this provides hands-on and commercial experience” Dr Iyer said. “All accommodation and travel expenses are covered by Dairy Australia and winners receive a $500 per week living allowance during their training.”

This Dairy Australia initiative is supported widely by the industry. Partners include Bega Cheese, Coles, Fonterra, La Casa del Formaggio, Lion, Parmalat, NCDEA, Murray Goulburn and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory.

Candidates must provide evidence of:

• Science-based qualifications – degree or diploma
• Demonstrated communication and presentation skills
• Previous work experience in food or related industries
• Permanent residency or citizenship of Australia

Also candidates must:

• Not be currently employed in a dairy company
• Attend an interview in January – February 2012 and training between February – April 2012

Further information: Contact Jaclyn Walsh at Dairy Australia on 03 9694 3812 or Dr Mani Iyer 03 9694 3787 or visit

www.dairyaustralia.com.au/dairy-manufacturing-scholarship

Applications must be received by 5pm EST Wednesday, 30 November 2011.

This is one of the many examples of the dairy service levy at work. Farmers receive a benefit of $3 for every $1 invested by Dairy Australia on their behalf. For more information on this and other levy investments visit www.dairyaustralia.com.au

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