PMA FIT
PMA FIT
Planting the seeds for a bright tomorrow
Founded in 2006, the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent is the US fresh produce industry’s premier resource for connecting bright, talented young students with leading employers throughout the produce community. As a charitable not-for-profit organisation, The Foundation is guided by industry leaders and provides resources for career advice, skill-building and professional growth. It relies on the financial support of PMA members, as well as their participation and commitment in building an attractive industry. It is a true partnership that will allow businesses throughout the supply chain to not only further their goals, but also advance the vibrant global produce and floral industry as a whole.
To find out more about The Foundation's global operations, visit www.pmafit.com
How does the Foundation for Industry Talent operate in Australia and New Zealand?
Following the success of The Foundation in the US, PMA A-NZ have extended its reach to Australasia. Our goal is to assist the produce community and its value chain across Australia and New Zealand to attract, develop and retain talent. We act as a neutral third party tailor made to connect industry with bright new candidates, capitalising on the highly-regarded training and professional development resources of the Foundation for Industry Talent.
As one of the key priorities of PMA A-NZ, our mission to develop and retain industry talent includes encouraging students to consider careers in produce, and providing materials to keep and foster the professional development of current employees.
PMA Career Pathways
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Created in 2003 by Jay Pack and the Produce Marketing Association, the original Pack Family Career Pathways Program brought the first group of top agriculture and food marketing students and faculty from universities across the USA to PMA's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition for a unique introduction to the fresh produce industry. Extending its reach to Australia and New Zealand in 2008, the Career Pathways Program now also includes 10 scholarships for Australian and New Zealand students to attend PMA Fresh Connections Conference & Trade Show (A-NZ), before two are selected to participate in the Pack Family Career Pathways Program at PMA Fresh Summit. The Career Pathways programs provide students with mentoring, education and networking time including numerous opportunities to network with industry professionals at all levels of their career and walk the exposition floor. Participants in the PMA Fresh Summit program can also expect customized educational workshops on industry specific topics, a personal branding session and a career path discussion panel with global industry leaders. |
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An industry mentor is assigned to each student to answer questions, introduce them to other industry professionals and simply help them embrace the myriad of opportunities and rewards the produce industry has to offer. Students are given pre- or post-conference assignments to help them prepare for the event and add more value to the learning experience.
Meet the 2011 Cohort
In 2011, 10 students from across Australia and New Zealand were selected to participate in the Career Pathways Program at Fresh Connections 2011 in Brisbane from 8-10 June. Each student was paired with an industry mentor, and were asked to complete a post-conference project to round out their conference experience. You can find out more about the students and view their projects below.
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Belinda Boshammer
University: University of Queensland, QLD - Australia
Project Topic: Fresh produce; Using brands to convince consumers to eat more |
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Claire Wookey - Program Ambassador
Claire was one of two students selected to attend PMA Fresh Summit in 2010 and returned as a Career Pathways Program Ambassador for Fresh Connections 2011. Her 2010 PMAFresh Summit project is linked below.
Project Topic: Global trends and initiatives in fruit & vegetable sales |
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Emily Tubb
University: University of Sydney, NSW - Australia
Project Topic: Food Safety and Traceability |
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Joanna Kelton
University: Deakin University, VIC - Australia
Project Topic: How do we connect with consumers by using smart packaging? |
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Leslie Bogdan
University: University of New South Wales, NSW - Australia
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Margo Brain
University: University of Tasmania, TAS - Australia
Project Topic: Fresh Connections 2011 Media wrap-up |
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Monica Gill
University: University of Sydney, NSW - Australia
Project Topic: Sustainability of the Agricultural Workforce |
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Nicholas Dunsdon
University: University of Queensland, QLD - Australia
Project Topic: Innovation in Packaging within Fresh Produce |
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Sean Buckley
University: Lincoln University, Canterbury - NZ
Project Topic: Trends in Logistics |
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Sonya Breen
University: Deakin University, VIC - Australia
Project Topic: Opening the doors to China |
Pack Family Career Pathways Scholarship Recipients 2011
The three students selected to attend PMA Fresh Summit as part of the Pack Family Career Pathways program were Monica Gill (University of Sydney), and Belinda Boshammer and Allana McIntyre (University of Queensland). Joining fellow students and new graduates from around the world, the program provided the students with mentoring, education and networking time with industry professionals at all levels of their career, and the opportunity walk the exposition floor.
Sustainability: Trends in the Fresh Produce Industry and ROI
Career Pathways Student Report - PMA Fresh Summit 2011
This report was completed by University of Queensland third year Agribusiness students Belinda Boshammer and Allana McIntyre, who attended the PMA Fresh Summit as part of the Pack Family Career Pathways Program. This report was requested as part of their scholarship with the brief aimed at obtaining the students’ perspectives on sustainability trends in fresh produce, and the resulting ROI.
Support industry talent
PMA A-NZ needs your support to sow the seeds for tomorrow’s talent today.
Contact us for more information on how you can get involved.
