Past Graduates
AWI Graduates – Where are they now?
Miles Barritt
Miles entered the AWI Graduate Training program in March 2019, after completing his bachelor’s degree in commerce from The University of Western Australia. Although the civil unrest in Hong Kong and the Global Pandemic hindered his experience in the program, Miles powered through the adversity and was well placed to take on the role of Business Analyst, Risk and Recovery. In this role Miles analyses the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on global marketing strategies and partnership projects, as well as providing insights and strategy development around opportunities and threats to the global supply chain & key markets in terms of trade, manufacturing, and consumption.
Mile Barritt presenting at Longreach Sheep Forum
Emma Murphy
From NSW and alongside Miles, Emma began her journey through the AWI Graduate Training Program in March 2019. Her background in event management, a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics, and the recipient of the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, meant she was well placed to thrive across all of the rotations the program had to offer. So much so, that her International Rotation in London was extended to provide invaluable support to our UK office in a time of increased workload. It only made sense that upon her return, Emma would move into our Global Marketing Team, supporting them in the role of Marketing Communications Coordinator.
Emma Murphy representing AWI at the inaugural Elders Walcha Merino Flock Ewe Competition
George Lehmann
Also from NSW, George’s time in the program began in March 2020. Unfortunately for him, it was at a time when the Global Pandemic was just rearing its ugly head across the globe and he spent the first 4 months of the program, working remotely. Additionally, this meant that his international rotations would be postponed and the program ending a bit earlier than anticipated for him. Showing true resilience, this did not dampen George’s enthusiasm or motivation and he rose to the challenge. Coming from a wool growing farm in Junee, tied in with his high energy, maturity and positivity, George made the smooth transition into the Woolgrower Services Team in the role of Project Coordinator, Training and Education in March of 2021.
Kate Rice
Completing the AWI graduate program was an amazing experience. It is a truly unique program offering experience in all areas of the AWI business and therefore exposure to the full wool supply chain. The experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop my skills professionally and personally. The opportunities, hands on experiences and mentorship received through the program has set me up with the best opportunity for a career in wool, allowing me to identify my skills and apply them back into the industry.
I am now working between our on-farm Consultation team and our Marketing team with a focus on stakeholder communications. Through this role I am able to combine my passion for visual communication and agriculture, actively working to ensure our stakeholders are connected and informed across the supply chain.
Harrison Dunning
The AWI Graduate Program has been an amazing beginning to my career in wool. With a strong passion for agriculture, I was drawn to AWI’s unique position that spans the entire supply chain, where I gained exposure to diverse opportunities both within Australia and internationally.
This provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the fibre’s journey from farm to finished product. It strengthened my appreciation for the expertise and commitment required at every stage of the process, while also enabling me to build valuable industry relationships and identify where my skills could contribute most effectively.
I am now a member of AWI’s Sustainability team, where I focus on projects designed to future- proof wool in response to evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements for low- impact products. This work helps woolgrowers and their customers capture opportunities to strengthen global demand for high-quality wool, ensuring the fibre remains a sustainable and valuable choice for generations to come.
Chris Watt
I joined the AWI Graduate Training Program in March 2022, after completing a bachelor’s degree in marketing and science. When I graduated from the program in October 2023, I stepped into my current role as Product & Processing Development Coordinator within the Industry Development team. In this global role, I work with international teams on cutting-edge product and processing developments, while also supporting the Trade Extension program. My work spans key projects such as The Wool Lab, global retail training, trade shows, and industry workshops.
The Graduate Program gave me invaluable exposure to the entire wool supply chain—from farm to fashion. It provided the time and space to explore my interests and helped me step into a role where I can contribute meaningfully and do work I’m genuinely passionate about.
