National Mentoring Program

This program has been designed to provide opportunities for members to learn from others in the food science, technology and innovation sector.

Mentoring can improve employability skills, assist with building professional networks and provide peer learning opportunities.

Mentoring provides an opportunity for student and graduate members to learn from more established Institute members. It is also a way for older members to “give back” to the industry in a practical manner. Being in a mentoring pair provides a platform to showcase the scope and diversity of roles within the sector to emerging food science professionals.

Established programs in other sectors have also indicated that participating in a mentoring program can improve “employability soft skills”, and can improve the self-confidence of the participants and assist in building a professional network. From an organisational perspective, companies that are involved with mentoring programs can benefit from a social investment perspective and better employee engagement.

2026 Program

Our program will be targeted towards our final year student members and our graduate members only. 

Applications for the 2026 AIFST Mentoring Program are now open. We need both mentees and mentors so please apply via the links on this page.

This program has been designed to provide opportunities for final year students and graduates to learn from more established AIFST members. Mentoring can improve employability skills, assist with building professional networks, and provide peer learning opportunities. It is also a way for experienced members to “give back” to the industry in a practical manner. Being in a mentoring pair provides a platform to showcase the scope and diversity of roles within the sector to emerging food science professionals.

If you have been a Mentor and Mentee in previous years’ programs, you still need to complete an Application Form to take part in the 2026 program. Please don’t miss out!