Fonterra Graduate Technical Programme (FGTP) (Nov 2023)

• Get paid and Graduate with a Masters of Dairy Science and Technology from Massey University (also paid for by Fonterra)! 
• Gain hands-on experience while travelling across NZ at the same time as the rest of your cohort 
• Includes a 3-month global rotation 
• Strong support by a mentor, a coach, your cohort, FGTP Alumni and Programme Manager 
• Competitive salary and a permanent placement at the end of the programme   

About Our Technical Graduate Programme 

Our Fonterra Technical Graduate Programme (FGTP) has been successfully developing industry leaders for over 50 years and is the pathway to accelerating your career with Fonterra. Globally recognised, and with our graduates focused on developing deep Technical Dairy knowledge, alongside industry experts all while achieving a Masters of Dairy Science and Technology. Personal development is also a key part our graduate programme which is weaved throughout your learning journey. 

Our 15-month FGTP programme gives you the opportunity to expand on the knowledge you have gained throughout your studies and apply it to the unique, exciting, and challenging environment our Co-operative works within. As you move through different rotations, you will learn what it means to be part of a New Zealand’s largest employer and a part of a co-operative owned by New Zealand farmers. Gain hands-on experience in Dairy Operations and enhance both your technical acumen and leadership capability.  

Starting with a 3-week onboarding at our Research and Development Centre, followed by four placements in our Manufacturing sites across NZ, you will then dive deep into the technical aspects of Dairy Science learning from subject matter experts and finally rounding it all off with a research project with real life impacts.  

You also get a guaranteed first role at the end of the programme.  

Outside of mahi, you not only get to travel to and explore our beautiful whenua, you will also, develop long lasting friendships and see some of our offshore markets as part of the global rotation! It is a fantastic opportunity to have fun and explore while learning, developing, and growing as a person and with your cohort.  

The programme has a large alumni network and a well-established strong support system that will be with you throughout your FGTP journey and beyond!  

As part of the programme, you’ll lead a significant real-life research project that has direct impact within the business. This will complete your Masters of Dairy Science and Technology qualification. These projects are integral to our business and support our goals of Healthy People, Healthy Environment, and a Healthy Business. They also feed into Fonterra’s long-term aspirations of being a leader in Sustainability, our focus on New Zealand Milk and being a leader in Dairy Innovation and Science.  

Our FGTP’s are the future of Fonterra, and your development is important to us.   

What makes a successful Technical Graduate?  

Our FGTP’s gain a breadth of experience across the business, and we find coming into the programme with extra-curricular achievements starts them off on the front foot. They show a collaborative spirit, resilience, learning agility, a growth mindset, demonstrate curiosity and show leadership potential. We are looking for people with a passion for the industry who are keen to make a direct impact...does that sound like you? 

Programme Eligibility: 

• In your final year of study in a relevant qualification, or graduated within the last two years 
• A four-year degree (minimum) in either engineering, food technology, science, or environmental disciplines 
• GPA average of B or above 
• A Full Drivers licence (by November 2023) 
• New Zealand citizen, Australian citizen, or Permanent Resident in New Zealand 
• Must be flexible and mobile to move around NZ and internationally  

Our Story  

We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whānau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.   

Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. 

Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do, we want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive.  

Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.   

Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone’s lifestyles and choices.    

Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best.   

Come join our whānau. You, me, Us Together Tᾱtou tᾱtou.  

What next? 
Look out for us at career fairs on campus and for more detailed information on our programme and to find out what life as a Fonterra Grad might look like check out the graduate careers section at our wesbite.

Applications close 13th August 2023. The programme starts 27th November 2023.