Grain Trade Australia has revealed the initial intake of its leadership development program has graduated to be the next generation of industry leaders.
The program, known as the Five Under 30 program, provides participants with mentorship, networking opportunities and industry experience across the year. Participants also received career development opportunities, overseas study programs, career advancement and industry exposure while undertaking the program.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort,” said Pat O’Shannassy, chief executive officer of Grain Trade Australia.
“Their dedication to growth and leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Australian grain industry.”
This year’s intake included Edwina Cockburn, Michael Shanahan, Cooper Vinci, Jess Kirkpatrick and Tess Bevilacqua.
“[It gave] me the confidence to take on things I didn’t think I was ready for,” Shanahan said, recognising the program’s impact on his professional development.
Cockburn said the program “provided her with greater exposure in the industry, helping develop her skills and expand her knowledge in her current role.”
“My highlights of the programme included mentorship from GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy, observing the GTA commerce committee and attending the Australian Grains Industry Conference (AGIC) where the Five under 30 group participated in a panel to discuss industry pathways and hosted a young professionals networking event,” she said.
“I have gained a greater understanding of the industry and the activities that GTA conduct outside of the activities I undertake in my current role, which includes reviewing the Visual Recognition Standards Guide to improve grain classification processes and standards.
“The programme has also provided me with greater visibility in the industry and allowed me to further expand my networks with peers and industry members who have a wealth of knowledge.
“I’m looking forward to continuing to drive a network of young people in, and positively contributing to the grain industry.”
The program helps build the next generation of talent within the grain handling industry to go on and be leaders with fresh perspectives within the industry.
Grain Trade Australia has announced the 2024-25 iteration of the Five Under 30 program will be launched on October 30 with the intake to be named.
“Strengthening the depth of engagement with the younger people in the Australian grain industry is important for the industry’s future,” O’Shannassy said.
“We are committed to cultivating an environment that supports the development of future leaders.”