Livestock consulting employers can now apply to participate in a nationwide internship program, to expand their business and increase the industry’s capability.
There are 10 positions open for employees to take part in the fourth Livestock Consulting Internship (LCI) program.
The two-year program builds on the learnings from previous interns and employers over the past three programs, while also adding in new elements to ensure consultants meet the needs of the ever-changing industry.
The fourth iteration has been developed to ensure the program delivers the best possible results for consulting businesses, the red meat industry and for the intern participants.
LCI, which is subsidised through the MLA Donor Company, allows employers to expand their business and increase the knowledge and skills of an employee through a formalised development program.
The fourth LCI intake will commence in July 2022 and run through to mid-2024.
This program will focus on the advancement of MLA strategic programs Carbon Neutral 2030 (CN30) and Northern Breeder Business (NB2), and business must have a direct focus on either northern beef production and/or sustainability or be willing and able to introduce aspects of the abovementioned into the business advisory and services offered.
Here are nine ways the program contributes to a livestock consulting business:
1. Sustainable approach: It’s a two-year program where an intern works within the business undertaking a suitable consulting role and developing the skills in order to become a sustainable, credible and experienced livestock consultant for client-based and project type activity beyond the life of the program.
2. Support networks: Active involvement in the development of the intern, through planned program activity, developing support networks with other employers, the program managers and MLA.
3. Skill development: The development and accountability of a formalised Skill Development Plan for the intern (guided and facilitated by the Program Manager).
4. Expanding horizons: Empowering the intern to undertake 20 days experience in another business through a secondment program.
5. Relationships: Participation in a two-day human resources (HR) workshop to develop relationships with all other employers, interns, program managers and key MLA representatives; as well as develop key skills in order to appropriately manage the intern through the two-year program.
6. Collaboration: Quarterly webinars with other employers and program managers to discuss progress, issues, achievements and opportunities for the group.
7. Communication: Two webinars with all employers and interns to discuss relevant matters and overall program progression
8. Industry knowledge: Maximising opportunities to share industry knowledge and experience with the intern group.
9. Salary contribution: A regular subsidy towards the salary of the intern over two years of employment.
Expressions of interest for employers close on 1 April 2022.
