AWI Graduate Training Program 2024 update
After another successful year for graduates in the AWI Graduate Training Program, AWI has selected the next graduate for the 2024 Program who in March next year will embark on their career in the Australian wool industry with AWI.
First launched in 2018, the AWI Graduate Training Program provides the successful applicant with the opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of the wool supply chain from fibre to fashion.
Beginning in March each year, the 18-month program enables the graduate to gain experience in all areas of the AWI business including on-farm and off-farm R&D through to marketing, including global exposure to the wool supply chain through international rotations to pivotal markets in Asia and Europe.
Welcoming the new graduate for the 2024 program
Oskar Mitchell, who joins the AWI Graduate Training Program in March 2024.
The sixth intake of candidates saw competition for the 2024 program at its highest. The calibre of candidates that applied were once again outstanding. AWI hopes to see those who weren’t successful in this recruitment process thrive in other areas of the industry in the future.
Congratulations go to Oskar Mitchell who was the successful candidate for the 2024 program.
Growing up on the family farm at Cowra in the Central West of NSW, Oskar was exposed to all things sheep from an early age. His passion for agriculture carried through to high school and onto the University of Sydney where he studied a Bachelor of Science/Advanced Studies – Agriculture, majoring in Animal Production and Resource Economics.
While completing his degree, Oskar worked on developing his professional experience in agriculture, spending time working with Advantage Grain as a Junior Analyst, and more recently he has been completing an internship through the Tertiary Pathways program at Rabobank's Sydney Office.
Program provides valuable international experience
Graduates George Lehmann and Chris Watt (far right of picture) with other AWI staff members and consultants on The Woolmark Company stand at the ITMA textile and garment technology trade show in June in Milan, Italy.
Two graduates from previous intakes into the program, George Lehmann from the NSW Riverina and Chris Watt from Central West NSW, have been completing their international rotations with AWI during the past five months.
They have worked in the offices of AWI’s subsidiary The Woolmark Company in China, Japan and Europe, immersing themselves in the global wool supply chain. George and Chris have reflected on their time overseas.
George Lehmann:
George Lehmann speaking at the Congress of the International Wool Textile Organisation in May in Kyoto, Japan.
“It has been a great honour to represent AWI and Australian woolgrowers on the global stage during my international rotations as part of the Graduate Training Program. The opportunity to engage with the international offices and markets has proven invaluable for my learning and professional development,” George said.
“I will take back with me a significantly enhanced knowledge base compared to when I first arrived. Perhaps the thing that I am most proud of is just how well our international teams are representing our great fibre. Across borders, they demonstrate an unwavering commitment to advancing our industry's interests, keeping our fibre front of mind for brands and consumers alike.
“I think the future is very bright for wool.”
Chris Watt:
Chris Watt at knitwear manufacturing giant Xinao Textiles in China with AWI technical officer Olina Wang (left) and Xinao general engineer Mr Lu Weiguo (right).
“My time in the AWI Graduate Training Program has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Chris said.
“Through rotations in each of AWI’s major business units and in international markets including Italy, France, England, China, and Japan, I have had the opportunity to learn and work throughout the wool supply chain.
“This experience has been an invaluable professional development opportunity, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learnt and continue working in and contributing to the Australian wool industry.”
The graduates on the 2023 intake into the program, Kate Rice and Harrison Dunning, this month finish up their third rotations within the company in Australia, before they head overseas early next year to complete their international rotations.
This article appeared in the December 2023 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
