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Bridging the GAP

Does your food business need new skills and fresh insight? The new Graduate Assistance Program (GAP) might be the answer.

Tas Mitani and Richard Hrovatin of Mitani ProductsAfter successfully completing his Bachelor of Management Marketing, Richard Hrovatin was looking to put his three years of hard work and study into practice.

Meanwhile, food ingredient blender and manufacturer Mitani Products was looking for fresh input on some of the business’ longstanding marketing issues.

Thanks to the new ‘GAP’ program the two were matched up – and neither has looked back.

GAP is an initiative of the South Australian Food Centre, matching skilled graduates to appropriate South Australian food businesses. 

Food businesses can apply for graduates spanning a range of skills in areas such as biotechnology, environmental management, marketing, food technology, business management, science, engineering and nutrition.

The graduates are specifically targeted for the program and can be engaged for a period between three and 12 months.

Tas Mitani said he would recommend the program.

“We felt that a graduate would bring a fresh and uninhibited approach to addressing some of our outstanding marketing issues around market research, analysing sales data, promotional activities and new product development. Part of this required a degree of footwork and analysis that was embraced enthusiastically as you would expect a new graduate to do.”

Tas said Mitani’s objective was to develop Richard’s skills in line with the business’ long term goals “that will prove rewarding for all parties concerned.” 

Richard is also happy with the employment match.

“The food industry is very new to me, however the excellent guidance and exceptional knowledge I’ve received from the Mitani brothers has enlightened me to such a dynamic and innovative industry.”

He said the GAP program had given him the ability to gain hands on practical experience in a business environment, and he hoped to stay with Mitani. 

“This program provides excellent opportunities for graduates such as me to take that first step into their career.”

Got a GAP?

Contact
James Buder
South Australian Food Centre
p +61 8348 2486
e buder.james@saugov.sa.gov.au