Partner with Western Sydney University and Hort Innovation to Grow the Future of Horticulture

Hort Innovation and Western Sydney University (WSU) have joined hands to launch a practical internship program that helps build the next generation of skilled professionals for Australia’s horticulture industry.

Funded through Hort Frontiers, with co-investment from WSU, participating horticulture industries, and the Australian Government, this initiative connects university students with real growers and agribusinesses to gain valuable hands-on experience while contributing to your operations.

Why get involved?

  • Access a ready pool of skilled and motivated students in their final year of Agriculture and Horticulture degrees
  • Address skill shortages and seasonal workforce gaps in your business or region
  • Mentor future professionals who could become valuable long-term employees

How does it work?

  • Students complete 3–6 month internships with your business while continuing their studies at WSU
  • They gain practical, on-farm experience in crop production, harvesting, post-harvest management, and more
  • You pay a co-investment per student, depending on their degree level and this is matched dollar-for-dollar by Hort Innovation

How does it benefit your business?

  • Boost on-farm capacity: Gain skilled support in key areas like agronomy, farm management, pest and disease monitoring, post-harvest handling, and packaging
  • Ease recruitment pressures: Connect early with motivated students who can grow into reliable long-term employees, reducing future hiring challenges
  • Add flexibility to your workforce: Extend placements or offer part-time and project-based roles to suit your seasonal or operational needs
  • Strengthen your industry connections: Join a national network of growers, researchers, and educators working together to advance Australia’s horticulture sector

How much does it cost?

  • Bachelor’s students: $5,500 for a 3-month internship
  • Master’s students: $7,500 for a 3-month internship or $15,000 for a 6-month internship
  • Hort Innovation will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar and provide extra support for student relocation and engagement
  • WSU also co-invests through academic mentoring and program delivery

Ready to find out more or get involved?


Dr. Sindhu Sheoran  |  0434 546 361  |  S.sheoran@westernsydney.edu.au