At NZAGE, we are proud to support and celebrate the innovative work happening across the graduate employer community. In our recent member forum, we were joined by Talent Solutions to share the story behind their 2024 Best Innovation Award win for the FMCG Futures Internship Programme.

This session provided valuable insight into how collaboration across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is helping to build a strong and sustainable early talent pipeline.

Before the FMCG Futures Programme was introduced, many employers in the sector were tackling early talent recruitment independently. With inconsistent branding, limited reach and low student awareness of FMCG as a career option, the industry was facing a common challenge.

Recognising this, Talent Solutions launched a sector-wide solution in partnership with the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council and training partner BizAdvisor. The programme offers a centralised summer internship model, connecting students with multiple employers and delivering a shared training and development experience.

What Sets It Apart

Since its launch in 2018, the FMCG Futures Programme has placed 167 interns across 57 employers, bringing together businesses that would usually be in competition for talent. Interns apply through a single application process and, if selected, complete up to 12 weeks of paid summer work with one of the participating employers.

A major point of difference is the cohort model, where interns from across different companies are brought together for workshops, site visits and professional development. This shared experience builds industry knowledge, peer connections and greater engagement with the sector.

Talent Solutions manages all aspects of the recruitment process, including attraction, selection and onboarding. The structured pre-boarding phase ensures interns arrive prepared, confident and ready to contribute. Training materials, handbooks and curated resources give students clarity about workplace expectations before their first day.

The development journey continues throughout the internship with four deep-dive workshops focused on communication skills, sector insights and career readiness. Interns also stay connected between sessions via a digital platform that supports ongoing learning and cohort engagement.

Results

The programme is closely monitored through regular feedback and performance metrics. Key outcomes include:

• 100% of employers reporting that interns met or exceeded expectations
• 67% of shortlisted applicants progressing to offer
• A consistent 90%+ acceptance rate
• A 113% increase in female applicants over three years
• Strong student awareness of the FMCG sector post-internship

These results reflect the strength of the programme and the value it delivers to both employers and students.

Participating employers consistently cite the following benefits:

1. Recruitment support and time savings
2. Access to structured intern training and development
3. Cost-sharing across the cohort model

For organisations that might only host one or two interns each year, being part of a larger industry-led programme offers real advantages in scale and consistency.

Advice for Other Programmes

Talent Solutions also shared practical insights for other organisations looking to improve or build their own internship programmes:

• Invest in pre-boarding to prepare students for success
• Strengthen peer-to-peer engagement and learning
• Leverage your alumni to support campus outreach
• Provide clear training for hiring managers
• Use regular feedback loops to refine and improve

Congratulations again to Talent Solutions for their well-deserved Best Innovation Award win. The FMCG Futures Programme is an excellent example of what can be achieved through industry collaboration and a shared commitment to early talent development.

Don’t miss our next NZAGE member forum on Wednesday, 13th August at 12.00pm, where we’ll be joined by Auckland Council, winner of the 2024 Best Candidate Experience Award, and Auckland Council and Talent Solutions, joint winners of the Best Industry Partnership Award. Calendar link will be sent directly to members.