What the graduate programme has to offer:
- Dairy Science Masterclass: Learn from dairy industry experts with lectures and hands on experience in our pilot plants. Then, later in the programme, work on a research project (with an expert supervisor) for 16 weeks which you will present back to business leaders. All of this goes towards gaining a Masters in Dairy Science from Massey University (all paid for by Fonterra)
- Explore Aotearoa in (grad) style: Spend 15 weeks travelling around Aotearoa, New Zealand, exploring our Manufacturing sites and sights of our beautiful country with your cohort (also paid for by Fonterra)
- Personal growth: Build personal development and leadership skills through various workshops designed specifically for your cohort
- Support squad: You'll be provided with a mentor and a buddy for extra support
- You'll build a strong network, both within your cohort and across Fonterra
- Once you complete the programme, we'll work with you to find a great first role for you to apply for
Our Co-operative
Fonterra’s strength is in the collective | Te Mātāpuna toa takitini
We are a Co-operative created and owned by Aotearoa New Zealand dairy farmers. Since our beginnings, collaboration, innovation, and passion have enabled us to share the goodness of our dairy with the world.
We're committed to caring for the land, our animals, and every drop of milk, producing nutritious food with safe, quality ingredients loved here in New Zealand and around the world.
As part of the Fonterra Co-op, you'll be solving for a better future alongside a team connected by solid values as we strive to be a leader in dairy sustainability, dairy innovation and science, with a focus on New Zealand milk.
When you join Fonterra, you'll open yourself to a career of opportunities where you can grow with us by developing your skills, sharing your knowledge, and exploring diverse career paths that ignite your passions.
Join Us | Haere mai
Kickstart your career with our Fonterra Technical Graduate Programme (FGTP), a globally recognised platform that has been successfully shaping industry leaders for over 50 years. Our programme offers you the unique opportunity to develop in-depth Technical Dairy knowledge under the guidance of industry experts while working towards a Masters of Dairy Science and Technology. Personal growth is woven into every aspect of your learning journey with us.
Opportunities Await | Te whai waahi
Our 12-month FGTP programme allows you to leverage the knowledge you've gained from your studies and apply it to the unique and dynamic environment of our Co-operative. Through various rotations, you'll learn what it means to be part of New Zealand's largest employer and a co-operative owned by our farmers. You'll gain practical experience in Dairy Operations, enhancing your technical skills and leadership capabilities.
- Your journey begins with a 3-week onboarding at our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North immersing yourself in all things Fonterra and meeting your FGTP cohort.
- Following your onboarding, you will complete four placements at different Manufacturing sites across Aotearoa NZ learning about our four main processes - cheese, cream, protein and powders.
- You'll delve into the technical aspects of Dairy Science, learning from subject matter experts, and conclude with a research project that has real-world impact, earning your Masters of Dairy Science and Technology.
- Take part in various sessions throughout the year where you will have the opportunity to build on your personal development and leadership skills.
- Beyond work, you'll have the opportunity to explore our beautiful country and forge lifelong friendships. It's a remarkable chance to learn, develop, and grow personally and professionally alongside your cohort.
- Our programme boasts a large alumni network and a robust support system that will accompany you throughout your FGTP journey and beyond!
- A guaranteed first role awaits you at the end of the programme.
About you | Moe koe
- You're in your final year of study or graduated within the last two years.
- You hold a four-year degree (minimum) in either engineering, food technology, science, or environmental disciplines.
- You have a GPA of B grade average or above.
- You'll have a Full Driver's License by December 2025.
- You're a New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or Permanent Resident in New Zealand.
- You're flexible and mobile to move around New Zealand.
Our FGTP graduates gain a wide range of business experience, and we've found that those with extra-curricular achievements often hit the ground running. We're seeking individuals who demonstrate a collaborative spirit, resilience, learning agility, a growth mindset, curiosity, and leadership potential. If you're passionate about the industry and eager to make a direct impact, we want to hear from you!
What Fonterra has to offer:
- A wide range of career opportunities to choose from
- Awesome employee benefits including banking packages, discounts on wellbeing tools, technology, lifestyle and home office
- Various health insurance options
- Employee rewards card which offers huge discounts on fuel and can be used at over 2000 retailers across New Zealand (including Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc)
- Discounts on selected vehicles
- Join our Graduate Network Committee - attend fun events and get involved with ex and current graduates!
- Sign up to our social club and participate in different events throughout the year
- Volunteering days - whether it be tree planting or spending a morning helping out at a local school with Kick-start Breakfast, the choice is yours!
The benefits of life at Fonterra | Te ora i Fonterra
Our people and what they bring to our Co-op shape our success. We have a collaborative culture, inspiring leaders, and passionate people, making Fonterra a great place to work.
To learn more, visit www.fonterra.com/earlycareersnz
Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best, and are empowered to create goodness for generations.
Sound good to you? Come join our whānau and let's solve for better, together.
You, me, us together. Tātou tātou.
Applications close Sunday 16th March.
