WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING (WIL) - INDUSTRY PARTNER: Position Description Thank you for offering to host a La Trobe University student at your organisation. Please note that this form is an expression of interest to host a student, and that allocations are not guaranteed. The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program aims to support students in applying the concepts that they have learnt at University to real world projects, developing professional skills and gaining important industry insights. Other goals of WIL at La Trobe include strengthening the transition of students from university to working life and supporting personal development and career planning.

Benefits to organisations that host a student on Work Integrated Learning can include: - The contribution of a motivated student who may be able to bring new theoretical approaches, techniques or ideas to the organisation - The capacity to develop the mentoring and leadership skills of existing staff at the organisation - The opportunity to give a potential future recruit a trial without obligation - Support of the La Trobe WIL staff - Promotion of the organisation’s work to La Trobe students and to the La Trobe University community - A strategic partnership with La Trobe University

Please complete this form and return in soft copy (Word document) to SHEWorkIntegratedLearning@latrobe.edu.au

Name of Organisation: DTS Food Assurance

Main contact name:

Paul Breust

Address:

3-5 Lillee Cr Tullamarine. 3043

Email address:

Telephone:

Student placement project name (position/ role):

Assessing digital technology for analyzing seed purity & germination. Number of student placements being offered:

1 Placement address:

3-5 Lillee Cr Tullamarine. 3043

Student supervisor name: Paul Breust

Supervisor position: Technical Services manager

Supervisor email address:

Telephone:

Organisational Background (Description of the organisation)

Position Number (La Trobe office use only)

006

Organisation details

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunity details

DTS seed lab conduct ISTA accredited analysis on seed for domestic & international use. We analyze vegetable, grain & pasture species to determine suitability for import, export, crop production & multiplication. DTS also oversee OECD certified seed production in Vic, Tas, SA & NSW. This involves database records, QA control of production & inspection services. We conduct accreditation of inspectors, processors & seed samplers.

Placement project summary

Describe the nature and purpose of the placement, including the types of work that a student will undertake as part of the project

Selection Criteria (Essential & Desired) What skills and abilities are needed to perform the role? Does the student need any particular qualifications or experience? (E.g. preferred majors, degree type, interests or required skills).

Application processes and deadlines

How and when would you like interested students to apply? Will interview be required?

*Please note: timelines will be informed by La Trobe University Semester dates and subject application cut-offs.

Placements usually occur in Semester 2 (August – October) and summer (November – February)

Allow at least 6 weeks between student application and the beginning of placement.

Please tick to indicate any additional compliance steps required of students:

Police Check:

☐

Working with children check:

☐

Other:

(please specify)

☐

Will you be paying students? (note: not required)

Yes ☐

No ☒

Other requirements (compliance and payment)

Seed analysis is a manual task performed by trained analysts who inspect seed samples seed by seed for impurities. Impurities can be other seed types, inert matter, insects or seeds impacted by disease. The manual analysis requires long periods of concentration and expertise built over several years’ experience. Digital technology has been and is being developed as part of seed processing (eg colour sorters & Xray) equipment. Satake, a Japanese company, have colour sorting equipment and digital scanning technology that may be suited to seed sample analysis. We want the student to investigate what digital technology is available currently and how and if it could be adapted for use in a seed lab situation.

The student would come from a science background. They would preferably have ability to conduct literature searches, run software programs, understand trial design, data collection, storage and analysis. Training would be supplied in basic seed analysis and assistance with conducting the digital assessments would also be provided.

To apply for this placement, click on ‘Apply Now’ at: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/she/she/future-ready-for-work-subject/how-to-apply When completing the online application form for this University-advertised placement, please quote the position number, including your CV and a cover letter. DTS would prefer August – October semester for placements. Access to digital equipment will need to be arranged prior to placement starting. We have started preliminary discussions with Satake to gain access to digital scanning equipment.