WA Food Industry Education Collaboration Program - STEM Intern

WAFEC, the Western Australia Food & Beverage Internship Program, is an initiative developed by CSIRO in collaboration with the WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development. This program serves as a vital resource for businesses within the dynamic food and beverage industry, offering a streamlined recruitment solution to help them access and cultivate local STEM talent.

Designed specifically for businesses in the food and beverage production, manufacturing, or technology sectors across Western Australia, WAFEC facilitates the engagement of STEM students as interns on substantial projects or activities totaling over 200 hours. Eligible participants include WA-based undergraduate or postgraduate students from universities or VET programs, as well as international students, subject to their visa work constraints.

Internships can be tailored to fit either part-time or full-time schedules, ensuring flexibility for both the interns and the businesses. Importantly, student interns must receive at least the minimum wage or comply with relevant Award standards, and experienced professionals will supervise them. For businesses located in regional areas, the option for interns to work remotely is available, enhancing accessibility and support.

As an additional benefit, businesses that successfully complete the internship program are granted a financial incentive of $2,500. Furthermore, travel assistance is provided to facilitate the intern's travel to regionally based businesses, promoting collaboration and growth within the sector.

WAFEC stands out by providing comprehensive support for defining project scopes and assisting in student recruitment. This ensures that businesses not only attract high-quality candidates but also save valuable time and resources throughout the hiring process.