Partner Article

A-level students given food for thought

A-level students in the North East are being urged to consider studying food science and technology at university next year.

With January’s UCAS deadline for university applications looming, Improve, the food and drink sector skills council, believes students might be surprised by what a degree in food science and related subjects could lead to.

Improve’s operations manager in the north-east, David Hickman, said: “Food scientists, technologists and nutritionists are crucial to the food and drink manufacturing industry. They are the people who invent the recipes for our favourite foods, who take the lead in ensuring food gets to the consumer free from contamination, and who lead the battle to make what we eat more healthy. The industry does not have a very high profile among young people, but the jobs on offer are dynamic, diverse and highly rewarding. The top jobs pay up to £70,000 of year, which is a big attraction in itself.

“The food manufacturing industry in this country is facing a crisis because of a shortage of qualified food scientists to fill key roles in new product development. Around one in four of these vacancies are unfilled at present, which means we risk falling behind other countries when it comes to driving innovation and productivity. But it also means that, if you are studying sciences at A-level and go on to specialise in food science, you are going to be in high demand.”

More than 14,000 workers are employed in food and drink manufacture in the North East. Well-respected food science and technology degrees are offered at Newcastle University, Northampton University and the University of Teeside. Typical entry requirements specify the equivalent of three A-levels at grade C or above, with two in science subjects.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .