Degree apprenticeship focuses on sugar reduction
A Food Science and Technology Steering Group, led by the National Skills Academy for Food & Drink (NSAFD), has unveiled the standard for the UK’s first degree level apprenticeship in Food Science and Technology, which has an emphasis on sugar reduction.
In a move to address the UK’s current shortage of food scientists, the level six food industry technical professional degree apprenticeship standard has been developed by the Food Science and Technology Steering Group, chaired by Janette Graham from 2 Sisters Food Group, and comprising employers from Nestlé UK & Ireland, Cargill Meats, Dunbia, Branston, Produce World, Tulip, Oscar Mayer, Sainsbury’s and Princes.
The food industry struggles to attract good food science graduates, however, NSAFD says these roles are critical in ensuring the industry can address issues such as reformation, sugar reduction and innovation. Research suggests that 25% of food scientist and food technologist vacancies remain unfilled due to a lack of available talent.
Justine Fosh, chief executive of NSAFD, believes that without intervention, this situation will become critical. She notes, “Currently the only recognised way to become a graduate food scientist is to attend full-time university. With the dwindling numbers of students studying the subject, the pipeline will not be sufficient to meet industry needs. The development of this standard is a direct response from the industry for the industry.”
The standard describes the capability required by an apprentice by the time they have completed their apprenticeship – after around four years of working and learning in the industry. It aims to particularly address the shortages of skilled staff in the roles of assistant food technical manager, quality manager, shift quality manager, hygiene manager, product Innovation and development technologist.
Fosh adds, “This is not just about solving the problems of one business or brand, this is out finding a sustainable solution for the industry as a whole, so we really would urge as many employers as possible to get involved and have their say.”
While Janette Graham, chair of the steering group and group technical learning and development manager at 2 Sisters Food Group, explains, “The skills shortage issue faced by our industry is well known, but the time has come to start developing sustainable solutions to the problems we face. If the UK is to maintain its position globally, we must create a pool of talent that is accessible to all.”
