AWI graduate Harrison Dunning and AWI staff member Winnie Zhao.

AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation’s graduate training program will open its 2024 application round next month for young people seeking a career in the wool industry.

AWI said the AWI Graduate Training Program provides successful applicants with a thorough and unique understanding of the wool supply chain from fibre to fashion.

Applicants can apply from 1 August and up to 31 August by clicking here.

The 18-month program starts each year in March and is based primarily at the AWI office in Sydney. Graduates gain exposure to many areas of the AWI business including on-farm research, processing innovation and education extension, consultation and engagement, global marketing, digital, measurement and evaluation, and business services.

AWI said graduates are also given the opportunity to gain global exposure to the wool supply chain through two international rotations. The program also provides the graduates with ongoing professional training and development opportunities, to further enhance their career within the industry.

The program is aimed at graduates from a broad cross section of disciplines who have a background in or connection with the Australian wool industry.

AWI chief executive John Roberts said the program has unearthed some fantastic young people who are now planning long careers in the wool industry.

“Having worked with the past and current graduates, I’ve seen firsthand the value of having such an all-encompassing program within the industry, covering the full supply chain, and the benefits it provides the successful graduates in enhancing their career within wool.

“We continue to focus on attracting and retaining the top talent and the program is just one of the mechanisms we have in creating a talent pipeline and future proofing human resources in the industry.”

2023 intake graduate Kate Rice from Parkes in New South Wales said the program has given her a unique opportunity to combine her  passion for agriculture and the wool industry with her love for textiles and design.

“Coming from a wool growing family, it has been an amazing experience to witness the supply chain in action from the farm gate to end garment.

“The program so far has presented me with various hands-on learning experiences to see what we as a company can do support Australian growers and their wool.”

Fellow graduate Harrison Dunning from Sydney said the AWI graduate program has been invaluable in developing a comprehensive understanding of the wool supply chain and expanding his industry networks.

“A personal highlight in my first rotation as a part of the research team was witnessing the journey of research from inception to development to extension and the profound outcomes that can be achieved to assist wool growers.”

Four of the graduates alumni are still employed by AWI, in the following roles:

• Miles Barritt – project manager, Wool Q and traceability
• Emma Murphy – trade marketing officer
• George Lehmann – project coordinator, training and education
• Tom Hersee – project coordinator, industry development

2022 graduate Chris Watt is in the final stages of his program.