AWI Graduate Training Program 2025
After another successful year for the AWI Graduate Training Program, applications for the 2025 program open on 1 August 2024.
The AWI Graduate Training Program provides successful applicants with a thorough understanding of the wool supply chain from fibre to fashion.
The 18-month program starts each year in March and is based primarily at the AWI office in Sydney, where the graduates gain exposure to many areas of the AWI business including on-farm and off-farm R&D through to marketing.
Graduates are also given the opportunity to gain global exposure to the wool supply chain through several international rotations based at offices of AWI subsidiary The Woolmark Company, in key markets overseas.
The program provides the graduates with ongoing professional training and development opportunities, to further enhance their career within the industry. It is aimed at graduates from a broad cross section of disciplines who have a background in or connection with the Australian wool industry.
AWI CEO John Roberts says the AWI Graduate Training Program has over the years unearthed some fantastic young talent who are now planning long careers in the wool industry.
“Having worked closely 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,” John said.
“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.”
More information: From 1 August, you can apply at www.wool.com/careers. Applications close 31 August.
Insights from the 2023 graduates
The graduates on the 2023 intake into the program, Kate Rice and Harrison Dunning, finished their Australian rotations at the end of the 2023, before heading overseas early in 2024 to undertake their international rotations.
Kate Rice
Kate on a visit to Nanshan Group’s worsted wool mill, pictured here with Nanshan General Manager Wang Sheng who is explaining the stages of processing.
Kate, who is from a wool-growing family at Parkes in central NSW, is part-way through the international rotations, having started in China and then in Japan.
“My time in the AWI graduate program thus far has been a truly amazing experience. The program has presented me with various hands-on learning experiences to see what AWI does to support Australian growers and their wool,” Kate said.
“The insights and knowledge the overseas rotations have presented have been invaluable in informing my understanding of the wool supply chain and market. I have been given the opportunity to visit various mills, processors, and designers – meeting the many people that play a valuable role in our supply chain.
“Seeing the international Woolmark teams in action, advocating for our fibre and advancing technological developments is beyond impressive and has certainly made me proud to be a part of our company and industry. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have gained back into the company and the industry on behalf of our growers.”
Harrison Dunning
Harrison (left) pictured with AWI Regional Manager Western Europe, Damien Pommeret, at an AWI supported seminar held in Paris.
Harrison Dunning who hails from Sydney began his international rotations in Europe, first in Milan, then in the UK and France.
“It has been a privilege to represent AWI and Australian woolgrowers in my time overseas. Directly engaging with the entire supply chain has been invaluable for my professional development in building an understanding of the key opportunities and threats our industry will face in the coming years,” Harri said.
“A standout experience was participating in Pitti Filati, the largest Italian trade event for knitting yarns. Witnessing the depth of innovation and passion exhibited by all industry stakeholders was profoundly motivating. Interactions with fashion college students, designers and brand executives have underscored the imperative to continue advocating for our fibre and educating the decision-makers.
“This experience has not only broadened my perspective but also instilled a deep-seated optimism regarding the future of wool. I am grateful for the enduring relationships and insights gained throughout the global supply chain, and I am eager to contribute positively to the future of the wool industry.”
This article appeared in the June 2024 edition of AWI’s Beyond the Bale magazine. Reproduction of the article is encouraged.
