INDUSTRY NEWS
Showcasing almond careers
Austin Zangari, Joshua Moss and Graeme Riches from Select Harvest and Ella Henson from the ABA ensured the almond industry was represented at Growing The Future in Adelaide last month.
THE almond industry was showcased at two agricultural career events for university students during winter. The Approaching Ag Career Fair at Charles Sturt University in Wagga was held on July 29. The ABA’ s Riverina Industry Development Officer Peter Reynolds and staff from Australian Farming Services met with students throughout the day and responded to their questions about the industry including:
• Where is the almond industry based?
• How big is the almond industry?
• Are almonds exported or produced for domestic consumption?
• What sort of jobs are available?
• Don’ t almonds use a lot of water?
Growing the Future was held at the Adelaide Showgrounds on August 6. The event is run by the Adelaide University Agricultural Students Association. ABA Sustainability Manager Ella Henson and staff from Select Harvests had the opportunity to chat to students informally and make a one-minute pitch about working in the almond industry during dinner. Ella highlighted the collaborative culture, how the industry is embracing technology and the opportunities to participate in leadership programs and international study tours. Students at both events were encouraged to enter a competition to guess how many almonds were in a jar, with almond-based prize packs given to the winning students. The small heart-shaped tins of almonds were also very popular. Students with a genuine interest in a career the almond industry were invited to apply for tickets to attend the Australian Almond Conference. Five students have been selected to attend, giving them a chance to learn more about the industry, network with prospective employers and source work placements. The ABA’ s work promoting almond careers continues this month at Urrbrae Agricultural High School in Adelaide. Around 600 students from across South Australia are expected to attend the careers expo.
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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