Red meat leaders of the future wanted
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is inviting applications for its prestigious scholarship programme from students interested in a career in the red meat processing and exporting sector.
The popular scholarship programme, now in its sixth year, is focused on supporting highly skilled young people who have the potential to become future leaders in New Zealand’s largest manufacturing industry.
The undergraduate scholarships will provide $5000 for each year of study for up to three years while the postgraduate awards are for $10,000 a year for up to two years.
MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the programme was aimed at students interested in employment opportunities in the industry beyond the farm gate.
‘‘There are a vast number of career opportunities in the processing and export sector from food design and environmental science through to marketing, food science and technology and industrial innovation.’’
The New Zealand meat industry currently exports over $11 billion worth of product annually.
‘‘In the past three decades, the industry has transformed itself, developing new products, adopting new technologies and automating production, and selling to new overseas markets.
‘‘To grow in the future, we need ambitious and highly skilled
people.’’
The MIA scholarships are focused on attracting well qualified young people into this rewarding and progressive sector and supporting their development into an industry that is critical to the economic prosperity of New Zealand.’’
The industry was particularly interested in attracting people from lower socio-economic backgrounds or ethnic minority groups to provide greater opportunities for those with leadership potential who might not normally have the means to get to university, she aid.
Alongside funding, the scholarships also feature a strong mentoring programme including an annual scholars workshop, connecting scholars with industry leaders, and assistance to secure vacation or part-time work with the New Zealand meat processing industry.
Many MIA scholarship alumni have secured internships and graduate roles and are enjoying rewarding careers in the sector, Karapeeva said.
Applications for undergraduate awards are invited from students currently studying for a Bachelors’ or diploma programme or those planning to begin their studies in 2023.
Applications for post-graduate awards are invited from those undertaking or planning to begin a Masters or Doctoral programme.
The course of study must be at a New Zealand university or polytechnic or an approved international university.
More than 25,000 people work across a wide range of jobs in meat processing throughout New Zealand and mainly in the regions. The industry provides very competitive salaries, longterm employment and strong career pathways.
Representing New Zealand Meat Processors, Marketers and Exporters, it is also one of the biggest trainers of New Zealand workers, with approximately 4500 people undergoing NZQA accredited courses annually.
Scholarship applications must be submitted by 30 November 2022. For further details and the application form, visit the MIA website or contact Kaylene Larking on 04 473 6465 or kaylene. larking@mia.co.nz.