The Texas International Produce Association is expanding its career networking program, Encouraging Discovery & Growth in Education –”EDGE.”
EDGE is the next step of the original “Aggies for Fresh” program launched in 2017. The program is designed to offer students information, exposure and connections to help them identify career paths and hire-ready roles in the fresh produce industry.
The networking and career exploration program highlights internships and immediate job openings in the region’s fresh produce industry. This year, the program participants include universities such as: Texas A&M, Texas Tech, University of Texas Austin and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley with outreach to a variety of departments in the hopes of recruiting students from all degree areas.
“As an industry, we face a talent shortage, and the fresh produce industry needs to be more aggressive in bringing people to us and making fresh produce industry a career path of choice. It’s why EDGE was so aptly named,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of TIPA.
“We all need an EDGE, an advantage to succeed, and we want to make sure the entire supply chain is well-staffed for the future.”
EDGE gives students and educators access and opportunity to a small portion of a $1.5 trillion food industry. It also provides businesses with a line to students and recent graduates who are eager to join the workforce and find jobs and career paths.
“By introducing and promoting the wide range of opportunities in the industry through the EDGE program, we hope to pique interest and guide students to a sector unknown to many students,” Galeazzi said. “On behalf of TIPA, we are excited to continue taking an active role in shaping the future of agriculture through the EDGE program.”
TIPA will welcome students to the Viva Fresh Expo on April 1. Companies interested in meeting with EDGE students or who would like to submit job openings or internships for students to review in advance should contact Melinda Goodman at [email protected].
For more information, visit vivafreshedge.com.
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