In March, Plant Health Australia (PHA) attended four career fairs for university graduates joining the workforce in the near future. PHA was showcased at the ‘The Big Meet’ organised by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, and ‘Tertiary to Work’ in Canberra.

Over the four events, 11 PHA staff volunteers spoke to students about careers in plant biosecurity, shared their own experience, raised awareness of career opportunities in agriculture and how PHA is at the forefront of developing tools, information and networks to minimise the risk and help keep Australia free of exotic plant pests and diseases.

“We employ science to enhance plant health, assist in trade of Australia’s produce, safeguard and support the future of plant industries, and preserve environmental health,” said Jessica Arnold, PHA’s Chief Operating Officer.

PHA staff volunteers reported high levels of interest and engagement from event attendees. “Our mission resonated with many students, even those whose studies don’t have an agricultural or environmental focus. They were interested to find out more about PHA and what a career in agriculture and biosecurity looked like,” said Chris O’Connor, Fruit Fly Engagement Coordinator.