Graduate Program
Kalfresh is seeking driven, enthusiastic university graduates to join our busy, rapidly-growing Australian vegetable farming and marketing business.
Learn, Innovate, Grow
Our Graduate Program is an opportunity to join Kalfresh Vegetables for a two-year rotational program which will provide you with experience across our entire business, from paddock to pack.
During the program graduates will be able to explore a broad range of roles within Kalfresh and acquire an in-depth overview of our business, the industry and our customers.
Graduates will work with advanced tools and technology that foster innovation, collaborate with the best and brightest in the field, expand your knowledge, hone your skills and feed your passion.
We want you to contribute to discussions, share your thoughts and help shape what’s next for Kalfresh.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Our graduate program is open to driven, enthusiastic graduates in the following disciplines:
- Agricultural Business / Economics
- Agricultural Science
- Agronomy
- Food Science
- Business: Commerce & Marketing
- Engineering: Mechanical or Mechatronics
- Manufacturing
We are excited to welcome new team members who share our values and have the following attributes:
- Can demonstrate strong communications skills, interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities but don’t take themselves too seriously
- An innovative and analytical thinker
- Adaptable and agile in nature
- Digitally and technologically savvy
- Achieving at least a credit average across your university degree
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Graduates will initially be based at our head office in Kalbar for an introduction to the company where you’ll learn about our operations, markets and values.
During your program you may also be based on our partner farms for some learning components. Throughout the program there will be opportunities to get to know the leaders across the business as well as interact with other industry bodies through learning and networking opportunities
Rotation and Career Planning
During your first year you will rotate through the different areas of our business. The areas in which you will gain invaluable exposure can include:
- Farm Management
- Agronomy
- Production Line Management
- Sales & Marketing
- Finance and Analysis
- Dispatch & Loading
- Engineering & Maintenance Services
- Quality Assurance
- People Management & Leadership
The second year format will be determined on our joint understandings of your strengths and our business requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will I work?
You will be based at our head office in Kalbar; one hour south-west of Brisbane in the picturesque Fassifern Valley, Scenic Rim. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, we are happy to answer any questions you have about our beautiful region and help you to make relocation decisions. During your program, you may also have the opportunity to be based on our partner farms for some learning components.
How many graduates is Kalfresh looking for?
We’re currently looking for four graduates to commence as soon as possible. We’re willing to cater our programs around the right graduates.
When do applications close?
This round will close on 30 September 2019. We’re always on the hunt for new talent though, so if you’re interested in a graduate career with Kalfresh, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at graduate@kalfresh.com.au to discuss how we might be able to fit you in the team.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
The Graduate program is a strategic investment by Kalfresh, designed to develop future leaders for our business. As well as on-the-job experience and learning opportunities, you will receive an attractive package including fuel and phone allowance.
You will receive:
- Commercial awareness through the strategy and planning required to run an SME in the agricultural sector.
- Innovation and problem solving skills through the importance of the consumer and the NPD (New Product Development) process.
- Communication, negotiation and persuasion skills through the sales process including negotiation and closing the deal.
- Team work, pressure and time management via operational skills required to run a 50 person processing and packing facility.
- Exposure to major domestic and international retail customers
- Professional development and Industry innovation through attendance at key industry events (PMA/AusVeg etc) and opportunity to expand your networks
- Opportunity to travel and gain further experience from our other facilities
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Past graduate program recipients have joined our business in permanent positions in sales, agronomy and production.
THE KALFRESH STORY
Kalfresh is an innovative, fast-growing Queensland horticultural company, focused on farming, processing and marketing fresh vegetables across Australia and select export markets.
Kalfresh was formed in 1992 to unite local growers under one brand, andmarket locally grown produce collectively.
The business has evolved into a vertically-integrated farming company with interests in five geographically-diverse locations, enabling 12-month supply.
We grow a range of conventional and Certified Organic vegetables, including carrots, beans, onions, pumpkin, tomatoes, corn and baby capsicums. Our main base is situated in Kalbar, just one-hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Testimonial
“Kalfresh has provided me with numerous fantastic opportunities during the graduate program, which has diversified my skill set and given me a wholistic view of the business. I have since progressed into a production manager role, where I have been responsible for the operations of our carrot, onion and baby capsicum post-harvest facilities, over the past two years.
My experiences throughout the graduate program have each contributed to my understanding of business functions, which has resulted in better management decisions in my current role.
I’m from Sydney originally and I found the culture at Kalfresh, and within the local community, incredibly warming. I have developed strong friendships with our local growers and with our large team at Kalfresh. The location of the business has also been a highlight for me, being in the centre of a beautiful countryside, an hour from the city, and not far from some of the best beaches in the country.”
Kalfresh has a well-respected presence within the wider community and the management team is always looking for ways to improve their social and environmental sustainability. The Kalfresh staff are really friendly and are always helpful whenever I’ve had questions.
Working through the Kalfresh Graduate Program as an engineer, has enabled me to complete many interesting projects in quality engineering, process design and food waste management. I’ve also had a direct involvement with the development of Kalfresh’s next big project, the Scenic Rim Agricultural Industrial Precinct. Working in one of the most fertile and serene regions in the country has definitely been an added bonus!
INTERESTED?
Applications are open until 30 September 2019.
